This document discusses several quantity surveying software applications, including Glodon (TAS), Buildsoft (Cubit), and their key functions and limitations. Glodon (TAS) provides a full set of BIM-based solutions focusing on BIM application throughout the construction project lifecycle. It offers more accuracy and convenience than other BIM software. Buildsoft (Cubit) allows accurate take-offs by taking quantities directly from plans on the same screen and plays well with other software packages. However, both software require powerful computers and have licensing limitations.

1. Software Application for
Quantity Surveying
(CSC60603)
ASSIGNMENT REPORT
Group Members:
I. Ng Wai Kong
II. Chong Kai Xiang
III. Chin Weng Lok
IV. Lee Jian Ru
V. Than Lek Mei
VI. HJ MUHD SYAFIQ
BIN HJ ABD
ZARIFUL

2. NOMITECH(CostOS)
01

3. An innovative estimating solution that can be used to estimate the
cost of a project at various stages (from Planning to the Tender Phase). It
can be used by contractors, subcontractors, consultants, project owners,
investors, designers, and suppliers to use for quotation. CostOS is easy to
learn, uses solid estimating principles and makes it easy to get information
for documentation.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

4. FUNCTIONS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

5. • Both the local server and the online databases can find the cost data
that matches the selected entities and directly assigns this data to
the model
NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Ability to produce BQ Directly through 3D Model

6. • Able to identify omissions or mistakes of the design and amend our
estimates accordingly. It also ensures that no items will be missed.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Ease of identification of Omissions and Mistakes

7. • Provides a more in-depth structural 2D/3D viewing in which it helps
in measuring specific structural members or any other items.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Increase of Accuracy

8. • Supports measurement on PDF, JPEG, TIFF, WDG, DGN and DXF.
Highly compatible, its multiuser capability enables many QSs to work
on all projects simultaneously.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Supports various kinds of format

9. • CostOS allows users in different locations to access into a centralized
database created for a company in which up to 300 users can
collaborate and work together and share information on a real time
basis.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Team Working

10. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
• CostOS is a very Modern
Technology that provides very
deep estimating capabilities,
smart assemblies in 2D/3D/BIM
measurements, management
can supervise progress from
everywhere,

11. LIMITATIONS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

12. • The software is incapable of comparing two different sheets of
drawings at the same time which makes it very difficult to view them
consistently having to switch from one sheet to another from time to
time.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Unable to view two different sheets at the same time

13. CostOS is specifically designed for companies
that want to increase their competitiveness by
responding to modern estimating challenges more
quickly, with less effort, more accuracy, less risk,
and with an increased level of confidence.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

14. EXACTAL (Cost X)
02

15. NOMITECH
(CostOS)

16. FUNCTIONS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

17. • established in October 2003
• develop estimating software for the
construction industry and integrate
the estimating process with CAD
drawing files.
• wide spread use amongst
construction line all around the
world.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

18. • 2D Takeoff
-Supports scanned, PDF or CAD drawings and 3D
models/BIM – all without the need to buy CAD software.
• 3D / BIM Takeoff
-Supports BIM by using digital design data to accurately
estimate quantities and costs.
• Workbooks
-Powerful spreadsheet based workbooks are live-linked to
the drawings.
• Auto-Revision
-Unique revision mode compares drawings and highlights
the changes to identify revisions and update quantities.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

19. • Subcontractor Comparison
-Subcontractor comparison workbooks can
be generated with associated reports.
• Network Capability
-Network capabilities allow multiple users
to work on the same project at once.
• Paperless Estimating
-Free costX viewer allows others to view
your estimates and reports without paper
copies.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

20. BENEFITS TO CLIENTS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

21. • Distribute Files in a Read-Only Format to Clients.
-read-only packages complete with hierarchical
spreadsheets and live links to embedded CAD
drawings & BIM that can be explored in real-time on-
screen
• Get Fast Dynamic Estimates.
-all packaged together into one simple portable
document.
• Get the Benefits of CostX®. Free.
-It allows us to easily identify on-screen the impact of
drawing modifications across building revisions.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

22. LIMITATIONS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

23. • Self-prepare Bills of Quantities
-Cost X users have to create their own bill
of quantities work book
• Inconvenience for Users
-Bugs may occur and it will slow down
the process of taking quantities.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

24. VICO SOFTWARE
(TAKEOFF MANAGER)
03

25. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
It is the next generation of 5D BIM solution where it is created
due to the rapidly growing construction industry by increasing the
efficiency, with shorter delivery times, and producing high quality work
to contractors or owners.

26. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
With Model Progression Specification, the software itself can dictate better
tools to use to the model or format that are export by this software.

27. FUNCTIONS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

28. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Vico Constructability Manager Provides a solution for various clash detects and re-coordinates resolution so that
users can easily identify any constructability issues in the planning stage before
they occur in the site.
Vico Layout Manager Maps critical point in a virtual 3D model based on different corresponding
physical points on the job site. Hence, speeding installation and also eliminating
costly reworks.
Vico Takeoff Manager Derives construction-caliber quantities by locating from other equivalent BIM
models as well as quantities by location power more accurate and precise
schedules and estimates.
Vico LBS Manager Organized approach by dividing different projects into working locations.
Furthermore, it ensures trade crews flow smoothly from prerequisite to successor
task without interference.

29. ADVANTAGES
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

30. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
• Much more convenient to be used because it can pair different
other applications which are developed by the other companies.
• Cost can be extract and export into reports in Excel form
spreadsheets that also can be easily import into any other
estimating machines and software.
• It doesn’t required architect to own the Vico Office in starting
process because it can integrate with other design build software
which associate with BIM software.

31. LIMITATIONS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

32. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
• It is compatible to Microsoft Windows only.
• Its limit set up for taking off is effectively only for buildings where
other civil work which is roads and bridges couldn’t be involve by
using the application itself.
• Changes made couldn’t be flag or change in the application, yet all
changes need to be done through their original program.

33. GLODON
04

34. NOMITECH
(CostOS)

35. FUNCTIONS & FEATURES
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

36. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
• widely used in construction, industrial engineering and infrastructure
• 3D measurement and calculation rules which include British
Standards and Uniform Building By-Law
• Embedded within Glodon products are state-of-the-art quantities
processing methods and functions addressing quantity surveying
tasks in various stages of construction.

37. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
• Glodon Takeoff for Rebar (TRB)
• Glodon Takeoff for Mechanical and Electrical (TME)
• Glodon Takeoff for Architecture and Structure (TAS)
• Glodon Tender Series for Bill of Quantities (TBQ)

38. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Function: TRB is a suite of quantity calculation software based on BIM
(Building Information Modeling) technology which works with TAS,
TME and TBQ.
Features:
• Imports 3D model from TAS to calculate rebar quantities
• Produces 3D model through identification of CAD entities
• Easy to use User Interface
• Produces Rebar Schedule for fabricator on site
• Detail breakdown of calculation results
• Provides various reporting formats
1. Glodon Takeoff for Rebar (TRB)

39. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Function: TME is a BIM based quantity takeoff software for MEP which
is also compatible with TAS, TRB and TBQ.
Features:
• Imports 3D model from TAS to layout building services
• Customizable built-in calculation rules
• Automatic joints and connecting accessories generation
• User-friendly interface
• Calculation result with detail breakdown
• Various reporting format
2. Glodon Takeoff for Mechanical and Electrical
(TME)

40. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Function: TAS is a BIM-based quantity takeoff software for architecture
and structure which has successfully passed the building SMART
certification. TAS also works with TRB, TME and TBQ.
Feature:
• Imports 3D model from TRB to calculate quantities
• Produces 3D models by identifying CAD files or on image
• Dynamic links of quantities to BQ description
• Detailed breakdown of calculation results
• Various reporting format
3. Glodon Takeoff for Architecture and Structure
(TAS)

41. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Function: TBQ is an innovative, efficient and easy-to-use cost
estimating software. TBQ works well with TAS, TRB and TME.
Feature:
• Perfect interconnectivity with TAS
• User-friendly
• User-defined BQ format and layout, including BQ with multiple
columns in landscape printing orientation
• Traceable and manageable addendum
• Comparison between versions of BQ or Cost Plan
• Offline E-Tender enabled
• Import/Export from Microsoft Excel for information exchange
• Quantity analysis on item by unit of measurement
4. Glodon Tender Series for Bill of Quantities (TBQ)

42. LIMITATIONS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

43. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
• Fulfilling all its products to the business from the process of
construction design to its operation that covers facility management
by Glodon BIM can be very costly.
• to get the software updated on time, certain amount is needed to be
paid for its maintenance and operation updating fee.
• an extra surcharge if users require different products to cancel off the
limitation between each other.
• takeoff matches the desired specification, measurement
parameterization needs to be adjusted when the specifications are
not according to what the suppliers establish.

