Estimator work station

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

RAL61

Member
I'm new to the forum but I've been reading it for a couple of weeks, doing searches for previously discussed topics and learning a lot. I have a small electrical contracting company and have recently bought estimating software (finally making the conversion from paper). I want to set up the estimating work station as efficiently and user friendly as possible. Right now the drafting table is mounted to the wall on one side of the room/office and the computer is on the other side of the room. This isn't going to work very well. I was thinking about mounting the monitor on a swing arm over the drafting table and mounting the keyboard and mouse to a sliding tray under the table.
Any other suggestions or recommendations?
 
RAL61 said:
I want to set up the estimating work station as efficiently and user friendly as possible.
Click to expand...
That's an oxymoron ~ efficient and user friendly.

What works for some may not work for others.

For me, I highlight the different assemblies with different colored highlighters...then count the different colors..and bingo, plug them in and away we go.

Very hi-tech. :D
Not really...but it works for me.

As far as efficent goes:
- Unplug the phone
- Put on a radio station that is "mellow", but mellow enough that you need a nap
- Watch the heat...too warm and you need a nap, too cold and you get sloppy and miss items
- Hang a sign on the door :mad: DO NOT DISTURB :mad: (Nobody disturbs a grump)
- Take a break at least every 2 hours
- Don't forget to eat
- Allow time to do "other" tasks/chores ~ call the wife, check email, etc
- Take your time and be
- etc..

I think I need a nap....ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz
 
I have a drawing table with a swingarm on my right which holds flatscreen monitor and keyboard. This allows me to do direct input from plans to estimating program. Some guys in the office have a setup like you described, but they like to do paper takeoff then input. I see that as double work. Whatever floats yer boat.
 
But I have a nice chair to take a nap in ...that's efficency!
I work, take a nap, wake up and work some more.
What's all this nonsense about swingarms...you'll poke your eye out.
icon_lol.gif
 
Like I said: what works for some...

But DO pay attention to the efficiency component.
 
Laptop. I'm jealous of your drafting table, I had to get rid of mine when I changed offices 7 years ago. Not enough space. Now I use my desktop. It is a lousy substitute.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top