Trimble Estimation Desktop Erfahrungen

Pedro Silva - Bermudez, Longo, Diaz-Masso, LLC

Kommentare: In general we like the product and we hope that it always stays at the forefront of technology for the benefit of all.

Vorteile:

BLDM is one of America’s leading specialty construction companies. We have been 55 years in the market and we are still going. We implemented the software in our Estimating Department more than 20 years ago and since its implementation we have completely trusted it. Given the fact that technology keeps growing , expanding and innovating, we still rely on Viewpoint Software because of its accuracy and feasibility when working on bids, I personally believe that part of our success with the software is based on the full support provided by the technical staff. Always there to help when you need them!

Kommentare: We are a commercial Plumbing Firm specializing in heavy industrial piping, hydronic and water/wastewater treatment plants. We offer in-house design CAD work and dedicated staff. Maxwell is the only estimating software in use at this facility. There are others out there, but thus far, Maxwell appears to be the best value for the dollar.

I have worked for two (2) previous plumbing/heating firms, both used Maxwell, although earlier versions. We are currently using Version 9.3.0.2334, Service Pack 3. This was obtained the last time we upgraded - last year, I believe. The upgrade usually goes quickly, a couple hours at most unless issues are encountered. I would have to state that most upgrades have some type of issue that either requires a "patch" or technical support. Customer support is for the most part, excellent - response time(s) could be improved. As with all products, there are some technical support people that are much better than others. I feel that past versions of Maxwell are more concerned w/keeping up with the competition than what the actual users want. My personal opinion is that the Maxwell product is an excellent product for it's purpose - a quick, accurate way to obtain a bid. Just stick with this ideology, and you will be just fine. Trying to make Maxwell into something else is a waste of time and effort. I learned Maxwell some years ago while working for Western Mechanical Service, Inc. - in just a day or two I was up and running. I have trained a number of personnel over the years - the same can be said today. If anything, Maxwell is a little more straightforward and easier to use than back in 2001. For the most part, customer support is excellent. As with any product, there are some support staff that are more knowledgeable than others. There have been issues that have taken more time to address than others - however, if one is willing to work together the problems can be solved. One particular issue that was causing us "section corrupted" errors was solved by virtue of just watching how the program responded and was finally traced to the copying of "takeoff notes"; once this practice was eliminated, the "corruption" issue disappeared. I was instrumental in this discovery and was happy to help in this regard. Since the offering of On-Screen Takeoff, quick, accurate takeoff's can be done w/o hard-copy drawings. There are situations where this is most advantageous, as some projects require a "quick-turn" to achieve the bid in time. Although "phantom" pick points still plague OST, it is still a viable option in these situations or when printas are "unscaled" or hard copy prints are not feasable.

To many steps to do a simple task.

Kommentare: We purchased in August and were unable to go to the training until December, they would not even let us download the program until we did the training and they rebill us every August instead of when we were able to start using it. When I called to ask if they could change our billing date to when we were able to start using the program I was told I was basically a liar and that there was no way we were unable to use their program from the beginning time of purchase.

Vorteile:

This program can do a lot...If you have a degree in computer engineering. It is faster than trying to do a take off by hand. Pat, the trainer we had was wonderful ! Extremely helpful and will answer any question any time of day, much better than the customer help center.

Nachteile:

The program is quite pricey, add to that more money for training that is incomplete for the amount of information that is needed to run this program. The sales person we had was nice but extremely pushy. Customer service after purchase is terrible.

Viewpoint MEP Software

Kommentare: Customer service agent has been a great asset to us in upgrading our software and purchasing other systems. We would highly recommend her as an account manager.

Vorteile:

Our offices have been using Viewpoint MEP estimation for Electrical for quite some time now. We rely on this system to quickly, and accurately complete bids. This software has taken us to the next level, and we have used it for multi-million dollar jobs. Without this software we would not be able to complete the amount of work we do daily at our four locations.

Nachteile:

Issues arise just like with any software, but the support team is quick to respond and prompt at fixing the issue.

