This document provides basic information about new features, enhancements, and modifications in version 14.1 of the Trimble® Accubid® Classic software. More detailed information can be found in the online help system. These Release Notes cover the following topics:
► Introduction
► New Features, Enhancements, and Modifications
- After six months of exploring the estimating software products available on the market, my company chose Trimble's Accubid. This product outshines the competition in many ways. The main ways are the fully customizable database, integrated supplier pricing module, multi user capabilities and the live update feature that transfers from takeoff to.
- Magia is an estimating software for Electrical Contractors and Electrical Estimators. To aid electrical estimating Magia provides material pricing and labor hours on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
- What is Accubid Used For? Accubid for Electrical Contractors is part of the Accubid Classic suite. This module is an estimating software for electrical systems. It has both cost estimation and digital plan takeoff. It provides stripped down project management capabilities, like document control and contract management.
Electrical Estimating 101 - Free downloads to Help the Electrical Estimator.
► Essential release information
► Update installation instructions
► Product assistance
► Legal Notices
These Release Notes describe the new features and modifications that are new in version 14.1 of the Trimble® Accubid® Classic software. For further support information, go to http://mep.trimble.com/support
What you receive with version 14.1
New/Modified features as outlined in this document
Updated online help
Electronic documentation available on the installation media and the Trimble Client Portal
Upgrade Procedure
Please refer to the Update Installation Instructions at the end of this document for information on requirements to install this update. Trimble recommends that you print these instructions to help ensure proper operation of the software application after installation.
Compatibility
Operating Systems
This version of the Trimble Accubid Classic software is compatible with Microsoft Windows® 10 and Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
Note – Windows 7 Home Edition, Windows 8.x, or Windows 10 S are not supported.
For a complete listing of System Requirements/Technical Specifications, please go to the Trimble MEP website: http://mep.trimble.com/products/estimating/trimble-accubid-classic-estimating/trimble-accubid-classic-estimating-system-requirements
Trimble Accubid LiveCount
This release of the Classic software is compatible with the Trimble Accubid LiveCount® software, release 5.2 or higher.
Trimble Time and Material Billing
Time & Material Billing provides intelligent scheduling tools for those companies with a mobile workforce.
Trimble Intuit QuickBooks
The Time & Material Billing software includes an integration with the Intuit QuickBooks® application. This integration is compatible with QuickBooks versions 2012 and later.
Tip – While the integration may work with earlier versions of the QuickBooks application, Trimble recommends that you upgrade to the most recent release to take full advantage of all features in the software applications.
General Feature Enhancements and Bug Fixes
We appreciate the feedback and are continuously improving and evolving the product to meet the needs of our customers. Various smaller improvements to features and functions that have been requested from the field have been made with this version that will further improve the user experience and customer satisfaction.
Improvements to the integration with LiveCount Cloud
Added the possibility to synchronize systems & layers within a job between Accubid Classic and LiveCount Cloud
Added the ability to update a system name in LiveCount Cloud and sync it to Accubid
Enhanced security with LiveCount Cloud requires the use of Classic 14.1.
Classic 13.3 can still be utilized with LiveCount Cloud, but contact Trimble MEP Support for a small patch in order to do so.
Know issue with the integration with LiveCount Cloud
In order to use Trimble Accubid Classic with LiveCount Cloud, users need to have Classic 14.1 installed. Jobs created in Classic 13.3 with LiveCount Cloud need to be finished in Classic 13.3. Please contact Trimble MEP Support to get help since Classic 13.3 & Classic 14.0 won't connect to LiveCount Cloud after the release of Classic 14.1 without a small patch file from Trimble MEP Support.
Accubid Classic - Estimating
Fixed an issue where users couldn't select LiveCount desktop in existing jobs after upgrading to Classic 14
Fixed an issue where the cost allocation function took longer to start
Fixed an issue in Classic 14 where creating a new job while having LCC as measuring device selected generated an unexpected error
Accubid Classic – Time & Material Billing Module
Coreavc decoder. Fixed an issue when upgrading a T&M 13.3 database to Accubid Classic 14
Fixed issue where T&M create a site called when updating from an older version
Microsoft SQL 2014 Express
This installation routine in this release of Accubid Classic version 14 software installs Microsoft SQL 2014 Express. You will be unable to attach the database packaged with this version of the software to a lower version of SQL. Migrating the database from an earlier version of SQL will continue to work; for example, if you have SQL 2008 and migrate to the current Accubid Classic T&M Billing version 14 software.
