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The overall environmental software market was estimated at about US$ 1.8 billion in 1995, of which US$ 1.14 billion for consulting and services. So what IT tools does a consulting engineer in a developing country need to compete in the market for environmental engineering services? This article provides a quick checklist.
The use of personal computers (PCs) has become essential for international architects, consulting engineers and contractors. Most successful engineering firms in developing countries, for example, have invested heavily in information technology (IT). Many of them are using it for plant design, project management and control, and market development. Many clients requesting tenders for complete plants will specify that the supplier should use designated software. Many leading consultants will require all potential subcontractors to have compatible software.
What computer applications do firms need to be competitive? Here is a quick checklist.
Project management software
Project management software permits accurate forecasting of timescales, budgets and completion dates; resource management; cost control, baseline and bid tracking; risk management; database integration; networking and critical path analysis. It is used in all sectors of general engineering.
Estimating software
Windows-based estimating and bidding software packages for PCs are available from Australian, European and North American sources. It is often possible to preview these packages from the vendor's web site before purchase, since most of them have web sites on the Internet. Estimating software includes modules for calculating and analysing total project quantities; calculating volumes of dams, channels, trenches, etc.; and making spreadsheets, specifications and cost estimates. Using a single database, these database management systems make it possible to create...