Industrial Control Estimating — PLC, SCADA & Automation
Industrial automation and control systems are the backbone of modern manufacturing, processing, and infrastructure facilities. Accurate estimating for PLC systems, SCADA networks, and instrumentation requires specialized knowledge that generalist estimating firms often lack.
Apex Electric Estimating Inc provides industrial control estimating services that deliver accurate material takeoffs, labor estimates, and bid-ready packages for contractors bidding automation and controls scope.
Contact us at [email protected] or call +1 (862) 366-7732 for an industrial control estimating quote.
Why Industrial Control Estimating Is Specialized
Industrial control systems have unique requirements that differ from commercial electrical construction:
- Complex I/O counting: Thousands of digital and analog input/output points that must be individually counted and configured
- Platform-specific hardware: PLC, DCS, and RTU configurations that vary by manufacturer and application
- Instrumentation loops: 4-20mA, HART, Foundation Fieldbus, and Profibus loop calculations
- Intrinsically safe barriers: Hazardous location classifications affecting device selection and wiring methods
- Control panel fabrication: Custom panel building with specific layout, wireway, and terminal block requirements
- SCADA integration: Remote terminal units, communications infrastructure, and central monitoring systems
Our estimators understand these complexities and deliver takeoffs that account for every I/O point and instrument loop.
Industrial Control Systems We Estimate
PLC and Control Systems
- PLC control panels (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Mitsubishi)
- Remote I/O panels and distributed I/O blocks
- Human-machine interface (HMI) panels
- Industrial Ethernet switches and networking
- Control panel wireway, terminal blocks, and components
SCADA and Communications
- Remote terminal units (RTU)
- SCADA system hardware and licensing
- Radio and cellular communications equipment
- Fiber optic communications infrastructure
- Network switches, routers, and firewalls
Motor Control
- Motor control centers (MCC)
- Variable frequency drives (VFD)
- Soft starters and across-the-line starters
- Motor protection relays
- Local control stations and push buttons
Instrumentation
- Pressure transmitters and switches
- Temperature sensors (RTD, thermocouple)
- Flow meters (magnetic, ultrasonic, vortex)
- Level sensors (radar, ultrasonic, capacitance)
- Analytical instruments (pH, conductivity, turbidity)
Control Wiring and Infrastructure
- Instrument cable (shielded twisted pair)
- Control cable (multi-conductor)
- Cable tray and conduit for control systems
- Intrinsically safe barriers and marshalling panels
- Instrument air and tubing (for pneumatic instruments)
Industrial Control Estimating Methodology
1. Drawing and Specification Review
We review P&IDs, electrical drawings, instrument datasheets, and control system specifications to understand the full scope.
2. I/O Count and Schedule
We develop complete I/O schedules from the P&IDs and PLC configuration drawings, counting every digital and analog point.
3. Instrument Takeoff
We quantify every instrument from the P&IDs and instrument index, including associated tubing, manifolds, and accessories.
4. Control Panel Takeoff
We estimate control panel fabrication costs based on I/O counts, panel size requirements, and specified components.
5. Wiring and Infrastructure Measurement
We measure every control cable run, instrument cable, and conduit from field instruments to the control room.
6. Bid Package Assembly
You receive a complete bid package: editable Excel spreadsheet, color-coded marked-up plans, PDF summary, and basis-of-estimate notes.
Industrial Control Estimating Deliverables
- I/O Schedule: Complete point list with signal types and counts
- Instrument Takeoff: Every instrument with associated accessories
- Control Panel Estimate: Panel fabrication and component costs
- Motor Control Takeoff: MCCs, VFDs, starters, and protection devices
- Cable and Conduit Takeoff: Control cable, instrument cable, and infrastructure
- Labor Hour Calculations: Task-level labor by craft with zip-code-calibrated rates
- Material Pricing Summary: Regional distributor pricing with supplier references
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you estimate for specific PLC platforms? A: Yes. We estimate for Allen-Bradley (Rockwell), Siemens, Schneider Electric, Mitsubishi, and other common PLC platforms. Each platform has specific hardware configurations that we account for.
Q: Can you estimate for hazardous location installations? A: Yes. We estimate for Class I, Division 1 and Division 2 hazardous locations, including explosion-proof enclosures, intrinsically safe barriers, and associated wiring methods.
Q: Do you provide instrument loop diagrams? A: We provide instrument loop takeoff quantities and can develop loop diagrams as an add-on service. Contact us for details on loop diagram deliverables.
Q: How long does an industrial control estimate take? A: Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days for complete industrial control estimates. Single-system takeoffs (PLC panels, MCCs) can be delivered in 48 hours.
Get Your Industrial Control Estimate
Industrial control projects demand specialized estimating expertise. Apex Electric Estimating Inc delivers the accuracy you need to bid automation and controls scope with confidence.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +1 (862) 366-7732
- Turnaround: 3-5 days for complete estimates (rush available)
- Pricing: Flat-fee from $500