Compatible 'Update From' Versions
The Trimble Accubid Classic software can be updated directly from the any release of the following:
Version 12.x
Version 13.x
Version 14
Windows xp scanner and camera wizard missing. If the currently installed version is not in the list above, please contact MEP Client Services at 1-800-361-3030 for assistance prior to installing.
LiveCount Procedures
When you are working in the LiveCount software, you must send your work to the Classic Estimating application before resuming work on your estimate. Failure to do so results in loss of the work completed in the LiveCount software.
Product Support
If you have any questions regarding the Essential Release Information presented, please see the Product Assistance section for MEP Client Services contact information.
Sonic sms. Open Sonic SMS Sonic The Hedgehog - Master System (Fan Game Engine) Work on Game Maker Studio 1.3 or higher All code was written in GML c/c based with comments and variables in English. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 SMS Date Added: 2019-12-09 Genres: Adventure Games,Sonic Games Description: Sonic 2 SMS is the 8-bit version of Sonic The Hedgehog 2. This game is similiar to the much more popular Sega Genesis vserion but a lot has changed when it. November 29, 2020 First week of development of Sonic 3 SMS Triple Chaos! New way to play (3 characters and 3 teams at the same time) Teams: Sonic, Tails and Knuckles / Vector, Charmy and Espio / Amy, Cream and Tunnel. Still in an early stage of development, we can check the first applications on top of the predecessor Sonic 2.
This instructions below assume you have already downloaded the installation files from the Trimble Client Portal.
You must have a previous version of the Classic software on the computer where you are installing this update.
All users must be logged out of the Classic Estimating software before installing this update.
Trimble recommends that you install this update during a non-busy time or after hours to minimize disruptions in your company's workflow.
Accubid Estimating/Change Order Installation Procedures
Locate the downloaded installation file. Double-click on it. The installation routine prepares the files.
In the Trimble welcome screen, click Trimble® Accubid Classic.
In the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Trimble Accubid Classic v14 screen, click Next.
Review the information in the License Screen. Click I Accept the terms of the license agreement.
You must accept the terms of the license agreement to continue the installation.
If you wish to obtain a hard copy of the agreement, click Print. Click Next.
In the Custom Setup screen, select all options you want to install. Click the Help button for more information on selecting options. Click Next.
Select the proper option buttons in the Install Material Database/Default Jobs screen.
Country
Measurement
Tip – If you do not want to Install a new material database, clear the checkbox .
Click Next.
In the second Install Material Database/Default Jobs screen, review the conversion options available. All checkboxes are selected. Trimble recommends that you convert all jobs to the latest version. If you do not want to convert, clear the appropriate checkboxes .
Click Next.
In the Ready to Install the Program screen, click Install.
Click Finish when complete.
Depending on your conversion selections (in Step 7 above), the appropriate dialogs open.
Tip – You will be presented with a dialog for each option you chose to convert.
Accubid Estimating Conversion Dialog
Select the appropriate folders containing jobs from previous versions. If the Select Folders pane does not contain any information, click Add and you can enter the folder path or browse to the folder.
In the Convert from which version field, select the job version you are upgrading from. Click OK.
In the Convert Old Job Files dialog:
Select the checkboxes next to each job you want to convert. If you do not want to convert specific jobs, clear the checkbox.
Click Convert. When the conversion is complete, click OK in the confirmation message.
Accubid Change Order Conversion Dialog
Select the appropriate folders containing jobs from previous versions. If the Select Folders pane does not contain any information, click Add and you can enter the folder path or browse to the folder.
In the Convert from which version field, select the job version you are upgrading from. Click OK.
In the Change Order File Converter dialog:
Select the checkboxes next to the jobs/files you want to convert. If you do not want to convert specific jobs/files, clear the appropriate checkbox.
Click Convert. When the conversion is complete, click OK in the confirmation message.
Do not close the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen if you have other compatible software that requires installation. Refer to the Additional Software Installation section for more information.
