Review Summary:
Takeoff and estimating software can be an invaluable tool for anyone in the construction industry, which is why companies like Carr Consulting Services are using PlanSwift.
Stephen Carr, president and owner of Carr Consulting, said his firm has been using PlanSwift to display and manipulate plans in its online electrical estimating course. Over time, the firm has come to use PlanSwift for onscreen takeoffs instead of using paper, said Carr.
Carr reviewed three takeoff software packages before choosing PlanSwift, which was superior, he said in "interface, graphics, takeoff tools, plan scrolling and zooming, creation and manipulation of takeoff items, flexibility and price.”
The biggest standout though, is how PlanSwift compares to using paper plans, said Carr. “Paper plans have many downsides, including the cost of reprographics, handling, shipping costs, storage and paper cuts,” he said. “Receiving plans as digital files eliminates all the above. It also makes it easier for a sub-contractor to obtain the complete plan set, instead of receiving only plans for their division.”
Abandoning paper for PlanSwift software has also helped save Carr Consulting time and money. “I would estimate that we save 10% to 15% in our total estimating time, since we do not have to handle and store paper documents. I am also beginning to see time savings in take-off as we become more proficient with the program," said Carr.
Carr also said it takes minimal computer experience to use PlanSwift. While user documentation is definitely a weakness, he said superior customer services through the phone support lines more than makes up for this.
How long have you been using this tool?:
I have been using PlanSwift since November 2007.
What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?:
Large residential, commercial, institutional and industrial. We specialize in complex projects, including water and wastewater facilities.
Where did you obtain it?:
How are you using this product?:
We use it two ways. It was originally purchased to display and manipulate plans in our online electrical estimating course. While putting on the courses, I came to prefer doing takeoffs on screen as opposed to on paper.
Was this product compatible with the software programs you were already using?:
This question is not really applicable in our office. However, the program was compatible with our methods.
Did you look at other tools on the market before picking this one?:
I reviewed and demoed several products, which I found using Internet searches. Then I thoroughly reviewed three packages. PlanSwift was superior in the following areas: Interface, graphics, takeoff tools, plan scrolling and zooming (very important), creation and manipulation of takeoff items, flexibility and price.
Before you bought this product, were you using a different one to do the same job? :
No. However, we had been reviewing this type of software annually for three years, with plans to adopt on screen takeoff as soon as (in our opinion) the software became viable for electrical estimating.
How many people are using this software? :
As we are an electrical estimating company, only electrical estimators use it.
Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed? :
Paper plans have many downsides, including the cost of reprographics, handling, shipping costs, storage and paper cuts. Receiving plans as digital files eliminates all the above. It also makes it easier for a subcontractor to obtain a complete plan set, instead of receiving only plans for his division.
Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?:
One of the major impacts is accuracy of scale. Many of the paper documents we have been receiving are not true to scale. The printing and copying processes distort the dimensions of the plans. PlanSwift makes it quite simple to set an accurate scale. All you need is one known dimension for each plan sheet. Another major impact is handling and storage. You cannot imagine how happy I am in not having to deal with plan sets that show up on a forklift.
Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this tool?:
It varies by the size and type of project. I would estimate that we save 10% to 15% in our total estimating time, since we do not have to handle and store paper documents. I am also beginning to see time savings in takeoff as we become more proficient with the program.
What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?:
The interface and the handling of the takeoff.
Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?:
What would you change about the product if you could?:
The only significant feature missing is a dedicated highlighter tool. There is, however, an easy work around that I have been using. In response to requests, highlighters are being developed for inclusion in the next release.
Are there features that you don't use?:
Yes. There is a statistic that clams must people only use about 20% of the features in any major software package. Products such as Microsoft Word and Excel include such an extensive feature list. A single person would never need to use them all. PlanSwift is the same. It has features for all construction trades. For instance, as an electrical estimator, I do not need tools to calculate joists and beams.
How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?:
A familiarity with Windows and estimating for the specific industry is needed. You do not need to be an advanced computer user.
Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?:
I had no training. I was able to learn this takeoff software by use and a few calls to tech support.
Have you ever called the company's support lines and asked for help?:
Yes. They have always been able to answer my question or show me how to accomplish my goal. They are also available with very little waiting, often answering the phone with no hold time.
How would you rate the user documentation? :
This may be the one weak area for PlanSwift. However, the superior nature of their tech support more than compensates for this problem.
When the next version of this software comes out, will you upgrade to it?:
Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool?:
