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Gary Moselle (Garymoselle)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2001 - 3:36 pm: | 
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Home Depot is now giving away Craftsman's National Estimator program at the Pro Desk in 136 stores in 7 states: VA, NC, SC, AL, GA, MS and TN. The Home Depot version is called ProBook CD and includes about everything Home Depot sells, 18,000 items with prices updated daily on the Web for any Home Depot store you select. |
Gale Hawkins (Gale)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 23, 2000 - 12:31 pm: |
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I just wanted to pass this along that came from a strong supporter of CADO who is a man at the top of his profession although he will never point it out himself. His point below is well taken. Best of luck to Tom Brown and I now realize that Steve just someone that does not think at all like the management of e-claim.com. "I have known Tom Brown for several years on a professional level, he is a good man. As in all endevors it does not hurt to have alternative or additiional sources, much like software." |
Gale Hawkins (Gale)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, September 22, 2000 - 8:55 pm: |
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Steve please do not take this the wrong way but I do not typically wear panties. I may be confused about E-claim but I thought it was a ‘wannabe’ CADO. Am I right? |
SWK
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 18, 2000 - 8:17 am: |
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Steve, perhaps you can talk Roy into putting the words PowerClaim in a background screen for the entire Forum so that when anyone posts here the words PowerClaim can be visibly seen in every other word. CADO might want to also consider sponsoring a Gale Hawkins for President campaign (it's not too late) as a write in candidate. Or perhaps, several of us who are real adjusters could go start our own catastrophe adjusting website and not allow access to the software vendors. I agree with you, the message is getting old. |
Tom Joyce (Tomj)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2000 - 7:24 pm: |
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By the way, tell Tom B I said hello |
Tom Joyce (Tomj)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2000 - 7:23 pm: |
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Steve, I do not use Gale's product because of customer base. I have tried it an found it to be a good program and the company is making great strides in improving the product. The purpose of the forum is to enlighten, educate and attempt to improve all our lives. Not to tear down and insult. I emailed a friend of mine today for some advise re pay schedules, availability of adjusters for a project and received a prompt reply that was in the best interest of all adjusters. If the project works out about 30 adjusters could be put to work. If not, well that is the nature of the business. The business in all areas is getting more competitive every day and the suppliers of our equipment have the same challenges as we do. There is never going to be one firm or adjuster that will satisfy everyone, likewise there is not going to be software company that is going to make everyone happy. Many of use use all the programs out there, any attempt to control costs is appreciated. By the way, thanks Jim, I guess we'll see what happens. |
Steve Davis (Davis)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2000 - 5:47 pm: |
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Gale, thanks for replying to my post with the same bs we have come to expect from you. E-claim is where I have a email address so you don't have to get your panties in bunch over fearing it maybe a competitor software company. Good luck with your quest but slander and mudslinging should be left to politics. |
Gale Hawkins (Gale)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 17, 2000 - 12:37 am: |
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Steve thanks for helping boost the ratings. 
How is it going over at e-claim? Looks like those 2000 FWUA forms may be put through the paces this time.
Are you new to CADO? Is e-claim a new site? Has promoting it on CADO helped your hit rate? CADO is a great site.
With the pace of things at Hawkins Research, Inc., I have not spent as much time on CADO of late until DDS had a letter sent demanding some clarifications for some CADO post. Hopefully I will get a notice from them soon that it would be fine with them if I never post on CADO again. I have lost two nights this week due to their demands. I think the DDS: Friend, Foe or Just Money? conversation someone started recently got their goat. It seems they do not have a PR person they can tap to help them stay in control of their image.
Steve have you read, The E-Myth Revisited : Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber ? It explains why most that get in the software developing business will most likely never achieve the long-term success they desire. It is required reading for management at Hawkins Research, Inc. It is really an easy book to read but is hard to apply if one is technically oriented. |
Steve Davis (Davis)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2000 - 10:26 pm: |
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Hi welcome to the Gale Hawkins powerclaim show if you don"t know it airs nightly on the CADO forum . Tune in this week to find out what Bs he"ll be serving up about the competion. Wow a whole five dds user think poerclaim is great . Find out How a night of drinking and pool turn into a mompoly between the estimating software companies rumors on the street that the goverment is looking into this saying this could be bigger than ma Bell . |
Gale Hawkins (Gale)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2000 - 6:14 pm: |
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David I agree with you that the demands put up on me are totally based upon fear of the competition. I also know that you know this is not a database issue but it is good to know what spin the Simsol camp would put on the known facts in this issue. David diversion is always a popular spin.  |
David P Bennett (Whitey)
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2000 - 3:23 pm: |
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Well, Gale, you've gone and done it again. I really had to think about responding to your latest post, as it is clear you are making some outlandish accusations based on what appears to be a fear of the competition.
I will only say a couple of words, it seems you take to heart comments which when taken in their full context do not even come close to implying what you have stated. I only hope you have some sort of backup, evidence or whatever to support what you believe to be clear.
As for the estimating programs on the market, as I see it, DDS has their program using data from one source, Boeck has apparently reached an agreement to use the software but probably incorporates their data into the program. Simsol of course has its program using a database to which they have an agreement to use. RS Means apparently reached an agreement whereby they use the SIMSOL estimating software, but have incoporated their own data as the database for the program.
I still see 4 separate programs here, as each has a different database, with their own unique location or adjustment factors, their own crew rates and times.
In the real world, their are actually more than these 4 plus yours. I don't have a specific count, but their are a lot of regional programs, self developed programs etc.
Don't know where you are going with this particular line, but honestly, I hope it doesn't take you down a path that would damage your company. As we all know libel and slander are strong liabilities to a company.
Maybe you can step back, reevaluate your statements and position and move forward. Competition and growth is the name of the game. Look at the insurance industry and financial industry mergers and you will understand what I mean. |
Gale Hawkins (Gale)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, September 16, 2000 - 1:10 am: |
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Thanks to all that have been supportive of PowerClaim as we work to address demands of a retraction/clarification in a couple of Conversations on CADO which DDS has placed on us through their legal counsel.
(This is long so if you are the type to read and complain about what you have read please skip this post. Thank you.)
