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fivedaily
USA
258 Posts |
 Posted - 10/18/2002 : 22:23:29
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Has anyone heard of this program? My company is switching to this and I am curious about any feedback that might be out there. I understand this is a new program.
Jennifer |
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Tom Toll
USA
154 Posts |
Posted - 10/18/2002 : 22:34:27
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| Jennifer, Integraclaim is the old DDS estimating system, also known as MS/B. It is, in my opinion, the best one out there. |
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JSVenning
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - 10/19/2002 : 07:33:16
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Tends to be easier to use, more computer-friendly that Xactimess 2002.
Easier for invoicing, captioned reports, etc. IMHO |
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Ghostbuster
476 Posts |
Posted - 10/19/2002 : 12:45:35
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I have mixed impressions due to familiarity with the old 5.8 Xact. Integra is comprehensive, period. But, when push comes to shove and you need to really fly with a large building estimate, my automatic reaction is to fire up ol'5.8, if it has the updated prices in it or I have time to up date the prices.
But, we all have to adapt to the brave new world.
Five Daily, make them send you to beautiful downtown Hawkins, Texas and go thru the training at DDS home office. Be sure and stay at the Bluebonnet Inn in Hawkins and stay in Room 3. Since it is now haunted by the ghost of the guy shot by her jealous husband, you'll get your moneys worth. |
Edited by - Ghostbuster on 10/19/2002 12:52:18 |
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fivedaily
USA
258 Posts |
Posted - 10/19/2002 : 15:55:08
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Thanks for all the great comments... this sounds encouraging. I am on Accupro right now and am very comfortable in it since using it for the last 3 years. I am leary of change, but having been told there is a light at the end of the tunnel will make the training on this program easier to bear.
And Ghost... I lurk around a lot in these threads and must say, it is nice to hear you talk without all the southern vernacular. I didn't need my southern language dictionary for any of your posts today. :-)
My favorite novel, Brave New World. We must all adapt, I just hope I never have to adapt to that which this story presents as a possible future. Wouldn't that be scary? Of course, already I wonder how many drops of alcohol some people had as nourishment while still in the womb.
Jennifer |
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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 10/20/2002 : 12:42:38
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| Once you learn the in and out of this program you will get along with it. Unfortunately the program is evolving and MSB doesn't provide any bulletins or notification as to what is being changed. |
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tomgriffin56
USA
88 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2002 : 13:27:40
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| What is the cost for this program? I have used Xactimate exclusively, but would like the ability to offer some diversity. |
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fivedaily
USA
258 Posts |
Posted - 10/22/2002 : 22:10:25
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It has been my experience with Accupro (an MSB product?) that bulletins were provided w/ each quarterly update. Could it be they stopped doing that or that the updates are only sent to the corporate clients. (Remember, I am a staff cat adjuster, not an IA.)
Jennifer |
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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2003 : 17:02:57
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| Looks like MS/B is making changes. My copy of Integriclaim is flashing a notice warning me that it is going to close down in 13 days. |
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Gale
USA
231 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2003 : 19:41:33
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| Chuck are you paid up beyond 13 days? Did you say once you were staying with an older version for some reason? Remember Scott posted that all versions of their software has a drop dead date of like 18 - 24 months after the version is released. You may just need to upgrade to a newer version if you are paid up beyond 13 days. |
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Linda
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2003 : 20:27:22
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| I talked with MS/B yesterday while re-newing and learned there is a new version that supposedly is a "no choice" version. You also cannot alter the database in any way. I have a complete remediation database currently and if I can't use it, then I don't need the MS/B. I agree with Ghost--when you need a rapid, accurate, large estimate--fire up Xactimate! About all I can say for the MS/B is they know how to create a bizillion windows! |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2003 : 21:13:49
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A new 'no choice' version, that won't allow any altering of the database.
I suggest, as I semi-ranted about yesterday in the 'Lump Sum' thread concerning MS/B, that unfortunately its time has come sooner than later.
Prepare for 'electronic modification of adjuster behavior', with this software. |
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Linda
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2003 : 22:02:49
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Clayton, it would appear this is precisely what has come. I would like to hear from Integra publicly as to exactly what the "new version" means. If you are working for Company XYZ and they have contracted for their own version and they furnish that version to you while adjusting their claims, I can accept that but I cannot accept personally paying for a program which will have ZERO flexibility. After all, we are there to "adjust". Good, better, best just doesn't cut it when you walk into a multi-million dollar home or some of the older commercial buildings. Just my 2 cents.
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 01/03/2003 : 22:44:40
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That's it right on Linda, with that type of example, or even less than that.
Anyone who is an adjuster and understands what that really entails - has to come to grips with losing the very root of the 'adjustment' process with this new software.
You will lose your flexibility, judgement and basic principals relating to 'adjusting'.
I just cann't express how that aggravates the hell right out of me. No point in going on another rant right now about it.
Hey Gale, do you smell an opportunity?
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Edited by - CCarr on 01/03/2003 22:55:27 |
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TomToll
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2003 : 14:46:11
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I have been an advocate for DDS for years. If, indeed, they will not allow us to add to the database or change pricing, then I will no longer advocate DDS/MSB. As an independent adjuster who works primarily commercial losses, I have to have flexibility in the pricing database, as do all of you. I am in hopes that the new version will allow that flexibility, if not, then John Postava will get a call. I will wait and test the program first though. It is hard to talk of something that has not yet been sent and installed on our laptops. I have been disappointed in their commercial database and was promised that the database would have a broader range of items and pricing. Lets hope that occurs. If MSB starts leaning toward the big companies and not the self employed independants with their software, then out the window they go. |
Tom Toll |
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Cecelia
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2003 : 17:18:44
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Tom,
I signed up for MS/B in November. I thought I was doing something wrong because I couldn't change or add prices. Some of the "minimums" are just way too minimum.
I was writing an estimate on a high end house. I needed a very very large crown molding. The only option was a plastic tiny thing. I had to go to Xactimate to get a ballpark price. This happened on 4-5 different lines items. It was a pain in the *** booting up Xactimate and pulling the price and going back and writing it in. NO WAY to add it to the data base and the program specifically says "data base cannot be changed" or something very similar. So you CAN write in a price, but you must write it in each and every time.
You might want to get on the horn to John Postava. I see a revolt coming. I just bought a new laptop and borrowed an old version of DDS and was going to call Mon and have it activated. From what Linda is telling us, I might have wasted my time in finding the old version. "No choice" doesn't work for me. And I signed up for a year. I wonder if I can get out of it.
But the reporting features are really wonderful. And photo mounting is available and labelling is easy to use. There ARE a gazillion windows to plow through. And for the life of me, I can't figure out why I have to point at the WALL for insulation when I want it for the ceiling. There is no insulation in the ceiling. I have to hit the X and then go to insulation and then put it in the estimate. However, the small amount of paper used when the estimate actually prints is a dream to a tree lover like me. I am also very happy with free tech support and an 800 number to call for tech support AND tech support is available on weekends. Not so on any of these things with Xactimate. I tried to call Xactimate today to see about upgrading to 2002. NO ONE (sales, tech support) is available on weekends or holidays. What a shame, when adjusters are working and insureds are needing their estimates completed.
There is just no one version that does it all. It seems that DDS (MS/B) is not moving forward, but actually BACKWARD. I'm with Ghost. I loved that Xactimate 5.8. |
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Integra Estimating Software
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