GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel vs. InEight

Specific scenarios where GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is well suited include:

• Small to medium sized contractor who typically works on small to medium sized projects with limited complexity
• Contractors who value low prices over full functionality (this software application is very affordably priced)
• A new contractor or new contracting accounting / finance professional who would appreciate the specific limitations imposed by the software

Specific scenarios where GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is not well suited include:

• Larger contractors who think about and price projects in line with typical commercial design and construction
• Residential projects (the software is much better suited for commercial lease buildouts, for instance)
• A contractor whose finance department already uses full-suite accounting software

Incentivized

InEight is our go-to SaaS solution for estimation and project management. It is a critical part of our revenue generation cycle. InEight has provided us with extensive insight into the estimation process and seamlessly integrated with our project management software. Moreover, we use InEight daily, the software is a powerhouse of information and the more you add to the database the more powerful the tool becomes.

Incentivized

• Convenient estimating
• Streamlines the price quotation process
• Standard cost application
• Overhead calculation and pplication

Incentivized

• Tagging segments of work.
• User defined views and descriptions for all screens.
• Customizable ribbons to provide an efficient use of the software.
• Multiple layers/dependents to allow for an extreme drill down of the work and the ability to roll up to a more useful level for upper management review.
• You can bid the work as you would build it, in detail.

Incentivized

• Only CSI construction cost database data
• Only works with Microsoft Office (Excel)
• The online help system has limited functionality

Incentivized

• We do not use the search engine since it was last modified. It is no longer user friendly.
• We used to like the way we could change the position of line items. The function has been changed to where it is not user friendly anymore.
• The "Save" and "Delete" options are right next to each other. I have been after Ineight to change these for a long time but they have not.

Incentivized

Some features with InEight's TeamBinder are worthy of single use, however the review feature and subsequent revision and version numbering could be improved. We will be aiming to roll out the package to encompass our internal documentation in the near future and will be in a better position to judge the usability after that point in time.

Incentivized

I would give it an 8 out of 10 because the software can be a bit cumbersome to new users. It also takes a long time to set up the library and input all of your companies needs so that the software will provide the level of service required to estimate projects. However, once the software is set up it is a powerful tool. We only use a portion of what the software is capable of delivering

Incentivized

Every time I have contacted support, they have gotten back to [me] quickly and with a few solutions. I like that they seem to be US-based, so there is no language barrier when I try to communicate my problem. For the few times, they did not have a solution ready, they told me they would respond later after further research, and they actually followed up! Better than most support I have used in the past with other software.

Incentivized

Since the original inception, I have been required to overhaul the system so that it is more user friendly and combines both aspects of our business, documentation and drawings. Being able to control revision and version numbering has been a key struggle that only staff training has been able to mark this as complete.

Incentivized

GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is cheaper, easier to use, more streamlined and is easily installed and up and running. The flip side to the ease of use is the limited functionality, somewhat outdated cost bucketing profile and general lack of sophistication. The add-in also does not talk with full suite accounting software which requires additional reconciliations if used within a large organization.

Incentivized

1. Allows you to save all file types to a document, easily identify which formats you do and don’t have and manage which formats you issue.


2. Great bulk functionality. Manage multiple projects and large volume of documentation easily with less staff.

Incentivized

We do not use the entire suite of InEight products. We use InEight Estimate and Control. These tools are vital to our company growth, management, and interactions with clients. The wealth of information and access to reports, scheduling, costing, forecasting and budgeting has been a game changer. We are thrilled with the features of control and estimate. We honestly don't utilize the software to its full potential.

Incentivized

• Allows us to quickly bid on small projects
• Allows us to pay less for accounting / finance professionals
• Allows us to standardize our cost structure

Incentivized

• More detailed estimates for projects and alternative deliver partners.
• Able to reduce estimating time entry time on projects with assemblies allowing for more review of plans and specifications.
• Excellent tool for remote estimates allowing for more involvement from field construction personnel.

Incentivized