To succeed with a project-based business, you need the right project estimating and costing software. The right software will help you grow more focused, organized, streamlined, efficient, effective and productive. You'll reduce bottlenecks, avoid redundancy and eliminate costly mistakes.

Once you switch to an automated solution to manage your construction, architecture, service, retail, manufacturing, handyman or other contractor business, you'll suffer fewer headaches and frustrations and vow never to revert to a pen and paper project management system again. Purchase the right project management software: project estimating and costing tasks become a breeze, and you can accomplish more every day. As you begin your search, consider the following:

1. Look for project costing software applications that come with free trials.

2. Gather data on all costs associated with any project estimating software applications.

3. Consider ease of installation and use before you buy any project management estimating tool.

Action Steps for Select Project Management Software
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Outfit your manufacturing business with project estimating and costing software

You'll find software solutions for your manufacturing plant, even if you're a custom manufacturer.

I recommend: To plan, manage and control your manufacturing projects, check out the demo of SEER project management estimating and costing software from Galorath. Through Galorath, you'll gain access to project estimation software and project cost management software you can use to model nearly any manufacturing process. The company designed the software so users could evaluate process options and impacting factors like ease of fabrication/assembly, parts availability, materials selection and failure/repair rates. As a custom manufacturer, you might appreciate the ShopPAK software system from TradeSoft. Features of this comprehensive project management costing software include job creation, job tree for managing all aspects of a job, work orders, purchasing, purchase order builder, receiving and shipping, reconciliation, material status, inventory, job tracking, job costing and billing.

Add project estimating and costing software to your construction company's tool box

Automate and speed up your estimating and costing functions using software designed for the construction industry.

I recommend: Save time and make money with Priority One Plus software for either residential or commercial construction. You can choose a web-based or desktop version of the project management and project estimating software. Features include contact management, construction estimating, bid management, project management, job scheduling, accounting, costing, budget to actual, receivables/payables, security, complete reporting and the ability to interface with many other software packages. Improve your bottom line by using Corecon 2007 for your construction company. This project estimation management software offers a centralized location to track all your project information across company departments. Accessing your project data from any location, you can take advantage of features like business development, estimating, project management, integration with Microsoft Office products, accounting integration and wizards for creating budgets, change orders and contracts.

Buy project management estimating and costing software that works for different types of businesses

If your business relies on the success of projects, it can benefit from project costing/estimating software.

I recommend: Order Goldenseal from Turtle Creek Software for your small business. This project cost estimating software comes in three versions: basic, full and multi-users and handles accounting, cost estimating, project management and business management. In addition to your CDs, you'll also receive six months of free update downloads and unlimited free telephone and email support. Use Standard Time project costing software from Scoutwest for your company. The software works for any size company and includes features like enterprise time sheet/time tracking, expense tracking/client invoicing, project planning/management, user administration options and flexible reporting.

Tips & Tactics for Making the Most of Project Management Software

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While sifting through project management estimating software and costing software options, make sure the provider you settle on also offers the technical service and support you expect. Always take advantage of free trial offers to see if the project management costing tool you're considering will capture the information you need.