Trimble Estimation

What do you like best?

Trimble Autobid has provided a level of speed and accuracy through their On Screen View Takeoff method that I'm not sure can be matched by any other conventional system. Having over 25 years of experience and employing takeoff methods ranging from pencil and paper to Excel Spreadsheets to where I am today with Autobid(using since 2009) I can honestly say that today's Trimble Estimating system stands well in front as a leader in the industry. Trimble's On Screen View (OSV) method of takeoff (which was introduced in 2009) has stood the test of time as an extremely accurate and fast method of piping takeoff.

What do you dislike?

Although I have used Trimble's Estimating System for many years, I have never employed their Rapid Reports or Final Bid Summary Modules. That is not to say that they are not effective tools but I have never found them to provide benefit beyond my own Excel Spreadsheet Bid Summary template.

What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?

Speed, speed, speed.... Number One in my book is the speed with which you can complete a takeoff. And although the method is certainly fast, it is the copy, paste and assembly functions which allow you to push the gas pedal to the floor all the while having confidence in accuracy.

Secondly, as we all know, making changes to estimates due to Addendas, RFI responses, etc can be a significant challenge with some estimating methods out there, but not Trimble Autobid. Trimble has certainly done their homework with the folks in the industry and is listening to our needs and through that effort has made enhancements to the program that make short work of making changes to an estimate due to Addendas and RFIs - well done!