Esticom vs Countfire

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Our analysts compared Esticom vs Countfire based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Takeoff Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Esticom is a web-based estimation and takeoff software that supports electrical, construction, HVAC, plumbing and residential estimating. It includes quantity takeoff and bid management and helps construction businesses build cost estimates and bid on projects. Its customer service module helps users utilize KPI data to optimize performance. Its project templates streamline processes, lower set up time and simplify the estimating system.

Other features include plan management, auto count, linear and area measurements, proposals, plan and design markup tools, and customizable databases.

Pros
  • Easy to learn & use
  • Intuitive interface
  • Fast takeoff creation
  • Cloud-based access
  • Good customer support
Cons
  • Limited customization
  • Fewer features than some competitors
  • Can be slow with large projects
  • Limited reporting options
  • Integration issues with other software
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Countfire is an automation software that assists construction workers in performing seamless estimations. It has the capability to conduct automatic on-screen calculations and reduce overall estimation time. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors use it to automate counting and provide CAD and Excel integrations.

Improve accuracy with quality control reports and ensure drawings and estimations are comprehensive and complete. Estimators can create symbols to automatically count across the entire structure. It is cloud-based, allowing users to access work remotely through mobile devices and computers.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast takeoff creation
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Collaboration features
  • Free plan available
Cons
  • Limited free plan features
  • Fewer integrations compared to competitors
  • Reporting tools can be basic
  • Customer support wait times
  • Limited customization options
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$139/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$99/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Increased Efficiency: Intuitive interface and automated calculations accelerate takeoffs and estimate creation, saving valuable time and resources.
  • Improved Accuracy: Cloud-based platform reduces manual errors and inconsistencies, leading to more precise and reliable estimates.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time access and project sharing enable seamless collaboration between estimators, project managers, and stakeholders.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Integrated takeoff, estimating, and bid management tools eliminate cumbersome data transfer and manual processes.
  • Optimized Bidding: Powerful quoting tools help generate professional bids quickly and accurately, increasing bid competitiveness.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Customizable reports and insights provide valuable data for informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud-based architecture adapts to the needs of growing businesses and diverse project types.
  • Reduced Costs: Improved efficiency, accuracy, and bidding processes contribute to overall project cost savings.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Access projects and data from anywhere on any device, ensuring greater flexibility and responsiveness.
  • Enhanced Client Satisfaction: Timely and accurate estimates coupled with improved communication lead to better client experiences.
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  • Enhanced Efficiency: Countfire automates tedious manual tasks like counting symbols and materials, significantly reducing takeoff time and effort. This allows estimators to focus on critical tasks like project analysis and pricing.
  • Improved Accuracy: Automated takeoffs minimize human error, leading to more accurate estimates and fewer costly rework scenarios. The software also includes built-in checks and audit trails for further quality assurance.
