Sigma Estimates Software

Love that Sigma lets me work multiple quotes at one time and because it's so powerful and well designed, I can get quotes done in half the time it would take otherwise.

Pros

Powerful and adaptable. LOVE the fact that you can attach quote documents, images, etc to the scope lines. I like to use the child fields to insert the various quotes from subcontractors. Then I can just turn them on or off as needed to work my quote. Customer support is AWESOME! I can call them any time and 85% of the time they'll answer right away. If he doesn't answer I know he'll be calling me back shortly. He'll work me through most issues while we are on the phone! If he can't do that, he'll find a fix for the issue and get it right back to me. Like I said, AWESOME!!

Cons

Steep learning Curve... Lol! But.... See above regarding customer support!

Hands down, best money ever spent on estimating software. The potential of Sigma is huge, and integrating it with other digital takeoff software like Planswift creates a match made in heaven.

Pros

Extremely flexible to your needs. Unlike other estimating software, Sigma allows you to build your own system through a very familiar excel interface. The modular structure of Sigma also allows you to quickly and seamlessly modify/add/delete anything in your quotations and even reference part or all of it for future estimates.

Cons

The report system is not very user-friendly, still a lot of improvements can be done in this area in terms of customization of reports.

As far as Sigma is used with custom made libraries and manually structured BOQ the software is great, once you want to go further and establish a sufficient BIM workflow - there it begins to get complicated.

Pros

Interopairability with Autodesk Revit for direct BOQ and possibility to build up project tree.

Cons

Complexity in data exchange and mapping settings between 3D models as native as IFC.

Decent program if you have the time for set up.

Pros

I liked the cost catalog with CSI code coding format. Planswift integration is a plus.

Cons

The reporting and export features are not user friendly.

Pros

Direct linking of RSMeans data is a huge benefit. Ability to customize output is pretty good, but having ability to link specific fields to others is desired, as well as ability to create templates of how data is sorted.

Cons

Software contained some bugs when tested. It is overly complex for our firm's needs and there is a steep learning curve to figuring out how it works.

Pros

Easy to use the software. Interface is user friendly.

Cons

Nothing so far, but been using it for only a few weeks.

Pros

I like the ability to assemble my own library of services and costs. We perform a wide variety of commercial service work which requires a firm grasp of costs and history.

Cons

Would like to be able to access from various devices. Web based application or mobile app to access and edit completed files.

Accurate and complete estimates i could rely on.

Pros

It's simplicity and quick implementation. Easy to transition from Excel to Sigma. Love the outline format and ability to copy from other estimates. Runs very stable and very easy to install.

Cons

Does not have a perimetric takeoff solution. The report writer is very complicated. Wish they offered other databases than RSMeans. No real integration to a 2D takeoff tool.

Pros

Sigma Estimates has a very competitive database with accurate estimates. The software is also easily integrated with other software such as Revit and Navisworks, to use for BIM and project management.

Cons

Sigma Estimates is not as developed in stand-alone modelling, as compared to other competitors like RS Means.

I use this daily and cannot estimate my projects without it.

Pros

I love the scripting and the ability to "nest" assemblies within the system. This ability is so powerful and blows the doors off of anything else out there. The ability to import price lists and update libraries is critical to keeping your estimates up to date.

Cons

Documentation is being improved. More details on the scripting is always helpful. The online help is good but examples and templates using all of the commands is helpful for someone who is not a programmer or wants to see what each command does.

Easy to use software for accurate estimates from Revit models. Integrates easily with RS Means data.

Pros

Extremely easy to use and save tremendous time using Revit model data for estimates. We are able to easily export our Revit models to link with data from RS Means and create very accurate estimates. Workflow is very intuitive. Software cost is very reasonable.

Cons

There really are no negatives. We have been using Sigma for years and have had excellent results. It is extremely user friendly and when we run into issues, the company has been extremely supportive in giving assistance. Great product and great company.

Pros

What I like most about Sigma is that I was able to pick up on it very quickly. I had no problem turning the software into my own, and making templates so my estimating went smoothly.

Cons

Its hard to say what I like least because I have not run into any problems where it has changed my thoughts about the software.

Pros

Is really good tool for budgeting, the program has these good and simple function, but at the same time you can get complicated functions and make the budgeting really detailed

Cons

A little cofusing at times but once you get used it its a great tool to help run your business. Could be streamlined a bit better

Is really good tool for budgeting, the program has these good and simple function, but at the same time you can get complicated functions and make the budgeting really detaild.

Pros

The program is really good for complicated and detailed budgeting

Cons

can be somtimes a bit complicated,

Advice to Others

When used to the fullest.. it is a really good tool