Innovative Digital Estimating & Designer (Use Case)

INNOVATIVE DIGITAL EESTIMATING & DESIGNER FOR CHIRSTMAS LIGHTING INSTALLATION

The "Innovative Digital Estimating & Designer" project transformed a struggling Christmas lighting company facing capital loss due to overselling deals. By leveraging Google Earth and Street View, they created a ridge line measuring tool and combined it with a snipping tool and specialized software for design previews. Phone operators were trained as estimators, delivering estimates and previews over the phone within 15 minutes, resulting in a 95% reduction in estimating labor costs and a 32% increase in rewarded projects. The project not only saved the company from closure but also became the industry standard, showcasing the power of innovation, collaboration, and technology in solving complex problems efficiently.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Description: The project aimed to address the critical capital loss faced by a Christmas lighting company due to overselling Groupon and Living Social deals. It involved developing a unique ridge line measuring tool using Google Earth and Street View, coupled with a snipping tool for street view, to enable estimators to provide Christmas lighting design previews and estimates to leads over the phone within 15 minutes. The project was initiated urgently in the fall of 2013 and completed by the end of winter in 2014.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Problem: The company experienced capital loss due to overselling discount deals and needed to reduce the costs associated with the estimating process. Pain Point: The two-hour estimating process, involving travel, estimation, and preview preparation, threatened the stability of the business.

PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS

Business Owner: Decision-maker and funder of the project.
Installers: Required accurate measurements for proper material estimation during installations.
Phone Operators: Became estimators, providing estimates and previews to clients over the phone.
Investors: Demanded solutions to address the capital loss.
Estimators: Converted to installers after the project's implementation.

PROJECT SCOPE

Reduce labor costs of estimates.
Deliver Christmas light design previews to clients.
Upsell additional lighting packages.
Work within constraints of cost and software capabilities.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW

In this transformative project, Google Earth and Street View were harnessed for precise measurements of ridge lines and roof peaks, while Excel served as the foundation for mathematical formulas to estimate materials and labor costs. A snipping tool was employed to capture home images, expertly integrated with specialized Christmas lighting software, resulting in captivating design previews. Essential to the project's success was the comprehensive training provided to Phone Operators, equipping them with the expertise to handle estimating, preview creation, and effective upselling.

TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS

Google Earth and Google Street View for measurements.
Excel for mathematical formulas and estimating.
Snipping Tool for image capture.
Specialized Christmas lighting software for design previews.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS

Tested the technology for feasibility.
Developed formulas and Excel sheet.
Conducted accuracy testing.
Designed and implemented training for Phone Operators.
Collaborated with stakeholders to resolve roadblocks.
Adhoc management and daily meetings for quick implementation.

RESULTS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Reduced estimating labor costs by 95%.
Increased rewarded projects by 32%.
Saved the company from closure.
Investors got their investments returned.
Phone Operators successfully transitioned to estimators.
Installers saw a reduction in measurement errors.

METRICS & MEASUREMENTS

Estimating labor costs tracked.
Lead conversion measured.
Material accuracy monitored.
Installation complexity evaluated.

LESSONS LEARNED

The success of the "Innovative Digital Estimating & Designer" project showcased the power of exploring technologies with diverse applications to find transformative solutions. By thinking outside the box and adapting existing tools like Google Earth, Street View, and specialized software, the company achieved groundbreaking results. Equally instrumental were the principles of effective communication, collaboration, and comprehensive training. The project's seamless implementation was a testament to the synchronized efforts of all stakeholders, demonstrating that cohesive teamwork is indispensable in realizing ambitious goals. Moreover, the project emphasized the importance of maintaining a composed and level-headed approach in times of urgency. The avoidance of panic and blame allowed the team to focus on problem-solving and quickly find viable solutions. The calmer approach fostered creativity and innovation, paving the way for better outcomes and propelling the company to new heights of success.

FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Start problem-solving from a fresh perspective.
Implement daily meetings and proper training for refinement.
Address urgent matters with a composed approach.
Focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.

CONCLUSION

The "Innovative Digital Estimating & Designer" project proved to be a resounding success, setting a new industry standard among lighting companies. Its remarkable achievements were the result of the strategic implementation of innovative technology and seamless cross-functional collaboration. The company achieved substantial cost reductions, minimizing estimating labor by leveraging cutting-edge tools like Google Earth, Street View, Excel, and specialized software. This efficiency, coupled with the training of phone operators as estimators, led to increased lead conversion and heightened accuracy in material estimation and installation complexity. The project's trailblazing accomplishments have positioned the company as a frontrunner in the industry, exemplifying the profound impact of embracing innovation and fostering collaborative teamwork in driving long-term success.