Build it in CSI and report in Materformat - no problem. With an unlimited number of templates I can start pre-loaded, or build an estimate any way I want to from scratch. I can even write scripted assemblies that ask the questions I want asked to develop the cost. Or I can create a template for a particular kind of job (residential, strip mall, offices, etc) with the costs and assemblies already in it. I have the ability to have an unlimited number of cost libraries, with assemblies and/or unit prices, to store info in. I might want to takeoff footings by lf, or by surface area of the forms, or by sf, but I want my assemblies to figure the labor and material and produce quantity material lists in the unit that I'm going to purchase (or price) something in, CY for conc for instance, or tons of rebar. I've used Means and BNI for years but only for production rates for things that are new to me (there are still a few). How about changing the take off in Planswift, clicking a button and have your estimate updated with the new quantity? But here's the rub: how do you keep a revision history that tracks the changes? A new excel sheet every time? That sucks. It has a fine overlay feature that lets you quickly adjust the takeoff for changes. I've used Planswift for a long time - 14 years - and think it is the best 2D takeoff available. The only thing missing are the quantities. IMHO, an estimating system should have everything you need in it already - material costs, labor rates, production rates, assemblies, markup and OH, reports, templates, etc. (full disclosure: I handled support for them in the US for a couple of years - and now work for Estimating America) I have been estimating in Chicago for 40 years, both GC and sub, founded the Chicago chapter of ASPE and have used a Danish system for the last 8 years, Sigma Estimates. Hate to be this guy, I have done research to my hearts content but I want some user feedback. Not sure what else handles labour hours, change orders, site communication, and live cost tracking better. What do you guys do for Job costing and cost tracking? It feels like there are no complete solutions. What has the best reports? What exports the cleanest? What is best for constructing a bid? is Quick Bid better then Stack? is there a better option? So my questions include:īest for takeoffs? Can most of them overlay drawings to identify changes? What system has good assemblies? I have spent many hours looking around for the right solution. Review websites are clearly paid, as are google searches, Please keep in mind we are concrete, there are nearly no trade specific programs (that I can find anyway). I have looks at Stack, OST, Plan swift (which apparently was bought by OST?) But I feel like there is a golden ticket missing. Looking for user friendly with assemblies. We tried ProEst a few years ago, but just too much to deal with. We currently use paper drawings and excel to estimate and it is time consuming and frustrating, change orders can take hours.