New estimating software

[laramie]

Hey all,

I'm looking at purchasing new electrical estimating software next week. I've narrowed the choices down to Visionsoft's Electrical Bid Manager, and Conest's Lite Plus software..

If anyone is familiar with either of these two, i'd like to hear some feedback, pros, cons, etc.

Thanks!

[tshea]

I'm using Visionsoft's Electrical Bid Manager. It's an ok program. I saw it demonstrated at Electric west a few years ago and decided to take the plung. I think it was $1395 or something like that. It works. I ended up buying the monthly pricing program also (EPIC). It automatically updates Bid Managers pricing.
If you get the opportunity have someone demonstarte both programs, THEN YOU TRY IT while they watch.
I like the program because I can get in the ballpark with my bids.

[billjensen]

I have been using Vision for about 6 years and for the price you cant beat it. Watever you do though purchase the Epic pricing with it.

[BBechtel]

I have been using ConEst Pro for about 7yrs now.

I like it but there is a helluva learning curve to use it.
It is also extremely expensive about 4500.00 when my company purchased it.

I have never used Visionsoft software.

With Conest you can run through pretty good size jobs in half the time.

With all bidding, you have to be careful and have your bases covered or you will get burned.

I learned the hard way.... to the tune of about 100K.
The job bid was 2.5 million, we made up about 70% on change orders.


B

[ January 13, 2006, 05:28 AM: Message edited by: BBechtel ]

[aline]

I've had the vision software for about 7 years. One thing I don't like about it is the PITA 3 1/2 in. key disk that must be inserted to use the software. I always forget to put it in when starting the software and it seems to want to access it more than I would like slowing me down.
My new computers don't have a 3 1/2 in. floppy drive to put the key disk in.
Other than that I like it.

Do they still require a key disk to use the software?

[chrsb]

No they do not have the disk anymore, you might want to call Vision and ask what the price would be to upgrade to the current version.

[Jhr]

My new computers don't have a 3 1/2 in. floppy drive to put the key disk in.
Other than that I like it.

Do they still require a key disk to use the software? Call Vison and get the unlock code/key for the program.