5 replies to this topic

[MICHAEL WARE]

Hello,

 

I work for a lumber yard and for several years have been using Softlist as my primary tool for generating estimates. We are looking for help with the increasing number of estimates and thought this would be a great place to start. Last year I sent out well over 400 estimates and this year is looking even busier.

 

If you're interested in either employment or per diem work let me know.

 

 

Thanks for your time!

[Gary Wicklund]

Curious, do you draw every plan into softplan to generate the take off in softlist?

[MICHAEL WARE]

We have several drafts-people so the majority of my work is reviewing their models and then generating the list. We're able to export the softlist directly into our point-of -sale system so the pricing is accurate and painless for me. I also do a fair amount of outsourced drawings where I will re-create the model and run it through. 

[Philip Frank]

What do you use for your point of sale software?

[Myron Edwards]

I started out years ago using Softlist as my primary estimating system. I found that recreating every set of plans that comes in the door takes time. It certainly was a great way to become proficient in Softplan, but keeping up with cost changes and concerns over the accuracy of drawings for proper reporting became too much and quite frankly was not a good approach to a sound estimating system for me.

 

I elected to move on to a stand alone estimating system that I could develop specifically for my estimating and reporting needs. I can say with confidence that I have no regrets however, I have always been intrigued with the idea of having my building plans automatically generate accurate estimates. Now that I have a sound stand alone estimating system in place, I am once again applying my attention to developing my Softlist estimates and reports. It has proven to be a great way to double check take off quantities. I have yet to update lumber and material costs in Softlist but will do so when I give up my stand alone system and depend solely on Softlist for my reporting. 

 

P.S......When I eventually retire both Softplan and Softlist go with me! 

[David Zawadzki]

Has anyone used the Softlist Mode to create a takeoff?