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TomToll
USA
87 Posts |
 Posted - 05/11/2003 : 11:07:09
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| 6.5a has arrived and Janice and I love it. I will not go into detail on its works, you just have to try it. We built our own database while in Dallas, used the macro and it really sped things up. I am glad IC finally is beginning to listen to us. We still prefer the Photoadjuster software for the photographs though. Much faster and is acceptable in litigation courts. |
Tom Toll |
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OBHF
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - 05/15/2003 : 10:10:09
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Most of the issues addressed in this thread become non-issues with Simsol. Their database is a modified version of the National Construction Estimator and using GMTs (Global Modification Tables applicable to any estimate you create) or LMTs (Local Modification Tables applicable to a particular estimate an adjuster is working on -- which I never opt for) your adjusting database can become as robust as your needs demand.
Having used or sampled most of the major estimating systems on the market, I choose Simsol every time I have a choice. However, as "independents" it seems we are getting to choose less and less. It's kind of the 1952 Oldsmobile syndrome. Once you are no longer aware of the idiosyncrasies of a particular vehicle and your unconscious adjustments to them, they are not problems anymore. However, it is always a problem when an adjuster, who should be the eyes and ears of the Insurer at the loss, cannot exercise his or her JUDGEMENT. Judgment is the root word in adjusting! I used to think it was the reason we were out there.
I don't think any program beats Simsol for Report and Form Generating potential. But, if you want your work product to look like your work, you'll have to invest some start-up time. Once you get your reports the way you want them, you save them as templates, and they are “keepers,” especially reports involving merge fields.
Xactimate has, and will probably continue to have the best and most functionally applicable diagramming system. It is the cure for which there was no disease. I think the dimensioning dialog boxes are faster and a lot less frustrating. Either or both can be used in the same estimate-- at your own peril. I'd just as soon scan in my hand drawn diagram as a PDF attachment. On the majority of claims, I doubt that most carriers want much more, and we all know that none are shy about asking for more activity on a flat fee adjustment.
I haven't seen the new Integra claim. I used DDS, and even attended their training classes several years ago, so my opinion is probably out of date. I suffered with it as long as I could before deciding no one should have to spend so much time chatting with their excellent technical support personnel. I don't want to need that much tech support! I finally decided that it was the “Dumb Blonde” of adjusting programs. It looked incredible, but one morning you wake up and wonder if it’s really worth the punishment your taking.
I think it should be said that PowerClaim is improving. I looked it over, again, in April. Their database is still too wimpy. It is, however, easily modified. On the positive side, they have the best photo sheet in the business. All of you software developers should take a look at this well done application. (And, before your head gets too big, Gale, wouldn't a spell checker feature be appropriate in the photo comment box?)
I think the bottom line is that we’d like to use the software that we are comfortable using. (Or, in the more common case-- we have to learn to be comfortable with whatever we have to use.)
Finally, two questions from an old fool:
1. JSVenning, what the heck is IMHO?
2. is anyone using or playing around with the new Iomega IO personal digital pen? It looks like it could be a great tool, especially for diagrams and take-off notes, but that doesn't mean it will be. I may be in the wrong thread for this question…
One final software thought. To me, the single greatest strength of Simsol is the ease with which you can navigate thru its features. Time is, after all, money.
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Todd_Summers
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2003 : 16:39:35
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OBHF, IMHO = In My Honest Opinion.
