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Kelley
USA
26 Posts |
 Posted - 07/21/2003 : 06:10:00
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Thank you DonP. It is my thought that even on it worse day DDS/IC is still much than than anyother system. We made a choice, it the company does not allow us to use DDS/IC then we will not work with them. It was a hard decision to make but so far it has been a very good decision.
I have looked at PowerPoint & I do like it but it still does not offer what DDS/IC does and it seems the larger carrieres have never heard of PowerPoint. The people at Power Point are great and very helpful.
I have never worked a storm with Xactimate. I have paid for one & been to two of their classes. We have built claims on it, produced and printed them. I took a look at the stack of papers in the claim & ask my self "why go backwards, why work with a product produced for another professional, why not stay with one product and gain all of the knowledge I can about that product. I did not want to be a "General Practioner", I choose to be a "specialist"
These are my choices, thought and feelings. I have friends who swear by Xactimate, some by Simsol and then I have some friends that just swear.
Make "your" choices and stick with them and then go seek out firms that allow you to live with your choices, just don't set unrealistic goals.
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adjuster6669
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - 07/23/2003 : 10:42:24
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I have been a staff adjuster, as well as an I/A and have become proficient in the use of Xactimate,DDS/Integri, and Simsol over the years. In my experience, I have and still continue to find the DDS/Integri produict to be the very best of these three. It is fast, easy to use, and very professional looking. Many adjusters who have only used Exactimate still can't draw roofs on their program b/c it is NOT user friendly. In todays adjusting market more clients are looking for the "paperless" file and the DDS/Integri product is the most capable of delivering it.
On a final note, let me also say that I have always learned my programs inside and out, and that really is the only way to know the program's limitations. I have always been able to modify DDS/Integri prices and databases (even the new version). |
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TomWeems
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2003 : 17:01:25
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Ahhhh yes, Integra. Or MSB, or DDS, or whatever they wish to call it now. I have been using the program since 98 and was a loyal customer. Then they locked the database, making it all but useless to those of us who deal with older buildings, commercial large losses, and historic buildings. Today I called them to renew, and was informed that this wounded powerhouse is now $45.00 more a month because a vendor I work for no longer uses them. I do remember the days in the not too distant past, when DDS actually cared what we think. I sincerely hope that someday realitiy sets in and we can return to being able to use the program. As it now stands, I can't recommend it.
I loved the old version of Boeckh, and I loved the older versions of Xactimate (5.8). Either of them would allow you to change pricing as needed to reflect the realities of estimating. I guess gone are the days when the carriers actually believed we knew what we are doing.... |
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Tom Toll
USA
154 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2003 : 20:14:26
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| As much as I hate it, I have to agree with Tom. It appears some larger vendors are much more important than the independent. There are several features in the new 6.51d ver. that cannot be changed, due to a vendor request. Tom, you can, however, make a copy of your database, in whatever area you are in, and then you can make all the changes you wish in pricing. I think, we as a group, need to start e-mailing MSB and try to convince them to cut a new version for the adjuster that knows what they are doing. |
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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 07/30/2003 : 21:19:18
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| My suggestion is that we talk to Gale Hawkins |
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TomToll
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2003 : 23:06:24
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Chuck, Gale has a good light property estimating system. You and I and many others work heavy property, so that program will not float. If Gale built a system to match Simsol and I/C, he would have to charge much more for it. I installed his program twice and it messed up my hard drive twice. May be co-incidence, don't know. I was reluctant to install it the third time. I think Gale's program eats exacimate up. In reading John Postava's post, I am convinced that he is correct. Data mining seem to be at the front of Companies. There are ways to skirt around I/C issues, but it requires vast knowledge of the system. Fortunately Janice and I know I/C front to back.
