9 estimating programs that an estimator should know about.
Despite the fact that the algorithm for calculating estimates, in theory, should be universal for any user, nevertheless, manufacturers often orient their product to the standards of a specific country, since in each state there are many nuances that can make it almost impossible to bring the system to universality.
Most programs have a huge number of features, allow you to create local, object and consolidated estimates; use various methods — resource, mixed, basic, basic-index; are integrated (by different methods) into the accounting or management accounting system; the ARPS format allows interaction with related products and migration between them.
If we discard semi-professional solutions, then the main estimating programs presented in Russia today look like this:
1. WinСема Neo
Developer: Company «WinСема»
Type: complex
Versions: local, network
Integration: via ARPS
Note: the delivery set of the estimating program includes reference books (standards of 1984 and 1991, MTSN 81-98, TSN-2001 — for Moscow; as well as GESN-2001, FER-2001, TER-2001, NSB GESN (FER)-2001 ed. 2008 — regional); creation of resource reference books. The programs are distinguished by high stability of operation, intuitive interface, good functional equipment.
2. Turbo- Estimator
Developer: «Data Basis»
Type: «Construction Expert» complex
Versions: local
Integration: no
Note: the system is built on the client-server architecture of the DBMS of our own design; the interface and data organization are similar to MS Excel, therefore the system has good flexibility (the ability to set formulas in cells) and high data processing speed. The functionality can be expanded with the add-on «MACRO estimator».
3. Grand-Smeta
Developer: GRAND Group of Companies
Type: complex
Versions: local, network
Integration: via ARPS
Note: as their marketing advantage, the developers offer each client a modification of the basic version to suit their accounting nuances; the regulatory part strictly corresponds to SNiP, and the filling of the information base is carried out taking into account the regions of application; the required price list is searched for in several collections not only by justification, name, but also by the composition of works.
4. Smeta.ru
Developer: «Firm «Stroy Soft»
Type: program
Versions: local, network
Integration: 1C:Enterprise, ARPS
Note: aimed at large design and construction organizations; ergonomic interface, huge set of functions; ability to select only certain reference books for purchase.
5. Estimate Plus
Developer: «Erikos-CSP»
Type: complex
Versions: local, network
Integration: 1C:Enterprise
Note: the program is functionally built as an add-on to 1C:Enterprise in conjunction with a DBMS controlled by Delphi via OLE; the system is flexible and can be modified by both the developer and the user. One of the best in functionality.
6. ABC
Developer: NPP ABC-N
Type: complex
Versions: local, network
Integration: no
Note: the system is designed to develop cost estimates and resource documentation by both design and contracting organizations, as well as the construction customer. The system implements algorithms for determining the cost of construction work, reflecting the methodological provisions of the CIS countries and ensuring work with various currencies and price scales.
7. WinABePC
Developer: «ERTI»
Type: program
Versions: local, network
Integration: 1C:Enterprise
Note: the program can be recommended for use by both medium and large customers processing documentation received from a large number of contractors, thanks to the mechanism for exchanging estimates and percentages of varying degrees of readiness between different users of the system.
8. Hector-Builder
Developer: STC «Hector»
Type: complex
Versions: local, network
Integration: 1C:Enterprise, ARPS, Hector: Warehouse-materials
Note:an advanced software suite to fully meet the calculation and accounting needs of construction and design organizations; manages the procurement of construction sites with material and technical resources; ensures dispatching of requests for materials, construction machinery, and vehicles.
9. SmetaWizard
Developer: ZAO Wizardsoft
Type: suite
Versions: local, network
Integration: no
Note:
- automates the work of a specialist in the estimating department;
- the ability to fully customize the SmetaWizard program «for yourself»;
- create your own document templates;
- work with the document is carried out immediately in the form that will be printed, which allows you to immediately make the necessary edits.
Along with them, there are also «+» (ZAO «+»), «Smeta-Bagira» (NPPKP «Bagira»), WinRIK («INAS+»), DefSmeta («SOFT-KOMPAS») and others.
It is impossible to indicate any one program as a standard, since each organization will have its own criteria for choosing a software product.
But still, it makes sense to pay more attention to complex products with a flexible structure, with regularly updated reference books and the ability to integrate into the management and accounting systems of the enterprise — this will avoid difficulties in the future, when the volume of your work increases many times over and accounting and planning becomes a the order is more complicated.
Also pay attention to the function of data export to ARPS, in order to have the possibility, if desired, to switch to another estimating system.