Kommentare: We are a mid-sized Plumbing/Mechanical contractor. Our focus, for many years, has been on single and multi-unit residential with some small to mid-size commercial projects. Yearly sales for our organization run in the 5-8 million dollar range. Maxwell Systems Estimation has allowed us to use the skills of our workforce to move up to higher dollar projects. These now comprise of multi story office buildings, schools, medical buildings as well as sewer and water treatment plants. Rut works so much better with the estimation system takeoff. It is a breeze to use, and the reward is that the project manager can effectively manage the project with ease. Estimation has also made the process of bidding the sizes of jobs we do faster and more consistent from job to job, which makes it easier to track costs. Want to know what your material and labor cost are per floor on a project? Estimation can do it! How about by floor - just the sanitary piping? Estimation can do it! I have seldom had any problems but in the rare instances I have, support has been quick to respond as well as very knowledgeable. Also, on the support side, they have a great group of trainers to help you really understand the ins and outs of the program. However, the single greatest thing that made me chose Maxwell Systems Estimation is that it is totally customizable by the user. The database can be configured to suit any situation and the owner of the program can do it all. This customization allows you to even add to an estimate; all those little things that you usually figure out in your head and then tack on to your proposal at the end. This enables the program to do the entire math and takes out the possibility of human error. All you have to do is remember to enter it in. Their ability to do our take off digitally saves us countless hours and reams of paper. I would highly recommend purchasing Maxwell Systems Estimation software.

Industry Standard which needs improvement!

Vorteile:

Industry standard which most companies adopt.

Nachteile:

Custom service as I am still waiting over 4 weeks for my ticket to be completed. No response from the team either.

Kommentare: Rossi Electric has been using the electrical Estimation software for the past 13 years. The ease of the software for personal to learn and use aids in doing a takeoff quick and accurate. The electrical Estimation software can be tailor to fit your companies need. This can be achieved by the way the software can be configured from adding items as you go thru your takeoff. Or by the way you can set up the takeoff cards by making your own assemblies and adding them to the many that are already in the software. If you get stuck on how an item can be added or a technical glitch that might pop up, the help desk is there to aid you. They are just a phone call away, and always very happy to help you.
The trade show that Maxwell puts on every year is also a great tool to learn about the software and to meet other user. This also helps you to learn more about the software by the way other people use the system. The trade show also allows you to meet and talk with the people who are behind the developing and programming of the software. People like Heather Messick who will sit there and listen to your ideas on how to improve the software. Or on what really doesn’t work well within the software. The ideas you talk about won’t be put off, she works really hard on ides that make sense, and not just poufs them off. All in all Estimation for electrical is a great software to learn and to use. It will make your takeoff’s go smother and faster. The faster you get a bid out the more you can do making your chances better at getting more jobs.

Excellent Product.

Kommentare: Keep up the good work

Vorteile:

User friendly. Works very well. I log onto it every morning and work with it all day every day. Awesome product. Mary Heinz is FABULOUS

Nachteile:

Have no problems with it. Even if I did have a problem with Viewpoint it would be taken care of promptly and professionally

Greatest Estimation Software Company! I highly recommend them!

Vorteile:

The Software just works!! It sounds so simple, I know, but it's true! We had been through 2 other estimation softwares before ViewPoint and they were laggy, badly built and the support stunk! ViewPoint is the complete opposite. The support is fantastic and their trainers come in and actually care that you learn the software and you learn it well. I've never dealt with better trainers or a more knowledgeable group of technical support specialist. These guys are awesome!

Nachteile:

I can't name a single downside about ViewPoint MEP Estimating. You get a lot of bang for your buck! It's not cheap but it's definitely an investment worth making for you and your company!

