In this article we will look at the advantages of running a web-based estimating software package. In our case, estimating software will be for trade service companies, trade contractors and other on-site service based businesses.

Using a web-based estimating software system as opposed to an offline (locally installed system) will help increases performance, productivity and efficiency within your business.

Since web-based applications can be accessed through any web browser, no desktop installation or updates are required. Web-based applications are required to be installed on a server. With most quality web-based estimating software you have the choice of running it on the secure servers that the provider hosts, or you can choose an intranet solution which can be installed on your own server.

What do you mean by web-based software anyway?

Web-Based Estimating Software (also known as browser-based) is cost estimating software you use over the internet, or on your own intranet, accessed with a web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, Chrome etc).

You don’t have to download or install any software, no need to hang onto old CDs, no license numbers to store and you never any need to worry about upgrades. If you use internet banking or a web-based email program like Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo Mail then you already use web-based software.

Why is a web-based estimating package good for my business?

Using web-based estimating software in your business means that you don't have to worry about anything technical. The vendor will handle the technical support, backups, upgrades and all the security. Essentially the vendor will handle all the “IT” stuff and you stay focussed on what you are good at - running your business.

Web-based software is safer.

It’s true. When using traditional, locally installed estimating software (like you would if you ran it on your PC, laptop or office server, you and your employees save data on locally. It’s not as safe as it sounds. Laptops are stolen & lost, computers are rarely backed up properly, and it’s unlikely everyone’s machines are up to date with the latest security patches and updates. 

When you use quality web-based estimating software, your data is stored on secure, always-updated, backed up daily enterprise-class servers in a state-of-the-art, highly-secure data centre.

We use it too.

Most vendors of web-based estimating software use their own system to manage their own business. They trust their entire business to their products and security policies, so you can feel comfortable that they practice what they preach.

Everything you need in one place.

One of the single biggest advantages of web-based estimating software is that all your data is centralised and accessible over the web from any computer at any time. So if you need to do a quote at home over the weekend, you can’t forget to bring the most recent price list or the clients drawings because everything is stored centrally on the web accessible servers. You can get to it from anywhere. Safe, secure, and password protected, of course.

Your data is backed up daily - automatically.

With any of the reputable vendors of web-based estimating software, your data is automatically backed up every day. The best ones even `back up’ their backups for additional redundancy.

You’re always using the latest and greatest.

Unlike traditional software that requires you to download and install updates yourself, web-based estimating software is updated automatically. This means that you always have the latest version to use, and you aren’t required to buy new software just to get the latest features and bug fixes.

There’s nothing to install.

With web-based estimating software there is nothing to download or install. Just log in with the web-browser you already have (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Chrome etc).

“Is it compatible?” is now an irrelevant question.

Software used to only be available for certain platforms such as Windows software, Mac software, etc. Web-based estimating software works on any platform with a web browser and internet connection. Mac, Windows, Linux are all supported.

Up to date data.

Since everyone in the business logs into the same centralised system, you have a single database with everything in one place. There is no more asking “Is this the latest quote for XYZ” or “is this the current price list from supplier ABC” - everyone has access to all the latest information.

You can work from – well - anywhere.

When you use quality web-based estimating software your office is where you are. In the office, at home, a hotel, on a job site. Check with your vendor as the best systems will allow you to connect from any internet enabled device including your mobile phone. Your data is accessible anywhere with internet access.

simPRO Web-Based Estimating Software

simPRO is a leading provider of web-based estimating software, and in fact we were one of the first companies in the world to start using this technology, 10 years ago.

All the benefits of the above web-based estimating software apply to the use of simPRO.

With simPRO you know you are using state of the art software that has been implemented by hundreds of contracting companies just like yours and has improved constantly by direct feedback and feature requests from those users.

Not Just Estimating Software

simPRO has the added benefit of also including job management, project management, stock control, scheduling, invoicing and reporting – everything you need to run a successful contracting business.