Additional Software Installation
Depending on the software you currently have installed and/or are licensed to use, you may need to install additional software/databases to complete the update process.
Time & Material Billing Installation
In the Trimble welcome screen, click Trimble® Accubid Classic
Select Trimble® Time & Material Billing and click Next.
Review the information in the License screen. Click I Accept the terms of the license agreement.
You must accept the terms of the license agreement to continue the installation.
If you wish to obtain a hard copy of the agreement, click Print. Click Next.
In the Custom Setup screen, select all options you want to install. Click the Help button for more information on selecting options. Click Next.
Select the proper option buttons in the Install Material Database/Default Jobs screen.
Country
Measurement
Tip – If you do not want to Install a new material database, clear the checkbox . Keep in mind that regardless of your selection in this step, you must install the Time & Material SQL database. Refer to Time & Material Billing Databasebelow for detailed instructions.
Click Next.
In the Ready to Install the Program screen, click Install.
Click Finish when complete.
Time & Material Billing Database
If you are a new user to Time & Material Billing software, you must install a company database.
Tip – The instructions provided in this section assume you are using SQL Authentication for the Time & Material Billing database.
In the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen, click Trimble® Time & Material Billing SQL Database.
In the SQL Install dialog, the Use existing SQL Server instance is selected by default for update customers. Click to select the SQL Instance you want to use.
Enter the Login and Password for the SQL instance already installed. If you do not have this information available, contact your IT professional for assistance.
In the Authentication Type for database field, SQL Authentication is already selected.
Click Install. A confirmation message displays when complete.
LiveCount 5.2 Software
1.In the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen, click Trimble LiveCount.
2.Follow the on-screen prompts to install the update.
3.When complete, click Finish.
Trimble Integrator
To take full advantage of the features available in the Trimble Integrator, Trimble recommends you install the update included in this release.
In the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen, click Trimble Integrator. The Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Trimble Integrator screen displays. Review the information on-screen and then click Next.
Review the information in the License Agreement screen. Click I Accept the terms of the license agreement.
You must accept the terms of the license agreement to continue the installation.
If you wish to obtain a hard copy of the agreement, click Print. Click Next.
In the Destination Folder screen, click Next. Trimble recommends you install the Integrator software in the default location.
In the Ready to Install the Program screen, click Install.
When complete, click Finish.
Complete Installation Procedures
In the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen, click Exit.
Provided you followed all instructions in this document, you are now ready to use this release of the software applications.
Final Steps
Open the software using the method you normally do.
The online help system contains step-by-step instructions on using many of the features included in this release.
Trimble offers several avenues to obtain help using the Trimble Accubid Classic software program.
Accessing the Online Help
The online help is easy to use and is accessible through any of the following methods:
Press the [F1] key at any time while using the program to display help for the current screen or dialog.
Click the Help menu and then select the appropriate option from the menu. You can scan the Table of Contents, use the Index, or the Search function to find the information you are looking for.
Tip – You can also clickoron the toolbar to open the online help system.
Use the Index tab to locate key words throughout the help system.
Use the Search tab to find specific words used in the help system; for example, you might search for the word delete for instructions on deleting certain data from your system.
Trimble MEP Client Services
Before calling Client Services, we suggest you consult the online help. Many of the common procedures and questions are covered in this system.
Trimble MEP Client Services is available during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Note – The office is closed on major holidays.
North America
Toll-free Telephone1-800-361-3030
Outside North America
Telephone1-905-761-8800
Emailaccubidsupport@trimble.com
Websitemep.trimble.com
Third-Party Software Support
Trimble software may be integrated with third-party software applications (for example, accounting programs). Trimble MEP Client Services cannot provide in- depth support for third-party applications. Assistance is available only for procedures pertaining to how our software interfaces with non-Trimble applications.
Trimble Inc.
116 Inverness Drive East, Suite 210
Englewood, Colorado 80112
800-234-3758
Trimble Canada Ltd.
9131 Keele Street
Suite A7
Vaughan, Ontario L4K 0G7
Canada
Copyright and Trademarks
©1999-2017 Trimble Inc. All rights reserved. Trimble, the Globe & Triangle logo, Trimble® Accubid Classic, and LiveCount are trademarks of Trimble Inc., registered in the United States and in other countries. Microsoft, SQL Server, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose, without the written consent of Trimble Inc.