Their (DDS) complaint in this Conversation, which David entitled, “Claims Programs Comparison” has to do with this post made on 5 Feb 2000 the best I can tell from their letter. Please scroll down to it but I will restate the paragraph that I think is in question:
“Yes technology is going to move ahead but 'selling under-developed adjusting software at greatly inflated prices like certain vendors do only retards the growth of technology in the adjusting industry.' The inflated prices do not hurt the adjusters and carriers in the pocketbook as much as the fact they have to try to make a living using under-developed adjusting software that reduces their output and increases their stress levels. Day after day, year after year using adjusting software that retards one’s professional ability to produce claims is not what the industry needs.”
DDS has taken the position that the portion set of by single quote marks insinuated that they (DDS) are the party to which this statement applies if I understand their demand for a retraction/clarification correctly. To help clarify this, it is my personal opinion that this statement actually could apply to more than just one estimating software vendor and maybe all but I do not have a problem with DDS assuming that the shoe could fit their foot as well.
Since DDS has gone historical on us and brought up this old Conversation in a legal sense, let us look at the apparent Anti-trust Law they may have broken which John Postava of Simsol acknowledged on their behalf in this same Conversation.
Scroll down to the 7 Feb 2000 7:54 PM post by John Postava for the complete post where John explains how he and Ron took actions that could be seen as self-serving to the two parties indicated and apparently not in the best interest of US consumers of property insurance products. Here is the a clip of the admission that John Postava made of his and Ron’s act that some see as being in direct opposition to the Sherman Antitrust Act:
“…At the ACE conference last Novemeber the SIMSOL billiards team took on the DDS crew in the hotel pub for exclusive rights to market our wares on a state-by-state basis. We got some, you got some. For a breakdown, talk to Ron. I think he's got the list. Or maybe I had it....”
According to an article by Joel I. Klein, Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division at http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/public/div_stats/1638.htm one can read the following:
“When competitors agree to fix prices, rig bids or allocate customers, consumers lose the benefits of competition. The prices that result when competitors agree in these ways are artificially high; such prices do not accurately reflect cost and therefore distort the allocation of society's resources. The result is a loss not only to U.S. consumers and taxpayers, but also the U.S. economy.”
As one can read the “allocating of customers” between two vendors in the same business is a “no-no” that any competent corporate head should know better than to do. Crowing about committing such an act on a Public Forum may fall into a category beyond incompetent.
As you can read in section 2 of the article, “Individual violators can be fined up to $350,000 and sentenced to up to 3 years in federal prison for each offense; corporations can be fined up to $10 million for each offense.”
Just prior to the above statement you can also read, “The Act is not violated simply when one firm's vigorous competition and lower prices take sales from its less efficient competitors; rather, that is competition working properly.”
John and Ron you should know how hard it is to make a software company go even if you do not have all of my limitations to just meet the physical demands. Taking unfair advantage of my company would be one thing but to lead the consumers of your products to think that DDS and Simsol are actively competing for their business when in fact you had agreed not to directly compete by “allocating customers” when you divided up the consumers on a state-by-state basis for “exclusive rights” to market your wares.
Unlike that it was demanded of me that I do certain acts or else, I do not demand anything of you but ask that you clearly post on this Conversation that you will clearly indicate, any private non-compete agreements that may exist between Simsol and DDS and any similar non-compete agreements that the two of you may have entered into together or separately with R.S. Means and Boeckh where it be in the allocating of customers and/or setting price ranges or other type of actions to limit competition, in all advertisements so everyone can know who have agreed not to compete at some level when it would be reasonably for most consumers of estimating software to expect the opposite.
It is important that the rest of the industry and consumers of estimating software know so they can truly make informed decisions. If there is a 4-2-1 relationship in place then all outside of that relationship are in danger of being harmed.
This is not a statement that even a 4-2-1 relationship exist but after what could be viewed as the apparent laps of integrity in the management of both the corporations of DDS and Simsol based the post of 7 Feb 2000 there is a strong question in my mind as to the ability of these two companies to engage in fair trade practices in even closer relationships.
At one point in the not so distant pass there was Boeckh, DDS, R.S. Means and Simsol and each were competing with four distinctive different estimating software packages. Then two stumbled in a sense and out of it came the DDS/Boeckh and Simsol/R.S. Means relationships. (Some of you know of how we got delayed getting on the market and lost a $5,000.00 deposit paid to R.S. Means because they were not forthcoming with us about their relationship with Simsol before we signed a contract to use the R.S. Means database but you can read more about that in an old post sometime.)
Since the DDS/Boeckh and Simsol/R.S. Means relationships are in place that means instead of having four distinctive competing products there are only two similar estimating engines. That within its self is permissible I am sure unless similar types of agreements exist in their relationships as John Postava announced that is/or was in place in 1999 between DDS and Simsol.
Boeckh, DDS, R.S. Means and Simsol = 4, DDS/Boeckh and Simsol/R.S. Means = 2 and DDS/Simsol = 1.
All of us know that the 4, legally existed at one time, and John since you have openly acknowledged the 1, was put into place last year, do you see why the adjusting community as a whole needs to know if a similar non-compete relationship exist inside of the two parties that make up the 2 component?
As we can read in read in section 3 of Mr. Klein’s article entitled, “Antitrust Enforcement and the Consumer” the DOJ may grant immunity to individuals or corporations sometimes. Section 7 can be scary for the ones that even knew about a violation but did not directly gain from the violation.
I call upon all of the vendors to avoid all actions that will cause all software vendors to be moving into glass houses. Dividing up the turf like gang members is not only criminal but taints the entire industry and those associated with it. Let us operate within the law. Competition is good for all in the end. Breaking the law is bad for all in the end. Let us all focus on doing what is right for the consumers and they will take care of us instead of wasting money on lawyers. If we run our business right they will grow and we will require more assistance from the legal profession anyway.
In the event any vendor or anyone associated with any vendor that would like a contact name and number at the DOJ just call 202-514-3543 and ask for the section that deals with software issues. I can be reached at gale@hawkinsresearch.com or by calling 1-800-736-1246. |
Gale Hawkins
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 09, 2000 - 9:38 pm: |
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John, Scott, Roy and to all others that I have upset set in anyway I want to apologize to you at this time. I promise to create what I intend to post in the future and let it set overnight if it involves issues that are emotional in nature to me. There seem to be many emotional Discussion Areas on CADO and I no longer want to set the example of going overboard that may cause others to do the same.
John and your team have created Simsol over the years into a very successful adjusting and contracting software business while others have tried and failed. This I recognize and say a sincere thanks for what you have added and will continue to add to the software industry by the way of innovations you are responsible for creating, especially freeing the adjuster from the carrying a code book around with them.
