What are DESTINI Estimator users saying about the software?

Destini Value Proposition

We have a great experience to date. Great technical support and a willingness to evolve and take on board feedback for development needs.

Pros

The software is versatile and meets the needs of our team and even more importantly woks well in out tech-stack. We have embraced systems that allow us to maintain maximum interoperability to stay lean and minimize the potential for data corruption. The system itself is very user friendly and training is intuitive, we were up and running in a few months.

Cons

The system is great but would benefit from being cloud based and have a more flexible license assignment and management process. We are about to extend the product roll out and would like to be able to police users not within our trained group of SME's and reduce the potential for data corruption on the historical end.

Leading Edge Estimating

Implementation takes time. They don't offer a canned out of the box database for costs or assemblies. So be ready to bring your own or build from scratch.

Pros

Beck-Tech has a tremendous support team to help with issues, bugs and general how-to's. The flexibility of the software allows the user to bend it to his/her will. We especially enjoy having all our estimates in a single database for quick resourcing of historical costs and enterprise level collaboration.

Cons

Not sure it's a Con so much as a point to before purchasing: because Beck-Tech is a leading edge software developer changes in the software are frequent (2-3 times per year). This means your team had better be comfortable with adaptation and pushing the limits of software.

DP Review

Help desk is great. but seems when we fix one issue another one comes about. consist battle

Pros

Takeoff and estimator is in one location not two software's

Cons

Takeoff is terrible, not user friendly, terrible product compared to actually takeoff software, estimate version is not user friendly, change production in two places, same line items dont roll up (even with the toggle roll up). Importing rates with modified crews all screws up. Consistently finding destini glitches

Destini Estimator

Great Service, they need more program developers

Pros

The features are very good, it has great reporting features and different ways of presenting the cost, for much easier analysis. Great 3D takeoff features but if you are in early stages of design you can't only rely on BIM models. You can't allow your estimate to be as good as your BIM model

Cons

Implementation needs to be more standardized, the support and implementation teams have done everything they can but the development of the program is lagging. 2D takeoff must be greatly improved. There has to be a simpler way to build assemblies. No available online tutorials. Need realistic set in stone dates for releases of required updates

Promising Software that needs to focus on the Takeoff Module

Pros

This is one of the best estimating software packages in the market. We were able to develop a very detailed and powerful cost database and align several different regions to make our estimates more uniform throughout the company.

Cons

The Takeoff module is not efficient and needs significant upgrades. We will continue to need to have a separate takeoff software until this is improved.

Great product & great team!

We have streamlined a previously disconnected process.

Pros

This brought all of our estimating functions into one software package.

Cons

Takeoff tool could be better. They have committed to upgrading.

Destini Estimator Review

Pros

In Destini Estimator many of the processes we do in our estimation process have been streamlined. Compared to our previous software, it is much easier to work with large sets of plans, draw and edit our takeoffs. We like how the estimate is linked with mapped quantities and will update live as we make changes on the plans. The multi-user interface also allows for a much easier workflow when working in teams as we do on most of our projects. Although we have not used the 3D takeoff feature much so far, this is another advantage for us as more and more of our projects have BIM models available.

Cons

The implementation process has been very difficult. Our team works with very large and complex assemblies & estimates, implementing these assemblies in Destini has been an arduous process that has taken many years of work and is still ongoing. It seems that the program is optimized for working with individual line items and simple takeoffs, this however is not how we work in our assemblies. Another complaint we receive often is how it is inefficient needing to open/close multiple windows in order to add, modify and copy assemblies. Although this is being addressed in the new version, we felt that much of the functionality essential to our workflow had been left out of this new version. Working through these types of issues throughout the implementation process has been a very long process that has costed our department countless man hours. Additionally, we ran into a lot of issues with crashing when our department first began using estimator, due to this many of our estimators are still hesitant about using the software.

