1.Value Proposition

ezCost® is a web-based total construction cost management application that seamlessly integrates with construction management, project management and financial systems.

• Browser-based
• User friendly
• Data integrity
• efficiency
• standardized cost estimation and management process across groups
• enhanced security
• flexible workflow management
• audit and control
• ability to compare multiple cost estimates
• change tracking

The value of this product is that it:

• eliminates redundant data entry
• avoids unnecessary arbitration
• enhances transparency and accountability
• facilitates quick turnaround and enhanced productivity

2.Product Description

Overview

ezCost® is a web-based, configurable, enterprise application for Construction Project Cost Estimation and Controlling. ezCost® is developed by leveraging leading edge technology components from 9ciphers’ proprietary Global Business Management (ERP) platform. The solution is configurable, workflow driven, supports the next-gen business processes for managing the complex aspects of construction project cost estimation and controlling. The solution is scalable from a local , in-house single instance installation to a global instance deployed on the cloud to support multiple regions, languages.

ezCost® is developed with expert advise from a panel of industry experts, to provide a seamless integration with other legacy applications. It is designed to render a single version of truth and incredible User Experience (UE) for users at all levels, across cross-functional teams like Project Management, Architects and Engineers, Construction Management, Change Order Unit, Cost Estimation as well as the executive management. Using secure role based access, the solution is accessible over the web by authorized external teams like the General Contractor.

Modular Approach

ezCost® is developed using the latest technology available in the marketplace, to integrate the individual applications by an enterprise bus and webservices. This modular design results in lower Total Cost of Ownership achieved through quick configuration, setup of the system ; efficient master data maintenance; integration with legacy systems; smooth upgrades and excellent system performance as the system scales up with business.

Industry Standards

ezCost® is developed with a view to automate as many standardized repetitive processes as possible by leveraging current industry AEC - CSI standards like Uniformat, MasterFormat and Omniclass (OCSS) to enable consistency in data definition and structures. Portions of the above library or definitions come pre-loaded with ezCost® standard installation. System supports quick enhancement or additions of these definitions to meet individual client needs as it is an important aspect in achieving efficiencies and cost reductions in the cost estimation process

High level overview of Solution Components

Configuration Management

This is one of the key features of ezCost®. This application is accessible only by users (configurators) who have been certified with advanced level of training in the system and authorized. Configuration Management contains essential tools that defines the system behavior in a given installation, some of which are listed below:

Client Setup: Contains name (in this case SCA) ,logo and other contact details, Time Zone, Currency, Date formats, Calendar and the ezCost® license key. Data entered here would be used in all the application forms and project related documentation.

System Integration Setup: Configurators can setup and manage URLs, setup of key parameters for integration of ezCost® with other legacy systems.

Output Setup: Configurators can define and activate, output media (print, email, PDF document) and devices (Printers, Document Management System)

Workflow Management

This product is built to standards including AEC and Construction Specification Institute (CSI) codes. It interfaces with third party tools for standard resources and lookup for.

Master Data Management

This product is built to standards including AEC and Construction Specification Institute (CSI) codes. It interfaces with third party tools for standard resources and lookup for.

Material price by SKU

This database will be populated with information from RS Means (hourly rates) and Tra-Ser (Std Mean)

Cost Code definition

Vendor Master Setup

Includes advanced features like Business Partner functions

Project Configuration

ezCost® supports project definition from the early phases of the project

Contract Management

• Templates – use of templates

Cost Estimation

• Cost Management (Mark- Ups)

Change Order Management

• Finalizing estimates
• Change Management Configuration
• Change Control

Project Cost Controlling

• Cost Estimate Comparison

Auditing and Project Close-Out –

Business Intelligence

• Management Reports - Dashboard
• Operational Reports - Project/Contract/Cost Code/ CM Level / Comparison
• Transaction Reports - Estimation / GC / Sub GC / CO / CM / A&E / Resource Availability / Pricing Transaction / Labor

Webservices

ezCost® provides seamless integration with other legacy or home grown applications used by an enterprise to manage School Construction Projects

• Document Management (SharePoint Integration)
• Primavera Contract Management (CM-13)
• Home grown systems
• Scheduling Tool (P6) – giving audit trail for dates
• Microsoft Project
• The administration module also

ezCost® Administration Module

ezCost® is extremely customizable and configurable. It can be tailored expressly around user’s business processes and requirements. The ezCost® Administration Module allows configuration of security including user and group definitions and assignment, setting visibility of rows and/columns according to user access privileges and/or process stage, etc. The security definitions are very granular, extensible and easy to manage through pre-defined templates.