Problem
what's the difference between BidMagic and MacNail Estimating software?
contrasting BM & MacNail Construction Estimating Software
Diagnosis
BidMagic advantages over MacNail Estimating:
•
standalone! Requires no add'l software (do not mention HyperCard at all, unless user asks how it
was written)
•
Faster and friendlier- not spreadsheet-based, so it's easier to use than McN.
•
superior for remodeling and insurance work, because BM can do a room-by-room breakdown of costs,
and user can specify what work will be done on each room. (Stress however that BM can handle all types of projects)
•
handling subcontracted work is is easier than in McN, although McN can also handle it.
•
easier to create custom templates for different kinds of building
Solution
MacNail advantages over BidMagic construction estimating software:
•
Can handle multiple wage rates- rooferwage, plumber wage, etc. BM has only two wage rates, skilled & unskilled
•
More detailed specifying- in MacNail you can subcontract individual items, whereas in BM youcan only
subcontract categories.
•
Links directly to scheduling and accounting for material takeoffs & job costing. To link BM to these, you must
go through MacNail Estimating.
•
Greater variety of reports. Also, reports can be easily customized for font, size, etc.
•
can flag items as allowances
•
overall McN is a little more accurate than BM, although not much.
•
Links to McN Customizing for creation of custom estimators with custom category systems. BM is limited
to 31-cat BM system, and 16-cat CSI.
Comments
What the programs have in common:
•
both take a unit-price approach to estimating.
•
large, customizable price book (1000 + items)
•
both link to MacNail Customizing for unit price management
•
both produce highly accurate bids as well as rough estimates (McN somewhat more accurate, BM better for rough)
•
both handle new construction as well as additions, remodels etc., although BM is superior for remodels.
Entered 3/30/94 by Vinay. Updated 10/20/2010.
NOTE-- We retired BidMagic estimating software back
in 2002, and replaced with Goldenseal-- which is integrated estimating
software and project
management software (plus optional accounting
software).
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