Experienced User

I have a background as an extensive MC2 and Timberline user. Estimator seems to have the ease of use and robust sorting capabilities of MC2, which I have really enjoyed. Adding/creating line items is easy. My experience with the 2D takeoff tool is that it's not robust enough for me to use on a regular basis and needs significant improvement to be a contender with OST, especially for larger projects that require QTO to be broken out into different zones. I have extensive experience creating takeoff assemblies inside the program and have been pleased with the ease with which it can be done. Creating reports seems non-user friendly. However, that was a challenge in MC2 as well with its Crystal Reports plug-in. Timberline isonly slightly easier in that respect.

Pros

The ease of creating WBS codes and the user friendliness of sorting estimates is its strongest attribute. The ability to program assemblies is also strong. The ability to link the estimate directly to quantity takeoff can be beneficial.

Cons

The 2D takeoff tool lacks some critical functionality that keeps me from using it as my primary takeoff tool. (zones/layers) I'm accustomed to using a QTO tool as a record of an estimator's takeoff that can be accessed by others. The Estimator 2D takeoff tool doesn't seem to allow that functionality.

Destini Auto Costing

Overall experience is on a scale of 1-10 would be a 8. The new Autocosting version has helped increase my experience rating from a functionality perspective. Once the "Bugs" of the release are worked out I hope the experience increases

Pros

It is great having all aspects of the project under one platform from takeoff to reporting. The new format is much more intuitive and user friendly. We are slowly seeing the time savings as we are able to start new projects in this software version.

Cons

versioning estimate form previous software versions is proving challenging. The "Bugs" of the new version are creating additional challenges for some users as well.

Good, but could be better.

Pros

We use it for price modeling almost weekly. It's fantastic for creating a high-level budget and I love the customizable templates that allow us to adjust our proposal in different forms depending on the client. It is fantastic!

Cons

The 2D take-off software. It's tricky to map, not easy to use and I find myself using OST and just importing the data into Destini.

Sundt Construction's Review

Our overall experience with Beck has been fantastic. We started using DProfiler about 10 years ago and have worked closely with the company to develop the features within Estimator. They are a company who listens to their costumers needs and have dedicated themselves to further enhancing the software.

Pros

The greatest pro of Estimator is the ability to easily sort and display pricing, allowing for changes and updates to made easily. The database our company works with includes preset coding for CSI, Procurement Packages, Systems Format, etc. to allow an Estimator to quickly export information into whatever format an Owner or team member may prefer. This preset ability to sort line items, also allows an Estimator to easily access any project within the company and have the ability to easily sort or find information to their preference.

Cons

A con would be the updating of software. This con comes with a pro, in the sense that Beck Tech has listened to the market and our needs and are frequently updating the software to meet the ever-changing market and technology upgrades. However, the added con is the updating of unit pricing and database information as well as someone managing the software updates to be able to use the software to its fullest potential.

Great Commercial Contracting Estimating Software

Great, we are very pleased with Destini Estimator.

Pros

-Easy to use, intuitive -Constantly updated & improved -Customization -Accurate -Targeted to preconstruction, not a suite of software products -Good customer service & training

Cons

-Involved software setup period -User interface can be tricky sometimes

DESTINI Estimator review

The overall experience is a breath of fresh air in our industry. Not only do we utilize DESTINI Estimator for estimating but it has become a marketing tool for our company.

Pros

The integration with BIM 360 and the ability to utilize the design files (Revit) has a huge impact on our estimating effort, significantly reducing the time it takes to create an estimate. Also the support received during implementation and after is unparalleled with any other tech company I have dealt with. Even being from a smaller firm I feel we get the same support of their larger clients. Having access to the people that design the software and understand your questions is huge.

Cons

The feature that DESTINI Estimator is missing right now that is causing the most frustration within our company is the fact that once you do a take-off it is not very easy to track where the item was taken off from in the 2D application. We need this ability especially with self perform work so the guys in the field can utilize our take-off quantities and confirm where material was figured for the estimate.

Estimator Review

Pros

Highly flexible for sorting and viewing data. Easy to produce custom breakdown reports with the Dashboard.

Cons

Currently does not have the ability for more than one estimator to be using the software at the same time. That feature is coming soon though.

