MAXWELL SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS REVIEW
REVIEW SUMMARY |
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"The initial investment paid for itself on the first bid."
Ten years ago GCM bought Quest (now Maxwell-Quest) Estimating software at a cost of about $10,000. The cost was more than justified.
Quest was chosen mainly for its ease of use, as competitor's products appeared to have a much steeper learning curve. Over the years, the best features have proven to be "easy accurate takeoff, integration to Viewpoint accounting, as well as a very dynamic spreadsheet and cost database."
The estimating software has had significant impact on efficiency and growth for GCM Contracting. "We can estimate five times faster and more accurately. Also, as a group we can communicate more efficiently on estimates." As a result, the company has been able to grow dramatically, "from a rental garage and five employees, to $60 million and 100 employees."
GCM would like to see more attention to revision, comparison reporting and reporting capabilities; also, "the alternate page is weak and not very user friendly." Overall, however, these shortcomings would not prevent GCM from recommending Maxwell-Quest estimating software to "anyone who wants to become more efficient in their estimating department," but suggests that users have at least one year of computer experience.
As for training, "the Maxwell-Quest estimating course is three days, and was more than enough to get acclimated to the system. After 90 days of daily use, one can become very good." And while "the user documentation and manual are helpful, but not extraordinary, the support staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and quickly responded to our calls. If they did not have the answer, the support reps found someone who could answer our questions."
At GCM, it is "company policy is to upgrade a year after a major release of any software product," so they will continue to follow any new releases or upgrades.
Overall, GCM rated Maxwell-Quest Estimator an 8 out of 10, as it has clearly provided good value for the money.
USER PROFILE |
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| Company: | GCM Contracting Solutions, Inc |
| Location: | Fort, Myers FL |
| Website: | http://www.4tiltup.com |
| Type of business: | General contracting/Design Build |
| Business size | $60 Million annually |
| Experience: | 10 years |
| Software tools used: | Maxwell-Quest Estimator, Archicad 10, Viewpoint Accounting |
| Tool & Version | Maxwell-Quest Estimator 7 |
REVIEW DETAILS |
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What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?
How long have you been using this tool?
Where did you obtain it?
How much did you pay?
How are you using this product?
Why did you pick this product?
Did you look at other tools on the market before picking this one? What was it you didn't like about them (or made this product better)?
Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed?
Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?
Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this tool?
What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?
Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?
What would you change about the product if you could?
Are there features that you don't use? Why not?
Who would you recommend use this tool?
How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?
Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?
Have you ever called the company's support lines and asked for help? What was your experience like?
How would you rate the user documentation? Is it helpful?
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?
What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?
Commercial construction projects.
Ten years.
Where did you obtain it?Quest Estimating Solutions, Inc.
How much did you pay?$10,000, ball park.
How are you using this product?Estimating Budgets & Conceptual & Bidding.
Why did you pick this product?Ease of use.
Did you look at other tools on the market before picking this one? What was it you didn't like about them (or made this product better)?Yes. The other estimating software products had an overburdening learning curve.
Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed?We can estimate five times faster and more accurately, also as a group communicate more efficiently on estimates.
Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?During design build projects where requirements change daily during the design phase Estimator has the tools to get the job done quickly.
Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this tool?From a rental garage and five employees to $60 million and 100 employees.
What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?Easy accurate takeoff. Integration to Viewpoint accounting. Very dynamic spreadsheet and cost database.
Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?The initial investment in Maxwell-Quest estimating software paid for itself on the first bid.
What would you change about the product if you could?More attention to revision and/or comparison reporting. More custom reporting capabilities.
Are there features that you don't use? Why not?The Alternate page is weak and not very user friendly.
Who would you recommend use this tool?Anyone who wants to become more efficient in its estimating department should use Maxwell-Quest estimating software.
How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?
One year of computer experience.
Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?
The Maxwell/Quest estimating course is three days and was more then enough to get acclimated to the system, after 90 days of daily use one can become very good.
The support staff is very knowledgeable and friendly and quickly responded to my calls for support. If they did not have the answer, the support reps found someone who could answer my questions.
How would you rate the user documentation? Is it helpful?
The user documentation and manual are helpful but not extraordinary.
Company policy is to upgrade a year after a major release of any software product on the market, including Microsoft products, unless there is an over compelling feature that excites us.
Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool?
8