Opiniones de On-Screen Takeoff

The software is so easy to use. Within a few minutes of playing and figuring out the tools I was able to accomplish a take off.

This product offers you a lot of options to structure your takeoff:
- Conditions: This is the main structure to organize your takeoff. Fully customizable, conditions can be used as a CSI-Code structure.
- Layers: Similar to CAD-Software, you can create layers (even as Master layers which will be available for all projects) and assign a layer to each takeoff. Turning layers on/off helps you to work with multiple takeoffs on one drawing.
- Zones: Creating zones (and organize them on a separate layer) helps to split your takeoff according to the zones - fully automated!
- Takeoffs: Each takeoff can have up to three different quantities - whatever you need.
Takeoff description: each takeoff (condition) has a name as well as a field for notes where you can put a full description of your item.
- Multi-takeoff: This is an outstanding feature, saving a lot of time: mark several conditions (takeoff-items) and do your takeoff: the takeoff will be done for each of the simultaneously!
- Second window: the program allows you to open a second window, to have another drawing (details etc.) open while you work on your first drawing.
- Overlay: changes in drawings can made visible by using the new drawing as an overlay on top of the old drawing: you will automatically see, what changed.
There are much more pros and features available than any other takeoff software. This is the great thing about a software that is a takeoff software and nothing else: the software does not pretend to be an estimating software and by focusing on takeoff, the software does a great job.
Online descriptions are available for almost every issue you might run in.

The software is missing only one feature: to assign a different condition to a specific takeoff is not available (up to now).

OST is flexable software, meaning it can be manipulated to conform to any/every trade. It is an amazing tool that makes any estimators take-off portion of the job quick and easy.

There is not much I do not like about OST, but...
- some times I could more color selections differentiation for take-off conditions
- Also it would be nice if i could freeze dimension takeoffs to either only move vertically or latterally respectively.
- Also if dimensions could be a default layer separate from annotation that would be awesome. Sometimes i want to have annotations but do not need the dimensions and i have to delete all the dimensions on the page to only show the annotation that i want.

Nothing is wrong with the software. I only have a problem with their unfair policy and practices.

I was promised that the on-center takeoff software could work with their cloud platform Oasis before I purchased. I found out afterwards this wasn't true. But their policy was not to refund although they made a promise that was false showing they value money over principles. Very misleading and I am sickened by the way they do business. Be very careful when dealing and purchasing their products. Better yet don't get involved in the first place.

This software has made estimating so much more efficient, accurate, and easy. I learned to estimate by hand, and those days were so much harder than now. I can handle so many more trades and estimates alone that I would have been able to just a decade ago.

There needs to be more symbols available for our use such as Mechanical, Fire Suppression Piping, and Electrical symbols. That would be helpful.

Ability to accurately quantify count, area, volume, and more on drawings with a high degree of complexity. We use it to count washroom accessories, confirm tile flooring quantities, area of roof, and others when tendering the project. During construction, we use it to track progression and productivity rates.

Printing can be tedious / counterintuitive. Also, the software auto-saves progress, which is great unless you make a mistake...

Very is to import architectural drawings. Able to easily trace and label various components of each section.
Take-off tab totals each section you are labeling. ie: LF, SF, Area.

Linking to multiple folders that contain drawings. copy and pasting various items could be easier. Organizing bids.

The product does well for estimating and has some glitches that you can work around if you have been running it long enough.

On Center Software, However is basically working an angle that will chew you up and spit you out! Just like the other reviewer mentioned. You have to keep pouring $$$ into support. We own 3 subscriptions (2 OST and 1 QB) of this product, each subscription cost thousands. Each year you have to pay over $$$$$ for each sub subscription you own just for maintenance.

But here is the best part, If you miss a year or 2 of maintenance you have to go back and back pay the years you didn't pay!
(I wonder if they hired an old IRS agent as the controller?) Wow! Isn't that a great way to gain customer loyalty!

Now just like the manager of the tech support told me, "If you go for a while without taking support, you will eventually have to buy new subscriptions/software, it all ends up to be the same amount of money"..

Oh did I forget? If you don't buy your maintenance at the beginning of the calendar year, say 3rd quarter, better get your wallet out again for January!

You think they could maybe sell you blocks of time for tech support, get creative, anything? Anything other than coming after a tradesman's pocketbook so hurtfully. I'm disgusted!

Consumers, If your looking for estimating software look somewhere else. Its 2015! Everyone makes it! I'm no longer an OCS ADVOCATE!

Nothing to like about dealing with OCS. Remember it takes a long time to get a customer but imagine what it takes to get them back.

This is the software of choice by our Project Managers & Estimators it is very thorough and holds a lot of data. It gives the bottom line as well as a detailed breakdown of costs.

I feel like there is data overload with this program. It has the options to input so much data it's almost overkill. It becomes a bit overwhelming when looking through all the info and the "extra" info takes longer to perform the take off on a project.

I like being able to organize areas and zones as well as share takeoff packages with associates who estimate different divisions.

I HATE having to rename pages one at a time that are combined; your competition has this feature that does it automatically (and its much cheaper)-you guys should have had this a long time ago. If this feature does exist in OST; please contact me to cure my stupidity.

Very intuitive. Customer support is top notch. Features are helpful. Love the areas sort.

Text editing is bulky. Image legend is good but it is sorted under the group setting in what appears to be a random sort. Toggling between files and image takes too long i think (could be internal sever related).

This program is great paired with on screen takeoff. The two programs can be linked together to keep track of your bids. Your materials, labor, etc. all can be tracked within this program.

There are a lot of functions in this program and it can be extremely confusing if you do not take the time to learn it properly.

menu driven and easy to follow. Every time I have a problem and call support I get a good response and the problems solved.

arc feature when doing areas. The program does not support arc creation by pinpointing the arc intersects when doing area, we have to plot points along the circumference.

Ease of Use, Speed and Accuracy for Estimating Purposes

Updates and changes from previous versions of the software I've used took a little bit for me to get used to.

What I like most about OST is how easily one can load plans and keep track of all jobs.

What I like least about OST is that you can't modify a take-off until you remove the attachments.

compatibility, ease of use, great tools for detailed takeoffs

scrolling issues, condition properties window highlights style first in lieu of name.