PlanSwift Software Review
User Review
StephenCarr
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.
Full Review
I have been using PlanSwift since November 2007.
Large residential, commercial, institutional and industrial. We specialize in complex projects, including water and wastewater facilities.
Online from PlanSwift.
$950.
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.
This question is not really applicable in our office. However, the program was compatible with our methods.
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.
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.
As we are an electrical estimating company, only electrical estimators use it.
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.
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.
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.
The interface and the handling of the takeoff.
Absolutely.
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.
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.
A familiarity with Windows and estimating for the specific industry is needed. You do not need to be an advanced computer user.
I had no training. I was able to learn this takeoff software by use and a few calls to tech support.
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.
This may be the one weak area for PlanSwift. However, the superior nature of their tech support more than compensates for this problem.
Absolutely.
9.5.
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