  • Increased Collaboration: Cloud-based access enables real-time project collaboration among team members and stakeholders, regardless of location. This facilitates faster decision-making and smoother project execution.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Countfire integrates seamlessly with various estimating software and data sources, eliminating the need for manual data entry and streamlining the overall workflow. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors.
  • Greater Scalability: Countfire accommodates projects of all sizes and complexities, making it suitable for growing businesses. The scalable pricing structure ensures affordability as your needs evolve.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Countfire provides valuable insights into historical data and project trends, enabling informed decision-making about pricing, resource allocation, and project management.
  • Enhanced Communication: The software generates professional reports and proposals with accurate takeoffs and pricing breakdowns, improving communication with clients and stakeholders.
  • Reduced Costs: By minimizing errors, streamlining workflows, and improving efficiency, Countfire helps businesses reduce overall project costs and improve profitability.
  • Competitive Advantage: Faster, more accurate estimates and efficient workflows enable businesses to submit competitive bids and win more projects.
  • Improved Client Satisfaction: Accurate estimates and clear communication lead to greater client satisfaction and trust, strengthening client relationships.
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  • Automating Cost Estimates: Remove time-consuming Excel sheets and build accurate construction cost estimates on the web-based system.
  • Bid Management: Catalog projects according to bid due date, estimator or project value to keep track of deadlines.
  • Review: Review projects with the management team and improve performance through key performance data.
  • Cloud-Based Software: Access construction takeoff and estimating software from anywhere, any time on any device.
  • Ready-Made Templates: Get project templates to bid on more projects and streamline takeoff and estimating processes.
  • Area & Linear Measurements: Measure conduits, wire runs and add fittings automatically.
  • Customizable Database: Customize the database with out-of-the-box parts and assemblies, including labor units and material prices.
  • Plan Management: Organize plan sheets into folders by automatically renaming them. Update projects with new versions of the software.
  • Proposals: Customize bid proposals by adding a company logo, inclusions, exclusions and detailed pricing.
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  • Assembly Takeoff: Reduce time needed for conducting takeoffs and completing measurements quickly. Bid on more projects without hiring additional personnel.
  • Electronic Plans: Chart objectives and daily proceedings electronically. Secure digitized plans in the cloud to provide access to all workers.
  • Issue Management: Design and execute contingency plans in the event of a disaster. Back up data and files securely to ensure nothing is lost.
  • Project Management: Direct and coordinate materials and labor throughout project life cycles effectively. Achieve predetermined objectives and attain daily goals by allocating labor to the correct places.
  • Takeoff: Execute takeoffs to determine the number of materials and amount of labor needed for a project. Submit accurate bids to win more work quickly.
  • Estimating: Conduct accurate estimations to determine the viability of a project. Minimize unforeseen costs to increase client satisfaction and attract repeat customers.
  • Projections: Stay on top of project completion time and progress through projections. Align and redirect efforts to accelerate certain areas of projects based on data.
  • Drag & Drop: Save valuable time by dragging and dropping items in the dashboard. Complete measurements with just a few mouse clicks.
  • Performance Metrics: Stay on top of workers and daily project metrics. Allocate sufficient effort to areas needing improvement and ensure projects run smoothly.
read more...

