Tested and proven by low-voltage industry experts, Esticom is billed an affordable, easy-to-use web-based solution that streamlines the takeoff estimating process and produces thorough and accurate project bids. Incorporating modules for takeoff, estimating and job management, Esticom features an up-to-date database of material and labor costs from manufacturers. The database also provides expertly designed takeoff types with pre-built formulas that eliminate manual calculations. Estimators can use Esticom, as a web-based solution, to perform takeoffs and estimates from any desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device. The software’s integrated design-build functionality allows estimators to design system layouts and publish to installers in the field.
Esticom, esticom.com
ConEst Software Systems acquired by JDM Technology Group
In February, JDM Technology Group, comprising leading global software providers for the architecture, engineering and construction industries, announced that it had acquired Manchester, NH-based ConEst, a provider of electrical estimating, takeoff, and project and service management software to customers throughout the U.S. and globally. The acquisition seeks to strengthen the JDM Group with a broader offering of electrical software solutions to its global customer base, and increased offerings to electrical, low-voltage, and data/telecom contractors. Having acquired numerous companies since 2004, JDM cites itself as “having established a proven strategy for integrating acquired companies into its existing infrastructure. ConEst will continue to operate as a separate company with its existing staff out of its Manchester, NH headquarters,” stated the company. ConEst president George Hague and vice president of sales and customer service Jan Thayer were retained “to help guide the transition and continue to advise the business moving forward,” added a press release. “With the ConEst team joining the JDM Technology Group, our customers will be supported by a group of leading construction software companies around the world,” commented Hague.
JDM Technology Group, jdmtechnologygroup.com
All-in-one estimating and digital takeoff calculation
On Screen Estimating (OSE) Pro is McCormick Systems’ “revolutionary new digital takeoff software,” the company says. McCormick continues that it “has taken digital takeoff to a new level by building OSE Pro directly into [its] award winning estimating software; essentially creating an all-in-one estimating and digital takeoff super program.” Contractors can now easily upload their PDF building plans into the estimating software, set a customizable scale, then measure, count, and even design directly onto the PDF drawing. In the past year, McCormick has upgraded OSE Pro with design tools such as a symbol designer; contractors can now create their own symbols and shapes to add directly to a PDF drawing. Also, with a new grid feature, users can add any type of grid layout to the PDF for easy design layout of lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures and pipes, racks and hangers, or any other layout. “Design build while you estimate; it doesn’t get any faster and easier than that,” concludes the company.
McCormick Systems, mccormicksys.com