Esticom announces AutoCount and Automatic Plan Renaming features in v3 of its cloud-based construction estimating software solution. A comprehensive, easy-to-use SaaS tool that incorporates modules for takeoff, estimating and job management, Esticom serves mid- to large-size electrical, structured cabling, plumbing, HVAC, security, fire alarm and fire sprinkler firms.
Tapping into the power of machine learning and the cloud, Esticom’s new AutoCount feature simplifies and improves accuracy of counting similar symbols or shapes across an entire plan set, drastically reducing the time it takes to produce a construction takeoff and estimate. Accessible from the Takeoff screen in Esticom, users simply identify the symbol they want counted by highlighting it, then click on the AutoCount button to automatically performs bulk counts across all pages of the drawing.
As an added quality control measure, ensuring no items are missed during AutoCount, Esticom displays “possible” matches after AutoCount completes then gives the option to add these items to the takeoff using the manual count feature. This allows subcontractors bidding large or multi-level projects to easily break out project phases.
“I’ve found the Esticom AutoCount feature to be extremely accurate, and a great time saver, especially on large projects,” said Frank Bua, estimator with PJS Group | PJS Electric, Inc.
Another time-saving new feature in Esticom v3 is the Automatic Plan Renaming function. Using computer vision technology similar to AutoCount, this feature incorporates Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to scan the uploaded blueprint for the specific trade contractor’s scope of work. After locating the correct page(s), the pertinent drawings are renamed corresponding to the related trade (electrical, plumbing, etc…), saving time by alleviating the need to scroll through multiple pages to access the desired plan.
“We are always looking for new ways to streamline the takeoff and estimating process, and our new AutoCount and Automatic Plan Renaming features do just that by increasing precision and speed,” says Esticom Head Estimator Chris Lee. “With this enhanced computer vision, symbols and shapes are easily identified within Esticom, allowing estimators to simultaneously count repetitive materials with greater than 95 percent accuracy and nearly 90 percent faster than manual methods.”
Designed for use on a desktop computer or tablet, Esticom is fully responsive and functional on any device with a web-browser. Because Esticom is accessed from the cloud, subscribers not only have access to real-time cost estimating data, but multiple users within the same organization can also easily access critical information in a central location, anytime from anywhere.
Built on the Microsoft® Azure cloud platform, Esticom is infinitely scalable as a cloud-native application, providing a fast, user-friendly experience. To ensure data security, information in Esticom is securely stored and physically segregated using industry-leading privacy protection standards. This means that only the subscriber companies and their authorized users can access the information.
Easy to try and easy to buy, Esticom’s monthly subscription-based pricing is transparent and straightforward. Subscribers may sign-up or cancel at any time. Before purchasing a subscription, interested users may register at Esticom.com for a full-featured, 14-day free trial. Software subscriptions start at just $75 per month, per estimator. This includes free online customer support, as well as video tutorials for product setup, pre- and post-sales setup phone calls to help subscribers get started, as well as one-on-one training for larger groups.
For more information, visit: www.esticom.com
