What do you like best?
Very user friendly. More like excel than a database. Easy and quick to change input (most estimating programs require corrections to be made by taking items out and then entering them again rather than just changing them).
Training from Accubid is excellent and is a must as it will open doors to understanding the program that are not obvious. For example, unit pricing is excellent but it is unlikely you will find it on your own.
Call in Support from Accubid is also excellent. They really know what they are doing and answer your questions quickly and knowledgeably.
Power substitution is very powerful and allows end-users to more efficiently modify entered data and perform what-if scenarios.
Ability to quickly and easily copy or extract data to excel is very powerful and useful.
Interface with LiveCount (online takeoff) is also powerful and allows for linked data between PDF's and Smartbid.
What do you dislike?
Out of the box database is limited but usable. Once you understand the program well plan to spend extra time creating assemblies.
Software updates are not as user friendly as they could be.
Program requires USB key to be inserted in the computer for the program to work.
Recommendations to others considering the product:
Bottom line, great product for electrical estimating.
What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?
Reduces time to estimate projects. Allows for quick value engineering studies to be done during or after estimate completion.