Scott, through your company’s own innovations the adjusting world saw their first 32-bit adjusting software and you continue to push technology to its limits that drives the rest of the industry. Scott personally you have been kind and helpful to both my company and me for which I think you.
If in the years ahead if we can add, as much as Simsol and DDS has to the adjusting industry I will be proud. I do have great hopes we will achieve this. Thanks for being our inspiration to work hard and try the new and untested ways.
Roy I apologize to you for the acting in a way that does not help CADO become what it can become. Please remove any or all post of mine that you wish. I do promise to follow your guidelines. Cat adjusters and the entire industry needs CADO more than ever now that the web is becoming more and more a part of everyone’s life.
To the rest of you that make this a great site by posting helpful thoughts and information or by just coming to the site I also say thanks to you. You have every right to find helpful information on CADO. For those of you that have for one reason or another let emotions get control of your thoughts while posting please join me by deciding in your minds to only post the positive with emotion, while only posting the less than positive as a fact. Thank you. |
Gale Hawkins
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 09, 2000 - 2:56 am: |
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Jim, Roy and others that would be involved setting up the process of comparing all of the adjusting software, now that I am over the shock of, “It is test time.” I think it will be worth the pain it will bring. It is kind of like going to the doctor for a physical, you are not excited about the procedures involve and are scared of what the results might be but never the less you go because you knew someone that died because they did not go for their physical.
Since the “Consumer Reports” type of activities were already planned for the new CADO 2000 FORMAT go ahead and practice on us adjusting software vendors. It will be a chore that may take some time to get arranged for but once CADO works through a few of these evaluation processes everything will go smooth from then on.
As Scott and I stated naturally we developers are concerned but after sleeping on it I personally feel that professional adjusters have plenty experience at evaluating things and trying to render a fair verdict on a daily bases. After all this will be a panel of several adjusters and if they could not agree on anything there would be not results.
The fact we vendors will have to accept is that at best it will be somewhat subjective. I have seen some adjusters know more about how to use PowerClaim in 30 minutes than others did in 30 days. That is the human fact but a real one that we must address.
Then there is the knowledge factor. Adjusting software does not teach adjusting so the beginner will have a problem with any package if he does not know the terms like RCC and DEP, hey don’t laugh everyone started somewhere. The experienced adjuster may take same package and blow right though it. But there is also what I call the negative knowledge factor. This is the experienced adjuster that cannot learn how to use another software package because “It is not like my old one”. This is the one it is best to give up on. Not really but it is hard on all parties involved.
Hawkins Research will provide as many copies of PowerClaim for as long as is needed to any that is chosen to review. That is two of us and I expect all others will join in instead of forfeiting. We have PowerClaim torn down right now but will try to have it put back together before race time.
In the future you might find some corporate sponsors to buy the software so it would be more profitable for us. Just kidding on that but it would permit you to evaluate tech support where as now we will know who are on the panel and will threaten to fire any employee that fails to provide super tech support when they call. This is not a major issue since the adjuster can test tech support while they are in their personal trail period. |
Jp
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 09, 2000 - 12:11 am: |
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I would like to add my name to the list of adjuster's willing to take the time to evaluate the different programs. My company currently uses SIMSOL 2.0. However, I always enjoy playing with different programs and have done so in the past.
If this is a serious issue with the software companies, please include me. I handle mainly commercial policies with estimates ranging up to 500,000. |
Scott Wiens
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2000 - 9:26 am: |
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Jim,
DDS would really enjoy taking part in such a test. I do feel, as Gale stated, that the ground rules would need to be very specific. Objectivity is important in such a test and it will be difficult for those individuals who are already using a specific software program to give the others a fair shake. Come up with some criteria for the testers and rules and let me take a look. Just as an aside, it is important to note that all the vendors, if they are honest, know most of their program's strengths and weaknesses if they truly listen to their users. I know the strengths and weaknesses of DDS because we are told by our users. A test like this would help identify and compare between programs.
Scott Wiens |
Eric Carlson
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2000 - 11:25 pm: |
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Scott and John - on the arm wrestling idea... I'm afraid I would come up short in that contest but I will be glad to take someone on at a game of table tennis, or even horse shoes, but that might be kind of difficult in Chicago. Or how about this, we could just network all of our systems at the trade show and take each other on in a big game of Doom and see who can blow up who the most times and maybe we'll get all of our frustrations out. Heck with the software comparison, who ever has the best Doom playing geeks will obviously be able to produce the best software so may the best geeks win! |
Stormcrow
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2000 - 11:13 pm: |
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Great idea Jim. Maybe the vendors could argee on the qualifications needed for each of the testers. Such factors as age, location, years in business, what software previously used etc.
Would be of benefit to all and maybe most of all to the vendors. |
Gale Hawkins
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2000 - 10:06 pm: |
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Jim you are asking a lot here. You are talking about pulling the curtain on the Wizard of Oz. For the first time in the history of the adjusting software industry you are suggesting a group of adjusters blow away the smoke of hype surrounding our products and clearly state each adjuster’s view on each vendors’ product. If we vendors were so inclined to bear our souls in front of the industry we would each be changed forever. We would be forced to work on our weaknesses that the panel would without doubt find in each package after the smoke was blown away. Once the Jeannie is out of the bottle he will without doubt want to do this each year, year after year to see who has improved and by how much.
They do this to cars, computers, appliances and other software packages like the tax filing software packages we see on the shelves at this time of the year but it as never been done to adjusting software. I see this being more in favor of the adjuster than I do in favor of we developers. We have everything to lose and you have everything to gain. Do you think that is fair?
Jim do you know how Consumer Reports goes about getting the permission of the vendors that they subject this kind of scrutiny upon?
Before I could agree to this I would want to know that it is going to be somewhat scientific in nature, not just everyone one the panel promoting the software package that he or she is emotionally involved with at the time. |
Jim Flynt
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2000 - 8:10 pm: |
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Hey VENDORS how about this idea?
What if Roy and I select a panel of 5-6 CADO readers to try each of your software pachages and then report back to everyone their findings of the strengths and weaknesses of each program?
