This module mainly provides students the basic knowledge on preparation of quantities taking off, preparation of rate build up and preparation of bill of quantities by using QS computer software. QS computer software includes Buildsoft and Cost-X.
 
        This assignment consists of one group assignment, one individual assignment and two exams. The group assignment is related to Builsoft which let us able to distinguish different types of software programs available in the construction market and their limitations in usage. After we have done researching on the different types of software, we have summarized our information and recommended the best BIM QS software with supporting reasons and data. In addition, we also need to research on the benefits and constraint of implementing BIM QS Software in construction. One of the exams is tested on Buildsoft which requires us to build up the rate and prepare the bills of quantities.
 
         Besides that, the individual assignment is related to cost-X. A bill of quantities is required to prepare by using Cost X Workbook for the items which include beam, slab, column, ceiling finishes, floor finishes, and wall finishes. The drawings we used in this assignment were also used in the previous measurement assignment. Throughout this assignment, I am able to make use of cost- X in preparation of Bills of Quantities, Estimating, Tendering, Progress Payments and Final Accounts. The other exam is tested on cost-X software that require us to prepare the build up rate of rebar and the measurement of rebar. Other than that, the advantage of cost-X compare to Buildsoft is the drawings can import into it in either PDF file, JPEG or Autocad for meaurement.
 
        In conclusion, I think this module is very interesting and it let me realize that BIM QS software is very useful in construction nowadays. The software can make our measurement and preparation of bill of quantities become more accurate, easy and fast. The installation of some BIM QS software will be very expensive and will need to renew every year so that not every company is able to afford it. For those companies that are not able to afford it, they will still prefer to use Microsoft Excel.