Estimating Blog Introduction

Welcome to the MIE Solutions blog about Job Shop Quoting and Estimating

This is the beginning of a blog for all job shop estimators to provide information and feedback about how to estimate job shop jobs in the made to order job shop environments.

A little background of myself…

As a child in Junior High School I found a passion for the early computer systems, which would drive much of my future work.  I created and sold my first computer program, Arrow Data Systems, which was an early CAD/CAM system for the Apple 2e Computer.

In the late 1980's, after seeing my father (a sheet metal manufacturer) come home late many nights and still estimating at our kitchen table, I saw an opportunity to optimize his effort through computer technology. Not long after, I developed the FabriTRAK, a Production Control package.

The Quote It! estimating package was developed out of the FabriTRAK system to become one of the leading sheet metal estimating packages in the world at the time.

I have been to and consulted 1000's of companies in the best way to use computer software technology to streamline and make the process of quoting more accurate. I'm looking for feedback as we discuss the estimation process in order for all readers to improve their estimating, which in turn, improves your win rate and profitability.

Now, to begin…

First thing’s first…When an RFQ or RFP is received, then you begin the important process of estimating.

You can estimate and quote a job using pencil and paper, a spreadsheet, or estimating software.  In this highly competitive market, I suggest using estimating software in your made-to-order manufacturing business. However, if that is not possible right now, then you can still learn a lot from this blog.