Autodesk Fabrication, based on the ESTmep+ construction and estimation software developed by Applied Software and acquired by Autodesk in 2018, allows users to Create MEP models, generate estimates, and drive fabrication. The Autodesk Fabrication line includes Fabrication ESTmep, as well as Fabrication CADmep, and Fabrication CAMduct.
$1,140
per year
QuoteSoft
Score 9.0 out of 10
N/A
Acquired by ConstructConnect from Quote Software, QuoteSoft is a construction and estimation software for mechanical, piping, plumbing, HVAC and ductwork.
1. This software best suits in the fabrication projects, because it generates the most accurate data for the fabrication of the model as compared to other softwares. 2. Due to its high end output the working on this software is a bit hard then other softwares because there is manual command for every step. 3. This softwares suits best when we need to do the routing adjustments completely manual because it does not show any errors just like other softwares.
Quotesoft again is very well suited to any estimating department. I recommend a large screen monitor, but it's far more convenient than the old quick pen table or other methods. It's been great for jobs post mortem as well, we'll go back over as builds and make sure we captured and adjust estimates or change orders. It's also great for illustrating changes, and having all be very accurate.
It uses the database for the modelling of HVAC, Plumbing and electrical services. Using the database makes the model most accurate to the real time implementation as compared to other contemporary softwares.
It treats every fabrication element separate. Hence modifying or updating the element does not hamper the other model elements.
AutoDesk fabrication is much more flexible to implement different manual routings which is not that much flexible in other softwares.
Maintaining the whole number lengths of ducts is very easy in this software. Where others struggle to do this easily.
Once you're over the learning curve, it's fantastic at getting accurate material takeoff. Because one is working off the real PDF prints of the project, it's very easy to get a good material list and takeoff.
Excellent for giving options of transitions and allowing the user to account for the actual 3rd dimension of the project by being able to click and add the sections needed to transition between floors.
The speed in which the user is able to takeoff is so much faster than traditional methods, and more accurate and easier to use than the other options on the market. Prints out great reports showing materials and hours, and lets you color code the systems while estimating so you know you aren't duplicating efforts.
Very flexible as far as how it adjusts for your desired estimate. You can identify per floor, side of the building, system, etc.
Allows for fast on the fly adjustments of sizes, materials and types of transitions with ductwork.
This software needs the central file system so that multiple people can work on a single file at the same time.
This software needs high end graphics which make it tuff to work in 3D space. If this problem can be solved then the efficiency of completing the job will improve drastically.
In this softwares we have to prepare separate sheet on every file because we have to use separate file for separate work. This hampers in maintaining the same standards of the submission interface of the sheets.
I'd prefer an 'all in one' as opposed to modules. I believe it's offered in that fashion but it was a touch more expensive. I was able to negotiate a footage takeoff tool for piping, to make it easier and more economical to our specific use, which is 95% dry side hvac estimating.
Would be great if it could be preloaded with Smacna or MCA factors for labor, and also would be great if there was a faster way to update material costs. You do need to stay on top of your material factors and make adjustments per the price of steel and other consumables. The industry has been stable lately, but if for some reason you were lax in updating labor and material factors, you could be off on the estimate. That's true of ANY software or even standard old school estimating approach.
It does require a dongle and a per seat license. The one drawback I don't care for, in a small company with tight cash flow, I do have estimators sharing the seat and scheduling takeoff around each other. Pretty standard though.
We were looking at this, as well as quick pen, and other industry standard programs like Wendes. QuoteSoft was far more versatile, user friendly and has proven to be the right choice. No specific equipment outside of a bigger monitor, ease of use, and tech support as well as the online training aspect was fantastic. Felt well supported while we rolled it out.
First positive impact is time saved. We're able with our small team to estimate..ACCURATELY far more projects, thus winning more projects.
Accuracy once we had our factors programmed is fantastic. It's tightened up our material and labor hours and made us more competitive
Definitely has had a great return on investment. Helping to land more projects out of the sheer amount of available time to bid more, as well as being more confident in material costs.