Timesaver

We have been able to seamlessly transition to a location/component segregated bid tab excel spreadsheet that the entire staff can use.

Pros

Transfer from D-Profiler. WBS codes, flexibility. Transition to excel bid tab spreadsheet is seamless, resulting in a powerful tool to analyze bids and ensure a complete estimate. Best estimating software I've ever seen and I've used them all.

Cons

Screens are actually a bit complicated to open and arrange. Loses the quantity formulas that originated from D-Profiler.

DEstimator Review

Pros

DEstimator has been a great tool for us in our estimating process. Great sorting and filtering functions, 2D and 3D takeoff capabilities, estimate comparisons, etc. all have helped make us a more efficient estimating team. Another great pro is the support staff from Beck Technologies -- the best customer service I have ever had from a software company.

Cons

Don't really have any, just the internal struggle to keep up with their releases. Because they listen to their customers, they are constantly testing and releasing new features, which can be hard to keep up with if your internal IT processes aren't as agile.

Excellent Product

Isolating costs for Uniformat vs Bid Tab vs Base/Alt is really handy. You always have a clear picture of what is included in your estimate.

Pros

What I love about Estimator is the ease of sorting estimates. You can find a particular item using the numerous sorting options by WBS properties.

Cons

The 2D takeoff is a little cumbersome. Linking existing takeoff to new items can be a hassle.

Forward-Thinking

We have a great working relationship with Beck Technology. They have Best-In-Class customer service, and are willing to help us long after we have "gone live" with the product.

Pros

Estimator is built around feedback from the industry. The functionality continues to evolve with each new version based on input from its users, which is relatively rare as far as estimating software goes.

Cons

Creating assemblies is cumbersome - too many clicks and inputs to achieve the outputs.

Destini Estimator is a Must!

Pros

I have used Destini Estimator on all my conceptual & schematic level budgets for my clients. This software is a must have for an estimator in the construction industry. The use of historical cost database, tie take-offs to your line items and the detailed line estimate reports it generates - really adds great value in our department.

Cons

Maybe finding ways to improve the work flow of this software and find solutions to make the process go faster.

Pretty advanced for a Green Horn

I do like the software. I think it has a lot of potential. I struggle sometimes as a new user, but also have noticed that it seems like a fair amount of issues come up that are new to both the user and the DESTINI team. Still working some of the bugs out, but that is to be expected.

Pros

I do like how in-depth the software can get. We can easily break down an entire model and see our costs broken down in a multitude of ways to help us dissect an estimate.

Cons

There are a lot of nuances that take time to pick up on. It's a lot to take in for a new user like myself.

The Best Solution I Have Seen

As we roll out the software we are finding the software fits 99% of our scenarios. I really like the features and ease of use. It is much more intuitive than Sage Timberline.

Pros

I like that it takes the best parts of excel but allows for the data to be mined for future costing exercises. I also love the comparison feature. Comparison really helps tell the story of where the estimate changed from last round.

Cons

I think there are a few features that would be useful. Alternates would be the most useful for us. I would also like the functionality of clicking on multiple cells and getting a total.

My Review

Pros

I've just started using the page update feature. Love it.

Cons

When using 2D takeoff when the curser nears the edge of the screen the plan jumps way beyond what you are taking off and you have to scroll out then scroll back in.

Destini Estimator is a BEAST

Pros

We enjoy the versatility Destini Estimator provides. The way estimates can function between takeoff, project information, and the dashboard puts this software a tier above the rest.

Cons

The takeoff abilitie clunky and feel like the user interface needs work.

Director of Preconstruction

Pros

Very user friendly, easy for new employees to pick up and start using right a way.

Cons

Can't total individual line items or multiple line items

The rocketship to the future.

Pros

DESTINI Estimator helps our business work more efficiently and effectively. We've been doing estimates in much of the same manner for close to 60 years. DESTINI brought our business into the 21st century. We are now quicker and more accurate with our bids.

Cons

Due to the range of options for each aspect of a bid, it takes a little work to understand. The training time for each employee has ranged from 8-30 hours based on their knowledge of computers and how bids are put together.