WinEst vs. Sage Timberline

We were a 20+ year user of Sage/Timberline (Estimating Extended Version). We have been using WinEst Pro Plus version for about 6 months now. We are building our own database rather than using one of theirs, so it has been slow going, but we love the software. For those Sage/Timberline users, WinEst works on a very similar platform and you will find it very easy to pick up. However, it seems like every little task you do in WinEst is just a little better, a little easier, a little faster than Sage. Because of all those little things adding up, we have found WinEst to be a much better solution overall.

Pros

Spreadsheet based, but very powerful database behind it. Ability to assign two crews and two equipment groups to each line item, allowing huge flexibility in crew makeup. Easy to make revisions to production, crew hours, etc. on the spreadsheet, on the fly without having to open a detail window. Great flexibility in reporting of information without having to create/write custom reports. Creation of assemblies is much, much easier than Sage.

Cons

You have to assign both 5 digit and 6 digit CSI codes to each database item, making input of new database items cumbersome. We wish there was a way to toggle off the 5 digit requirement.

Wonderful product with great support

Pros

Winestimator is a great estimating tool. With the ability to save small local estimates, or collaborate and update versions with the Enterprise Data Manager, Winestimator allows companies plenty of flexibility to support its initiatives. This program allows you to create custom labor rate tables for your clients, custom crews, shifts, etc for the most accurate estimates. It also integrates custom or standard commodity codes for clean, consistent estimates from your company.

Cons

There is a lot to learn as far as administering and maintaining this program. It is relatively easy to use, but someone has to set it up and troubleshoot it. This can be quite a laborious task, but once everything is setup it is very efficient.

WinEst - Powerful and Easy To Use

Pros

I like the flexibility the simple interface offers. The ability to allocate markups makes this product especially useful and dynamic. The catalog and database of cost items is very helpful. Having the ability to choose items from a tree helps in the estimating process. It reminds you of different items you might be forgetting in your bid.

Cons

The biggest downside to this software is the customer support. Easy enough to get someone on the phone, but they will literally refuse to speak to you about any issues or problems unless you buy the support plan. The support plan is also overpriced. I am OK with software developers charging a fee to teach someone how to use the software, or to assist with integrating their program into your existing system. However, I am not OK with them charging a fee to fix issues within their software that you have already purchased. I feel like that should be included in the price of the program.

This is a great software for estimating/PM

Try this if you are familiar with sage!

Pros

I liked this software because I was able to build a database and after I did my take offs, I could enter them in here and it would do the math automatically. I think this is a lot like sage, but I love anything that has an Excel theme.

Cons

I did like everything about this software, I ended up using Sage at a new company, they were very similar and the costs were too.

Very Versatile Estimating Software, not so great reporting capability

Pros

WinEst Customer support is always superb and helpful. Just about anytime you call or email, you would get an answer right away! The markup function is great. It allows users to easily manage different markups, taxes or escalation.

Cons

Reporting is not the best. It would be great if it comes with a set of can reports and allow users to modify from it. Also, it would be great if crews table can be imported and exported. Understanding that there are ties from the trade table with it, but it is a pain to not able to import from a table. Auto line number would be nice, especially if it would be nice if it lets you renumber in case if we want to insert line in between existing ones.

Good Program with Great Customer Service

WinEst is still a great program, but it will require an investment to get the most return.

Pros

WinEst is a great tool for estimating. Whether you are doing small estimates or large collaborative estimates, it can do the job. It also has a lot of flexibility and customization for working with multiple customers. And the Customer Service is top notch. I don't think I've ever seen a company respond so quickly or help work through issues with the perseverance that the WinEst staff does.

Cons

Setup and administration can be quite a chore. And it can be tricky to get all of the output you may want, that will also take a lot of time and effort.

Good experience

Pros

Easy and fast to use, possibility to create and customize own database, good on repetitive projects.

Cons

Bad on visualization tools, needed separate tool for comparison drawings (like overlapping new drawing on old one) to see the changes

Solid Software

WinEst is a sound estimating platform. It allows you to flip back and forth between views with a simple click on the mouse. Can be very customized for each users needs. Is connected to other Trimble products as well, like Modelogix and VICO.

Pros

The flexibility of the program to handle custom WBS, and to be able to flip back and forth. The ability to create alternates within the spreadsheet and then to turn them on or off is very valuable.

Cons

The way the software manages custom views, layouts, etc through it's Config and INI files can be aggravating. Almost too many minute settings too.

Great Software if Properly Managed

I really like the idea of the software, I just feel like it requires a lot of management.

Pros

WinEst is a fantastic way to organize and quickly prce jobs. They offer pre made and customizable assembly systems that decrease the amount of time needed building a budget.

Cons

While the software is adjustable, it doesn't seem very easy to create your own database. Deleting items from a database is time consuming. Also, initial pricing data is not accurate, will need to be updated constantly. This process is also very time consuming.

Mechanical Estimator with a company that bids MEP, utilities, process piping, etc.

We have just completed our training and are starting the data base set up. So far the training has been great and they keep in touch with you thru everything.

Pros

easy to use. they spell everything out from the get go. as to what you get how it works etc. They were the only ones to come to us and demo the product and answer questions which is nice with such a big investment. setting up all training and outlining it for your needs. its hand on training not all videos and on line like most of the others.

Good friendly experience.

It is a fair software to make estimations, easy and friendly to use although with some limitations especially when realizing huge projects.

Pros

Easy to use and understand. Reliable and friendly environment. The screen prompts are very useful to infer its functions.

Cons

Sometimes limited with specific takeoffs attachments. There are series of elements and materials not found.

WinEst

Good Product. Very impressive. Does everything you want a program like this to do. I use this product daily and the only thing I would change is the digital take-off tool.

Pros

Powerful Program. Support is excellent

Cons

Digital Take-off is poor at best. You must convert PDF's to BMP's. You loose clarity and it takes a lot of time.

Great software

Great customer service. Very convenient for experienced estimators

Pros

The line item organization

Cons

Nothjng