We spoke with Dudley, Design Team Manager at EDSB Compliance Solutions, about how Countfire has transformed the team’s estimating workflow, including why one estimator was particularly keen to keep using it.
About EDSB Compliance Solutions
Founded in 2008, EDSB is one of the UK’s largest privately owned fire and security compliance companies, with over 250 employees. Always at the forefront of technology, EDSB continually looks for ways to enhance its processes and improve efficiency through innovative solutions. This led to the partnership with Countfire.
Dudley manages the Design team, which includes estimators, designers and CAD technicians working across a wide range of projects from large residential developments in London to hospitals and warehouse schemes.
With a team handling that volume and variety, speed and accuracy in takeoffs aren’t just helpful, they’re essential.
From manual takeoffs to intelligent estimating
Dudley joined EDSB five years ago, when the team initially relied on printed drawings and manual takeoffs using highlighters. Looking to modernise the process, they trialled AutoCAD’s counting tool, but it fell short in terms of reliability.
“AutoCAD’s counting tool had its limitations. While it could be useful, the results weren’t always consistent, which made it difficult to rely on when accuracy was so critical for us.”
This presented the opportunity to improve the estimating process, prompting the search for dedicated software solutions. EDSB’s Installation Director discovered Countfire, which proceeded in the team having a demo and the rest followed naturally.
“When introduced to Countfire, the team saw the potential immediately and recognised how it could transform their approach to estimating.”
Speed and accuracy that the team trusts
EDSB currently runs four Countfire licences for their main estimators. The workflow varies by job; sometimes drawings go straight into Countfire for a full measure, sometimes they’re used as a sense-check against manual work already done. Either way, the output is trusted.
“It provides you with confidence that the takeoffs are accurate. The rendered drawings provide a quick visual check, allowing you to verify that every device has been identified and nothing has been missed.”
For larger jobs, that confidence really shows its value. Dudley describes working on projects with 80 or 90+ zones, producing results that would have previously required spreadsheets the length of a desk. “For a project with 6,500 devices, Countfire makes the process incredibly straightforward.”
On jobs with more than three or four drawings, he estimates the process is around ten times faster than before. He says, “Once you’ve completed the first drawing, you can move through the remaining drawings with speed and confidence, knowing the results are accurate.”
It’s also helped the wider project team, not just estimators. Quantities from Countfire feed directly to the engineering team, so when they go to install, they know exactly what to order.
Moving towards a smarter, cloud-based approach
With a focus on continually improving efficiency and embracing the latest technology, EDSB took a considered approach when evaluating Countfire’s browser-based platform. The benefits quickly became clear. “We were initially a little sceptical because it was completely browser-based. But once we started using it, we realised it was the right solution for us.”
The cloud-based setup also means support is easier to deliver, something Dudley personally noticed immediately. When the team has a question, they go to the chat and get an answer straight away. If the support team can’t resolve it in chat, they’ll send a video walkthrough or jump on a call to fix it directly. “You speak to them and they just resolve it. The level of support is amazing.”
That responsiveness also shortens the learning curve for new team members. Countfire is, as Dudley puts it, simple to introduce to new users, with the intuitive platform allowing team members to quickly get up to speed.
Why EDSB partnered with Countfire
- Takeoffs on complex, multi-drawing jobs completed up to ten times faster
- Accurate device counts that the estimating and engineering teams can rely on
- Visual output that makes it easy to verify nothing has been missed
- Instant, responsive support when questions arise
- Easy to onboard new estimators without a steep learning curve
Final thoughts
For Dudley, the case for Countfire is straightforward.
“If you’re tendering and counting a large number of devices, I’d say give it a go. Try it for a month or two and you’ll see the benefits - it will more than pay for itself.”
Try it for yourself with our free, no obligation trial.