Gordian is dedicated to finding ways to continually improve the working experience for you, our valued users. That is why we are thrilled to announce that RSMeans Data Online, our flagship construction estimating software, now seamlessly integrates into the new Gordian Cloud Platform. The comprehensive Platform connects customer workflows to effectively manage the building lifecycle and enhances those workflows with powerful automation and insights, ultimately ensuring optimal decision making in project selection, budgeting and execution.

This cohesive and unified experience is only the beginning for RSMeans Data Online. Our product team continues to develop additional features and this blog will provide a high-level overview of the most recent updates. For more details and supporting resources, see the Online Help Center within RSMeans Data Online.

All workflows start with data. RSMeans Data Online on Gordian Cloud Platform now features a standalone Data module and acts as your personalized data library. It allows you to access data for the workflow you need while you search and browse that data in a more intuitive way to find the information you need faster.

For estimating, the Data tab replaces the historical “Search Data” module. The new Data Catalog structure displays cost data and line-items in full-screen mode and gives you the power to select, search and browse all your RSMeans Data catalogs with unparalleled ease.

RSMeans Data cost datasets are displayed using either the CSI MasterFormat hierarchy for unit lines or the Uniformat hierarchy for assembly lines, either of which you can drill into further with a simple click.  As you make selections, the catalog dynamically expands, revealing available subsections and finally the line-item level. Conveniently, the catalog hierarchy remains accessible on the left of the line-item level for ease of navigation.

We’ve redesigned the search experience in Gordian Cloud Platform’s Cost Data Catalog to make it faster, more accurate and far more intuitive when you’re looking for the cost data. Our goal is simple: Help you move from “I need to find this cost” to “it’s in my estimate” with fewer clicks, less friction and complete confidence in the numbers you’re using.

Here’s what’s new:

• “Did You Mean” suggestions: Catch typos and alternate spellings instantly. If your search term is slightly off, the system offers a corrected version so you can adjust without retyping.
• Suggested results: As you type, the system predicts your intent and offers potential matches or related terms, helping you complete your search, refine results or discover better options.
• Prioritized results: Exact matches appear first, followed by broader matches, so the most relevant items are always at the top.

The new intelligent search works with you, even if you’re not sure how something is worded in RSMeans Data. A “Did You Mean” feature catches typos, misspellings and alternate spellings, suggesting the correct term so you can adjust without having to retype or start over.

For example, typing “Form in Place” will prompt a suggestion for “Forms in Place” to match the exact database entry. Results are also prioritized so the most relevant matches appear first, starting with exact matches, followed by broader matches that capture related words, phrases and partial terms.

To speed things up even more, suggested results now appear as you type. This predictive search looks ahead and offers possible completions for your query, recommends related terms to refine your results, and even surfaces options you might not have considered. Start typing “Forms in Place” and you might see suggestions for walls, footings or stairs; helping you get directly to the cost you need or discover something better suited to your project.

Many users start their workflow in search. Now, you can finish part of it there too. Now line items can be added to an estimate directly from search results. Whether you select one line item or several, you can add them to an existing estimate or start a new one without switching screens or completing a search again once in an estimate. The system automatically checks that your catalog, release year and location match before adding, so you never have to second-guess.

Leveraging the power of AI, the new dynamic filtering menu is designed to allow you to quickly and precisely refine search results. Filter options instantly adapt to search terms, presenting relevant parameters based on characteristics of the term to further narrow results.

Columns can also be anchored to the left side of the cost information, so pertinent line-items remain visible to you as you scroll. To anchor a column, select the ellipsis next to the name of the column you want to anchor and choose “Stick.”

Dive deeper into each line item by clicking on its line number or description. A panel displays additional item details, including a breakdown of costs by category, the related crew and links to any applicable reference items. When viewing assembly line-item details, there is an extra tab to see component details, the individual unit line items that make up an assembly system.

With these updates, you don’t have to be a search expert to get great results. Intelligent search in Gordian Cloud Platform adapts to how you work, guiding you to the right line item quickly, improving accuracy and saving valuable time on every estimate and project.

RSMeans Data Online New Intelligent Search functionality, powered by AI

We understand that managing construction cost estimates can be as complex as the projects they represent. The second core efficiency we’ve focused on is estimate management and ensuring that time and speed is at the heart of your experience.

The next generation of RSMeans Data Online introduces a central hub for estimating —  a single, intuitive view that allows you to access all things estimating from one screen. Access, modify and create estimates with unprecedented ease. The Estimates tab is your command center for cost estimating, providing immediate access to your most recently modified projects. Whether you’re a team of one or have dozens of colleagues to collaborate with, your full suite of estimates is neatly organized to streamline your workflow and save you valuable time.

Organization is further simplified through an enhanced folder management system. With a click of a button, you can create new folders within “Personal,” “Shared,” or “Organizational” spaces. Managing these folders is just as easy as creating them — rename them, adjust sharing permissions and reorganize content in a few clicks, all while maintaining full control over file access.

Join us in embracing this new era of efficiency with RSMeans Data Online, where managing your construction cost estimates is simpler, faster and more intuitive than ever before.

RSMeans Data Online New User Interface  – Estimates

Lastly, we’ve carried the simplification of the experience and the principle of maximizing screen space into the estimating module. Through user feedback and research, we focused on two core improvements for working within an estimate.

We recognize that the cornerstone of any estimate is its total cost. It is now prominently displayed at the top of every estimate. This figure is always visible and dynamically updates with each estimate modification you make. This ensures that the most critical information is always at your fingertips, allowing for better decision-making and continuous oversight throughout the estimating process.

The layout presents estimates as a comprehensive estimate package with three distinct tabs that can be delivered to a client or colleague in a professional package.

1. Summary Tab: The gateway to your estimate, the Summary tab offers an at-a-glance view of essential details. Here, you'll find the estimate name, client information, the data catalog used to create the estimate and a dedicated space for notes. This high-level overview ensures that key project information is accessible and organized from the outset.
2. Worksheet Tab: The heart of your estimating work unfolds in the Worksheet tab. It's where you can meticulously build out your estimates. This dedicated space is optimized for precision, allowing you to construct detailed cost estimates with ease.
3. Reports Tab: Reporting is vital in construction estimating, and our Reports tab simplifies this process. With the ability to export to PDF or Excel, you can effortlessly create professional, comprehensive reports that showcase your work and facilitate clear communication with stakeholders.

These enhancements not only streamline the estimate creation process but also empower you to maintain control over the intricate details of your projects. By focusing on visibility and organization, we're ensuring that our users can deliver accurate and reliable estimates with confidence and clarity.

RSMeans Data Online New User Interface –  Building Estimates

All of these enhancements are now available in RSMeans Data Online on the Gordian Cloud Platform. We encourage you to log in and explore the new experience firsthand to see how our modern, intuitive interface can simplify and enhance your estimating process.

Click here to visit the Online Help Center