| Author |
Message |
    
Tom Toll (Tom)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 18, 2000 - 1:04 pm: | 
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I recently suggested to friend of mine (GA) that he try the DDS system. He installed it, looked at the screen and said, its too complicated. Wow, what a review. He said he just did not want something that complicated. We worked together recently, he using his DOS program, me using DDS. My ratio of completing estimates, completing the caption reports, statements of loss, evaluation, and photos was about 4 to 1. In other words, I was putting out 4 files to his 1. If math still serves me well, I am working at estimates and their related reports, 75% less than my friend. Now all of a sudden he wants to learn my system and start using it. Wow, what an apparition.
There are a number of good systems out there. My wife and I have tried them all over the past 12 years. We docked on DDS as the best of the systems that we liked. I feel very confident that most adjusters want something simple that emits a complex looking piece of work. Ain't gonna happen, now or ever. It behooves all of us to study the systems we are using, particularly in the down times. Janice and I learn something new every day and that becomes our benefit. Regardless of what system you use, and most are good, learn to use it proficiently and accurately. None of the programs have a brain. They depend on your input and the accuracy of the input. Fancy estimating systems do not make the adjuster. Regardless of the cost, we have become so proficient with DDS, we will not change, unless it becomes no longer available. Don't berate a system until you have tried it completely. Try them all. Most have a 30 day trial period. If you are not working now, now is the time to try them all. Good hunting to you all. |
Paulie B.
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, November 18, 2000 - 10:04 am: |
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See now is what I like to see, the vendors and outside managers getting involved with the conversations. Because sometimes we just get to caught up in our own heads.
Thanx Scott |
Scott Wiens
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 17, 2000 - 6:08 pm: |
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Derek,
Let me first introduce myself to you as the Operations Manager for DDS. I just checked this forum page (I have been in and out of the office for the past few weeks) and saw your post. I tried to respond personally but you did not leave your e-mail. I noted you said you 'can't stand' DDS. I sincerely would like to hear your comments and why you feel the way you do. We are always interested in a first-timer's opinion of the program. If there is something we can do to address your initial reaction to the software I would welcome the opportunity. Please call me at (888) 337-9665. I promise I will not try to hard-sell you our software, I just want your honest feedback. Thanks in advance for following up. |
Tom Joyce (Tomj)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 17, 2000 - 9:21 am: |
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There is a cost of doing business and has to be factored in. You need a vehicle and associated insurances, tools (ladder, tapes, cameras, etc), hardware and accociated software.Over the years I have leased or tried or purchased most of them and in reality the monthly cost equals about one closed file. If your margins are so tight that that is a problem situation some adjustments have to be made in the operations end the business. |
Derek Daly
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, November 17, 2000 - 8:36 am: |
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My criteria is a program that will give me the adjusting documents and let me store them and retrieve them electronically whenever I need for one low price. I hate if I have a slow month and can't afford to pay for the software that I can't get access to my old records. |
John Durham (Johnd)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2000 - 6:45 pm: |
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Derek:
Note it is Gale, not "Gail", ergo it would be proper to refer to Gail Hawkins as Mr. Hawkins. However, I am sure his wife would understand. You stated that you were looking for "the best software for estimating." Maybe you should re-submit your post with the financial criteria you can live with and I am sure someone will understand and help you make an informed decision.
Good luck..... |
Derek Daly
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2000 - 3:41 pm: |
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I'm sorry Gale and other fellow adjusters I didn't mean to hurt her feelings. And I didn't know that she owns POWERCLAIM. But I am sure my name must be on the list because I know I have used her product before. I know I haven't used Simsol or Xactimate, because of there prices. |
MKDCO
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 10:11 pm: |
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Derek, Have you tried that new software out, it's called DEREKDALY Brand. It's new to the game too.
If you are new to the game, try not to cut down software that you do not use on a daily basis. You never know "WHO" is watching and may be offended by your comments about software.
