The construction industry is a $30 trillion global powerhouse, yet one of its most important early processes, material takeoffs and bidding, has long been slowed by manual work and limited estimator capacity. A recent Forbes article by Sabbir Rangwala highlights how AI is transforming this space, and we’re proud that National Wholesale Supply was featured as a real-world success story.
Read the full Forbes article here: AI Provides Speed and Precision for Construction Takeoffs & Bids
The Challenge and the AI Opportunity
Traditional manual takeoffs from complex, multi-hundred-page design documents are time-consuming and dependent on a shrinking pool of experienced estimators. AI tools are now automating quantity extraction and Bill of Materials (BOM) generation while flagging drawing inconsistencies thus reducing takeoff time dramatically (often from days to hours) and enabling teams to bid on more projects with greater confidence and accuracy.
National Wholesale Supply’s Results in Waterworks
At National, we implemented Attentive.ai’s Beam.AI in our Waterworks Division several years ago. The technology helps our team quickly process detailed water and sewage project documents and extract relevant material quantities from our extensive inventory of pipes, valves, hydrants, and related products.
The impact has been significant: we’ve seen a 50% increase in bids within the Waterworks Division, with projects ranging from smaller jobs to multi-million-dollar commercial developments. The tool has also helped us respond faster to time-sensitive and emergency bid opportunities while reducing the training burden caused by normal staff turnover.
Corey Reynolds, Director of NWS Dallas Waterworks, shared his perspective in the Forbes article:
“The real value of BeamAI for us isn’t replacing people—it’s helping our team make faster, more confident decisions earlier in the process. In our world, the companies that can move faster and make better decisions early are the ones that win—BeamAI is becoming a key driver of that advantage.”
This approach empowers our experienced team rather than replacing it, allowing them to focus on higher-value work and better serve our contractor partners.
What This Means for Our Customers
When NWS can prepare accurate material responses faster, our Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, and Waterworks customers benefit directly through quicker quotes, stronger bids, and more reliable support across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
At National Wholesale Supply, we’re committed to adopting tools that help us deliver the right products with exceptional service. AI-enhanced preconstruction is one more way we’re investing in our customers’ success.
Ready to partner with a forward-thinking supplier?
- Find your local branch: nws-inc.com/find-location
- Learn more about Waterworks: nws-inc.com/waterworks
- Explore careers: nws-inc.com/career
Stay tuned to the National Wholesale Supply Blog for more insights on industry trends and how we’re building stronger partnerships every day.