Overview - Contract manufacturing estimates simplified
Tarsco relied on fragmented tools and complex spreadsheets to generate accurate estimates for their custom-manufactured bolted tanks. This approach led to disjointed communication, prolonged turnaround times, and a high risk of errors due to manual data entry. By adopting a tailored solution, Tarsco transformed its estimation process, eliminating the need for spreadsheets and streamlining their workflow.
Their system cuts estimate turnaround from 3-5 days to under two business days by replacing manual, error-prone steps with automated, intuitive workflows. Duplicate data entry is eliminated, and formula-driven customization lets admins design dynamic pricing models for unique client needs, all built in collaboration with Tarsco’s experts to align with their specific context.
Solution Process Explained
Tarsco Bolted Tank, a custom liquid and dry storage solutions manufacturer, needed a system that balanced standardization with customization for their contract manufacturing projects. While their work required a consistent process, the repetitive yet unique nature of their components made traditional methods inefficient. As they scaled their operations and expanded their team, Tarsco needed a streamlined estimation system to support growth.
Their existing process relied on a series of spreadsheets and tools, requiring multiple teams to enter data across platforms manually. This led to a 3–5 day turnaround for estimates, with double data entry causing errors, inconsistent pricing, and risks of over or under bidding. Each tank required separate estimates, even on multi-tank sites, and changes to accessories or assemblies had to be recalculated individually. Additionally, storing historical data through emails and printed copies made it difficult to analyze past projects.
Tarsco partnered with RoleModel to develop a solution to optimize and accelerate their estimation process. If they could speed up their estimation process, they could take on more market share. Today, Tarsco has a unified software solution that simplifies their process and facilitates collaboration between the in-field sales team, the estimators, and the engineering team, with an estimation process that meets their goals of taking under two business days to complete.
Eliminating redundant spreadsheets and integrating all data into a single platform minimizes errors and ensures consistency. While the software standardizes workflows, it also brings flexibility for customization, enabling teams to adapt to unique client requirements. Once a project is complete, proposals can be "locked" for future reference, simplifying analysis of historical data.
Administrators play a key role in maintaining the system, updating assemblies, parts, and options to ensure pricing accuracy. For clients requiring customizations, whether for specific use cases or building codes, admins can build detailed and flexible parts and assemblies using the formula editor, enabling estimators to reference a library of components across projects. The software enables estimators to input a simplified set of variables such as tank size and quantity, materials, and accessories, with automated calculations generating precise pricing.
The system also automates report generation, producing detailed documents like proposals, tank plans, cost breakdowns, parts lists, construction schedules, and budget reports. All data is stored within the app, ensuring easy access for future analysis.
RoleModel and Tarsco worked together to design a solution that aligns with their business needs, balancing standardization with customization. The result is a streamlined, error-resistant process that cuts estimation time, enhances collaboration between teams, and provides actionable insights for continuous improvement.
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What could software that fits do for you?
Complex processes can be automated, and communication can be vastly improved with the right software solution. If double data entry, spreadsheet sprawl, or disjointed teams sound familiar, custom software built around your process is worth exploring.