Navigating engineering and planning services to success means:
- executing industry-specific standard processes smoothly
- focusing on core services and value-adding work
- implementing projects in a planned and efficient manner
- creating structure and clarity in documentation and project filing
- enabling simple communication with third parties while handling large volumes of data
- optimizing employee workload
- achieving revenue targets and growth opportunities
The new industry solution “Sta*Ware BusinessNavigator E&P (Engineers and Planners)” addresses these requirements and extends the functionality of the Sta*Ware Business Navigator with the following features:
Integration of the Fee Regulations
Extension of the SALES and ERP modules
The Sta*Ware process “Fee Proposal” maps fee calculation according to HOAI and RIFT (2021, 2013, 2009) in detail for all basic and special services.
The Sta*Ware HOAI Calculator includes all service types, including service phases, annex groups, basic services, special services, and surcharges. Special services are stored according to the AHO manuals and can be supplemented.
Cost calculation and updating, including cost groups according to DIN 276 within billable costs, is included.
The fee assistant allows the proposal process to be filled with a single click. Service types and annex groups form the structure of the proposal, and basic and special services are inserted as line items. Predefined flat-rate or time-based services can be added from a catalog. Price lists can be set for the project or the client.
The proposal can be output in MS Word, Excel, or directly as a PDF and stored in the process.
Contracts can be easily continued from the proposal. Stage commissioning is supported. Updated cost estimates or calculations immediately generate a new fee in the contract process, and previously issued progress invoices are taken into account.
Project structure creation for HOAI contracts, agile task definition
Extension of the Project Management module
From the fee contract, the project structure including all service phases, basic services, special services, and task packages for internal processing can be generated directly. Internal tasks can use specifications from the AHO manuals. Individual project structures and task packages can be created and supplemented at any time. Resources and pools as well as planned times are assigned to individual tasks within the project structure. Actual time tracking now occurs directly at the task.
The project plan can be displayed and managed in a GANTT chart. The critical path is visualized, and schedule shifts show the impact on employee workload. Actual and planned hours comparisons, graphical KPI analysis, as well as timelines and to-do lists are available.
Multi-project management, Kanban board by service phases
Extension of E-Collaboration and TaskCenter modules
In complex projects and workflows, communication with third parties via email, internal personnel via notes and chats, scheduling, and task management play a decisive role in achieving objectives. Usually, multiple disciplines are involved in a planning process: clients, architects, planners, and contractors. It is important to capture and manage relationships with all stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and employees. The Sta*Ware BusinessNavigator E-Collaboration module, together with the integrated mail system, address management, project roles, and process handling, covers this function precisely.
Sta*Ware BusinessNavigator provides all tools to ensure smooth and agile processing of all tasks. In addition to the GANTT chart, a TaskCenter with filters and cross-project to-do lists is available. Integrated workflows and process controls relieve employees of recurring and unnecessary administrative tasks.
With predefined or custom Kanban boards, e.g., by project and service phase, important open tasks can be quickly and transparently identified and assigned.
Plan distribution, plan dispatch
Extension of the Document Management module
In addition to pure document management with creation, versioning, administration, and archiving of documents, plan distribution is of essential importance in the daily workflow of an engineering office. A meta-configuration is available for naming plans. Predefined distribution lists with roles and functions, a history for each plan, and plan input and output lists are provided.
For multi-stage approvals, the integrated workflow for document approval or a custom workflow can be used. Notifications to interested parties can be sent via the E-Collaboration module as acknowledgments or emails with embedded links.
For retrieving, editing, and uploading new plans, the Sta*Ware Portal provides the necessary functions. Interfaces to third-party portals and project spaces are available.
Construction diary, defect management and documentation **
Extension of the Sta*Ware APP
In addition to tasks from the planning process and generated project structure, further tasks and defects can be recorded. These tasks are automatically assigned to responsible persons with deadlines, and subsequent processing and status updates are documented. Status reports and protocols can be created at any time depending on project role. Escalation mechanisms are provided. Each task and defect can include documents, notes, and images. Third-party processing of defects is possible via the Sta*Ware Portal.
For simple and fast documentation of defects and progress on site, the Sta*Ware App is supplemented with the construction diary module. Direct integration with camera and geo-data is possible.
Progress and final invoices, invoice preparation
Extension of the SALES module
Creation of progress invoices is triggered with a click on the fee contract. Flat-rate and time-based services can be combined in a single progress invoice. For HOAI services, any updated billable construction costs compared to previous progress invoices are taken into account.
Time-based services can be processed and grouped by a project manager during invoice preparation. Contractual agreements, e.g., retention, are automatically considered and released with the final invoice. Each subsequent progress invoice calculates a new payment amount depending on received payments. A construction project can be invoiced to multiple clients.
Own time-based services are evaluated using the hourly rate from the contract or agreed price list. External services, travel costs, materials, and other resources such as fleet or measuring devices can also be recorded in the project and included in the progress invoice.
Templates are available for output in Word or PDF. Invoice attachments can be generated easily. Creation of e-invoices (formats: CII and UBL) is an integrated feature of Sta*Ware BusinessNavigator.
Evaluation of unfinished services
Extension of the Analytics module
Special filters and prepared reports are available for determining and evaluating unfinished services. Evaluation is based on a predefined cost rate. In addition to standard reports for liquidity planning, project success, revenue planning, forecast, order intake, absence and presence lists, and project lists, any reports can be created by the user in just a few minutes.
Summary
Automated and end-to-end processes, digitized projects, integrated task and change management, and transparent communication among all participants lead to shorter processing times and focus on value-adding work.
Automated documentation and status reports provide audit security, reduce administrative tasks, and simplify daily work.
With Sta*Ware BusinessNavigator E&P, you achieve significantly higher efficiency and substantial productivity gains.
** (in preparation)