Release Notice
This is the Trimble® Accubid Classic Software Release Notes (Revision A). It pertains to the Classic 14 release of the Software.
The topics within this manual:
• Are subject to change without written notice.
• Companies, names, and data used in any examples are fictitious.
• Screenshots included in the help topics may not be exactly as in the software application.
For a complete listing of System Requirements/Technical Specifications, please go to the Trimble MEP website: http://mep.trimble.com/products/estimating/trimble-accubid-classic-estimating/trimble-accubid-classic-estimating-system-requirements
Trimble Accubid LiveCount
This release of the Classic software is compatible with the Trimble Accubid LiveCount® software, release 5.2 or higher.
Trimble Time and Material Billing
Time & Material Billing provides intelligent scheduling tools for those companies with a mobile workforce.
Trimble Intuit QuickBooks
The Time & Material Billing software includes an integration with the Intuit QuickBooks® application. This integration is compatible with QuickBooks versions 2012 and later.
Tip – While the integration may work with earlier versions of the QuickBooks application, Trimble recommends that you upgrade to the most recent release to take full advantage of all features in the software applications.
General Feature Enhancements and Bug Fixes
We appreciate the feedback and are continuously improving and evolving the product to meet the needs of our customers. Various smaller improvements to features and functions that have been requested from the field have been made with this version that will further improve the user experience and customer satisfaction.
Improvements to the integration with LiveCount Cloud
Added the possibility to synchronize systems & layers within a job between Accubid Classic and LiveCount Cloud
Added the ability to update a system name in LiveCount Cloud and sync it to Accubid
Enhanced security with LiveCount Cloud requires the use of Classic 14.1.
Classic 13.3 can still be utilized with LiveCount Cloud, but contact Trimble MEP Support for a small patch in order to do so.
Know issue with the integration with LiveCount Cloud
In order to use Trimble Accubid Classic with LiveCount Cloud, users need to have Classic 14.1 installed. Jobs created in Classic 13.3 with LiveCount Cloud need to be finished in Classic 13.3. Please contact Trimble MEP Support to get help since Classic 13.3 & Classic 14.0 won't connect to LiveCount Cloud after the release of Classic 14.1 without a small patch file from Trimble MEP Support.
Accubid Classic - Estimating
Fixed an issue where users couldn't select LiveCount desktop in existing jobs after upgrading to Classic 14
Fixed an issue where the cost allocation function took longer to start
Fixed an issue in Classic 14 where creating a new job while having LCC as measuring device selected generated an unexpected error
Accubid Classic – Time & Material Billing Module
Coreavc decoder. Fixed an issue when upgrading a T&M 13.3 database to Accubid Classic 14
Fixed issue where T&M create a site called when updating from an older version
Microsoft SQL 2014 Express
This installation routine in this release of Accubid Classic version 14 software installs Microsoft SQL 2014 Express. You will be unable to attach the database packaged with this version of the software to a lower version of SQL. Migrating the database from an earlier version of SQL will continue to work; for example, if you have SQL 2008 and migrate to the current Accubid Classic T&M Billing version 14 software.
Compatible 'Update From' Versions
The Trimble Accubid Classic software can be updated directly from the any release of the following:
Version 12.x
Version 13.x
Version 14
Windows xp scanner and camera wizard missing. If the currently installed version is not in the list above, please contact MEP Client Services at 1-800-361-3030 for assistance prior to installing.
LiveCount Procedures
When you are working in the LiveCount software, you must send your work to the Classic Estimating application before resuming work on your estimate. Failure to do so results in loss of the work completed in the LiveCount software.
Product Support
If you have any questions regarding the Essential Release Information presented, please see the Product Assistance section for MEP Client Services contact information.
Sonic sms. Open Sonic SMS Sonic The Hedgehog - Master System (Fan Game Engine) Work on Game Maker Studio 1.3 or higher All code was written in GML c/c based with comments and variables in English. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 SMS Date Added: 2019-12-09 Genres: Adventure Games,Sonic Games Description: Sonic 2 SMS is the 8-bit version of Sonic The Hedgehog 2. This game is similiar to the much more popular Sega Genesis vserion but a lot has changed when it. November 29, 2020 First week of development of Sonic 3 SMS Triple Chaos! New way to play (3 characters and 3 teams at the same time) Teams: Sonic, Tails and Knuckles / Vector, Charmy and Espio / Amy, Cream and Tunnel. Still in an early stage of development, we can check the first applications on top of the predecessor Sonic 2.
