New Estimating And Lead Management Program

mark the coach

At the Remodleing Show in Baltimore I ran into a vendor who has an interesting software program called Estimating Lead Management Software or ELMS. The program manages leads, has a great estimating tool, has a scheduling component similar to Microsoft Project, has contract templates, change order templates and can be used for proposals and estimates. This is all contained in one package and it works with quick books.
You can download for free for 30 days to check it out.
www.elmssoftware.com
Owner is Scott Gerold at scott@elmssoftware.com

mark the coach

PMI

I glanced at this and it seems like a basic solution.

Only comment is that it seems like a Windows driven product that doesn't allow easy access to the Internet. For example, it does say "Download a trial version". There are basically two camps evolving, one that needs to have the software installed and managed on a server, and one that just wants to log into the Internet, regardless of where they are and what computer they are on. That basically doesn't reflect the quality of the product, but it does target the environment for which it resides.

For those of you new to this area, the way for you to quickly decide the differences between software companies is to see if they want you to download something or simply log on. While this product looks rather simple, I would still highly consider Internet based solutions since the average contractor (and I have had more than a few hundred sub-contractors working for me) is so small and mobile that there are more benefits to an Internet based solution. I would glance at this product and then glance at any Internet based product to see the differences in functional approach. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for bringing this one to our attention since I did not know of it. Phil

__________________
Phil Tonks
For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

bmenning

Phil;

Your account of moving to the internet is what the experts where saying during the sessions I attended in Baltimore prior to the remodeling show. They also did a survey of those in attendance and found that over half the companies in this specific session prefer to have their own programs, control of their data, and expressed concern of the monthly fee / user associated with most internet programs.

We do use ELMS here at our company. Your assessment of it appearing basic is also true, but that is the beauty of it - we where able to use it right out of the box and found that it has most , if not more, functionality than other programs we tried. With the trial period, and the price, it is worth a shot. We also have the advantage of being local with the software company and it is easy for us to get support. They are very easy to work with.

Brian
Cornerstone Construction & Remodeling
Columbus, Ohio

rbsremodeling

I think it is a hard decision to make between the online software and the computer based ones. I haveonline software and like the fact it can be accessed anywhere from any pc. The only catch 22 I see if that software goes down and is not accessible or the company goes belly up.


I have had computers crash taking the local software down with it as well. For the second concern, I guess you just have to choose the company wisely.

__________________

inspector49

> I think it is a hard decision to make between the online software and the computer based ones.

Why not give yourself the option of having both without having to pay for using online software? Believe it or not, there are many good and reputable iHost providers where for a reasonable monthly cost to host your very own website, you usually get a lot of storage space in the process. In this manner, you can upload and control your own software/forms and what have you for your business on your website server as well as having it stored on your own PC. Incidentally, in the three years I have had my website, I have never experienced any down time due to my iHost server but then again, I also have all of my business files on my personal computer as well just in case something should ever happen. Either way, I'm covered.

Based upon what's been discussed here so far, as I am also an Acroforms designer/developer of PDF forms, I wanted to throw something out to everyone participating in this thread to get some honest opinions. What if you had a simple database application to enter and manage all of your clients/leads that could also be used to extract information to one or more forms you commonly use in your business? Moreover, what if you didn't have to pay for any updates in the long haul? And what if you could access the database and forms from your website server as well as that of your PC? Would something like this be of interest to anyone of you? Don't worry, I haven't done this yet but I am curious to know your answers since most software applications like that referred to herein usually cost a decent amount of money up front, often fail to live up to their expectations in one form or another, and then nail you later on for upgrades. Your candid replies to these questions are appreciated.

rbsremodeling

Because I do not want to re invent the wheel and I found a software that fits my needs. I do not want the hassle of making, inventing or designing anything. I just want to pick up the phone explain it and have it happen

__________________

orson

I'm with Rory on this one, which kinda figures since we both bought the same web based remodeling software.

I've done work for a company that used a microsoft Sharepoint site to host project information including documents for both the homeowner, subcontractors and employees.

While there is definitely nothing wrong with this type of approach I feel it is a far cry from the really comprehensive web based construction management programs available these days.

The evolution of computing has been strongly influenced by companies like Microsoft whose best interests have been grounded in desktop computing.

I believe that the future of computing is ultimately web based and that the accessibility and cost savings of web based computing outweigh the security risks. I also agree with Rory that you need to choose a web based system carefully because the system is only as good as the longevity and stability of the company.