44. BUILDSOFT (CUBIT)
05

45. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Buildsoft is an Australian company that develops and markets
computer software for the building and construction industry.
Buildsoft has been operating for over 30 years and this
particular company specialize in estimation software designed to
help builders, estimators, contractors, subcontractors and
tradespeople.
Cubit is a software made by Buildsoft which is a unique and
natural solution for estimating and construction projects. This
software combines both estimating and take-off in its package,
which can help save time and money.

46. FUNCTIONS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

47. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
This software is that it produces accurate take-offs and it allows the user to take-off
quantities directly from the plans directly into the estimate which can be done all on the same screen.
1) Simplicity with Plans
Cubit brings simplicity to importing, rotating, and scaling the user’s plans. If there happens to be a
mistake when scaling, it is easy to rescale at any time and all the taking off will automatically be
updated.
2) Plays Well with Others
Cubit is a team player, and it incorporates easily with MudShark Earthworks, Microsoft Excel,
Cordell Direct and the Buildsoft Estimating Series with data that is easy to move into all the most
widely used packages. Cubit will also plans from CAD(DWG, DXF), PDF, Image or a BIM format.
3) Minimize Errors and Second-Guessing
Cubit can directly trace over the imported plans, simple or complex quantity take offs are performed
quickly and accurately. Besides, it has greater control, insights and analysis

48. LIMITATIONS
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

49. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
1) Uses a Fixed License
Buildsoft has decided to incorporate a fixed license into Cubit which means
it is fixed to one user and can only be used on one computer. Even though
this means the security for this software has been amplified, it also limits its
flexibility when the user forgets to bring their laptop.
2) Requires a Powerful Computer
This software has a lot of functions which means it also requires a powerful
computer for it to function and run smoothly to reduce the loading time.

50. • Glodon (TAS) Software
• Glodon has a full set of BIM-based solutions that focuses on BIM
application in the whole building life cycle and throughout every part
of the construction project.
• provide solution which can fully penetrates into all stages of business
needs instead of just providing the most comprehensive range of BIM
data.
• offer more accuracy and more convenient to users as compared to
other BIM software for quantity surveying.
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

51. Preparation/
Briefing Stage06

52. BIM
1. Assess project feasibility more easily
2. Better visualize of project through 3D model
3. Eliminates diversions of project team
CAD Measurement
1. Better visualization of project than manual measurement
2. More accurate estimation through CAD drawing drafts
Manual Measurement
1. Cost Effective
2. No further training required
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

53. BIM
1. High investment in cost, time and training
2. Not flexible with construction cost variations
CAD Measurement
1. Expense on Software
2. Lack of Information Backup
Manual Measurement
1. Cost Plan
2. For those very experienced Quantity Surveyor, they can estimate just based
on their experience from past projects which means fresh graduate QS does
not have sufficient knowledge and experience to estimate cost or budget
NOMITECH
(CostOS)

54. Design Stage07

55. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
BIM
• BIM software is able to capture the current condition of the site
• enhances the design process,
-it improves the management and
integration of expertise and also the
collaboration on the project
• improved the efficiency of designing the building for contractor and supply-
chain teams
• BIM software is able to detect clashes of electrical circuit in the beams or
slabs so that damages can be avoided.

56. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
CAD Measurement
Able to design models quicker.
Strength and durability of the building
materials can be measured.
Allows printing documents in
different forms for multiple users.
Reduce miscommunication and provide
better understanding.

57. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Manual Measurement
• It does not require computer.
• Easier to be understood
• No software is needed
• It saves a lot of time as workers do
not need to be professionally trained.

58. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
BIM
• Requires experienced users to the
software.
• The cost of this software is high.
• From drafting to modeling, it requires high-level skilled design drafter
who is
more professional in material
used of the project

59. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
CAD Measurement
• Requires well-trained user
• Misusing the software will bring trouble to the construction
team.

60. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Manual Measurement
It is time consuming.
It is troublesome when comes
to changes in measurement
Errors like miscalculation often occur
Work done may not be completed nor organized
•

61. Pre-
Construction
Stage
08

62. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
BIM
1. Increases accuracy of the cost estimation process
- From the BIM model, quantities can be extracted and form a basis for a bill of
quantities which can be used in the procurement phase. Estimations can be even
more precise if productivity and other related information for building components
in the model are available.
2. Preparation of the tender documents can be reduced
- BIM has a feature which acts like an automatic quantity take-off and automatic
- estimation and hence, the time need to price the building will be shortened.

63. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
CAD Measurement
1. 3D modelling
- CAD measurement provides 3D modelling which can be rotated around an axis
which gives the user or designer a better understanding or a better image of the
building that is being constructed.
2. Reduce human error
- The human brain cannot visualize to exact scale, hence with the help of the
3D modelling, not only can it help ease the visualization of the building, but it
can also help minimize the need for re-work because the design quality greatly improves.

64. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Manual Measurement
1. Cost effective
Manual measurement has the lowest start-up cost in comparison with the other two
measurements as the cost required for the manual measurement is mainly on the
printing.

65. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
BIM
1. Incompatibility with partners
- BIM is not yet universally used among construction professionals. There is
always the possibility that one of your partners or subcontractors may not use
BIM and may not be able to use your models.
CAD Measurement
1. Does not allow repetition of object
- If there are repeated objects in CAD, the function of cut and paste must be used to
enable the software to automatically measure the number of objects.
Manual Measurement
1. More time consuming
- There are over a hundred drawings available for the project and a lot of time would
be needed to finish it by hand.

66. Construction
Stage09

67. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
BIM
• Great reduction of Rework
-Can reduce rework up from 40 to 90 percent in completed construction.
-Estimated cost of rework merely make up to 5 percent of total construction cost.
•Planning and Control the construction project
-All components of the building can be checked and planned in advance which leads
to better collaboration and instantly reduced needs for on-site inventories such as
reducing and minimizing the costs.
-Following up the actual construction status by daily regularly updating the dates of
installation according to the model itself.

68. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
CAD Measurement
• Less time to execute a design idea
- CAD software has variety of tools for editing the design textures and colors of
designs in order to present to client without starting from scratch which will
consumed a lot of time. Hence, it also can help decision be more precise because of
visualize output.
• Enhance correspondence process
- Changing data in CAD is easier, where re-examined and overhauled arrangements
to the group is much more convenient.
- 3D CAD can create different point of view perspectives of a structure with precise
data to be fabricated and making development proficient.

69. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Manual Measurement
• Prevent Lost of Data
- During the construction stage, it is important that every drawing must exist when
the contractor is commencing their work.
- Manual measurement can reduce the risk of information loss through computer
system

70. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
BIM
• Social context obstacles
- People who fully understands the function of BIM are limited.
- Lack of awareness in possible benefits and challenges in how to use BIM
applications.
• Time Consuming
- A project based construction consist of many elements and subtask to be
scheduled and completed.
- The schedule updating may take up a certain cost hence time consuming

71. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
CAD Measurement
• Limitation in measurements
- Estimations like volume couldn’t be implement for 3D drawings.
• Requires time to adapt
- For a higher age of company, it will be difficult to immediately
adapt to the changes from manual to digital
- Consume a longer time to convert or create into a CAD drawings.

72. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Manual Measurement
• Inaccuracy of data
- Data which is manually calculated or measured can be inaccurate
as in it requires a lot of time to discover the mistakes.
• Delay of work
- For a higher age of company, it will be difficult to immediately
adapt to the changes from manual to digital
- Variation keen occurs during construction phase where through
manual measurement it indirectly consumes a lot of time.

73. Other Stage
10

74. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
Benefit Constraints
BIM
1.Planning
2.Easy for additional
works
1.Re-measurement is
needed
CAD
1.Space Efficient
2.Last Longer
1.Only available for
new project
MANUAL
1.Easy to Refer 1.Incorrect Scale

75. CONCLUSION
11

76. NOMITECH
(CostOS)
BIM computer software is beneficial due to its:
 Better quality and value
 Improve integrations and coordination on-site
 Reduce wastage of materials
 Increase understanding and predictability
 Improve efficiency

77. QUESTION & ANSWER
Q&A

78. Thank you