This instructions below assume you have already downloaded the installation files from the Trimble Client Portal.
You must have a previous version of the Classic software on the computer where you are installing this update.
All users must be logged out of the Classic Estimating software before installing this update.
Trimble recommends that you install this update during a non-busy time or after hours to minimize disruptions in your company's workflow.
Accubid Estimating/Change Order Installation Procedures
Locate the downloaded installation file. Double-click on it. The installation routine prepares the files.
In the Trimble welcome screen, click Trimble® Accubid Classic.
In the Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Trimble Accubid Classic v14 screen, click Next.
Review the information in the License Screen. Click I Accept the terms of the license agreement.
You must accept the terms of the license agreement to continue the installation.
If you wish to obtain a hard copy of the agreement, click Print. Click Next.
In the Custom Setup screen, select all options you want to install. Click the Help button for more information on selecting options. Click Next.
Select the proper option buttons in the Install Material Database/Default Jobs screen.
Country
Measurement
Tip – If you do not want to Install a new material database, clear the checkbox .
Click Next.
In the second Install Material Database/Default Jobs screen, review the conversion options available. All checkboxes are selected. Trimble recommends that you convert all jobs to the latest version. If you do not want to convert, clear the appropriate checkboxes .
Click Next.
In the Ready to Install the Program screen, click Install.
Click Finish when complete.
Depending on your conversion selections (in Step 7 above), the appropriate dialogs open.
Tip – You will be presented with a dialog for each option you chose to convert.
Accubid Estimating Conversion Dialog
Select the appropriate folders containing jobs from previous versions. If the Select Folders pane does not contain any information, click Add and you can enter the folder path or browse to the folder.
In the Convert from which version field, select the job version you are upgrading from. Click OK.
In the Convert Old Job Files dialog:
Select the checkboxes next to each job you want to convert. If you do not want to convert specific jobs, clear the checkbox.
Click Convert. When the conversion is complete, click OK in the confirmation message.
Accubid Change Order Conversion Dialog
Select the appropriate folders containing jobs from previous versions. If the Select Folders pane does not contain any information, click Add and you can enter the folder path or browse to the folder.
In the Convert from which version field, select the job version you are upgrading from. Click OK.
In the Change Order File Converter dialog:
Select the checkboxes next to the jobs/files you want to convert. If you do not want to convert specific jobs/files, clear the appropriate checkbox.
Click Convert. When the conversion is complete, click OK in the confirmation message.
Do not close the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen if you have other compatible software that requires installation. Refer to the Additional Software Installation section for more information.
Additional Software Installation
Depending on the software you currently have installed and/or are licensed to use, you may need to install additional software/databases to complete the update process.
Time & Material Billing Installation
In the Trimble welcome screen, click Trimble® Accubid Classic
Select Trimble® Time & Material Billing and click Next.
Review the information in the License screen. Click I Accept the terms of the license agreement.
You must accept the terms of the license agreement to continue the installation.
If you wish to obtain a hard copy of the agreement, click Print. Click Next.
In the Custom Setup screen, select all options you want to install. Click the Help button for more information on selecting options. Click Next.
Select the proper option buttons in the Install Material Database/Default Jobs screen.
Country
Measurement
Tip – If you do not want to Install a new material database, clear the checkbox . Keep in mind that regardless of your selection in this step, you must install the Time & Material SQL database. Refer to Time & Material Billing Databasebelow for detailed instructions.
Click Next.
In the Ready to Install the Program screen, click Install.
Click Finish when complete.
Time & Material Billing Database
If you are a new user to Time & Material Billing software, you must install a company database.
Tip – The instructions provided in this section assume you are using SQL Authentication for the Time & Material Billing database.
In the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen, click Trimble® Time & Material Billing SQL Database.
In the SQL Install dialog, the Use existing SQL Server instance is selected by default for update customers. Click to select the SQL Instance you want to use.
Enter the Login and Password for the SQL instance already installed. If you do not have this information available, contact your IT professional for assistance.
