On Center - On Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid

OST and Timberline on the same server

Becky — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:04:54 GMT

We currently run OST and Timberline through the Citrix environment. We recently installed OST, 3.6.0.146 on the same Citrix server as Timberline. We have OST installed on two other Citrix servers as well. On the server with OST and Timberline, I am having a license authorization issue. Each time I log on to OST, I am getting the "no license" indicator at the bottom of the screen, and must reauthorize each time. This is not the case on the other two servers. We authorize to a license server. I'm just wondering if having OST and Timberline on the same server might be causing a license confict. Is anyone familiar with this set up and issue? Thanks all.

On Screen Takeoff & Quick Bid

BILL MAN — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:42:16 GMT

I have been using OST & Quick Bid for the last 18 years. Their software is what I would say is Top Shelf. Their OST Program is so user friendly that estimators that were using Timberline's verizon were having numerous problems. The fact is that Timberline went to On Center Software to revamp their Takeoff program. I have gone to contract meetings with my clients with the colored coded drawings that OST produces and the Eight (8) reports that Quick Bid produces and walk out with a contract for my client. There is very little questions as to what you included or excluded. The program is not just for residential use, it can be used for commerical, institutional uses also. On Center Software has constantly coming out with new programs on almost a yearly basics. Their new Percent Complete (% Complete) is a program that will let you know how the field is performing, that you do not have to wait till payroll is call in. The other program is knowing where changes to drawings occurred even thou the Architect has not bubbled the changes. If you need more information please email me or call On Center Software at 1800-880-8254.

ASPE Invited to attend the OnCenter User Conference 2008

Walsh/ASPENational — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:14:35 GMT

The Society will have an exhibit at the OnCenter users Conference for the forth year in a row to promote esimator training, networking, certification and career growth. For more information visit: http://www.oncenter.com/users_conference/index.html

Carpet Take Offs

Markafly — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:17:07 GMT

Does anyone use OST for Carpet take offs? Not just the SF but an accurate quantity that can reflect how much carpet is needed...
I tried setting a grid condition that is set for the roll, or bolt, of carpet, say, 12' x 100'. But I don't think this is accurate...

OST - Steel takeoff

Colonel Mortimer — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:59:40 GMT

I made a request last year for calculating steel tons or pounds. Right now I either do a linear footage for each beam size or take them off as a count which includes the length in the description.

Anyone hear of any changes coming for steel estimating?

On Screen Take Off

Markafly — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:28:49 GMT

I have been using OST for several years and for the past 2 years have been a full time "outsourced" estimator. I utilize OST and QB for all divisions and have built several databases reflective of almost every Division. I would like to share ideas with other users as well as talking with others that "stretch the limits" of the programs.... As the industry trend reflects, digital take offs will be the norm in a matter of time and there are so many start up companies with "promises" to be the "best". I consistently download new programs and new versions of software that has been available for some time, just to evaluate what I am using. And to be assured I am not missing out on something that is "great". What I have found is a large percentage of the take off software is geared for Residential applications. I anticipate this Forum will grow very popular as there are not many Forums dedicated to Commercial Estimating alone.

I look forward to hearing from Commercial Estimators across the country that may have insight on this whole movement.