McCormick Electrical Estimating Reviews

“Streamline projects with McCormick Estimating

Pros

McCormick Electrical Estimating software comes with a great set of features that help me estimate electrical projects both quickly and efficiently. One standout feature is the ability to import blueprints and drawings which simplifies takeoffs and ensures my estimates are spot on.

Cons

One drawback I have noticed with McCormick Electrical Estimating software is its steeper learning curve compared to other similar programs on the market.

“Amazing presets, but time-consuming

Pros

The pros for me include a large collection of pre-loaded assemblies and components that are ready to use. I also appreciate the ability to use the appropriate symbols, as DEP lets me insert items whenever needed and adjust the take-off materials and staff settings in the extended tab.

Cons

I get it that submitting a proposal is supposed to be time-consuming since A LOT of things and parties are involved. Still, McCormick is built in a certain way that ensures you end up being late. Since there are a lot of entries to be made and a lot of updating, and it will cost you dearly, there’s no more excellent way to put it.

“Great solution for smaller electrical bids

Pros

It's easy to perform takeoffs, modify and create assemblies quickly and the multiple assembly and item windows make finding things hassle-free.

Cons

The roll-up tool is somewhat limited and the audit trail can be confusing. Moving takeoffs to different labels can be a bit cumbersome and it does not handle multiple breakdowns or cost allocations well.

“All-in-one McCormick with top support

Pros

I would need three separate licenses and programs to get the same experience that McCormick offers with just one program. The customer support is undoubtedly the best.

Cons

If you use a 64-bit operating system then this program will need some adjustments to run since it is 32-bit based. Accubid has a more extensive data base so its more time saving.

“A huge time-saver for our team

Pros

It's a fantastic program for completing bids, with loads of pre-loaded assemblies that let me get started right away. Switching between projects is very easy.

Cons

A lot of work needs to be put in before you can feel comfortable about a bit. Takes a lot of updating to maintain efficiency.

“Used for years

Pros

It allows me to create assemblies and takeoffs on the fly. With multiple bid summaries, unlimited workspace buttons, and the ability to extend to MS Excel, it truly has everything I need!

Cons

Customer support is great but is a bit expensive.

“Most user-friendly estimation tool

Pros

I have been using estimation software for a while now so I am familiar with how most of them work. McCormick sets itself apart with an amazing customer support. Excellent video tutorials has helped newbies in my company become an expert.

Cons

Some more site utility related materials should be added. It would complete an already robust library.

“User-friendly once you get familiar

Pros

The interface is a bit confusing at first, but it becomes very easy to use once I get the hang of it. It's also simple to put together a list of materials.

Cons

It is pricey. Moreover, entering data of materials and labor takes a lot of time.

“Probably the best software available

Pros

It helps me bid faster with fewer people, thanks to its streamlined takeoff process, which I find to be the fastest around. If I'm new to this, I can try their less expensive versions first and then move on to the full suite.

Cons

Since I run a small business, I found it to be expensive. Otherwise its just fine.

“Very easy to learn

Pros

All the features I need to complete a bid are right here at my fingertips. The educational videos are great, and I didn’t need any external help to get a grip on it.

Cons

Using it for an electrical job bid is not very smooth. I feel I could not use it to its full potential.

“Consider other alternatives

Pros

It is genuinely good software when it works. It has all the features I’d want and can do anything I set my mind to.

Cons

Its a shame that these features are downright unusable for me at least. We spent almost 20 hours trying to get their IT team to link McCormick with our current system, but to no avail. File management is so clunky and susceptible to so many crashes its just impossible to be productive with it.

“The ideal partner for Electrical Estimating

Pros

I consider McCormick my "partner in crime" because it helps me land jobs and dominate my area. From creating labels and assemblies to pushing them through extensions and summaries, McCormick has simplified every step of the job process. I could not be happier with the impact it's had on our company and if you're looking for an easy on-screen estimating program, McCormick with the DEP screen is pretty simple to navigate.

Cons

The only issue I have encountered is occasional crashes but its not a major problem since all work done before the crash is saved. Also its more of an inconvenience than a serious complaint.

“Improving estimating efficiency

Pros

This software makes my time worthwhile. I can work well in the field, come home and still have time to estimate projects. It saves me hours and helps me win projects with competitive margins. McCormick gives us a strong advantage in our field which allows us to tackle projects of all sizes, expand our business and hire more employees.

Cons

My only complaint is that it was not compatible with Windows updates in the early stages of ownership. However, the company recognized this issue and their tech support team is outstanding.

“Powerful yet frustrating

Pros

Many other vendors support the formats I use with McCormick.

Cons

For a smaller-scale contractor, I find this software cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when it comes to inputting basic information before reviewing takeoffs and counts. I can do a count manually faster. I would advise caution with this software, as the company claims it takes a year to become proficient. With my other responsibilities, I don't have the time to explore all its features.

“The Best Solution!

Pros

What I like the most about McCormick is the ability to build the entire project I'm estimating everything from devices and boxes to wires, connectors and screws. I can then plot these assemblies on the drawings, do the circuiting and prepare a proposal for the project. Another feature I value is that if we win the project, I can create working field drawings from the DEP (Design Estimating Pro) and generate a material list from the extension.

Cons

Nothing specific comes to mind for me since McCormick is quite simple and easy to use.

“Amazing tool

Pros

The Assembly and Item lists are fantastic tools that save me time and as we all know, time is money.

Cons

I have not had enough experience to comment on any cons yet.

“Extra support costs

Pros

I really like the takeoff feature with the drawings.

Cons

I constantly have to call support to open the program which incurs additional tech support fees. I just want the program to start up and function without locking me out. I wonder if the frequent lockouts are a built in feature to generate extra support revenue. Right now, I have a nearly useless estimating program because I cannot get it to open.

“McCormick needs a fresh start

Pros

The software is very detailed when it comes to materials, and that's pretty much it.

Cons

None of my customers are happy with the proposal setup. I have lost jobs because the proposals look so unprofessional. If you are willing to spend a lot on this system and its material software, go ahead but I would not recommend it.

“Conest vs. McCormick: Which is best for Lee's Electric?

Pros

McCormick is incredibly fast mainly for takeoffs. I bought it a while ago but only use it about 10 percent of the time. I have been waiting for some upgrades that will make it even better. Conest offers a lot of assemblies for every task but takeoffs can be slow and require full attention to avoid costly mistakes.

Cons

I am not a fan of the Messaging system. Anything that slows down the process frustrates me. Whats the point of a fast takeoff if it slows you down when getting bids out? Conest software is particularly slow when using Sure Count.

“Good but costly

Pros

The customer support has exceeded my expectations. I was able to start bidding with minimal training but after completing around ten bids, I wanted to become more efficient. That is when I started having questions and the support team was right there to answer everything.

Cons

Cost is always a factor. All estimating software is an investment. They all have great sales pitches but in the end I chose the one I trusted the most.