We could include both experienced and Newbee adjusters on our panel. Of course, Roy and I would exclude ourselves from the panel. We would ask you each to provide a 90 day demo version for these panelists to use. You might even each agree to pay a token of $100.00 to each panelist for taking the time to try your software and take the time to prepare a report. We could also agree in advance on the particular features each panelist should "test" and report on: speed, ease of use, comprehensiveness of the price and process database, reporting features, diagram capabilities, digital photo interfaces, internet communication capabilities, etc., as well as their overall comments.
Just a thought, and I am sure there would be lots of volunteers.
Any other adjusters have any thoughts on this idea?
So VENDORS, what do you think?
With the new CADO 2000 FORMAT we intend to bring more of these kind of test panels to this site to feature new technologies and then report back to you, our readers, ala "Consumer Reports." |
john postava
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2000 - 7:54 pm: |
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Scott:
Arm wrestling might be a possibility. At the ACE conference last Novemeber the SIMSOL billiards team took on the DDS crew in the hotel pub for exclusive rights to market our wares on a state-by-state basis. We got some, you got some. For a breakdown, talk to Ron. I think he's got the list. Or maybe I had it. Don't remember too much after about 1AM! I agree with your comments 100%. Life's too short. Let's move on... |
Scott A. Wiens
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 07, 2000 - 5:26 pm: |
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Much has been written since I last read this forum and a lot of opinions have been voiced. I think this forum could be renamed "Vendor Wars" after reading some of the postings. I got involved with this cyber-warfare on this site in the past and promised myself I was not going to do it again, primarily because there is never a clear winner. When I go through these forums I try to only make comments about topics such as technology as it applies to the adjusting field and those other areas I or DDS may be able to assist the adjusters who ask for information. I also look for messages that are written by adjusters and directed towards vendors that contain suggestions for ways to make their job easier through utilizing technology. I do not believe this forum is a place to promote our own software at the expense of demoting other companies software. If I, or anyone at DDS, has done that in this forum I sincerely apologize.
I firmly believe the adjusters who read these forums are quite able enough to ask for demos of the various software offerings and decide what is best for them. In my estimation, who is the Chevy and who is the Ford is irrelevant. I believe all the vendors that have responded have good solid software that will make a good adjuster money. Adjusters; you use what is either dicated to you or what you feel the most comfortable with. If that is not DDS ... I won't take offense.
Hey Vendors. I have an idea to solve this debate. Maybe we need to all meet at PLRB in Chicago next month and have an armwrestling contest to determine who has the best software. We can then have a good laugh and the winner buy a round for everyone. Who knows, it might do us some good to laugh at ourselves. |
Gale Hawkins
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 06, 2000 - 12:00 pm: |
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Jim I have asked Roy to pull my last three post especially since the last one that had a paragraph the was to have been pasted to an emailed due to its personal nature but got left at the bottom of my post when I copied it to the forum.
I will rethink the point I was trying to make that was if we developers could get more adjusters into using the current technology by it costing less or being easier to use that should be the first step to helping the adjusting industry. I will post again after I get some input from others on how to pull that off. Sorry for the time you have spent with complaints about my posts.
What is important is that technology is seen as one’s friend. Having adjusting software that is more uniform so the adjuster does not have to have 3-4 packages to learn and buy is important. Just like you do not have to have a certain word processor to write a letter to a certain company. It is not important what ‘brand’ of software one uses but that a claim is created that meets the insurance carrier standards. If they like a few different printout formats the best, so be it. Just let the developers know and we will give the adjusters a choice of how it prints out or the format that will be emailed to the carrier from our of our software packages. Standards are all we need because we can take it from that point. Those that say it will not happen just have not heard about Henry Ford or Bill Gates. Jim I will not stop working as long as I am alive to see this happen. The some carriers that I work with is ready for this to happen now. As the number of carriers reduce due to mergers expect less waste in the industry or in our case more standards set in property claims handing.
Jim the lack of usable technology is a huge problem that is having a negative impact on most in the industry. Do you not agree that adjusting software prices have been inflating in recent years while propriety software in other industries has been deflating? Have you read some post how adjusting software has taken a step backwards in speed in resent years? Do you agree that these trends are in the best interest of the adjusting industry as a whole or only in one segment of the industry? |
Jim Flynt
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 06, 2000 - 8:16 am: |
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Gale, where are the posts of great commendation from 10 Powerclaim users?
Why don't you ask 10 adjusters who are using your software and who also have used SIMSOL and/or DDS and/or Exactimate to post their reviews here. Let them compare and contrast the program differences for us.
We all have heard what you think of your product. Now it is time to hear from the users of your software. That is the message I am getting from the other CADO readers.
I am reminded of the old saying "the nicer the nice, the higher the price." |
Santa
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 9:32 pm: |
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Gale, I am an old X-mate user (5.8 DOS love it, Windows version not my cup of tea).I have tried DDS,Simsol and other various estimating (claim) programs. I must say (been trying PowerClaim 99 on 30 day trial basis) your program stands out as a property claim program with the best of them.(Key word is PROPERTY) No excess baggage.(Easy to learn and straight to the point) Anyone who has not tried this great software is doing themselves an injustice. Great deal, great software what I have seen so far. By the way, I test these things for a top notch IA Cat Firm. Your grade so far is A++. Anything in life worth having is not attained or appreciated without hard work and struggle. Thanks to you and your staff.(great people!) Keep it up! |
Cecelia
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 6:55 pm: |
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Gale, I believe I read your missive without "emotion". I haven't been doing CAT adjusting or IA adjusting long enough to have developed a love for any particular software system. Each time I feel I've got the system "down" I'm required to learn a different one.
It DOES seem as though you are slamming other companies. Inviting them to lower their prices and/or offer free services so that they are, pricewise, competitive with your company sort of seems like, well, a challenge to a dual. This is only MY interpretation and opinion.
I enjoyed many of your previous writings, especially when you were writing about what you company is doing with foreign language interface and the plans for the future. This is very helpful and informative.
The tone of the last article (not your reply today)seems extremely confrontational. I am sure you did not mean it to sound that way and are simply trying to point out the virtues of PowerClaim. I would like to try PowerClaim, but not because of the things you've said recently, but because of the things that you company is planning to do in the future. After your last posting, I feel inclined not to want to do so.
I understand that you are wanting software companies to respond to the needs of the adjuster and I think this is a FINE idea. There are just so many adjusters and so many ideas, the companies have got to sort out the ideas and make them work with the software they have or work to create new software. This is probably not something that happens overnight.