__________________
Lancaster Remodeling Contractor - Lancaster Remodeling
Kitchen & Bath Remodeling PA- Bathroom Remodeling Lancaster PA
Custom Kitchen Remodeling PA - Ruby Construction FaceBook-Lancaster Bathroom Remodeling

rbsremodeling

I did two estimates today in the field. Emailed my admin to proof read them and make em look pretty and by 2 pm they where emailed out to the customers by 8pm tonight one agreed to the estimates and the other one was blown away by the turn around time and said they will have an answer by Friday for us. Took me 2 hours to do both estimates and have them out to the homeowners.

__________________

ELMS

Many times we do not distinguish the differences between online and internet web based applications. Both types of applications access the data over a remote connection. Many Windows applications access data remotely but we inherently make these applications synonymous with desktop base applications. Online applications typically require you to have the application installed on your computer, but the data is at a remote location. Web base applications are located remotely (like the data) and are referenced via the web and a browser with no applications loaded on your computer. Here are some pros and cons for using these types of applications. I hope this helps when evaluating software:

Smart Client (online application)

Pros:

• Access online data
• Work remote (no connection) and sync with server when online
• Rich client interfaces
• Utilize processing power & graphics of local machine

Cons:

• Large application footprint on computer
• Application only accessible by computer with application loaded
• Deployment of upgrades and applications must go to all installed computers

Web Based (browser basedapplication)

Pros:

• Access online data
• Access via any device with internet access
• Browser based (Windows, Mac, or Linux)

Cons:

• Single connection may disable all applications
• Limited User Interface Experience

I think the cost is a wash between the two types of applications when comparing functionality. The application type is really a preference of the user. I think utopia may be a combination of the two.

We are still at a point in this industry where the estimate and/or quotes are being staged at the central office prior to being delivered to the customer and in most cases vendors. We can access data, update costs, estimates, and change orders remotely, but we are not yet delivering electronic invoices, agreements, and contracts to customers and we don't usually carry printers into the field. This is not a technical problem with applications but the reality of the available technology and acceptance with our customer base.

rbsremodeling

I do all of this and it frees up so much time and eliminates alot of double entry and confusion. I love web based applications

__________________

George Z

We are

The customer base does accept it and the technology is there.

__________________
Toronto Painters Commercial Painting Commercial Painting Toronto Toronto Office Painters
Painting Toronto Blog

ELMS

I agree that the technology is there and I am totally in favor of using it because there are benefits and I enjoy working with remodeling companies that see the benefits of what you have presented.

From the perspective of my customers (remodeling & construction companies) there are those that want control of their data, do not want to build the technical infrastructure to support it, make decisions primarily on a cost basis, and do not rely on their vendors and customers to be technically adept. I find that sales persons in companies differ on their approach. Some prefer be in front of the customer with a physical contract and blueprint. Others like to send an email with the contract attached and a link to a virtual walk-through of the proposed finished project. I have the need to support customers at all levels and acceptance of technology and interject solutions that best fit the customer. Some times a pencil and paper is the right choice.

PMI

Some times a pencil and paper is the right choice.

Another alternative is to simply simulate pencil & paper on a portable computer, print it out with a mobile printer but also have it easily available to email to the customer. Just ask the customer, good chance they will say "just email it to me". Phil

__________________
Phil Tonks
For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

lshomesolutions

so what is the web based program that you are using?

PMI

I am using www.MyOnlineToolbox.com and currently have over 300 open jobs that we are managing, many small and a nice set of large that are taking some time. It’s a good mix for cash flow. I am currently testing new collaboration features that will make it great for my subs to be online and no longer have to come to my office or be chased down to get bids or give them work. Of course they need email first, which many of them already have. I will have to strong arm the others soon, or possibly let them just conform as they see I will give them less and less work without getting online. It will be a big time and money saver for me and them. I like most about this feature I’m testing is that the sub contractor will be able to start using the system to be connected to me, but can then do anything else he wants with his business that is not connected with me even though I am the one who invited him to the application platform. Phil

__________________
Phil Tonks
For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

lshomesolutions

I did the demo with myonline tool box on Monday these guys look to have put a good package together. I do however would like to see them do more job costing and link up with quick books.

Phil, I know that you are all about myonline toolbox. can you or anyone give me advice to my situation.

I am a engineer who is looking to leave the corporate world. I have been doing my own remodels on rentals and flips for about 8 years. I know how to do the remodeling. We went full blown with the company about 9 months ago. Now I have 6 carpenters working for me. I have 6 estimates to hand out by the end of the week. I am struggling doing take offs and finishing invoices. I know that this will come with experience but I am not chancing loosing money on the job. I need software to help me do this.

