63 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
63 lines
1.7 KiB
Markdown
---
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id: 2026-02-28T12:02:03-0500
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title: 2026-02-28 12:02:03
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tags:
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- status/draft
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- topic/estimating
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- topic/software
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daily: "[[2026-02-28]]"
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date-created: 2026-02-28T12:02:03-05:00
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---
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# 2026-02-28 12:02:03
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It is difficult to express how _little_ [[accubid|Accubid]] does for the user.
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Except for LiveCount and SupplierLink
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(which are separate programs anyhow)
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100% of its functionality could be replicated with database queries.
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This trait is not unique to Accubid,[^1]
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what is unique (and uniquely frustrating)
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is how little the workflow would change if it was.
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[^1]: Programs like this are called CRUD (Create Read Update Delete) apps.
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If you were to replace the Takeoff tab with a command prompt,
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this is what it would look like to take off (2) receptacles:
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```sql
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INSERT INTO Takeoff (drawing,area,phase,system,bid_item,labor_factor,assembly,length,count)
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VALUES ('E1.01','Level 01','BOH','Electrical','Building','Standard','DUPLEX REC',0,2);
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```
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Given the option, I'd already pick the console;
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but I'm aware I'm an outlier.
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Consider though, that ...
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Not to mention that such a schema would allow mouse-less takeoff,
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a considerable boon for [[ergonomics]].
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***
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I get strange looks when I suggest that construction estimating could be fun.
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Truly I believe it _would_ be fun,
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except for the total absence of [skeuomorphism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeuomorph),
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interfaces designed to resemble their physical counterparts.
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> ![[level-selector.jpg|400]]
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>
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> Mock-up of a level selection interface,
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> perhaps for quickly creating typicals.
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%%
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```
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| Roof |
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| Level 15 |
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⭍ Levels 04-14 ⭍
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| Level 03 |
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| Level 02 |
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___| Level 01 |___
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| Level G1 |
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```
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%%
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