The verdict in three sentences
A consultancy pricing 70 projects a year in Excel works with rate schedules copied from file to file and unit rates that are sometimes two or three years old. Custom takeoff and estimating software at USD 25,000 to 58,000 (15 to 35 million FCFA) runs on an up-to-date local unit rate database, imports quantities from drawings and produces the bill of quantities automatically. Estimating time is cut in half, and above all the gap between BoQ and actual site cost shrinks, which protects the firm's credibility with clients.
Excel: where time and margin leak
In Dubai, as in Abidjan, prices of cement, rebar and aggregates moved 8 to 15 % between 2024 and 2026 depending on the product. An outdated rate schedule directly distorts bids, whether the firm works for a private developer, a public client or a main contractor.
| Estimating step | In Excel | With the software | Time saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takeoff from drawings | 2 to 4 days (manual) | 1 day (DWG or IFC import, checks) | 60 % |
| Structuring trades and items | 1 day | 2 h (templates per project type) | 75 % |
| Applying unit rates | 1 day, rates sometimes outdated | 1 h, dated and sourced database | 85 % |
| Rate build-ups | Rarely done | Automatic labour, materials, plant | New |
| BoQ and rate schedule output | 4 h of formatting | Instant PDF and Excel export | 90 % |
| Options (G+2 instead of G+3) | Rebuild the file | Duplicate in 10 min | 95 % |
Over 70 projects, the firm goes from about 6 days to 3 days per estimate, freeing 210 engineer-days a year.
2026 budget
| Module | Content | Budget (2026 order of magnitude) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit rate database | 1,500 items, build-ups, local price history | USD 8,300 (5,000,000 FCFA) | 6 weeks |
| Takeoff | Structured entry by trade, Excel import | USD 6,700 (4,000,000 FCFA) | 5 weeks |
| Drawing import | IFC or DWG quantity extraction | USD 13,300 (8,000,000 FCFA) | 8 weeks |
| Automatic BoQ and rate schedule | Public and private client templates | USD 5,000 (3,000,000 FCFA) | 3 weeks |
| Variance tracking | BoQ vs site valuations | USD 10,000 (6,000,000 FCFA) | 6 weeks |
| Management dashboard | Bid win rate, margin per project | USD 6,700 (4,000,000 FCFA) | 4 weeks |
| Annual maintenance | Hosting, updates, support | USD 3,000 to 5,800 | Ongoing |
A first package (rate database, takeoff, BoQ) starts at USD 25,000. The full version with drawing import and variance tracking reaches USD 50,000 to 58,000.
Custom or off-the-shelf?
| Criterion | Imported estimating software | Kolonell custom build |
|---|---|---|
| Licence | EUR 2,500 to 6,000 per seat per year (USD 2,700 to 6,500) | No per-seat licence |
| Local rate schedules | Build them yourself | Local database delivered and updatable |
| Public tender BoQ formats | Manual adjustment | Built-in templates |
| Language and units | Often designed for one market | Bilingual, local units and trades |
| 5-year cost, 6 seats | USD 81,000 to 195,000 | USD 40,000 to 87,000 |
Mini case study
Omar, technical director of an 18-person engineering consultancy in Dubai, prices 70 projects a year. A cost engineer costs about USD 7,500 a month, or USD 340 a day. The 210 days freed are worth USD 71,400 a year. With a USD 42,000 project and USD 4,200 maintenance, the net annual gain is USD 67,200: payback in about 8 months. In Abidjan, with lower salaries (55,000 FCFA a day), the same logic gives a payback under 12 months once the freed time is used to bid on 15 more tenders.
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FAQ
Do we need BIM models to use drawing import?
No, import works with IFC files but also with layer-structured DWG drawings. Without usable drawings, structured takeoff entry is still 2 times faster than Excel.
Who updates the rate database?
The firm, through a simple interface with full price history. A quarterly update of the 200 most-used items can be included in maintenance.
Does it produce the formats required in public tenders?
Yes, BoQ and rate schedule templates are configured to match your clients' standard tender documents, with PDF and Excel export.
How many users can work at once?
There is no per-seat limit. An 18-person firm can run 6 estimators at once with no licence cost.
How is the project paid?
In three instalments: 30 % at scoping, 40 % at acceptance, 30 % at go-live. Bank transfer, card, or Wave and Orange Money in West Africa.
Let's scope your project. Send us a sample BoQ, your annual project count and drawing formats: we will price a first package between USD 25,000 and 58,000, delivered in 3 to 6 months. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
