Automated enterprise estimation
4/5 (51 reviews)I invested into my estimating toolbox and acquired my Estimating License in 1996. I have been a Sage Estimating Customer ever since. Being a single user puts into perspective the support service experience as I always felt that my business was the only business that mattered.
Pros
Having worked with much of the competitions to Sage Estimating software while working for General Contractors it has been easy to compare features and functionality. With a solid Audit Trail it is easy to review a projects work flow. Estimate reports are virtually unlimited in terms of formatting capabilities. Attaching takeoff graphics as well enhances the deliverable documents combining the Work Breakdown Structure it is very easy to communicate the scope of work to the client especially when they are not construction conversant. Support services are top of class as the platform the software is operated on has improved support services are required less and less.
Cons
There really is nothing negative that I can consider.
Pros
There are many construction estimating software packages on the market, but none is better at breaking down an estimate in all the ways that are needed. Sage Estimating can handle multi-building estimates, multiple work breakdown structures, and any other bid breakdowns that are needed. For us, most bids require some sort of cost breakdown, but rarely is it completely the same from estimate to estimate. Sage Estimating handles all these variables with ease.
Also, the ability to handle variable cost add-ons at the estimate "totals page" is a huge plus. Cost add-ons such as overtime hours or material cost escalations can be added via the database or on a estimate-by-estimate basis. When it comes to providing breakdowns to our GC clients, any cost add-ons can be spread throughout all or a few of the estimate items. This is a great feature.
Sage has been a very good vendor. The support they've provided over many years has been great and they've done a great job with software upgrades. The upgrades, adding new features and feature enhancements have kept Sage Estimating at the head of the construction estimating pack.
Cons
I've used Sage (and previously Timberline) for nearly 20 years, and the only consistent gripe I have is that installation of the program is tedious and has always required the help of an IT expert.
This is probably the most flexible estimating software available today. Always a leader in the industry, Sage Estimating can fit the bill for entry level, single user needs and expand to an unlimited number of users. The estimating system can tie into one of the best accounting packages, as well.
Pros
Totally flexible - can be used by virtually any trade as well as GC. From basic estimating needs to a complex reporting system, this software can do it.
Cons
Takes time to set-up properly. The software is ready to go out of the box, but to fine tune to make it "hum" takes more than just starting it up.
Accurate estimates and diverse reports
Pros
The power of Sages' Smart Assemblies is the best feature along with the results being displayed in a full spreadsheet format that can be changed in real time. The ability to slice and dice your estimate data is extremely powerful along with their use of WBS codes.
Cons
The tech support has been a bit of a struggle but thank goodness for qualified consultants and Business Partners that can act as your first line of support.
Pros
The more data the user puts in, the more streamlined of a machine this tool can become for your company. I have to say the formulaic calculations are also very helpful especially when it comes to breaking out specific trade items in a proposal.
Cons
The updates process. I wish the install and update deployment was easier for the end user - especially for users migrating to a different machine. The UI could be also be "modernized", but when you look at the functional aspects of this products, as there many, it just performs well compared to other estimating tools on the market.
Pros
They are always developing the product and always on the cutting edge of technology. Around 2000, they had a product called the CAD Integrator; it was BIM before anyone understood what BIM was. They do not try to do everything (anymore). Instead of being decent at everything, they set the focus on the estimating product to make it great. Then they create partnerships with other dedicated software products that are also determined to make their piece of the pie the best. It allows for an integrated product that is the best of all worlds. The product is very easy to use and customizable to the user.
Cons
I would like it to have a better proposal output. However, most people I talk to say that it's not a big deal for them because every owner wants a proposal on their form.
Pros
This program lets us keep track of all of our estimates, bids, and other information in one fairly easy to use place that our whole team can access it. It has some great interactive tools to help build and share your estimates with clients, contractors, suppliers, and others.
Cons
The customer service on this product is the one thing that I absolutely have to mention. We have had some issues come up in the past and it seems that getting in touch with the right person can be a chore in and of itself. Once you do get through to that person you have to hope that they understand your problem well enough to assist you. I hope it's only us who have experienced issues with this, but I would not be honest if I didn't mention it here.
Overall Its great software when set up.
Pros
for several years I thought that Excel is the best of estimating but when I learn about Sage, things are getting more better estimating can handle multi building estimates. Sage is continuously developing its software it has upgrade of what is best for making it better .
