VisionSoft EBM

[sparky76]

I've been demoing the Vision Soft EBM estimating program and was wondering if any of you are fans or detractors of it. Anyone own it? It seems fairly user friendly and the price is right, but I don't feel that you can really get a good feel for a programs idiosyncracies until you've used it everyday for a few months. So far I've demoed them and ConEst and although I like some features of the ConEst program, VisionSoft seems more user friendly.

What say you???

 

[Greg Swartz]

I've been demoing the Vision Soft EBM estimating program and was wondering if any of you are fans or detractors of it. Anyone own it? It seems fairly user friendly and the price is right, but I don't feel that you can really get a good feel for a programs idiosyncracies until you've used it everyday for a few months. So far I've demoed them and ConEst and although I like some features of the ConEst program, VisionSoft seems more user friendly.

What say you???

I've been looking at it too...seems like it's estimation time! The guy called me 4 times last month.
I looked at the full commercial program as well as the residential program.
I think the combo price was $2700.

I do have to say that it is the best program I have looked at indepth.


However, I talked to Thom over at TurboBid. It is quite a neat program as well. Quite a nice price for that. Strictly residential though. Thom always has a discount going on. I think there's even a discount for MHE forum members...

 

[~Shado~]

However, I talked to Thom over at TurboBid. It is quite a neat program as well. Quite a nice price for that. Strictly residential though. Thom always has a discount going on. I think there's even a discount for MHE forum members...

I have TurboBid and really like it. (still can't get my excel sheets to function like Celtics!)
Just a little info....TurboBid is expanding its database towards small commercial at this time. As this was a feature I wanted in a estimating program, along with ease of use, and something geared towards smaller shops, projects, etc...its just right for me. And the fact that the developer (Bill) is a working electrical contractor and not just a programmer, made it more appealing, plus, support is outstanding.

 

[Greg Swartz]

... And the fact that the developer (Bill) is a working electrical contractor and not just a programmer, made it more appealing, plus, support is outstanding.

Bill, I meant to say Bill! The whole post meant to say BILL!!!
Oops :roll:

 

[bjp_ne_elec]

I've used EBM and find it very user friendly as well. My brother-in-law has it as well, and swears by it. He subscribes to the database updates for the pricing, as he does quite a bit more business than I. I find that I don't need the extra expense of the database updates.

 

[DAWGS]

Ive used EBM for 3 years and like it .

 

[Len]

estimating

estimating

Have you ever looked at ConEst
That is what I use. Wonderful program user friendly.

 

[celtic]

I have TurboBid and really like it. (still can't get my excel sheets to function like Celtics!)

I have crazy mad skills


However....I may be abandoning the Celtic sheets in favor of TurboBid.

TurboBid [TB] is at a point where I wanted to bring my sheets to ~ sure I could invest all that time and effort...but TB would end up costing less.

I do keep my sheets around, updating as the urge hits me, etc.

Maybe the "beauty" of the sheets is their simplicity? [although some may argue that excel is not so simple ]

 

[tshea]

I've been using VisionSoft EBM for about 5 years. It is easy to use after you find where all the parts are hidden. You can build and save your own assemblies. You can add custom parts and assemblies.
I subscribed to the monthly updates for a few years, when wire prices changed 2-3 times a day. I have since stopped the updates.
Program works fine.

 

[Bill Ruffner]

I talked to Thom over at TurboBid. It is quite a neat program as well. Quite a nice price for that. Strictly residential though.

Hi Frank...... I mean Greg. :grin: Since the subject was brought up, I thought I should let you know of a new development.

TurboBid has been revised to make estimating commercial projects a breeze!

To illustrate the new commercial capabilities, we have included a sample commercial project in the new database. The sample project is based on a blueprint found in Mike Holt?s Illustrated Guide to Electrical Estimating book. The sample estimate consists of a 2 story commercial building with a basement. Within the building is a bakery, drug store, beauty salon, doctor?s office and an insurance agency. The common area includes a boiler room, service equipment room, common hallways, rooftop cooling systems, switch gear, etc.

What makes TurboBid really good for estimating this type of commercial work is it?s unique ability to break up the project into separate models (Bakery, drug store, etc.) as well as separate rooms or locations (Pharmacy, Merchandise Area, Boiler Room, Restrooms, Common Areas, etc.).

It?s also faster and easier using TurboBid?s extensive database of assemblies rather than having to complete a take-off using all individual parts. However, in addition to using assemblies, you can still add individual items to the take-off.

TurboBid?s database has been revised to include thousands of new commercial assemblies. Following are some of the new assembly categories that have been added:

? A complete line of MC assemblies.
? 3 Phase distribution assemblies. (Meters, panels, disconnects, breakers, 250V Circuits, etc.)
? Expanded 1 Phase distribution assemblies.
? Switch Gear Quotes
? Emergency and Exit Lights.
? High Bay Fixtures, Lay-in Fixtures, Wall Packs, Sign Outlets, etc.
? Heat Pumps, Cooling Systems, Sump Pumps, Water Heaters, etc.
? Etc??.

 

[tkb]

This might get deleted but, I have a copy of Conest that I don't use and would sell it for a good price and transfer the license through Conest.
This is approved by Conest and would be a legal transfer.

PM me if interested.