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The diagram section in SIMSOL is pretty straight forward.  It is basically line drawing just like in Word.  The problem must adjusters have (which has been noted by NFIP) is that they mix line types when drawing.  DO NOT use the line that creates a number value of the distance and then use an alpha line and put in a number on other lines.  Although you show a box, the measurements may not represent a box (e.g. 40 feet at the top, 20 feet on the side using number value and 30 feet at the botttom using alpha although the line is the same length as the 40 foot line above).  Best bet is to always use the alph line where you can put in the values yourself rather than letting the program measure the line for you and create the number.  You also create smaller diagrams that way and it's a pain to get it right on using the number value line.  On lines that don't need measurements, simply use the basic line tool.  SIMSOL isn't like X8.  You cannot estimate from your drawing within the software.  SIMSOL is simply a line drawing representation of the area -- pretty simple and what examiners like to see.  Measurements are readable in SIMSOL where they are usually not in the X8 printouts.

Photos can be uploaded into the program individually or in multiple (camera icon).  Rather than having to rearrange your photos inside SIMSOL (which can only be done when you get ready to print) or go back and forth uploading single photos in a particular order, you have to go through and organize your photos in the order you want to upload them FIRST by creating alpha file names for each photo (e.g. aa frnt risk, ab lft risk, ac rear risk, ad rt risk....).  Once you create the file names on your computer you can select all of them and they will upload in the alpha order.  If I don't have very many photos I may only use A, B, C, D.... but my flood files often have 100+ photos on a significant loss.  By seeing the alpha name I can also usually write my photo text notes without having to open and look at the actual photos inside the program.

I agree with the note above, their tech support is the best.  The people you get on the phone are sitting right there in the Florida SIMSOL office rather than in another country -- and they all speak English I can understand.

Kim Smallwood, CIC

From what I can see, the estimating part is pretty straight forward and I have had no problems adjusting to it. I realize there is a learning curve on the reports and how to transfer what to where and this will come with use. However, I can diagram a big house with windows and doors with X25 in nothing flat and Simsol has nothing equal to it. I was somewhat amused at their sales ad that said I didn't "have" to drag my repairs into a diagram. I hate to tell them this, but that makes estimating a lot faster - you just have to make sure your diagram measurements are correct. Also, I can sketch a roof with the proper pitch and get the SQS within 1/2 to 1 SQS, and 4 people can measure a roof and come up with 6 sizes anyway. Inserting photos into X25 is also a LOT less hassle than Simsol. I'll just have to get used to it.

These are my opinions based on years of using these programs and I have no dog in the hunt. I want to use what is easiest and also what the carrier wants. Most carriers seem to prefer X25 and that is what I use 99% of the time. I loved the old DDS but at the end of the day, it took longer to do estimates with it. It seemed faster, but it wasn't.