As has been pointed out previously, all software programs have their pros and cons. We will all ultimately decide what we like (unless we are forced to use a particular program). But using a tone, on "paper" that seems contentious will NOT garner any support for your product. Please simply present what YOU have to offer and comparisons need not be made. We can do that ourselves.
Thanks Gale! |
MKDCO
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 5:08 pm: |
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Jim Flynt,
I got what I was looking for from you on rebuttal of my post. I know where you heart lies and can certainly appreciate it.
I do beleive that each software company will someday be on the same level of excellance but as you and I know, that takes time and effort. Rome was not built in a day and there can never be a best of the best sinece the construction industry is forever changing how they put building and homes together and new and different materials keep coming online from that side of the industry. I think that your statement of " Not slamming anyone's software puts it in prospective. Use what is presented by the software developers and help them ALL when we see something different out in the field that THEY have not addressed. It could ONLY help make our job easier in the long run. |
Gale Hawkins
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 4:54 pm: |
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Guys I see that some missed the point of the post. Why do you think PowerClaim is better than the rest? The post is not about a certain company but about how we developers have missed the boat and retarded the use of technology. John and Scott posted and I replied and will do so next time. Maybe the problem is not with the developers but the low expectations of the adjusting industry. Please reread my post in the light of the facts and not with your emotions. PowerClaim has a long ways to go but it will become what the industry expects and wants at a fair price. If I get a chance I will reply in detail later but it may be next week. Please get past your emotions and think a little deeper. This is not about DDS, Simsol, PowerClaim etc. but your future. We developers will be ok if we add the value to our product we should. Please continue to express each one’s views because that is what a Forum is all about. |
David Bennett
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 1:01 pm: |
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What is amazing to me, is that in all the postings made to CADO regarding software, there always seems to be one VENDOR who takes the opportunity to slam or dare the other vendors.
As has been said, each adjuster must find what works for them and in reality each adjuster, specifically cat adjusters must learn to write on those systems used by the carriers. For the most part that means learning Exactimate and then the software program you individually prefer. Of course we all know the others and depending on which CAT company or IA Firm your working for at the time, you may have to learn another.
I sight Exactimate by name, only because we all know that State Farm, USAA and Farmers mandate useage of this program and the reason is because each of these carriers have dumped or invested large sum of monies towards developing their own database within the program and interweaving that program within their basic software programs used in their operating system.
I believe the software industry will continue to advance with more technology and gadgets. The problem is, more technology and gadgets do not necessarily mean a quicker more effective or accurate product.
My hats off to those of you who carry your laptop into the loss while doing a scope. This obviously is quite easy when you are walking around a structure that is either down to the ground or has full electrical for lighting. However, I don't know about others, but I have enought to worry about when climbing up and down ladders on roofs, or walking around a burned out building with no lighting and making sure the floor doesn't give way. As for palm held devices and voice recognition programs, I agree with those that prefer to sit in peace with their scopes and photos to prepare their estimates. Simple losses can be done on site, but any sizeable loss generally requires additional visits and rewrites. As for speed, I would venture to say that most of us can scope a loss, agree on the scope with the insured, go back to the rooms and write the estimates, with a bottom line of faster turnover and less reopens than those who take the time at the loss site.
You see, I believe most of us have found that once you agree on the scope with the insured, concluding the claim on pricing is generally only a problem with the contractors (who use Exactimate).
Enough on adjusting practices. I do want to address one area, which one VENDOR keeps harping on. That is the COST or VALUE of the software programs on the market. Lets just say that besides the nationally recognized programs which we all know about, there are numerous localized and regionalized programs being sold for considerably less than even the so called best buy for the buck program. So lets be honest, if you want to work only a specific area with only an estimating program, then buy the localized program. Most Insurance companies do not dictate which program the Independant Adjuster uses, what they do dictate is what the CAT Adjuster uses.
As everyone knows, I am a SIMSOL proponent and because of having to use all of the programs and having completed testing on all the programs when I was with a carrier, I firmly believe the best value for the buck is SIMSOL. **Not all programs are equal and therefor the cost cannot be equal.** This is a fact known by all of us. Gale (and this will be only time I comment directly to you) why insist that the other vendors come down to your level. If they are so much higher in cost and your program is so much better for so much less, then why do you need specials and why would you want the other vendors to come to you? Stay where you are. I can tell you that maybe you should reduce your price a little more so you can be the top of the line software competing with the localized programs. Or is it that you believe that if you raise your price to be comparable with SIMSOL and DDS that you will loose in the market, because yours is well behind the developement stage when compared to the others? (Bye the way, Gale if you would like to discuss or respond, you can email me at dbencat@aol.com, I gave you this opportunity before) Lets just say, it does no one any good to slam the others because when you do you only open the door to be slammed yourself.
You know the best program is one that is put together with someone who has been or still is an adjuster (not just a cat adjuster). Gale I don't believe your background or history really qualifies you to comment on adjusting principles or practices, does it? |
Jim Flynt
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 10:58 am: |
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Guys, I am not "slamming" anyone's software.
Nor, am I suggesting which software is "best."
Beauty lies in the beholder and for some of us, we have several different software packages which we believe expand our abilties to work for more carriers and handle more different kinds of claims.
I am not going to be drawn into a debate over which software is "best" nor would I ever suggest to anyone that any particular package is "better" than another.
I think that each adjuster should find a package that works for them, that is easy to learn and easy to use, and that will find the greatest acceptance in the marketplace as is possible.
What I was really trying to say was that we should be hearing from the Powerclaim users on this page.
Gale adds a lot of interesting insights and a different point of view on the CADO site, but more and more he seems to be "hard selling" and for me at least, that always brings more resistance to trying a product. |
Ghostbuster
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 10:44 am: |
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Why have we not heard from the boys at Xactware on this topic? Surely they must be aware of CADO's existence. I, for one, would very much like their input and opinions about Xactimate and their competition in the estimating marketplace. C'mon guys! Lets have ourselves a catfight out here! |
MKDCO
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 10:30 am: |
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Jim Flynt,
After reading your response to Gale Hawkins post, I began looking back through your own postings. May I suggest that you look again at your own posting and maybe you will notice that you refer to SimSol and DDS on many of them when discussing this issue, Oh and of course Xactimate since SF requires it if you are going to work for them. As someone put it their post, something to the effect of, I'll use whatever the company required, that's the software I like they said. Now I know that each of us have our preference to the software we like and use which in my case is Powerclaim. I found it easy to learn and provided the insurance company ALL the needed information as to their insured's name,address,claim number, file number, etc. etc. etc. I know that when a cat. hits, that insurance companies prefer to have their reports come in looking the same or at least as close as possible to make it easier for the claims examiners to look over the reports. That speeds up the process of getting the insureds their funds to repair the damage. Maybe the software developers should keep that in mind as they develope their goods so that the insurance companies would not be so huffy on one package to another. Now IF the insurance company is in bed with the developer then that is another situation and I don't think that we as IA's could do anything but, as they say, Bit the Bullet, and use what they demand.
