Meet Process Service Specialist

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Process Service Specialist (PSS) is an industrial mechanical contractor where accurate piping and structural takeoffs are critical to winning competitive bids. Their projects frequently involve detailed isometric drawings (ISOs) and complex bills of materials (BOMs), requiring precise quantity extraction before estimates can be finalized. As drawing volume increases, so does the effort required to maintain accuracy and speed.

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For PSS, takeoff efficiency directly impacts competitiveness, margin protection, and delivery confidence.

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The Challenge: Manual Takeoffs at Scale

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Before implementing Boon, PSS’s workflow was entirely manual. Estimators reviewed mechanical drawing sets in Bluebeam, measured quantities, and manually typed every line item into Excel-based estimating workbooks. Quantities were then transferred again into structured estimate sheets.

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“It was all 100% manual,” said Cody Guidry, Director of Estimating

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While effective, the process was time-intensive and exposed the team to human error. Mistyped quantities or missed components could affect pricing accuracy — especially as projects scale in complexity and size.

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On smaller jobs with a limited drawing set, the workload was manageable. But on projects involving hundreds, or even over a thousand sheets across piping, equipment schedules, and structural supports, the manual process became increasingly inefficient.

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The Solution: AI-Powered Mechnical Takeoffs and BOM Extraction

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PSS adopted Boon to automate mechanical takeoffs and streamline BOM extraction across drawing types. Instead of manually typing components into spreadsheets, drawings are uploaded into Boon, where quantities are extracted and structured automatically into Excel-ready outputs.

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“It is night and day faster,” said Colby Waters, Senior Estimator. “Instead of sitting there typing everything out, it just takes it all as a schedule or table instantly.”

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Mechanical takeoffs quickly became more efficient. The AI-assisted workflow reduced repetitive manual entry while maintaining visibility and control over extracted data.

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Results and Progress

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With Boon, PSS reduced mechanical takeoff time by approximately 75%, particularly on drawing-heavy projects. The larger the project, the greater the impact.

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“Eight to ten ISOs, it cuts down 75% of our time. But once you get to hundreds of ISOs, that’s where it really pays.” – Colby Waters

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Beyond time savings, the team highlighted Boon’s hands-on support as a key differentiator. “I’ve never had another company try this hard to get us what we need.”

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Now embedded in their workflow, PSS sees Boon not just as a powerful platform, but as a true partner — combining technology with a responsive, invested team that works alongside them to build a fully connected mechanical estimating process from bid inception to submittal.

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For PSS, AI-powered takeoffs are not just about speed. They are the first step toward a scalable, end-to-end estimating workflow built for growth.