On-Screen Takeoff is a dedicated program for quantity takeoffs. While other programs have similar capabilities, On-Screen Takeoff is by far the most user-friendly and easiest to integrate with other tools. Being able to copy and paste directly into Excel is a huge boon for our …
I have only used On-Screen Takeoff. I have not had the opportunity or desire to use a different product. We also use their sister software called Quick Bid, so we are locked in with the On Center Suite.
Being able to train individuals in a single afternoon on the program and trusting them to get you something usable as soon as possible is quite invaluable. It is also something that I feel is unique to this program. It is just easier.
I think that the simplicity and set up of On-Screen Takeoff makes this an overall better software than Bluebeam or Navisworks. Both of which can be used to create good takeoffs but they are limited in ways that on screen is not so it is a much more versatile take off tool. I …
On-Screen Takeoff is very easy to learn and very effective at getting the quantities desired. You can set the scale, create groups, layers, typical groups and so much more. It can also be used to produce visual aids for communicating information to individuals that might not be …
I used OST at my previous job. Did a trial with PlanSwift prior to purchasing OST at my new job. Even though they were basically the same, I liked OST much more because I was more familiar with it.
OST simply is a more robust product at the moment. Bluebeam is fine for a simple, quick takeoff but requires a vast amount of effort to layer, perform the calculations you need and (most importantly) secure your takeoff. Bluebeam may head for there in the future, but for right …
OST is still the most efficient and quick way of doing 2D takeoff. The software mentioned above all have their positives and negatives and they all have things which are far superior to OST. But OST really takes the cake when it comes to usability and a simple and useful …
Bluebeam has measuring / take-off capabilities, but it isn't as powerful as On-Screen. Bluebeam is a better version of Adobe that has additional features similar to On-Screen.
I think most of the reasoning was just provided on the previous pros and cons questions. On-Screen Takeoff (OST) is well suited for doing either quick takeoffs or getting into an elaborate, detailed takeoff. All though the viewing tools are quick and easy, I would still very much prefer using BlueBeam for looking through an overall set of drawings. With all of the hyperlink and bookmark functions of BlueBeam, OST doesn't compare and I rarely use OST unless I'm actually doing a takeoff.
The biggest thing for me is that it is so easy to use, which allows it to be used widely throughout our organization without a lot of intense training.
Another great thing is that it does not matter how big or little the scope of the take off may be, it works just as well for a whole 12 story building take off as it does for a stretch of sidewalk.
It provides invaluable communication, organization, and flexibility to generate a project overview both visually and by the numbers. In addition to the overview it makes getting into the project details easy and quick, so our takeoff is accurate and correct every time
On Screen Takeoff is a valuable tool for what it does. Across the board it can keep track of the critical data and corresponding values without extra legwork. While powerful, it is prone to user error, and the problem can compound quickly if not realized up front. Overall a great project tool, but not without limitations
I have had very few issues with the software which is probably the first sign that there is a good customer support team, since I am sure they are working and fixing problems for everyone when they get a report from somewhere. The few times I have had to reach out to support they have been knowledgeable and on top of helping me quickly get my issues resolved.
Implementation was as simple as setting up the program and creating databases. Everything else was already in use and this was a supplement to the final organization of the system
Being able to train individuals in a single afternoon on the program and trusting them to get you something usable as soon as possible is quite invaluable. It is also something that I feel is unique to this program. It is just easier.
The software has more than paid for itself because the company has been able to save lots of money when awarding to subs since it is easy to verify quantities to qualify their bids.
Less of a chance of under-ordering products since the visible audit trail improves accuracy. Also you spend less since you aren't ordering more than you should be.