As far as Gale plugging his product, I can't see the difference between John and Scotts posting either. They all want to put the name of their product out for people to see and I have no problem with that. It's called ADVERTISEMENT and where else to put their name's out for IA's and companies to see BUT HERE. Covers a lot of eyes and minds.
Friends are friends and companies are competators but they can also be friends. That's what makes this old world go around. Another name for it is FREE ENTERPRISE. Neither of the software producing companies have a lock on some type of different process that makes theirs better than the others because all the other has to do is spend the cash, get a copy and use their knowledge of programming to see the process, make a few process changes or call it something different and BINGO, they have it to. Even if it is something that they can get a patient on, a simple change makes it different so they can use it within their process and be legal.
Let's hope for both their future and our easy of operation of their software that they can in essence develope something that the insurance companies will except regardless of whom the producer is then we can use whatever software program we personally like regardless as to the price either by year or month. After all, The cost is our of our pockets. |
Rwsmith
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 9:55 am: |
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Jim, I have to agree with you. We who work for the different carriers have to use what they direct us to if we want to work and be paid accordingly!
The big sales pitch is getting awfully tiring. As I too have many operating systems for different carriers, it would be nice to see everyone go to the same software and at a nominal price, but I don't see that in my future!
All of you developers: Please keep the adjuster in mind when developing that software. |
Jim Flynt
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 7:08 am: |
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Gale, I find your comments interesting, and while I know there are a lot of adjusters who do not use computers or estimating software, I am curious as to where and how you learned that the number is around 50% of the adjusters out there? I don't dispute the percentage, but it does seem high.
Secondly, I wonder why you seem to be beating up on John and Scott and their software. I have used and do use both of their products (as well as Exactimate 5.8), and think each has an excellent product.
You seem to come onto the CADO Page with a constant sell of your software, whereas the other guys don't feel the same need for the "hard sell." I can appreciate your pride in your product, as I am sure John and Scott are proud of SIMSOL and DDS. But I must tell you, the best advertising out there is from word of mouth, and that to me is from the mouths of the adjusters using a particular software.
I know lots of adjusters who use SIMSOL and think it is the best thing since sliced bread. I have many adjuster friends who would rather you take their wife than their DDS software. As someone who also uses not only the above 2 programs (SIMSOL and DDS) I also purchased the DOS and Windows version of Exactimate. I think the old DOS version of Exactimate is one of the best programs out there. Each software package out there has it's advantages and disadvantages, and as you no doubt know, many times we are "forced" to use a particular software if we are to work claims assignments with particular vendors. I use a particular software for a particular need instead of only one package, which I find limits my marketability if I want to work all carriers and vendors without constraint.
Software should be used by an adjuster to enhance his job, his work product, and his efficiency in claims handling. But software can never replace the knowledge required to perform our tasks, not can even the best software cover up the ineptitude of an incompetent or untrained adjuster.
I appreciate your support of the CADO site as a Sponsor Gale, and your regular comments to this page which make it more interesting and informative. But I do think it is time to stop "selling" your product with every post you make.
If your software is half as good as you say it is, we should be hearing from the adjusters out there who are using it. They are the ones who should be posting the most favorable reviews. After all, in the end, it is what WE think of it out here in the trenches that will determine whether you survive or perish in the development and marketing of estimating software for adjusters. |
Gale Hawkins
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 3:40 am: |
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John and Scott:
Your comments are interesting. John your openness to input from CADO members and visitors on the behalf of both Simsol and DDS is very welcomed. Simsol and DDS both have been change leaders in different phases of the property adjusting software developing industry.
A few things ran through my mind when you asked everyone coming to the CADO site “to throw out some ideas that maybe SIMSOL or DDS haven’t even though of yet”. Has either Simsol or DDS thought to “wave the magic wand” and produce a full-featured, easy-to-use property adjusting package priced in the $250.00 to $500.00 annual price range depending on volume?
Adjusters, vendors and carriers that have or are in the process of moving from other adjusting packages to PowerClaim indicate that perhaps some of us developers may not be listening as well as we are talking. Most indicate they do not give a mouse’s behind about our new fangled gadgets that we tend to get so excited over. Mr. Gadget has been making so many claims for so long about how technology is going to make life so much better for the adjuster that the audience has gone to sleep except for three in the front row.
Yes technology is going to move ahead but selling under-developed adjusting software at greatly inflated prices like certain vendors do only retards the growth of technology in the adjusting industry. The inflated prices do not hurt the adjusters and carriers in the pocketbook as much as the fact they have to try to make a living using under-developed adjusting software that reduces their output and increases their stress levels. Day after day, year after year using adjusting software that retards one’s professional ability to produce claims is not what the industry needs.
From what I have seen in just the last five weeks the day of handwriting claims or using software that will not transmit a claim by email is quickly drawing to a close. Many adjusters will quit because of the long-termed abuse by certain software vendors. When one has medicine that is needed by the masses but he fail to make it as affordable as possible but yet still be able to live in the big house, he is not often well remembered in the end.
Twenty years ago when the IBM PC was in the making there was three companies that developed operating systems (OS) for it. One was in the $500 price range, another in the $300 range and some idiot was selling his OS for only $60 but he was too young to know any better. Well when the PC hit the market the new buyers were so ignorant they did not know which operating system to purchase for their new PC so they asked around about all three operating systems but they knew “you get what you pay for”. Now they were puzzled because the word was they all do about the same thing. Well perhaps they thought the saying, “you get what you pay for” did not apply to software so they took the $60 Microsoft DOS home with them. John or Scott do you know the names the other two operating systems from the ‘big’ boys?