Kommentare: We're a long time Maxwell Systems Estimation user. Started our partnership with Maxwell in 1993. We decided in early 90's we needed to rethink computerized estimating so started shopping again. Looked at all the major players and decided Maxwell had the best product that would work well with our way of estimating and more imprtantly, felt like Maxwell had a real focus of listening to the customer about what they wanted/needed. Felt like Maxwell would be a real long term partner as computerized estimating matured. So we started down the road with 3 stations doing mechanical piping. Over the years we made many recommendations to Maxwell which they listening to and incorporated. We grew to 6 mechanical piping and 2 sheet metal stations. So over these last almost twenty years, we still view Maxwell as the best product out there. Even now, we still get called by new systems out on the market. But even after looking at them, Maxwell still meets our needs better than anyone else. In this day & age, it's hard to find someone who you're still a partner with after 20 years. Maxwell's commitment to their customers, listening, responding, partnering, having some of the best programmers & trainers around, having quality knowledgeable people to support you, great customer representation with all that ending in a great product has helped us be successful in what we do- win work and make profit.

Too many steps

Kommentare: I really don't care for it.

Vorteile:

It does a lot of accounting needs. I guess if you really need all those steps this would be a great system. But not for a smaller company.

Nachteile:

Too many clicks and too many windows to open to get to one area. So many steps to just do one thing.

Procontractor MX Estimating and Earthwork.

Vorteile:

The product is fairly easy to use and is comparable in features to most software on the market.

Nachteile:

Customer support is none existent. In most case it is not worth your time to call because the response is not timely.

Kommentare: Art's Electric has been a client of Maxwell Systems Estimation since 1980, transitioning through many generations of the program. We have always been committed to upgrading to the latest product and version of the system. Our firm does both industrial and commercial installations and we have successfully been able to add the items we need in addition to utilizing the database provided with the system. We have always found the Estimation system easy to use, flexible, and easy to manipulate. Attending user conferences has allowed us to have one-on-one contact with the Estimation development team and input on future enhancements. Maxwell Systems Estimation has a strong team of employees committed to the program and in providing the latest in estimating techniques. Our next commitment is to transition to digital take-off; we have one station already in use with a second to be implemented soon.

Kommentare: Shamrock Plumbing is large plumbing/mechanical contractor located in North Salt Lake, Utah. We are a multi-faceted contractor with services ranging from Radiant Heat to Water Softeners to high rise commercial design build projects. Shamrock has been partnered (Yes Partnered, Maxwell Systems truly has a genuine interest in your success) with Estimation and Maxwell Systems for over 14 years. Two years ago, with the retirement of our lead estimator, we upgraded to a new system and we have had great success with the implementation of the new hardware/software. Mary Heinz (W/Maxwell Systems) has done a superb job of keeping us updated and giving Shamrock the opportunity to remain "In The Know", when it comes to new ideas and equipment. I would recommend Maxwell Systems to anyone serious about Project Estimation, Job Costing, and Project Detail.......

Kommentare: Here in Nebraska as an electrical company we find ourselves bidding houses, apartments, fire alarm systems, commercial, and industrial projects. With 6 Project Managers we can find ourselves bidding whatever comes across our estimation boards. The beauty of the Maxwell software is that if the PM knows what he is doing it allows him to be able to bid the house, apartment, fire alarm system, commercial and industrial projects on the same computer and estimating board every time. There is no need for another software when we with qualified PMs can bid anything from one software. Mary Heinz is very good at making sure we are notified about training seminars and any updates we need, and is always ready to help us with getting the software integrated to our personal needs and getting the system running smoothly for us.

Kommentare: I have been estimating for 40 years. That's correct, from before there were even electronic calculators (much less computers). We are currently using Logistics Version 4.3.2571 Estimating Version 4.2 to do our Plumbing Estimates. We have been using this system for about 13 years. Even though I have never used any of the other systems, I cannot imagine how anyone could improve on the ease of use! The power pad, along with the digitizer, allow me to do my takeoff completely from the plans with minimal return to the computer. The amount of time saved has allowed me to bid more and larger jobs by myself than would be possible any other way. It has allowed me to downsize, stay competitive and survive. This alone is keeping our 50 year old business "in business".

