You can pick from the item database or the assembly database. You can also edit the database on the fly during the takeoff.
In ConEst the items and assemblies are all mixed together in one database.
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We can probably debate the merits of every piece of software for days and never see eye to eye. You actually mentioned the one thing that really chaps my hide in AccuBid. doing takeoffs and having to swap back and forth between the databases all the time is a nightmare. Also, to change the quantity of an assembly once taken of is a multistep process.
The thing to keep in mind anytime you switch software is to give it time and figure out where items are located. ConEst seems more logical for me. When I am taking of voice/data, the assembly is there and so are backboards and the conduit assemblies. Accubid you have to keep switching databases. I have also noticed some European spelling conventions in their database. I guess that is because they are a Canadian company.
Now don't get me wrong, your point about resizing columns and the reports are correct. Also, AccuBid has a cool sort thing that no one else seems to.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you are comfortable with. I have been using Accubid(currently using) for a total of about 2 years, used ConEst about 6, Vision about 3 months, and Estimation or Maxwell about 3 months. I would rank them worst to best...Estimation, Accubid, Vision, ConEst.
Also, customer support is important. I have never talked to a person at AccuBid or Estimation on the first call. I always have to leave a message and wait for the return call. It tells me they really aren't focused on the user very well.
McCormick is out there and I have only demoed it. The demo was in '96 and they were still dos based and were very reluctant at that time about transistioning to windows. They called it a "fad". Cert-in software is based here in North Carolina but just doesn't seem to do the job from what I can tell.
There is another called Red Rhino. I have talked to John there a couple of times. They are pretty forward thinking with theirs. It is a web-based application and looks really promising. Web apps and sequel databases are the direction a lot of other programs are heading.
Eamhler....I mentioned the Estimation....from what I saw, quickpen (mechanical) is the cadillac for the trade. The accounting portion is fair and the electrical, IMHO, stinks. I do know some that like it but that is the only program they have ever seen. Also, keep in mind often the all in one approach means they may compromise on the programs and you certainly won't get best of breed on all the products.
I am pretty sure Spectrum (used to be Forefront) accounting can tie almost anything together. All the electricals export to it. I'm pretty sure most mechanical programs do also.