With 50% of the adjusters in the US still doing claims by hand and many others using software that will not travel down the electronic filing path means we have a crisis on our hands that is retarding the entire industry. If adjusters do not get easy-to-use software that they can afford in their hands now there may be more end runs made to by-pass the adjuster entirely.
John and Scott, I challenge all of us in the property adjusting development business to go back to the drawing board and first develop adjusting software with clean simple screens so the adjuster does not get dizzy jumping here, there and yonder just to knock out a simple claim. Keep the keyboard strokes or mouse clicks to a minimum but let the adjuster decide which he or she wants to use or a combination of the two.
Until we can speed up the adjuster by using our brainpower to create better interfaces and write better programming code we are ripping off the industry. There is so much that can be done in these two areas to speed up the number of claims a Cat or staff adjuster can do in a given time without the use of ‘hocus pocus’ and ‘magic wands’. Only after we do our jobs right should we get into the gadgets that can truly be a blessing to the industry.
Today you can get new $500 computers that already come with two FREE gadgets, the mouse and keyboard so let us show the industry that we know how to maximize their use first. Trying to cover our lack of skills with gadgets is fraud in my view. Since the handheld hardware and software that we developers will be going with very soon is still in development, that only means one more time we are going to ask adjusters to spend their hard earned money now for something that is about to be tossed when we could increase their production by just doing our jobs in a professional manner.
Scott I understand what you mean by your statement, “Part of the reason DDS has the clients we have today is because some forward thinking independent adjuster spoke to the right person at an IA or Insurance Company and the right person listened.” Thankfully those same adjusters are learning about PowerClaim and still are being as helpful as ever.
Most have long since fallen asleep reading this post it may be safe to assume you are either another developer or a victim of over-priced, under-developed software since few of the 50% still adjusting by hand are likely to visit CADO.
To the adjusters, vendors and carriers still reading I promise you the quality of adjusting software is going to improve starting with the developers doing our job right. That means producing full-featured, easy-to-use gadget-free and affordable adjusting software. This only requires talent and skills from the developers.
To the developers I repeat my challenge that we design the software the industry needs to move forward at a rapid pace. For some developers this is going to take longer than others. The other challenge I will make is for you to cut your prices across the board by only 50% so PowerClaim still will be the leader in price as well. This you can do today right here on CADO in either the Forum or the Bulletin Board. Then you can post your prices that are now one-half less than they were yesterday on your own web or we will be glad to post them on http://www.powerclaim.com until you can update your web sites. This will upset the ones that recently purchased your software so give all of them one year of FREE software usage. That way you will be matching the 2 years for the price of 1 year Special we (Hawkins Research Inc) are running on PowerClaim through 31 March 2000. This special will also apply to PowerClaim 2000 that will be released 3 March 2000.
Scott and John you may want to consider going ahead and selling your companies to the deep-pocket companies that each of you have associated yourselves with if you feel your companies are not going to be able to meet the challenge as the adjusting industry watches closely. Times have finally changed in the good-old-boy adjusting software-developing club. The days of over-priced and under-developed adjusting software are numbered. Some will stay and other will go and decision is to each developer. No one will put another out of business but who goes and who stays will depend on the choices each vendor makes in the next few days and their ability to see those choices through.
Again a special thanks to each of you for your stirring posts to the CADO Forum. All are looking forward to reading your replies. John and Scott if you would like you can email me at gale@powerclaim.com and I will post your emails here. All other emails I will reply to privately by return email. |
Don Elkinton
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2000 - 12:22 am: |
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As a "one stop closer" I will respond. On any given storm I always attempt to take the old trusty portable laptop with me (that's why I bought it in the first place!) Depending upon the criteria it helps me to finalize the claim while all information is fresh. But I also by in large set appointments whenever possible. Although it can certainly slow you down, I find the time I save trying to explain all aspects of the estimate and its filing enormous. Since I make appointments and often have periods of time to kill, having my computer allows me to be more productive. Finally, one other feature is, knowing that I have the computer and can use it on the spot, I don't visit with the insured as much. This saves me a great deal of time and the insured also. My thoughts for ever they're worth. |
Santa
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 04, 2000 - 1:48 pm: |
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To:R.D. HOOD (DAVE)
AMEN! Old buddy I can tell from your post that you have a lot of insight and are a good (no GREAT) adjuster. What do you call it? ADJUSTING! Sometimes faster is not always better. There is a real difference between run and gun verses slower and sure. Remember the tortise and the hare. Thanks Dave for your comment. Been there done that both ways. A good file is a closed file.A great file is a closed file FOREVER ! |
R.D. Hood
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 04, 2000 - 12:45 pm: |
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Another perspective for consideration:
We all have our own way of adjusting/appraising claims. It is difficult for some to un-learn the old ways , and make the necessary changes.
Having tried the one-stop close, the laptop on the kitchen table, voice dictation, and various other methods over the years, it does not always work for everyone.
IMHO, when looking at several claims a day, it is for me more accurate, productive and profitable to take adequate photographs, make excellent field notes and sit quietly and write every claim seen that day, the same night. It would appear that accurate and complete files are worth more that ones that had to be reinspected, supplemented and/or reopened.
The ensuing arguments over this methodoly will be welcomed, but as stated in the opening, we all do it based on our own comfort level.
Has anyone thought to compare the re-opens of one-stop closing VS: another way?? May prove interesting.
While many carriers advocate the One-stop close, and expect the field person to "do it all", estimate, close, write the check/draft etc. this is certainly a typical staff adjuster/appraiser position. (Are we expected to be that person?) |
Lee Mushaney
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 04, 2000 - 12:41 pm: |
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I agree with Ron. Something in that order would
be nice and I would also purchase one. I do realize that it might not work for ALL claims but
I am sure it would work on almost everything. Just think of the free time. No more going back to the motel room and spending HRS doing paperwork every night.