Cons
when Upgrading sage I need the help of IT Expert to do it for me , It takes time setting it up so workers like me needs help of more experienced or encounter this kind of issues.
Sage estimating software allows companies and their individual users to literally make exactly the database that perfectly fits their needs. The only limitation is their ability to create tables, variables and formulas that will create the outcomes that they desire.
Pros
Total control, flexibility, and no "canned" locked in formating. Adding, changing and maneuvering existing data is made easy with "Database Manager".
Cons
The biggest con is the cost per user and the maintenance fee. Smaller companies can manage these cost with two or three estimators but larger world users such as cost consulting firms with large numbers of users find the initial investment and sustainability are over the top.
Pros
Sage (Timberline) has been used for building industry primarily. You can use the advantage of their database or set up your own one based on the industry and market you are involved in. I recommend the software for Mid to Large Size building projects including residential or ICI.
Cons
The software is not user-friendly for heavy-civil or infrastructure projects as the functionality of crew cost method is not as easy as other heavy civil software.
Pros
I know that the spreadsheet adds up correctly. This is key when it comes to bidding work. We have built our own databases, and use them quite a bit for concrete, masonry, and drywall.
Cons
Upgrades with pervasive can be cumbersome. It would be useful if the download was something that could be pushed down to users. Granted right now I am behind on my upgrades because our IT department does not like to deal with the upgrades.
As an estimator, I use Timberline to estimate projects with value of $1M+. The platform is very user friendly. I can perform quick takeoff or more detailed item takeoff with just a click of a mouse. The autosave mode ensures that my work is saved every five minutes minimizing the risk of losing the data. The extended version of the software came with a sample database that we customized for the needs of our company. The reports function is absolutely amazing as it allows me to send the estimates to customers, project managers, superintendents, and fellow estimators for cross checking by just selecting the items that they want to see. It saves me plenty of time! I would highly recommend Sage Estimating (Timberline) to companies that are looking for an efficient estimating tool.
Pros
User friendly
Data autosave
Customizable reports
Pros
Great database options for General Contractors that allows for more complex and complete estimates.
Cons
Due to the layout of the software it is hard to use Sage for hard bid jobs and incorporating alternates.
Pros
Assemblies. This has been the most efficient part of the software for us. Keeping track of markups and material costs are helpful.
Cons
Database organization and lack of save/undo features. If I update a material price, will that effect everyone else? It is still very confusing. The integration with CRE300 is pretty sad (Address Book and Export/Import). An undo button would really be helpful.
Pros
This estimating program can do anything you want it to. It has the ability to be molded into however you want it to work for you.
Cons
Because it is so flexible it is also a little clunky. Quick takeoffs and estimates can be difficult. This feels like it is set up for the commercial realm of construction, in fact, I don't know many in residential construction that use this program.
Overall, a nice addition for your Estimating team.
Pros
We used this product for our estimators in my last Commercial Construction company. Works well with Sage 300 CRE. Allows you to set certain standard prices like labor rates. Calculate burden, buys, etc.
Cons
A little on the pricey side but that's about it. Many good features like importing into your Sage Project Management software.
Pros
This product automatically saves after every key stroke, and the built-in formula's never make a mistake.
Cons
This software is often very slow to respond (drag and fill commands can take several minutes to complete, and trying to insert rows into an estimate can be tricky). There is also no quick or easy undo button in case the wrong command or key is pressed.
Pros
I love sage products best they represent the best of breed. New features are always being developed and the ease of use is excellent especially in construction is important. Service is amazing as well
Cons
I am not a fan of the license manager. They need to develop another way of licensing machines.
Pros
I like all the functions of this dinosaur. The software still uses fox pro old arcane DOS language.
Cons
I dislike the amount of money they want yearly. I hate their amount of money I have to spend every year to maintain this software with limited tech support.
Pros
it is very detail oriented which gives you good tracking and reporting
Cons
not user friendly you have to use the list very often to accommodate data
. almost impossible to create reports unless you are an expert in all the codes.
Pros
A stable, robust, customizable, construction estimating software
Cons
The initial setup can be complicated. The databases available at the time of purchase were not of much help for my specific use
Pros
I like that it has more options for reports, forms, and queries than QuickBooks. Also, the program links between different areas of accounting and production, like work orders to invoicing and purchase orders. It performs well with Job Costing as well. I also like the functionality and organization that Sage Contractor provides.