In the Authentication Type for database field, SQL Authentication is already selected.
Click Install. A confirmation message displays when complete.
LiveCount 5.2 Software
1.In the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen, click Trimble LiveCount.
2.Follow the on-screen prompts to install the update.
3.When complete, click Finish.
Trimble Integrator
To take full advantage of the features available in the Trimble Integrator, Trimble recommends you install the update included in this release.
In the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen, click Trimble Integrator. The Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Trimble Integrator screen displays. Review the information on-screen and then click Next.
Review the information in the License Agreement screen. Click I Accept the terms of the license agreement.
You must accept the terms of the license agreement to continue the installation.
If you wish to obtain a hard copy of the agreement, click Print. Click Next.
In the Destination Folder screen, click Next. Trimble recommends you install the Integrator software in the default location.
In the Ready to Install the Program screen, click Install.
When complete, click Finish.
Complete Installation Procedures
In the Trimble Accubid Classic welcome screen, click Exit.
Provided you followed all instructions in this document, you are now ready to use this release of the software applications.
Final Steps
Open the software using the method you normally do.
The online help system contains step-by-step instructions on using many of the features included in this release.
Trimble offers several avenues to obtain help using the Trimble Accubid Classic software program.
Accessing the Online Help
The online help is easy to use and is accessible through any of the following methods:
Press the [F1] key at any time while using the program to display help for the current screen or dialog.
Click the Help menu and then select the appropriate option from the menu. You can scan the Table of Contents, use the Index, or the Search function to find the information you are looking for.
Tip – You can also clickoron the toolbar to open the online help system.
Use the Index tab to locate key words throughout the help system.
Use the Search tab to find specific words used in the help system; for example, you might search for the word delete for instructions on deleting certain data from your system.
Trimble MEP Client Services
Before calling Client Services, we suggest you consult the online help. Many of the common procedures and questions are covered in this system.
Trimble MEP Client Services is available during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Note – The office is closed on major holidays.
North America
Toll-free Telephone1-800-361-3030
Outside North America
Telephone1-905-761-8800
Emailaccubidsupport@trimble.com
Websitemep.trimble.com
Third-Party Software Support
Trimble software may be integrated with third-party software applications (for example, accounting programs). Trimble MEP Client Services cannot provide in- depth support for third-party applications. Assistance is available only for procedures pertaining to how our software interfaces with non-Trimble applications.
Trimble Inc.
116 Inverness Drive East, Suite 210
Englewood, Colorado 80112
800-234-3758
Trimble Canada Ltd.
9131 Keele Street
Suite A7
Vaughan, Ontario L4K 0G7
Canada
Copyright and Trademarks
©1999-2017 Trimble Inc. All rights reserved. Trimble, the Globe & Triangle logo, Trimble® Accubid Classic, and LiveCount are trademarks of Trimble Inc., registered in the United States and in other countries. Microsoft, SQL Server, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose, without the written consent of Trimble Inc.
Release Notice
This is the Trimble® Accubid Classic Software Release Notes (Revision A). It pertains to the Classic 14 release of the Software.
The topics within this manual:
• Are subject to change without written notice.
• Companies, names, and data used in any examples are fictitious.
• Screenshots included in the help topics may not be exactly as in the software application.
Edition
This is the Trimble® Accubid Classic software Release Notes (Revision A ENG); Release 14.1
Published March 29th, 2016 by Rachel Burger in Construction Management
Electrical estimating is unforgiving, compared to other construction estimating activities. Unless the project is very simple, quick and dirty approximations using square-foot unit measures may give wildly inaccurate results. Bids for conduits, wiring, and sub-assemblies will be too high and lose you the job, or too low and lose you money – bad news for a generalist contractor and disastrous for an electrical specialist.
Accuracy in electrical estimating is therefore paramount. So is rapidity. If your bid success rate is 10 percent, for instance, you'll need to bid 10 projects in order to win one of them. However, each of your 10 bids has to be spot on and supplied in time to your potential customer. You may also be dealing with a plethora of products and labor rates, meaning you need up-to-date pricing information at your fingertips and a foolproof way of recording and calculating quantities to determine the total cost.
