OST

[[OST]] http://www.oncenter.com/products/ost/index.html (On Screen Takeoff) is a construction estimating software system that measures images from .PDF, .TIF and .JPG formatted blueprint files. Measurements are normally done with digital plans using a mouse and video screen. Digital plan sets are linked to the stored .TIF files on hard drives in directories. Pad digitizers with styluses can used for traditional paper blueprints. Measurements are stored in an Access or SQL databases in conditions, which are organized by construction divisions, specification sections, material types and user defined descriptions. Selected from style sets of prefabricated conditions, each condition which can be user modified has image layers, height, width, depth assignments and stores up to three measurement units such as linear feet, square feet or cubic yards. The program displays the takeoff measurements data, group subtotals and the total calculated quantities. Conditions can be further grouped into zones and repeating typical groups. A stand-alone component of the On Center Software (OSC) system, OST is linked to the Quick Bid ([[QB]]) construction pricing software.