There is no answer here, as we are at the mercy of the vendors and of the Companies. Adjusting is no longer a simple matter. It requires more and more equipment and knowledge of that equipment. Sad part is we are not earning what is required to buy this equipment. I guess we are in the same classifacation as a teacher. You just gotta love the work and accept the sacrifices. |
Tom Toll |
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TomWeems
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2003 : 08:28:27
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Tom, I think the most effective way to get MSB's attention is to "vote with our feet". I am currently evaluating Simsol, and Xactimate. I think I'm also going to get a copy of Gale's program too. If enough of us do that, I think MSB will re-evaluate their position. The database is the heart of any estimating system, lock it and it's worthless.
Yes, I'm aware how much of a pain in the butt learning a new program is. But there are basic similarities in them all, and certainly if you can learn Integra, and you have the background in DOS Xactimate, and Boeckh that both of us do, learning a new one is a minimum of fuss. It may be an acceptable thing for the young adjuster right out of school, but not for people like us that have been there and done that. ON the other hand Tom, we can always stay behind and clean up the mess. Oh will they ever learn???? |
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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2003 : 18:45:19
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Guys after a long dry spell we have been getting a ton of rain so I have to get home to cut some grass but I will get back later because I see some have really been thinking about software concerns.
One thing I will mention is that Tom T I feel certain the version (PowerClaim 2000 Release 7) we shipped you 12/05/01 did not crash your computer so since you have never a chance to try PowerClaim at least try PowerClaimXML Release 14B that posted three days ago and is currently downloadable at http://www.powerclaim.com It is only a 32 MB file so if you have high speed connection to the web it is just a few minutes.
If not call 800-736-1246 and my staff will mail you PowerClaimXML with the currently free Residential Property Valuation Module (available in a stand alone version for Underwriting and Insurance Agency use).
You may want the CD shipped even after you download successfully because there are about 45 minutes new video training tutorials included on the CD.
Just now I was told the training tutorials have just been uploaded so give us some feedback over the weekend on how the video format views on your systems . http://www.powerclaim.com/video.htm
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Joy
1 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2003 : 16:40:56
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quote:
Originally posted by ChuckDeaton
My suggestion is that we talk to Gale Hawkins
Chuck, thank you for the CAT101 info. As a newbie, looking over these posts, my question is- if any of you old pros were starting from scratch, which program would be the first that you would actually shell out money for?
I have ordered a few free trials to become familiar with the programs, and I get my Florida ACA license on Monday. |
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trader
USA
236 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2003 : 16:49:11
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| Joy if I was in your shoes I would not lease or buy any software. Wait until some one will hire you and then learn(vendors-Co.s prefrence) on the job. Handwrite the first storm if you are allowed. Do you want to sign a 1 year lease for $1620.00 |
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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2003 : 18:02:03
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Trader,
Where did you come up with $1620 per year? Cat adjusters across the country are paying $599 max. Email me if you need names. |
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caddodream
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2003 : 22:33:20
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Joy,
If you contact DDS/Integra in Tyler, they will furnish newbies and or people wanting to convert with the program that allows you to practice and learn the layout. They also have an online cert. version that is 199.00 that gives you 7 hour online lesson (this you can complete at your own pace) and it includes 2 free months upon registration. I did this before I went to Victoria to train and ended up learning on my mentors system, but I have held on the the program awaiting my first solo deployment. I was unable to find a class in DFW area untill nearly Sept. I hope this is helpfull information.
patty |
American Red Cross Chapter needs your support. |
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LAW1526
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2003 : 23:33:19
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Gale.
The yearly cost for DDS is now $1620. I have been using it for the last 5 years and this year the price went up. If you have a list of other adjuster who are paying less please let me know. DDS will owe me some money. |
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cstreet
1 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2003 : 11:13:22
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| yea, I would like to know names I have been with them for years. |
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trader
USA
236 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2003 : 16:11:52
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| My boss paid for 3 years; but nothing last forever. I paid $1620. in June. I will claim age discrimination also.!!!! |
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Integra Estimating Software
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