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QUEST ESTIMATING SOFTWARE AUTHORITATIVE REVIEW

Database features: 9 The Quest database is the strongest feature of this software, in my opinion. I think this way because working in the database becomes more of an integral part of the estimating process than with other systems that I have used, including Sage Timberline and MC2.

Takeoff features: 8 out of 10 The online take-off system is well integrated with the estimate process. While this software lacks the ability to organize the take-off by WBS, or work breakdown structure, it does give the option to sort the take-off in a note-pad. In a nutshell, the software is functional in this regard without all the bells and whistles.

Assemblies features: 8 The assemblies are another strong feature in Quest estimating software, as they provide the framework to simplify a complex process. One negative aspect is the inability to organize the line items within the assembly by WBS, as this makes the process somewhat cumbersome and sets the stage for errors.

Bid Analysis features: N/A The system does not have a so-called bid analysis feature; however, it does give the option to add alternates to the estimate.

Sorting/Organizing features: 8 The sorting/organizing abilities are another strong feature. The software gives the option to add 20 sort codes -- probably more than you would ever need.

Spreadsheet features: 6 The spreadsheet feature serves its purpose. However, it is better to use the global update feature for mass editing.

Reporting features: 6 The reports are limited to the built-in reports and they are not customizable. This limits your ability to see the information the way you may be used to or would like to see it.

Price/value: 6 Quest Estimator is not cheap, and for the price you would expect it to be one of the best estimating systems out there. It does have that potential but has a way to go in my opinion.

Networking features: 10 The networking features allow multiple users to share the same file and database.

Project Management Interface: 9 There is a project management interface; however, we do not own the Maxwell project management system and therefore do not know how effective it is. Although we do own construction scheduling software, and the system does give the option to export to Primavera SureTrak and Microsoft Project management software, we have not used this option yet.

Accounting Interface: 9 There is an interface with the Maxwell accounting system, as well as with Sage Timberline Accounting and QuickBooks software. However, we have not used this option.

User documentation: 8 The system did not come with a manual and lacks instruction on some topics relating to use of the software.

Customer support: 8 The customer support is good; however, there is usually a wait time.

 
How are you using this product?
 
Why did you pick this product?
 
Was this product compatible with the software programs you were already using?
 
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)?
 
Before you bought this product, were you using a different one to do the same job? If so, what tool were you using?
 
How many people are using this software?
 
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?
 
 
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?
 

How are you using this product?
We use Quest estimating software to assist with preparing our final bid estimate. Typically we take-off and price all items of work with the software; however we export the information into our excel bid-day estimate report. We use the software to prepare budget estimate reports but not competitive estimate reports.

Why did you pick this product?
When I was hired, the company already had one license in use, and it was my decision to purchase an additional license or select another estimating solution. I chose to purchase an additional Quest license because it appeared to have all the functions of successful estimating software, and because there was already an estimator that was trained in the system.

Was this product compatible with the software programs you were already using?
Yes, Quest is compatible with other systems that I am using in some respects, including Primavera SureTrak, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Excel, Sage Timberline Accounting and Database ASCII, to name a few.

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)?
I looked at the other systems; however, it was the database and perceived ease of use that influenced me to purchase Quest estimating software.

Before you bought this product, were you using a different one to do the same job? If so, what tool were you using?
I was using Timberline and MC2 at previous companies that I worked for; however, in my current position I was only using Microsoft Excel.

How many people are using this software?
There are a total of two users, a junior estimator and myself.

Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed?
I think the biggest thing that has changed is more interaction with the cost data and the database. Some other systems are more complex and time consuming when it comes to updating the database. However, Quest makes updating the database an integral part of the estimating process.

Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?
Quest has helped out on concrete estimates using the built-in assemblies. The assemblies make concrete estimating a much easier and faster process. (Assemblies are groups of items that can be added to an estimate all at once.)

Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this tool?
I would say on average that I have been 20% to 30% more efficient using the system.

What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?
I think the database, estimate and take-off, and Excel interface are the most applicable features for the nature of our business. The software does give more options; however, we have not fully explored these.

Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?
Yes, especially since we had no other products used for cost estimating. Having used and updated the program for more than four years, it has easily paid for itself

What would you change about the product if you could?
To start, I would improve the reporting and the spreadsheet functionality. And once that was done, I would work on the assemblies and organizing abilities.

Are there features that you don't use? Why not?
We use all features of the software that relate to the estimating process. We have not interfaced with scheduling, accounting, and project management solutions. There seems to be a lot of potential here.

How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?
The younger generation could pick it up and run with it. Other than that, I would say you need basic computer experience.

When the next version of this software comes out, will you upgrade to it?
A new version of the software has just been released. The maintenance agreement provides free upgrades.