Product Ranking

#7

among all
Takeoff Software

#35

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

66
65
76
67
62
75
0
14
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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Esticom
Countfire
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 76 62 0 63 0 84 71 79 67 75 14 81 72 100 86 64 0 25 50 75 100
80%
0%
20%
67%
0%
33%
67%
0%
33%
75%
0%
25%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
14%
0%
86%
69%
0%
31%
82%
0%
18%
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
we're gathering data
N/A
67%
0%
33%
86%
0%
14%
100%
0%
0%
57%
0%
43%
86%
0%
14%
82%
0%
18%
64%
0%
36%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

30%
0%
70%
10%
0%
90%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 114 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 290 reviews
90%
of users recommend this product

Esticom has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 114 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

94%
of users recommend this product

Countfire has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 290 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

5.0 (1)
n/a
n/a
4.71 (150)
4.5 (110)
4.7 (140)
4.9 (3)
n/a

Awards

Esticom stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Countfire and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Project Management. Countfire stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Project Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Ease of Use: The solution offers an intuitive and user friendly interface, according to 75% of users.
Functionality: According to 81% of users who reviewed this pro, the software offers a complete product suite for construction companies to optimize their processes.
Cost: About 87% of users affirmed that the application is worth the price range. The features and user-friendly interface justify the price completely.
Support: Regarding support, approximately 76% of users said the support team quickly responds to calls and resolves issues efficiently.
Connectivity and Integrations: According to 75% of users, the application integrates seamlessly with third-party solutions.
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Automatic Counting: Users appreciate that Countfire automates the process of counting symbols across multiple PDFs, significantly reducing the time and potential for error compared to manual counts.
Excel Integration: The ability to seamlessly export data to Excel is highly valued for simplifying the estimation process and allowing easy manipulation of counted data.
Scale Calibration: Countfire’s scale calibration feature assists in ensuring that measurements are accurate, enhancing the reliability of takeoffs.
Straightforward User Interface: The intuitive interface is frequently mentioned as being easy to navigate, making the learning curve for new users relatively short.
24/7 Access: Being cloud-based, Countfire gives users the flexibility to access their projects anytime and anywhere, which is particularly beneficial for professionals who are often on the move.
Dedicated Support: The responsive and helpful customer support team is often highlighted as a strong point, providing assistance whenever users encounter issues.
Continuous Improvement: Users are reassured by the fact that Countfire regularly updates its software, addressing bugs and adding new features based on user feedback.
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Data Visualization: According to 84% of users, navigating the solution and locating icons can be challenging at times.
Learning Curve: With a complete suite of features, the solution can be difficult to leverage and learn without step-by-step guidance according to 78% of users.
Performance: About 75% of users said that the solution tends to lag in the event of internet failure.
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Learning Curve: New users often report a significant learning curve with Countfire's interface and functionalities, which can impede the initial adoption and efficiency of the software.
Cost Considerations: Some users find Countfire's pricing to be on the higher end compared to other takeoff solutions, which might be a deterrent for smaller businesses or those with tighter budgets.
Integration Limitations: Countfire may not integrate seamlessly with other construction management platforms or ERP systems, creating potential data silos and workflow disruptions.
Customer Support: A few users have expressed dissatisfaction with the responsiveness or effectiveness of Countfire’s customer support during critical times.
Feature Set: Countfire may lack some advanced features that are offered by competing products, which could limit the software’s appeal to users with complex or specific needs.
Performance Issues: Occasional software slowdowns or crashes have been reported, potentially affecting large-scale projects with numerous drawings.
File Compatibility: There are instances where users have encountered difficulties with uploading or processing certain file types, hindering project progress.
Reporting Tools: The reporting capabilities of Countfire may not meet the expectations of all users, particularly those needing detailed or custom reports for project analysis.
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Esticom users in the past year have lauded its ease of use and intuitive interface, praising its fast learning curve compared to competitors. They emphasize the time-saving benefits of features like auto-count and pre-built libraries, enabling them to generate estimates quickly and efficiently. The cloud-based platform is also a major plus, allowing for real-time collaboration and access from anywhere. However, some users have expressed concerns about limited customization options compared to more established software. While Esticom offers basic customization, it may not cater to highly specialized needs. Additionally, the reporting capabilities have been cited as less robust than some competitors, potentially hindering in-depth project analysis. A key differentiator for Esticom is its competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for smaller companies and startups. Its scalability is also praised, allowing users to upgrade as their needs grow. However, larger companies may find its feature set less comprehensive compared to industry giants. Overall, Esticom is a strong contender in the takeoff and estimating software market, particularly for ease of use, affordability, and time-saving features. However, users seeking in-depth customization, advanced reporting, and experience with larger projects may need to consider alternative solutions.

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Analyzing user reviews of Countfire from the past year reveals a generally positive sentiment towards its efficiency and user-friendliness. Users praise its automated takeoff capabilities, particularly for repetitive tasks like counting fixtures or conduit runs, highlighting significant time savings compared to manual methods. This automated aspect is often contrasted favorably with competitors, who may require more manual input or lack intuitive interfaces. Another strength frequently mentioned is Countfire's customer support, described as responsive and helpful. Users appreciate the quick resolution of issues and the availability of training resources. This stands out compared to some competitors who might have less accessible or limited support options. However, some reviews mention limitations in handling highly complex projects with unique geometries or extensive custom requirements. While Countfire offers advanced tools, users suggest it may not be as adept in these scenarios as certain competitors known for robust 3D modeling integration. Additionally, the subscription-based pricing model might be perceived as less cost-effective for smaller businesses or infrequent users compared to perpetual license options offered by some alternatives. Overall, Countfire seems to be a strong choice for electrical contractors seeking to streamline takeoff and estimating processes, especially those valuing user-friendliness, automation, and responsive support. However, for highly complex projects or budget-conscious users, exploring competitor offerings with advanced 3D modeling or perpetual licensing might be worthwhile.

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Screenshots

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