Materials List Revisited

[Justice]

Lew,

My conclusions are based on discussions from other posts about ML improvements made by CA administration staff.

I don't want to argue with you, that's just the impression I got right or wrong, it should clear up in time.

More important is 3d BIM with CA, they don't think its a priority or not many of us will need it.

With 3d BIM we can get our models taken off by other estimating software or, if no 3d BIM, please fix up ML and make it accurate.

Get a legal document disclaimer maybe, that the take off list even though accurate to some point may not cover all the individual components of a building, since that depends on the level of completion of the BIM model.

I am not a lawyer but that may need to be looked at, before we get more commitment to ML improvements?

[lbuttery]

With 3d BIM we can get our models taken off by other estimating software

Justice:

I think this is probably the better course

it would be nice if it could all be done in one package
but ???

Lew

[Justice]

That's a decision they will have to make carefully.

I would like to see a Take Off system that uses a 3d model that can be explored and updated easily, without going back and forth between programs.

Lets face it the best option for all of us and for Chief is to develop the estimating & Take Off system for native use and also for 3d BIM export.

That way Chief gets bigger exposure to the Home Building Industry world wide, through our exporting our 3d BIM Chief model to them for take off. I hope the HBI take note of Chief's price and say, "yes lets get it for Estimating, Modelling, Plans and Rendering of our Homes so we don't have to go back and forth between programs."

ROI win win for all parties I would think.

So why not do Both and if we have to pay for a separate Premium Chief Estimating package, so be it.

I would think that many Home Builders will opt for Chief over other Home Design software just because of a Premium Estimating extra?

Most of the simpler 2d take off add ons are about $1000 or so and if we wanted a native Chief 3d Premium estimating package we could pay for it if we needed it and keep the price the same for those who do not need it?

Much better to have a native 3d Take Off System than only a 2d add on?

[lbuttery]

So why not do Both and if we have to pay for a separate Premium Chief Estimating package, so be it.


Justice:

I agree, I have suggested that Chief be sold in modules to keep the cost down

however, it is also a matter of resources

if CA doesn't hire more programmers then I would rather they concentrate on getting chief "better"
and just create a BIM capable export

the same applies to energy calcs and structural calcs and collision detection
etc etc etc

Chief can't have "everything" programmed into one package

but with BIM they can "talk" to software that can be dedicated to a task

Lew