WinEx GRADE Earthwork Takeoff Software

3+ years experience with this program

Pros

Software is easy to use making civil and utility takeoffs quick and accurate. The vendor is always there to help through any issues or confusion that you may encounter. Once grade lines are inputed, it is easy to make adjustments to get the most accurate takeoff. The shadings and maps are great for understanding the overall scope of the project that is being taken off as well as a great check and balance for the quantity computed. The program has great resources to aid in evaluating the overall scope of whatever project is being taken off.

Cons

I would say the part that I like the least is the lack of ability to import 3D CAD surfaces. Also, I wish there was an easy way to determine structure excavations and backfill. There is a way to manipulate it to get the answer needed, but it takes time, and if the region of interest boundaries are not right around the structure of interest it does not accurately calculate the quantity. I wish you could trace the structure, enter the bottom elevation and excavation slope, and get an answer without having the region of interest boundary where you may think the excavation will stop.

Good product with no regrets

Pros

As a field guy coming into the estimating world and having minimal computer knowledge this was the easiest program to learn and become efficient with as we tried a few of the other top systems. Technical support is outstanding.

Cons

I really have no negative comments to offer. I guess the only thing I could say is the fact of needing a 'key' to run the program can be a pain as far as using it at the office and home and a second key is a little pricey for the added convenience.

Introduction to Roctek

Pros

I primarily have always been involved with clearing and mass earthwork; started out developing cross-sections and doing all calcs' by hand; early 90's introduced and started using Paydirt and thought it was great until I was introduced to Roctek.

Been using Roctek for almost year; time of establishing quantities for clearing, earthwork, stormwater, utilites, paving(s) in cut in half. Using Roctek; due to the ease and speed on on screen; provides a tremendous savings on overhead to establish quantities; one is able to have more time to analyze the project prior to bid with the tools of the program.

Cons

Do not have any issues with anything about the program

Easy ,productive program with top knotch support!

I have worked excavating for 20 years as an equipment operator, foreman ,and site super . When i started my company I soon realized estimating was one of the hardest for me. I tried most takeoff programs and found this to be most user friendly and i could do double the takeoffs utilizing Roctek winex grade.

Pros

Being new to estimating this program is easy to use and customer service is top notch ! Great features fpr the price point.

Cons

Havent found anything negative yet I feel its a good all around program that i feel cpuld grow with my company .

Pavecon, Ltd. is a site work contractor. We do all things site work including earthwork, asphalt and concrete paving. I needed a software that would do it all. I have been using WinEx Master for almost 2 years. WinEx Master gives me all the options I need to put together a complete site work package. It is by far the best earthwork takeoff software solution I have found. It give users the ability to break up different work areas for earthwork so you can define undercut and back-fill, over-excavation, and topsoil replacement. I have won large earthwork projects that I can confidently say I would not have gotten without the detailed takeoff I was able to do with WinEx Master from ROCTEK. Customer support is also flawless. I am able to contact my support guy immediately at any time. The ROCTEK support staff has helped resolve any issues I have had within minutes. They know their software! They are also very aggressive about updates and improvements. They listen to their customers' ideas and suggestions and have actually implemented some of my ideas into the software, making it more efficient. It took me one afternoon to learn this software; it's very easy to use. Once you purchase the software, you will be set up in an hour and off and running. I highly recommend this software, especially for earthwork takeoff. It truly is awesome. ROCTEK paid for itself within 2 months!

Great product, easy to learn, accurate and time saving.

Pros

Software was easy to learn and the technical assistance is awesome. I really like that I can call anytime and get help with the program. The tech support is outstanding. They are continually updating the software with new features that are even more helpful and time saving.

Cons

I have no complaints about Roctek or the software. I have been using it for a couple of years and it works great.

I've had a very smooth experience learning the software.

Customer support has easily been the best feature of the product. I have called in so many times for help and have always received clear, concise instruction. Particularly, I have liked that, for the most part, I have spoken with the same person each time I call in. This makes it so much easier to move forward because you're able to build a report with someone who can watch your progress and give more specific advice rather than speaking with a different person each time and having to explain yourself all over again.

Pros

It is very intuitive. A lot of the processes can be figured out or learned quickly simply by trying to logically approach how you think various aspects of the job site would be entered.

Cons

At this point, I do not have any dislikes about the product. I am new to this type of software so I don't currently have any criticisms.

Tech support, use it.

This product is great, I've used it to takeoff a hand full of projects already (one massive project) and haven't been using it too long. Without any formal training, I feel confident doing earthwork takeoff and that I will learn the other features of this program. When I ran into problems their tech support resolved my issue and talked me through everything, making sure I understood what was going on and not just fixing it for me and sending me on my way.

