Trimble Accubid Anywhere Reviews

Pros

It's user-friendly and the support team is helpful. Thank you.

Cons

I haven't encountered any issues so far, except for occasional hang-ups due to internet connectivity.

Pros

This software has unique applications that set it apart from others.

Cons

Personally, I find this program incredibly perplexing to use. If you're new to estimating software, it will take around six months to uncover all the hidden features and become proficient. Conest Intellibid with Sure Count, on the other hand, is much more intuitive and can be mastered in half the time. Easy Count is similarly cryptic and requires far more steps to operate. It might be better to use a digital takeoff program and manually enter the counts and lengths into Accubid.

Pros

The database is good and the subcontractor import function for pricing updates is excellent. However, constantly switching between onscreen takeoff, estimate setup, and assembly editing is a hassle and doesn't save any time. The Classic version is still superior. The recent software reformatting removed the intuitive nature of items present in the Classic version. Overall, my experience with this product was highly disappointing. If Accubid truly values its customers, they should provide a credit so we can switch back to the Classic version and get our work done.

Cons

The list of advantages mentioned earlier is extensive, and I'll delve deeper into the details.

Pros

It's amazing for taking off plans and highlighting selected items for easy identification.

Cons

It lacks a reliable method for quantifying demolition. The assemblies are not accurate enough to allow for easy duplication of takeoffs. Additionally, it is overpriced compared to a couple of other products that offer similar functionality for half the cost.

Pros

The product is thorough and systematically laid out to ensure comprehensive coverage of the scope.

Cons

I discovered that the initial learning curve was quite steep.

Pros

It was specifically designed for electrical contractors, which was exactly what I was looking for.

Cons

It was not user-friendly, and the interface was challenging to comprehend, unlike competitors such as Stack and Planswift.

Pros

It was designed specifically for electrical contractors, which is exactly what I needed.

Cons

I found it difficult to use. The interface was tough to understand, especially compared to competitors like Stack and Planswift.

Pros

One of the biggest advantages of using Accubid is its capability to modify an existing bid after completion, whether it's for owner revisions, addendums or changes in materials and equipment placement. I also appreciate how Accubids layout resembles a regular Excel spreadsheet, with steps that feel like standard tabs.

Cons

Accubid can be a bit challenging initially. I needed to watch the available training videos and review other training materials before I could complete an estimate. The quality of the videos was lacking, particularly the sound, which was muffled and low quality. Additionally, one-on-one training comes with a high cost.

Pros

I appreciate the folder system and the ability to copy and paste between designations, breakdowns, and estimates.

Cons

The software is too slow to be used in competitive bidding. The manual is of poor quality and lacks specific details and step-by-step instructions. The search function is limited and only available in a few instances instead of being accessible at all times. Technical support is unhelpful when it comes to addressing questions about customizing the product.

Pros

The program is logically organized and provides numerous options and functions essential for building project bids.

Cons

The first time using it can be confusing, especially if you don't have a solid foundation in bid preparation. It's easy to get lost without prior knowledge of building bids.

Pros

I find Trimble Accubid Pro Classic easy to learn, understand and use. The program helps with breaking down estimates, escalating labor costs, factoring labor, repricing materials and sorting data. It has a logical, step-by-step approach that I really like.

Cons

I feel that Trimble Accubid Pro Classic is an outdated estimating system with limited features. The assemblies are not very dynamic and are hard to modify. Trimble Accubid also offers another system called Enterprise, which is more powerful but it comes with a steep learning curve.

Pros

This tool is powerful and has a proven track record in the electrical industry.

Cons

Managing the program for your company can be challenging. There is minimal documentation to assist with understanding the background functions. The software is very expensive and the cost keeps increasing each year.

Pros

It has an extensive library database and user-friendly setups. You can estimate various systems and generate multiple reports based on your takeoff.

Cons

It is quite costly, and users need to have a certain level of computer proficiency to navigate the database effectively. Prior training is necessary before using the software.

Pros

There are no major drawbacks, although it may be more suitable for recent graduates rather than older users. Maybe with several years of practice, it could become better, but it requires a significant time commitment.

Cons

Even setting up a job was an absolute nightmare!!! And the attempts to resolve the issues were absurd.

Pros

While this software has great potential, it still feels like a work in progress to me. I appreciate the ability to substitute materials and change conduit and cable sizes and types.

Cons

Resolving issues can be quite challenging, especially for someone like me who doesn't use the software on a daily basis. I often have to sit down with our superintendents, who have undergone training, and reteach them how to create an estimate. This wasn't the case with Accubid Pro. However, my biggest complaint about Enterprise is the inability to view Material & Labor $ after each line of take-off without having to manually calculate the values. There must be a way to automatically calculate these values without slowing down the system. Accubid Pro had this feature. Most of my projects are unique, so I need to know those values immediately after completing the take-off. It's a pain to highlight and click on "calculate labor & material values" after every take-off. Another aspect that could be improved is the setup process for projects in "Change Management." It involves too many steps, and even after two years, I still need to refer to a tutorial created by one of our administrators. I'm grateful that it exists. As mentioned in the pros, this software has great potential, but in my opinion, it is still a work in progress.

Pros

The design and ease of use, along with the customizable database and assemblies, make takeoffs a breeze. The parts and pieces are easily accessible without excessive searching. Building takeoff pads per system is usually sufficient for getting all the required items.

Cons

No issues encountered.

Pros

It seems to be a robust software with a well-organized interface and a wide range of options for adjusting items after completing the takeoff.

Cons

I would prefer if the program auto-saved more frequently. Additionally, it doesn't allow me to insert rows on the take-off screen, and the notes screen doesn't maintain blank lines when printing. It would be helpful if I could simply hit enter a couple of times to finish a take-off, but currently, if I keep hitting enter, it takes me back into the take-off instead of completing it.

Pros

The software offers great features and functionality. It's easy to navigate, and the calculations are accurate.

Cons

Assemblies and equipment can sometimes pose problems when building and viewing them. Customization is also a concern.

Pros

My favorite aspect is observing others who are proficient in using the software. It performs all the required tasks and more. It gives me hope that with time and practice, I will become confident in using it too.

Cons

During custom pipe fabrication, I find it challenging to input material into the specifications and customize the take-off pad. It would be beneficial to go through a bid from start to finish with an administrator, but the cost of having one for a few days is prohibitive.

Pros

The best part of Accubid Enterprise is its high level of customization. I can tailor the user experience to suit the specific needs of my colleagues. The flexibility in building assemblies allows me to future-proof my work and avoid tedious tasks like copy/pasting and renaming.

Cons

Despite the flexibility in customizing the user experience, there are instances where it seems like certain features were not thoroughly tested. For example, while there are estimates labeled as "Template," there is no functional difference between an Estimate and a Template Estimate. I have to leave my "Template" susceptible to changes in order to copy it. Another issue is that Specifications are tied to specific jobs and cannot retain a database version. If I make changes to an assembly that require corresponding Specification changes, I have to go through multiple steps to prevent existing jobs from breaking. This creates instability for clients, especially those with limited overall database experience.