Construction Inventory Tool for Accurate Repair Cost Estimates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing repair quote systems, such as Xactimate, rely on generic inventory, supply, and cost assumptions that are not specific to individual construction companies, leading to inaccurate repair cost estimates due to factors like supply chain issues and labor overhead.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for tracking inventory and equipment costs, labor hours, and adjusting labor overhead to provide accurate repair cost estimates tailored to specific construction projects and companies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If generic inventory and cost assumptions from insurance industry software are used, then standardization and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision and reliability of repair cost estimates deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from generic industry-wide cost assumptions to company-specific and project-specific cost data. Each construction company maintains its own inventory cost records, equipment cost records, and labor rate information, allowing cost estimates to reflect local conditions and specific circumstances rather than applying uniform industry averages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically updates cost parameters based on actual company inventory, equipment, and labor data. Labor overhead percentages are adjusted based on specific company circumstances, and material costs reflect actual inventory prices rather than standardized assumptions. This allows the estimation parameters to change and adapt to current conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If company-specific inventory and cost tracking is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and data management requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be universally applicable to any construction company while handling company-specific data. The software platform provides a standardized framework for tracking inventory, equipment, and labor costs that can be customized for each company's particular needs, circumstances, and accounting methods, eliminating the need for separate systems for each company.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables construction companies to maintain and update their own cost data, inventory records, and equipment information without requiring external intervention. Companies input their own labor rates, overhead percentages, and cost assumptions, allowing them to self-manage their cost estimation parameters and keep data current according to their specific circumstances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250061520A1Construction Inventory Tool
Publication Date: 2025.02.20 CONSTRUCTION ANALYTICS GROUP LTD
  • US20250061520A1 patent drawing
  • US20250061520A1 patent drawing
  • US20250061520A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are described for deriving repair quote estimates. Embodiments can calculate the quotes using several variables. Methods can include obtaining the variables from servers with storage and processes dedicated to maintaining the accuracy of the data. A calculation can then be performed according to a formula, which outputs a final repair quote estimate to the user.