We might even have time to eat a real meal
instead of stopping at the closest fast food place closest to the motel and doing the drive-thru number. Go guys go!!! the sooner the better--
We need all the tech we can get. Anything that
will make our job faster, and more complete, and give the carriers & insureds the best service possible should be our goal. |
RON SMITH
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 04, 2000 - 8:34 am: |
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Years ago when I worked for a large carrier, we used ADP with a wand and it was very easy to throw the unit over your shoulder and walk in with a clipboard and an electronic tape measure and do a large loss with little effort. We would then go back to the car stick the unit in the briefcase we had (with printer) and print the estimate on site and pay the insured. It seems that something on this order would be great. I know that I would purchase one. |
john postava
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, February 04, 2000 - 8:02 am: |
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Scott:
I agree with you that it is the users of both our systems that drive the future development of features such as voice recognition, palm devices and, the soon to be released "wave the magic wand" technology! I would like to ask the CADO members (and visitors) to throw out some ideas that maybe SIMSOL or DDS haven't even thought of yet. We are listening..... |
Scott
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 03, 2000 - 1:45 pm: |
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Guys,
Great comments. I have personally spoken to adjusters who have used technology to enable them to close claims on site. Some adjusters have a van or truck with the laptop mounted (securely) inside and they write the estimate and print everything off on site. I have spoken with adjusters who have made special harnesses (you can purchase these also) that enable them to walk around with the laptop in front of them on a portable stand. I have also talked with adjusters who utilize two-way radios and have their wife/husband or partner sitting inside the van outside entering the data into the software while they dicate.
All of these systems work well and cudos to those who use them. We (DDS) are working on some solutions focused on this exact issue of speed and time savings in this process. Simsol I know has also stated they are working towards time saving and cost effective processes. Like R.D. said, companies such as ours have to keep listening to you guys in the trenches and developing tools to make the clock time better used. Think of the savings that digital photography alone has saved you (those of you that are using digital). I think the statement that goes "if you are not using advanced software now you will be in the next 12 months or you will be doing something else in 13 months" has validity.
There are always going to be those companies that will resist new technology due to issues related to training and cost. The great thing is, as an independent adjuster, you are the ones who blaze the trail for these companies to see the advantages of technology. Part of the reason DDS has the clients we have today is because some foreward thinking independent adjuster spoke to the right person at an IA or Insurance Company and the right person listened.
Keep giving companies like ours and Simsol your input and see if we don't keep listening. |
Ghostbuster
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2000 - 6:33 pm: |
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But for we trolls doing State Farm, has Xactimate done anything? |
R.D. Hood
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2000 - 6:31 pm: |
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Voice recognition software is a reality. There are many programs that support this. Is is most effective when used with a Pentium 111 computer and a very good microphone and/or headset.
The Dragon Dictate program has been sucessfully used to input claims, prepare narrative reports, used in chat rooms, and e-mail, and even instant messages for sometime now.
This advanced technology is but another tool for us to become aware of, and to implement. DDS has been aware of this and listens to the "people in the trenches", Thank You, Scott. |
murray
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2000 - 5:18 pm: |
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ghostbuster funny you should mention this i was talking with a developer today who is working with dds on voice for estimating software. rumors has it that it will be shown at a trade show in chicago plrb march 26, |
Ghostbuster
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2000 - 4:47 pm: |
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Guys,
I've been taking a laptop out on losses since 1992 and writing the estimate on the machine as I walk from from room to room. A hand held unit while smaller and easier to handle would be good, its capability to be a stand alone remains the limiting factor. My fantasy is for the software boys to come out with a voice recognition package for estimating. Am I correct in presuming the hard part is getting it to distinguish between Tarheel drawls, Ozark mumblings, and Texas twangs? |
R.D. Hood
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2000 - 2:50 pm: |
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In a word "TIME". And in our world, time is money.
It would take a few hours to explain the many benefits to someone that has not experienced the advantages of the computer and or estimating programs. Suffice to say, if you are NOT using one by the end of 2000, you will be doing something else in 2001. |
Jim Flynt
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2000 - 2:19 pm: |
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Murray, the benefit to using estimating software is similar to flying the Concorde to Europe rather than a steamer. You get there faster, safer, and can use the time saved for other pleasures. |
murray
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2000 - 1:46 pm: |
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what are the biggest benefits to using adjusting software? it seems all the software is similar but the cost per copy seems high? |
Jim Flynt
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2000 - 1:00 pm: |
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Scott, Thanks for your response. I have been saying for years that WHEN (not IF) handheld units become a reality, the world of cat adjusting will be turned on it's head. An agreed value settlement can be reached on site, which also reduces the need for the adjuster to call back (saving time) and sending out a copy of the estimate (saving money) and eliminating the need for double entry of data (saving our sanity).
Since we are going to be able to close files onsite, it is also going to force insurance carriers to pay more attention to see that the adjusters they send out know policy and coverages and is going to help "weed out" incomptent adjuster Wannabees, while allowing more personal service and communication for the policyholders. It should also increase adjuster productivity and income as well.
My hat is off to you and your team at DDS and also to John Postava and his team at SIMSOL. You both deserve our gratitude, goodwill, support and patronage.
Like I said it is not a matter of IF, but only of WHEN. Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door.
When I return a rental car to the airport, the attendant in the lot is able to punch into a handheld unit elapsed mileage, time, and other data, and then give me a print-out of my closed account from the small printer he wears on his belt.
The world of the 2000 Millenium is going to belong to the Possibility Thinkers. Thanks for having the foresight to find lasting solutions in our ever so quickly changing world. |
Scott A. Wiens
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 31, 2000 - 6:21 pm: |
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The issue of a hand-held unit has been kicked around for many years and I daresay by most estimating software companies. The issue of bringing an expensive piece of software into some of the losses an adjuster will experience is one of the biggest problems to overcome. At DDS we are focusing on these issues and it is clear that other forward thinking companies such as Simsol are developing products to assist the adjuster in the 'double entry' issue creating by the necessity of taking written scope notes and entering them into software. This year will bring out some exciting advances for the adjuster in this area. |
Gale Hawkins
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Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 27, 1999 - 2:53 am: |
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Paul, Simsol has stated you can expect a handheld scoping unit in the Spring that will work with their current system. Their number is 1-800-447-4676 or their website is http://www.simsol.com if you would like to reach them directly for the latest update. All developers are looking closely at what is happening in the handheld hardware department. The Palm is coming on strong and something positive is expected from them now that they have signed a development agreement with Sony. Microsoft has gone back to the drawing board with the Windows CE operating system and I expect it will be a year before any developers will have it in-house to start developing around it. The current CE version turned out to be a dud for the most part. |
Paul Zacharias
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 26, 1999 - 6:13 pm: |
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I'M interested in communicating with people who are presently using write on adjusting software, or some other hand-held format in the field.
I'm curious to know how you leave instructions with the insureds, and how well the data entry works with hand-held units.
I am also interested hearing from software developers, wondering who is working on software for the hand-helds. |
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