EasyEst Estimating Reviewer's Comments

For 28 years, EasyEst Estimating software has been the host of versatile user capabilities. It has been used by general contractors, home builders, remodeling contractors, insurance and fire restoration companies. This software has also made a home in sub trades, from concrete and drywall to site work and tenant improvement.

Feature Set:  

This software has a unique technique by which it trains the user. EasyEst Estimating is part of a series of five estimating levels. Upon mastery of the first level, the knowledge gained can be applied to each successive level. Any data entered in the beginning levels will automatically be transported to each of the higher levels.

EasyEst Estimating is host to each of the standard features found in any successful estimating program. However, this software has many helpful features which are exclusive to the EasyEst program. For example, this software allows you to receive material list files from AutoCAD, DesignCad, DataCad, Chief Architect, Floor Plan Plus and any other program that will export a material list in "comma or tab-delimited" ASCII file format. The software also has a QuickBooks interface which allows you to export your estimated costs for a bid into the QuickBooks accounting system. The software offers Super Assemblies, which expand assembly possibilities by allowing you to group them into larger, related systems. Auto-scheduling is a convenient feature available in the program which allows for the entry of start and finish dates for the bid.

Another feature which is a useful addition to the EasyEst Estimating software is the Measure-Master feature which can be used with your current mouse or digitizer. This feature will measure lengths, areas and counts from plans. These measurements are then automatically transferred into any estimating, spreadsheet, job costing or database program. To perform this function, simply spread out the plans, touch the corners or trace an irregular area and then have the program place the result into your "underlying" program for quick and accurate results.

EasyEst Estimating also has one final feature that is absolutely essential to a solid estimating program. This feature is Job Cost Tracking (which many estimating programs do not support). This program allows for the tracking of costs after winning the bid. Using the Budgets part of your estimating Price Book, cost categories can be set up for quick analysis of the current price of each aspect of the job. These costs can then be compared with the original estimate.

Ease of Use:  

"Advanced" Estimating software earned a two and a half-star rating. It is quite a complicated software system due to the numerous features offered. Complete understanding of these features and their functional applications will be difficult for the part-time estimator.

However, as mentioned above, the software comes in levels based on mastery by each individual user. The most basic level of the software, EasyEst "Simplicity", is the same program used in each of the subsequent levels. The only difference between the levels is the gradual addition of more advanced features.

Ease of Installation:  

Easy to Install — No Problems

Help/Documentation:  

The help section of the software was an excellent guide to understanding and learning how to use the program. The most helpful, time-saving additions to the help section were the "How-To" movies demonstrating the correct usage of many of the screens. These movies spanned 22 different topics from backing up your data to transferring a bid from one computer to another.

Although the majority of the help section was excellent, the FAQ (frequently ask questions) section, was under par due to the fact that only 6 questions were asked and answered. However, the main topics were covered in the movies, rendering the FAQ section virtually unnecessary.

Summary:  

EasyEst Estimating is a quality program which houses all standard features in addition to unique ones developed by this individual software program. Whether your company is small or medium-sized, EasyEst offers software packages that will meet your needs. After completion of the learning phase and customization of the software, EasyEst will prove to be a time-efficient, accuracy-increasing software product.