Cons
The customer support is too expensive for the limited support we are granted. We pay for an outside consultant as well, who assists us more with the program than the customer support we sometimes get. It is also very expensive to add users, especially as a smaller business that does a lot of volume.
Pros
Customer support is the most extensive I have ever seen, and they were extremely patient with me. The product is extremely powerful and almost intimidating at first, but the help folks knew their job well, and got me up and running. I am able to produce project estimates for planning on campus renovation projects large and small.
Cons
The help system is extensive so you get forwarded around a bit, but I did get to the people I needed to get to, it just took a little time.
Pros
That most estimators are familiar with the program and it is easy to use. It really helps that it is so widely used that even if your company is new to it one of your employees is most likely experienced in it.
Cons
It's just like any other program. They all have their limitations and you have to review multiple products to make sure it meets your needs.
Why choose Timberline estimating over Excel or the Big Chief notepad?
1. Integration, Integration, Integration
a. Dynamic link to Onscreen takeoff tools (I can be in the estimate quantity field and jump to the plans, measure the quantity while color coding it using the mouse, and it inserts the quantity in the estimate).
b. Quotation/Procurement - one of the most important add-ons. Allows the user to create quote sheets from takeoff items, email them to vendors, negotiate prices, then choose to use that quote in the estimate budget or push it through to a purchase order or subcontract. Remarkably powerful integration tool, plus you develop a bid history library.
c. CAD - beyond onscreen takeoff (which is only an image of the drawing where you still measure quantities). CAD integration uses CAD item libraries to electronically feed CAD driven quantities from the drawings (but you still have to "estimate" the work to be performed). CAD primarily provides the material components and quantities.
d. Scheduling Integration - the ability to generate a text file recap of the estimate sorted by a schedule activity, or export the recap to a Microsoft Project Schedule native file format, or to create a Primavera native file format. NOTE - it is not a scheduling program; it is a utility to convert the estimate to specific data file format used by specific scheduling software products.
2. Reduction in errors.
a. Database formulas work every time and warn you when something is missing. Excel can break formula links, fields, worksheet links, and references and become too complex to manage and generate a wrong calculation with no warning.
b. Database estimates can be sorted in almost unlimited ways using "WBS codes" (work breakdown structures). This is a fancy name for tagging an item with a sortable field such as material class, building number, floor number, alternate, and then sorting the estimate by those tags in a multiple level sequence - on the fly. Very important with so many cuts and adds taking place in today's estimating processes. It also quickly generates field-oriented docs (bill of materials; by floor, by area, etc.), Budgets - sort by job cost summary instantly, etc.
c. Cuts and Adds are a given in today's fast paced estimate environment, recalling a scope section and revising it repeatedly is a reality. This is the most common cause of estimating errors when bidding. Having an audit trail of changes and to quickly make a revision to all components by answering simple questions is very powerful (see smart assemblies and Modeling as well).
d. Parametric estimates - increase the production of an estimator without increased rework or errors. Answer a set of parametric scope questions and the assembly generates all detail components for the estimator. Eliminates errors, reduces rework, ends the "takeoff for a bid - then takeoff again to build it" issue.
3. Database standards
a. A standard item library for everyone in the company to use creating ease of assimilating new estimators, improving cross training of roles, having common logic that can be reviewed easily to see how the result was generated. How many times has an excel estimate template morphed into multiple complicated versions within a company? Not with a database central price book and takeoff system.
b. Flexibility - allows the estimating "artist" to be flexible with their style of results. The assemblies will allow scope questions to be used differently by each estimator (one wants unit price, another wants man-hours, another wants total Square Footage). They can get all of that with a single common system setup.
c. Pricing - many cost pricing service products integrate and can be combined with a company's own in-house price components. Run into that goofy system you have no idea what it costs - look it up in the pricing service system (and by regional pricing in the market). Have your own factors - apply them to the pricing.
There are many other reasons to consider a database driven integrated estimating system. The above are just a few that show why excel or paper are outdated for today's fast paced estimating demands. It is not just the takeoff - it is all the other integration of "clerical / admin" grunt work stuff that an integrated solution improves within an organization.
Four stars - there is no PERFECT system... but no others come close to this overall solution.