Just a friendly word of advise. |
Gale Hawkins (Gale)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2000 - 11:03 pm: |
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Thanks Tom for you kind words for the new kid. I, like you am impressed with what Simsol has done for the industry over the years. They really have done a lot for the industry and mostly likely have more to show for it in the bank then any other team in the business. Doing what Simsol has done is not easy from a business or technical standpoint. I hope at some point in the future PowerClaim can have as loyal of a following as Simsol does today. We are working hard to make PowerClaim meet the expectations of the industry but it seems to be a faster moving target each year. What are some of the favorite versions from other vendors that anyone may have used? What was it about those versions that made them “special” in your mind? Being the new kid on the block is a challenge but others hindsight can be our foresight. |
Tom Joyce (Tomj)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2000 - 10:28 pm: |
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ps,
truth be known, Simsol 3.2 was alltime favorite |
Tom Joyce (Tomj)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2000 - 10:22 pm: |
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Gale, for the last several years we cooresponded and have become friends. I have tried your program and I along with some companies found it to be versitale and adaptale to many adjusters needs. However I as others have clients that specify a program or programs and there are certain ones that meet with the needs that some of adjusters have. Gale has a good estimating program, I use Simsol and DDS because they fit with client needs at this time and I have been using them for some time.I would recommend that any field adjuster try Powerclaim, but please all adjusters balance your expenses and client requirements. It has gotten to the point I cannot afford the expenses with the fees being paid. Any comments? there is more comming from here. |
David P Bennett (Whitey)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2000 - 10:08 pm: |
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Derek, you have basically heard reference to several of the programs. I will not get into the area of downtrodding the programs, everyone has a favorite. Suggest you give SIMSOL a try. They offer a 30 day free trial. Some of the additions (without extra charge and offered with some of the other programs) E Mail, direct download of photos to your file, ability to create and template your own reports as well as use one of the template reports allready in the program, NFIP forms, standard industry forms, statement of loss, proofs etc. A large residential database with a heavy commercial database, contents database, management reporting capabilites if needed, billing and accounts receivable if needed, diagram program, building evaluation program, direct fax ability and I could go on for a while. As for Tech Service, they are prompt in responses. Take a look. You can access them via SIMSOL.com, request a copy, once used you'll be sold. Oh and the ability to archive files to a disk or harddrive and retreive them easily. Estimating program allows you to adjust labor or material rates on each item and the biggest asset is the ability to write an estimate in New York on Tuesday and then California on Wednesday. The data adjusts to the zip code so you don't have to wait for a database update.
good luck |
Gale Hawkins (Gale)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2000 - 9:19 pm: |
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Tom and Vince in my unbiased opinion I have to disagree with your opinions on DDS.
I realize there are certain situations (perhaps political in nature) where an adjuster would be crazy to use anything besides DDS. From the standpoint of function and finance is where my opinion is coming from for the most part.
Not everyone will ever agree PowerClaim, DDS, Simsol, Xactimate or any other package is best in my opinion but if anyone will view the FREE training videos included on each PowerClaim CD we ship (downloading PowerClaim from our website does not include the videos but you will have them when you receive the CD) showing how to use all of PowerClaim’s current modules and will train FREE with us for at least one hour, with one session being at least 25 minutes in length, here is what I will offer to do if the adjuster will contact me personally at the end of their 30 day FREE PowerClaim evaluation (at which time they will not be locked out of any claims they completed while PowerClaim was activated).
After the adjuster does the same with DDS and he or she truly believes DDS is the best estimating software out there I will personally call Scott at DDS and ask him to give that adjuster a year of DDS FREE.
P.S. Tom do not let Derek Daly's view of DDS stress you. Since he has never been set up to evaluate PowerClaim nor has never called us concerning PowerClaim there is a chance he has not used DDS either. We all know DDS is used by some of the Pros and I expect I may be asked to personally call Scott and ask him to give DDS to a few adjusters sooner or later. By the way a new name in the list of adjusting firms recently evaluated PowerClaim, DDS and Simsol. They went with Simsol after being pro DDS eariler, go figure. |
Vince Tabor
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2000 - 7:40 pm: |
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In my opinion DDS is superior to the other software for adjusters. They have returned my calls within the hour and their staff is savy
and professional. I'm not on their payroll but
they treat me as a colleague. Many Thanks DDS |
Paulie B.
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, November 08, 2000 - 8:15 pm: |
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I purchased an Xactimate program not to long ago. I knew the system and all goes well with it. Only problem is that once I got used to using DDS and their report packages, well everything else falls short. I prefer DDS, I do not though prefer the monthly payment for DDS, hence the Xactimate usage. |
JIM SHAFRATH (Jshaf)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 07, 2000 - 6:42 pm: |
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I have used all three of the programs proadjuster mentioned, all three are great, I am currently using Simsol but am about to change to Xactimate, because that what FARMERS prefers. In the past they have accepted Simsol, but I am not so sure they will in 2001. Best to get familar with all three. All will send you a demo, for that purpose. Good luck. Interesting to see a newcomer when so very little work available. |
Tom Toll (Tom)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 07, 2000 - 5:22 pm: |
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Derek, you appear to have not been an adjuster long, nor computer savvy. If I am incorrect about this, accept my apology. DDS is the system to use. Once you learn it, the more you will love it. Once you have entered all the information from your loss report sheet, you can generate reports, (short or caption), with little effort, other than a necessary claims knowledge base. I have been in this game for 39 years and have used them all. As far as my wife and I are concerned, DDS is the grandaddy of them all. If you have any questions about adjusting or programs, e-mail me and I will e-mail my phone number to you so we can communicate.
Tom |
proadjuster
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 07, 2000 - 4:34 pm: |
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In three words: DDS, SIMSOL and Xactimate.
Everything else is for amateurs. |
Derek Daly
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, November 07, 2000 - 4:31 pm: |
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I'm looking for the best software for estimating? I used PRO CLAIM, POWERCLAIM, and DDS. I can't stand DDS and I think PRO CLAIM and POWERCLAIM should be called PRO LAME and POWERLAME. Someone please give new software names, I am new to the game. |