Pros

User friendly interface
Program functions make sense and are easy to learn, very straight forward
Line tracker is great for when importing certain line work isn't possible
Tech support is great, they even called to check up on me a few days after I called for support while doing takeoff on a large project to make sure everything was going smoothly
No pressure sales pitch, they let the product do the selling. They even gave me an extension to use the trial software to finish a takeoff

Cons

Have not found any yet.

WinEX: A fine product that could use a bit more customizable features

Pros

The help desk is quite good. The online tutorials are not as well-thought-out, yet when viewing these and asking additional questions from the support center, an answer can be obtained to any questions you have.

Cons

Customization could easily be a future add-in. Dimensioning areas of the plan would be beneficial. Part of the feature is already available. Overall, there are no areas that I like least of all, but improvements can certainly be made. Ready access to the database, to review the information this program is basing its calculations on, would be most welcome.

Roctek Arizona Users Review

Pros

The Tech support is very good from the call in to actually working a takeoff question with a technician

Cons

It is very thorough and I have to catch myself and draw the line between being too anal and getting just what I need for the bid.....

Roctek Review

Customer support is tops! I like the program and I wanted to be successful at using it, but we went back to Agtek.

Pros

Many nice features and simplistic approach. Customer support was awesome-- yet that is kind of the problem-- I spent too much time with them because the program logic was difficult to follow.

Cons

Snap function is horrible. Input of data lines and contours is confusing. Importing drawings is cumbersome. Inability to input annotated lines. Cut-Fill graphics are primitive. Output file summary is displayed with odd logic and on too many sheets. Training videos outdated.

WinEx Grade

WinEx Grade is user friendly. I like the on-screen takeoff and being able to download plans to the program without having a hard copy set of plans. The saves time which is very valuable for me and the program is very accurate. The team at Roctek has been great with their support, friendly to work with, and always eager to help. I have estimated for 31 years and have tried several different takeoff systems. For the money, WinEx grade is the best.

Pros

The onscreen takeoff. The ability to use vector files. You get a lot for your money with this program.

Cons

None

Good but not great!

Pros

I like the reports and how easy it is to add the materials. Please add a materials database when adding layers.

Cons

Graphics and some features are difficult to use. Yearly maintenance is expensive.

Outstanding Product

Pros

Our company does a lot of small site work. The takeoff process used to be very time consuming for even a small amount of work. This software is extremely easy to use. It has cut my takeoff time by around 50%. I also know I can trust the quantities generated, and in the event I run into a problem, the technical support is second to none. Using Roctek definitely allows me to spend less time doing takeoffs and more time in the field.

Cons

I've been using WinEx Grade for about 4 months now and can't think of a single negative to this point.

What I think about WinEx

Pros

There are a couple of things that we love about this product. The ease of operation and great tech support. It makes a great visual aid when taking to clients.

Cons

The thing I don't like the most is not being able to use on multiple computers without moving the key from computer to computer. I understand why the license is the way it is but being able to use on at least two would be so much more handy for our company.

Excellent Cut Fill Software

Pros

Able to take the most complicated site and break it down and provide cut/fill quanitities for estimates

Cons

The fact that we are unable to use it for Site Services and Trenching or placing the foundations is a big factor

Roctek is a Superior Product

Roctek via WinEx Master is software equipped to satisfy ALL needs. This is a powerful tool replete with superior reporting, digitizing, and visualization tools. Has many features, so it will not be something you can learn overnight, but the customer service is so outstanding that they will stay with you all night if you needed to learn it fast! Keep up the great work, Roctek Team! Looking forward to seeing how you can possibly top off this software with your new release. The company never ceases to amaze me!

Pros

Business reports are needed to make executive decisions. The reports generated here are for champion decision makers! Too much good info! Add an exceptional takeoff team, and you'll be winning projects in no time!

Cons

Lots of good features. Not as intuitive, so requires expert support to fully maximize the product's utility.

Great customer service!!

I like the fact that I can call and they are always willing to help me with any problem that I have and can appreciate their knowledge and patience whenever I have a question.

Pros

Its fast and for the most part easy to use. It takes some time for me to learn how to use being that I am not that computer savvy. I do love the product and think it is the best out there for what I do.

My name is Court, I own a small excavating business. I was sold on ROCTEK because of the cost, ease of use, and the technical support. I have been very happy with my choice. I really knew nothing about using software to do my takeoffs before WinEx Master. They have been amazing with the support I have received. I have been using it for several months now and have really got the hang of it. I can now bid projects that I couldn't have before, and I know that my calculations are right. This peace of mind has been priceless. I have saved countless hours chasing plans around town and hundreds of dollars in copying plans. I also have been able to bid more work in a shorter period of time. I highly recommend ROCTEK to any earthwork contractor.

With training the WinEx software is great to work with.

Donel has been extremely helpful in training sessions.

Pros

Lots of helpful features to create accurate takeoffs. The technical support is is extremely helpful.

Cons

Changing to super high density can take a long period of time. Otherwise, there are no other cons I can think of.