Software for electrical estimating can help meet these challenges. Our pick of six electrical estimating software covers a wide range of budgets and features. However, the software that suits your competitor may not be the one that suits you, and vice versa. A little time spent thinking about what you want out of electrical estimating software can give you a valuable head start as you hone in on the app that is right for you.
Accubid Pro
1. TurboBid
TurboBid is an affordable estimating software program for a range of different construction work. Like our other picks in this list, TurboBid comes with an impressive track record and positive feedback from users and experts. The software offers both electrical and plumbing estimating functionality. It is well-adapted to new residential construction, multi-family building projects, remodeling, and lighter commercial and industrial work. It contains tens of thousands of articles and pre-defined assemblies, with prices for both materials and labor. The software creates professional bid packages for specific projects and also flat-rate price books for service work.
TurboBid prides itself on its flexibility. The vendor's advice to contractors who want to be successful is that they should use an estimating system that allows them to generate estimates and invoices for all types of work. It also emphasizes the importance of user-friendliness, with an interface to facilitate learning how to use the software, live online training from its customer support service, live chat help, and online video tutorials.
Likely to appeal to the smaller to mid-sized MEP or specialist electrical contractor, prices for TurboBid currently start from $1,295 for a one-time software license for one user, or a $99 monthly subscription.
2. Viewpoint
Takeoffs from project plans and blueprints are an essential part of most estimates. Viewpoint For Estimating lets users leverage digital takeoff technology to move from slow paper-based to fast all-electronic estimating. Precision and profit margins can both be improved for contractors working on electrical estimating, HVAC, mechanical, or plumbing projects. The takeoff module lets you integrate CAD files and use digitizer boards and stylus pens directly. In particular, Viewpoint For Estimating offers shape recognition to flag symbols and shapes in plans, and then automate quantity counts.
Viewpoint also integrates with Microsoft Excel and offers 'What If' planning capability to quickly see the impact of changes in items and prices on total costs and profitability. Enterprises likely to see the appeal of Viewpoint For Estimating are specialist MEP firms and other construction firms that are already leveraging technology elsewhere.
Pricing for this relatively advanced and specialized estimating software is available on request, a common approach for vendors aiming at the midrange and upper levels of the electrical estimating software market.
3. Vision InfoSoft
Besides offering features to help dramatically cut the time needed to make estimates, Vision InfoSoft also targets cost reductions and profitability improvement. The application includes a large materials database with EPIC material pricing for comparison of more than 2 million electrical items and more than 100 manufacturer catalogs. Value engineering is part of the Vision InfoSoft capabilities, allowing easy modification of material and labor costs, together with customization of wiring methods, wire and conduit types, and fittings.
Customization in Vision also extends to the creation of new assemblies 'on the fly' and multiple labor unit definition per item for easy bid customization. Customized takeoff modules facilitate takeoffs of branch circuits, lighting, wiring devices, and more, including direct takeoffs from digital plans. The software is available in Classic, Plus, and Pro versions, with Classic at entry-level and Pro as the flagship version offering the most flexibility and bid editing capabilities. These versions cover the needs of specialist electrical contracting companies working on small, medium or large jobs.
Pricing unavailable.
4. McCormick
While specializing in the electrical estimating market, McCormick Systems offers a range of software solutions designed to meet different kinds of estimating needs. All the versions include a database with more than 55,000 electrical items and more than 25,000 pre-built assemblies. Pricing can be updated using a number of major pricing sources and labor units can be bid according to national averages and all NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) levels. The software covers a range of electrical contracting activities that include low voltage, transmission and distribution, HVAC, surveillance, and fire alarm installations.
The entry-level WIN 1000 is the vendor's suggestion for a small or new contractor. WIN 3000, for a small to medium contractor, offers multiple levels of pricing and labor, multiple window takeoff, and an advanced audit trail for tracking your estimating activities. WIN 4000 adds project management tools and supplier comparison pricing for small to large contractors, while WIN 6000 extends ease of use to cover jobs from small residential to heavy industrial, and also transmission and distribution.
Pricing available on request.