I guess my question is... would i couple MYOT(online toolbox) with quick books? Or what would be my best bet. Currently I do my own takeoffs with excel spread sheets and formulas that I have created. I also perform my own job costing.

I need help to make my business grow in this regard.

PMI

lshomesolutions (what’s your name?),

I agree on both enhancement suggestions.

Regarding Quickbooks, they are testing with a small set of users on an interface. They do something monthly on some testing. I actually keep all my detail information of what was done, by who, materials, etc. in the toolbox & then just transfer minimal information to Quickbooks to track receivables (Example: Customer name, same invoice # as the toolbox & the total).

For the job costing, yes I also agree that it is needed. They just need to add a few more fields to track and create some reporting. The users took a vote and said that the collaboration features would give more bang for the buck and can wait until early next year. What I do now is put descriptions in the expense category (Example: Employee name, date & how many hours) then I can manually add up the cost of the hours, subs & materials then compare that with my original estimate or if it’s T&M I can bill accordingly.

I am re-testing the collaboration this week to send work to my subs. My testing has been going on for some time now. Sharing information sounds simple until you get into it. This will be a HUGE time saver and I will then be able to free up more time to deal with other limitations and business challenges not related to MyOnlineToolbox. I believe it will be live in two weeks at most.

You are correct that invoicing struggles and chasing down your subs is, and will continue to be a problem. I would couple MOTB (not MYOT … ha, I pay attention) with Quickbooks and really look forward to the collaboration features in a few weeks. Suggestion would be to join (if you haven’t already by now) and immediately ask to start help with the final testing or be alerted as to the collaboration availability. I would print whatever docs you wish to send the subs and make a note that it will be available shortly electronically to get them mentally prepared. Sounds like you are a perfect candidate for the platform feature that has been worked on for a very long time.

Phil

__________________
Phil Tonks
For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

lshomesolutions

Phil,

My Name is Carlos Moreno from Seguin, Texas. Thank you for the MOTB (hah) info. more questions...

1. IS the quick books 2009 premier that has "contractor" software worth it.

2. How extensive are your "Assemblies" in MOTB? ie for a tile assembly if the unit was sqft and I had 600 ft to tile how easy will it pop out the materials (mortar, grout, hardi) that is needed to complete 600 sqft of tile. I understand that I would have to build the assembly.

3. How do you do your estimating? currently I do a quick dwq on autocad with dimensions and sit there and pick it apart piece by piece. I don't like the fact that I can miss something and plus I have to do it for every job. I have started to build a materials list with sku numbers and pricing from local box stores. HOw could MOTB help in this aspect.

Thanks for your input I have so many questions to ask

PMI

Hi Carlos,


I really do not know when it comes to Quickbooks being worth it as it relates to your Contractor question. Does QB do a good job with a GL balance sheet and income statement, etc.? Yes, of course. Will it help you run a contracting service business better than what I am using? No way. Each has its major strengths and limitations which is why I am combining the best of breed. I treat MOTB as my front end of the business and QB as the backend, which I am sure others will agree is a good approach for those that are passionate about what they use on the front end.



My assemblies are extensive & will continue to grow because we do everything. To give you an example, we have several different templates for bathroom remodels (High end, moderate & inexpensive) & they include everything you could imagine from the demo, haul away, plumbing, electrical, rebuild of each step that may occur in this type of remodel. When a customer calls for a bathroom remodel estimate, based upon our experience, location of house & asking questions on the initial phone call we can choose one of these templates. When we pick the template everything will paste into the new job we just created with basic pricing that we can now adjust as needed based upon sq.ft. or type of material, etc. On the site visit we can delete items that will not be needed on this project & this is a way not to miss things that may need to be included in the estimate.

Most of our estimates are done from past experience and looking at what we charged last time & did it make a profit.



I'll try my best to answer as many questions as possible but would suggest you trying it out. Many of your questions will change based on how any specificsolution works, and does not work. To give an example (as I mentioned in another thread), I just started sending invoices electronically to customers about two months ago and my cash flow dramatically increased. This one issue has allowed me the extra time to work around other missing items in the system.



Phil

__________________
Phil Tonks
For all your Remodeling & Home Improvement needs in South Florida visit www.pmi1call.com

JonPeters

Hello,
I am a 1st time poster here, but I have been reading a lot of the posts. I was looking at the software mentioned above, MyOnlineToolbox and was not sure if this was a complete web hosted solution? I am not really sure about putting up all of my customer names and information on the internet. I know many people are using it, but if I loose internet connection, what happens?
Thanks
Jon Peters