Now... what the heck is an "OBHF"? My guess... "Old Bald Headed Fart"? hehehe (no offense, just guessing) |
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fivedaily
USA
258 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2003 : 21:14:47
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I thought IMHO = In my HUMBLE opinion... (well, maybe not on CADO) :-)
OBHF = One Big Happy Family
Jennifer
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Wes
USA
62 Posts |
Posted - 07/01/2003 : 23:29:40
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| I need help from a Integra Claim expert. Why dont I have all the items that are available in my materials database that are available in my macros database? For example in the macros section I can find interior wall framing with many selections to chose from such as replace studs but if I want to enter line items one at a time by clicking on the picture I cant find wall framing anywhere. Another example I noticed is plate glass wall mirror, it is in the macros but not listed as a material if I pull up a bathroom. Am I doing something wrong, do I not have some option turned on? There are many examples other than the ones I have mentioned. By the way anyone not using macros in Integra should realy look into them. They cut my estimating time in half. |
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gdplum
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2003 : 09:27:41
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| If you need to learn Integraclam (DDS)and live in the Houston area, I teach small classes. |
glen |
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gdplum
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2003 : 09:30:12
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| If you want to learn Integriclaim (DDS) in the Houston area, I teach small classes. |
glen |
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rjragan
USA
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2003 : 10:56:06
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| M&S/B have now moved from Hawkins TX. down the road a few miles to Tyler Tx. they are now in an office building on the corner of puluxy and loop 323.Here is the adress 1828 E Southeast loop 323, suite 202 Tyler Tx. 75701 Phone numbers are 903 596 7018 or 800 337 9665. Pilot adjuster will be getting a updated version within the next few months,according to one of the software trainers. This is a better version with enhancements to make the adjuster more productive. |
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Tom Toll
USA
154 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2003 : 21:37:41
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| I talked to I/C and a new version is coming out very soon with many enhancements that the adjusters have asked for. Hopefully we will get it before hurricane season starts popping. |
Edited by - Tom Toll on 07/03/2003 21:39:53 |
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Petegillespie
1 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2003 : 12:30:49
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DDS was the brainstorm of Floyd Myers & later John Lockridge partnered and after seeing the opportunity to profit, from a never-ending project they sold to Beck. I believe they found it to be an imposable task to compete with Xactimate.
Alto I find Xactimate’s pricing database is cumbersome I doubt you will find anything close to it flexibility. I have bought 24 copies 10 years ago and spend $600.00 a year for support. I did change to DDS and after $10,000.00 in converting I went back to Xactimate.
Pete Gillespie
U.S. Services.
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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2003 : 19:42:31
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Pete,
Was the program that became DDS started by Floyd when he was with IAS? You must know Floyd quite well if you got 24 copies of DDS for $10K. Today I was told of one TX adjusting firm still only paying $860 per year and understand most everyone is paying over $1K per year. I doubt if Xactimate with probably only 25% of the adjuster market even today posed a threat to DDS since at the time of their heyday over 50% of all property adjusters were not using any estimating software.
Did you get a letter from Xactimate saying after January 2004 you will get to pay the going rate to continue to use their software as reportedly some have received?
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gdplum
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2003 : 21:33:24
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| If you are in the Houston area, I offer one day classes in Integriclaim OR Xactimate. gdPlum@AOL.COM |
glen |
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fivedaily
USA
258 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2003 : 11:45:16
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| Glen, we get it. Jennifer |
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Kelley
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2003 : 17:50:16
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Just took time to read these old threads.
We have used DDS/IntegriClaim since 98 & would not change for anything. Prices can be changed if you "know" how. If ppl would spend the money to take the classes that DDS/IntegriClaim offer they would be hours ahead. I have yet to see anything worth doing that DDS/IntegriClaim can not do. Come flood season while so many ppl are handwritting or typing in numbers on their flood forms my DDS is pulling them over & printing them out. Everytime you have to hand write or transfer a number manually you increase the risk of mistakes.
DDS/IntegriClaim has never once changed for their Tech Support as other firms have. If you have a problem that they can not walk you through then email them the claim, let them take a look at the situation, they will solve the problem.
DDS was designed for adjusters, not contractors.
Everyone needs to learn how to back-up their DDS and how to reset DDS off of the older saved data. Take time to really learn about the product, it will save you hours in the long run.
If you are haveing trouble changing prices then take time to call DDS... their Tech Support will walk you through it. I changed some prices yesterday as per carriers request. We always save a new "local" data base & don't change our DDS prices, can become very confusing. Data bases pulled in from on line will need to be saved under another name to change them, we learned the trick, DDS told use how to do it.
Email me if you want to with when you are having problems. I will not solve the problem but I will see if I can get you going in the correct direction.
Oh yes,once again, DDS does not change you $20.00 an hour when you call them for help, they have a toll free number even. 888-370-8324 # 3
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One persons dream is another persons nightmare. |
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DonP
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2003 : 19:52:35
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| Aw; Kelly you bring back fond memories of a program that was adjuster friendly and one you could close claims with on a timely basis. I am now forced to use an inferior product because the powers that be made a mistake and won't admit to it. |
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Integra Estimating Software
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