5. Accubid
With Accubid Classic, vendor Trimble is aiming for the higher ground. Accubid is an electrical estimating software solution that facilitates the overall construction management workflow, from estimating to purchasing, change order management, project management, and invoicing. Seamless data transfer from one task to another is the aim, reducing or eliminating data re-entry. Digitizer integration, auto-scaling, and CAD file integration with dynamic takeoff capability give Accubid BIM (building information modeling) integration possibilities. Easy creation of custom assemblies 'on the fly' also makes estimating fast and flexible. Accubid then integrates with other construction management software, such as Sage Timberline Office, Excel, and QuickBooks. Built-in project management features include document control and contract management.
Suited to contractors estimating for medium to large commercial, industrial or multi-unit residential projects, Accubid comes with a database containing more than 33,000 items and 9,500 assemblies. Every item also has associated labor units, labor factors, labor tracking codes, and cost codes. The product also has an impressive string of NECA product awards.
Pricing available on request.
6. Intellibid
While being a popular system in its own right, ConEst Intellibid also shows up in a number of experts' and consultants' lists of favorite electrical estimating software. Most, or even all, types of electrical project estimating can be undertaken, including wiring for residential, commercial, and industrial, low and high voltage installations, data cabling and telecom, CCTV, fire alarms, security installations, and solar power configurations.
There are four versions of the product: a large database of more than 125,000 items, 50,000 prebuilt assemblies, and 500,000 pre-built assembly options is standard with all versions. Intellibid Lite is already a complete estimating package, to which Intellibid Plus adds Smart System technology for faster estimating. For instance, Smart Substitution, a feature within Smart System, manages material changes within seconds and verifies building code compliance at the same time.
Intellibid Pro and Intellibid Design Build add yet more features. Intellibid also analyzes weather and job site conditions to calculate labor requirements as a function of installation difficulty. Intellibid links to another module, SureCount (available separately) for faster electrical, low voltage, and data cabling takeoffs. Medium to large contractors and electrical installation specialists are likely to appreciate the 'smarts' and performance of Intellibid software, from the Lite version upwards.
Pricing is available upon request.
Additional Options for Electrical Estimating SoftwareOur list of six could have been a top ten, instead. Even if electrical estimating is a specialist subject, the choice of software solutions is wide. Here are four more that add more choice in terms of budget, user profiles, and multiple user access:
Accubid Electrical Estimating software, free download
- 1st Choice Electrical Estimating. This solution offers custom assembly creation, quoting tools, and options for multi-conductor feeder and HVAC. At $299.95 for a user license, it is targeted at contractors working on residential and commercial jobs, although there is a companion product, Residential Estimator ($99.95), for single-family home jobs.
- ACES Pro. Software written by electrical estimators for electrical contractors, ACES Pro is subscription-based and available from $49.99 a month. As a user, you pay for ACES Pro only as needed, as the subscription plan can be paused at any time, without penalties for skipping months.
- Jaffe Power! Estimator. For small to mid-size electrical contractors, Power! Estimator emphasizes convenience and ease of use, as well as functionality. For instance, built-in prices can be changed individually, or globally by the same percentage. Prices can also be changed on the fly and updated directly from a computerized pricing service, such as TRA-SER. Power! Estimator is priced at $999.
- Red Rhino. A web-based solution, Red Rhino offers 24/7 user access and the possibility to connect anywhere an Internet connection is available. The electrical estimating system also includes functionality to manage change orders, purchase orders, project management, and billing. Contractors estimating small and big residential projects, commercial, and light industrial projects may be interested in this solution, priced at $75 per month, with an initial $149 setup fee.
Accubid Electrical Estimating Software Download Windows 7
ConclusionWhile your dream electrical estimation software may be in the list above, remember that all these applications still depend on the quality of information being entered into them. Contractors working on larger projects may be at an advantage, as building plans may be more detailed and more thoroughly checked at the design stage. By contrast, residential estimators may have to deal with scanty house blueprints, which call for some detective (or design) work before using estimating software, even if there are fewer electrical articles to work with in total.
Functionality changes between vendors and versions. There is a certain truth in the notion that 'you get what you pay for.' That said, as a smaller contractor, you may simply not need the highly developed, integrated-workflow estimating software that makes bigger players' mouths water. There is however one aspect that concerns everyone: the user interface of the electrical estimating software. Screenshots and product descriptions can only give you a hint of what is it really like to use a given product. Look for a trial version (preferably free and with full functionality, for a limited period) that you can take for a test drive, before you make a choice.
