The NOVA AVA updates from 2014 marked the launch of the first real web-based AVA solution. Release 1 went online in June, ushering in a new era for tendering, awarding and invoicing. The year was characterized by big steps: smart quantity takeoff, the intuitive offer cockpit, the Excel import for Bill of Quantities and the clear dashboard immediately brought noticeable added value. Whether print lists, bug fixes or the new invoicing module, in this article you will find all the milestones and improvements from 2014 summarized at a glance.
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The starting signal for NOVA AVA in 2014: Release 1 is online!
YES! The first real AVA web application is online.
After we had developed a few prototypes, we knew which technology could be used to create a smart and fast application for AVA and project management.
Our ingredients: a powerful SQL database, high-performance PHP modules and Ajax.
Mix everything with a good dose of brains and you have the first, purely web-based AVA software for controlling, tendering, awarding and invoicing!
June 30, 2014
Updates from August 2014
New quantity determination
Item quantities can be conveniently calculated with the new quantity determination function.
Two variants are available: calculate simply and quickly with the functions of a pocket calculator or use the expert mode with the powerful REB 23.003 formula collection with integrated D11 interface.
The offer cockpit
There is no quicker and easier way to obtain quotations!
In the past, the finished Bill of Quantities was printed out on paper and sent to the bidders by post. From the offers returned, the contractors’ written offer prices were entered into the system. Time-consuming.
With conventional AVA programs, the planner creates a GAEB file and sends it to the contractor: hopefully the tradesman has a program to open and price the file! And the quotation file can also be imported? Sometimes it works.
This is how it works with NOVA: Simply invite the desired bidders from the address management system to participate in the bidding process – done! The contractor receives an e-mail with a direct link to the pricing of the tender. He does not need a program and NOVA also ensures that his bid is complete! If the bidder releases his bid, it automatically appears in the price comparison list.
With other important functions relating to submission deadlines and document attachments, you can manage tenders right through to the award proposal. Simple, secure, fast.
August 21, 2014
Further news followed in September
New print lists for quantity takeoff
Document quantity determinations!
Quantities can be determined for BOQ items. You can either use the quick and easy mode and enter free mathematical calculation approaches, or you can enter the calculations according to the rules of electronic construction invoicing (REB 23.003) with the powerful collection of formulas. The corresponding print lists for documentation are now also available for both input modes. Simply select from the available print templates and create a PDF file – done!
September 16, 2014
Bug fixes
BOQ item texts are often entered in so-called continuous text, i.e. the user does not care about line breaks.
Depending on the width of the data entry screen, the line feeds are then generated automatically by the system. So that the line breaks
also take place in the same place in the PDF output of a Bill of Quantities, the display widths, fonts and font sizes must be the same.
font sizes between the input mask and the print output, or converted between pixels and mm.
We have done that.
Optimized user guidance
The right information at the right time!
Beginners in particular sometimes want a little more information on functionality. That’s why we have created small help
and explanatory texts that are always displayed exactly where you expect them.
Long research in a complex help system is not necessary.
Import BOQ from Excel file
Old BOQ in Excel format? No problem – just import them!
From now on, not only GAEB but also Excel files in the formats *.xls and *.xslx can be conveniently loaded into the system via the BOQ import function.
The special feature here is that the files do not have to have a predefined structure.
You can specify the contents of the Excel columns during import for the data fields such as text, quantity, price etc. yourself.
You also control the wizard for interpreting BOQ elements as areas, sections, items and notes.
The new dashboard 2014
Everything at a glance!
The new dashboard displays the most important information and offers quick access to projects, Bill of Quantities, addresses and messages. The graphical cost overview for projects shows the financial project development from the cost estimate to the invoice approval and cost forecast.
The scalable timeline with the next deadlines indicates upcoming submissions, awards, acceptances and warranty processes.
September 17, 2014
Further Nova Ava updates followed in December
Search bar and labels
Find projects, LVs, documents and addresses quickly!
The new search bar is activated in the overviews of projects, Bill of Quantities, documents and addresses.
Simply enter any search term and the system starts the data search as soon as it is entered.
At the same time, you can use the labels to create categories that can also be used as filter criteria (also in combination)!
Documents and files
Sharing documents and files is now easy!
Documents relating to projects and Bill of Quantities are also best stored in NOVA. Simply upload and all documents such as plans, cover letters, correspondence etc… are in one place. With the new “Share” function, you can grant other people access to the download.
For example, you have saved the price comparison list directly as a PDF file for the BOQ – two mouse clicks later, your client can view the document!
December 2, 2014
Controlling
Keep an overview with the cost analysis!
Evaluations can be run for a project according to the Bill of Quantities (trades) included and according to cost structures such as DIN276. You can assign cost groups (e.g. 331.1 Exterior walls or a location,…) to BOQs, BOQ areas or individual BOQ items (and even individual quantity calculation approaches of a BOQ item).
All assignments of the same type are summarized and added up for the cost calculation (BOQ), cost estimate (award) and determination (settlement) phases. The level of detail of the evaluation can be determined individually in the cost analysis.
The forecast function and free evaluation options (e.g. for the remaining budget) round off the functionality.
Billing
The new billing component is here!
Once the contract has been awarded, you can now conveniently invoice construction services. With everything that goes with it:
Recording of services with measurements free or according to REB23.003 and integrated data interface D11
Create and approve supplements. Differentiated outputs in PDF and GAEB for the entire order
Target/actual comparison with graphical evaluation and always up-to-date warning function for quantity overruns
Invoice verification for partial, partial final and final invoices, invoice and release overviews
Cost splitting for payment management with multiple cost units
December 3, 2014