Kommentare: We are a commercial HVAC company. We are bidding all the time from referrals and off our Builders Exchange website. Until recently, we did all our bidding manually with pencil and paper, taking off blueprints with rulers, etc. We were referred to Maxwell Systems by friends and bought the system. I went to training and had no problem picking up the methodology to using the system. Any questions we encountered back at the office, have always been quickly answered, whether it was an IT question or general use of the estimation software. Digital Takeoff has allowed us to estimate faster by tracking multiple parts of the overall estimation at one time, i.e., hours, materials, equipment. We are pleased with how Maxwell has positivily impacted our bidding.

Kommentare: Before I had Maxwell I did every estimate by long-hand using a calcualtor and pencil. By using the program I save so much time and also eliminate the chance of a math error due to using a calculator. I love the assemblies and the ability to copy/paste takeoffs from one area to the next. We have benefited from using the software because now it takes less time to do an estimate, leaving me more time to to more estimates. I am looking forward to all the being part of the webinars and training to enhance my knowledge of the program. Using the program also makes it much easier and accurate to do job costing on all projects. I feel that Maxwell Systems is a great product and company and look forward to using it for many years to come.

Kommentare: Our company is an Electrical Contracting firm and we have always used Estimation/Logistics and really feel comfortable with it. Estimation is reliable and accurate and with our company using Estimation on four stations with three estimators, we have put it through some tests. We recently upgraded to the digital take-off for use on electronic drawings but have not had an opportunity to really use it to its full capability yet. We have always received good support when we need it and feel comfortable that all our needs are being met. Our company has used this software to gain millions of dollars worth of work and we feel comfortable when we do get one, our costs are spot on.

Kommentare: There are many functions even after 25 years of using this system that I don't use, but there are many that I do. This software is great and has provided us with winning bids in the 30 to 40% range. I would like, however, to learn more about some of the updates that we have received. I have been a satisfied customer for over 25 years in three different companies. There are always kinks here and there, but the customer support is great and respond especially if your on a deadline very quickly. I've never had a problem that support could not resolve in short time on the phone. I would recommend this system to anyone.

Kommentare: We have been using the Estimation Software for the Electrical Industry for the last 15 years and we find it to be very easy to use and implement with a straight forward structure and intuitive menus. The ability to build your own assemblies or to modify the hundreds of "pre-built" assemblies provided, makes the take-off process easier to adapt to all kind of projects. The Digital Takeoff module is powerful and easy to learn, making it a strong tool for quick and accurate takeoffs. Overall, this program has help our company increase its "bottom-line" and made our estimates accurate and adaptable.

Kommentare: I’m the Chief Estimator for a Mechanical Contractor, and we have been using Estimation for 26 years. We have tried many other mechanical estimating programs, but have always stayed with Estimation. They are the leading mechanical estimating software developer for our industry. The software is easy to learn and increases our productivity. We utilize digitizers in conjunction with Estimation. The production of my five estimators is greatly increased with this software program. I would highly recommend Maxwell Systems Estimation.

Kommentare: Before Maxwell we did estimating the old fashion way with a counter and a notepad
this system has helped speed that process up. We are using Version 9.3.0.2334.
Customer support has been wonderful, mostly our problems consist of in house user error within the software! Always simple things and they've always got us back up and running in no time. I like to break things out for my customers... well not really.. My customers like it and always ask later so this gives me the ability to do this easily before they ask!

Kommentare: Massey Electric is an electrical contracting company in East Tennessee operating for over 52 years. We have been using Maxwell Systems Estimation for several years. Our estimators love the product. It has helped cut our estimating hours considerably. The product is very user friendly and the customer service is great. Our account manager (Mary Heinz) has been a great help keeping us up to date with the latest software upgrades. We recommend this system over any other estimating software we have tried.

Kommentare: Before we started using Maxwell's new Digital Takeoff system about 5 years ago we did things the old way, with printed plans and used spreadsheets. Since we moved our system to this Digital Takeoff we have increased our takeoff times by half and now have a better handle on changes that happen at the last minute. We also have greater control on manipulating costs right from the estimate and see real time changes on costs. We have saved thousands from not having to print or order physical plans.