After several months of slowly shipping out AutoBid® Mechanical 2011 v1, we're ready to flip it over to general release and ship it to the masses. So, if you haven't received your copy yet - don't worry, it's coming soon! But, if you just can't wait, contact us and we'll send it out to you right away.

This release continues to build on our OnScreen View TakeOff - although we've added features and functionality that will benefit all of our users.

So, what's in this release? Here's a brief rundown:

• Compare background PDF drawings in OSV and see the differences
• Multiple add drop/rise function (similar to multi-branch pairs, but it will be in a rise or a drop)
• Quickly add a + / - 1 elevation change to your OnScreen View (OSV) or Graphical TakeOff (GTO)
• Duplicate an entire fitting set at one time – all labor links and material multipliers will copy with the fitting set
• Copy an area in OSV multiple times
• Calculate Coordination and Layout labor
• Add commands to the Mouse Menu
• Set a default master project
• Ability to duplicate a project (including all takeoff, calculations, and reports)
• And more!

If you have any questions or concerns about this release, please shoot me an e-mail so that I can address them.

Happy Estimating!
Stacy

Trimble proudly announces the release of QuickPen PipeDesigner® 3D 2012 v2. This release provides each user with the following updates and enhancements.

• New! Trimble Field Link export and support
• The Restore functionality now allows you to restore over an existing database. Keep in mind that all existing data is replaced in this procedure. Note: You still have the option of restoring to a new database if desired.
• When you create Field Points within a block, these points are included in the Field Point Export file.
• The Spool Manager sequencing functionality now displays only the incrementing character, rather than the full name of the spool and the incremental character.
• The Orient BOM in spool template now works as expected.
• In paper space, you can now place a BOM at the desired location.
• You now have the ability to merge Metric databases.
• Swivel Traps are now placed according to how you orient them. You are no longer required to specify an end angle. 

It's hard to believe it's already that time, but IT IS! I am very proud to announce that we are nearing the Beta release of AutoBid Mechanical 2011 v1.  If you would like to participate in the Beta testing phase, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .   AutoBid Mechanical 2011 v1 will be in Beta release from early May until May 31st.  We anticipate shipping this release around June 15th.  So, here' a sneak peak at what will be in this release:

• Ability to quickly do a + / - 1 foot elevation change while in OSV (OnScreen View TakeOff) or GTO (Graphical, Digitized-Based TakeOff)
• Longer cell formulas in Assemblies
• Ability to show the Assembly name instead of just an "A" in OSV or GTO
• Drag & drop off the mouse menu to increase the speed of counted item takeoff
• Ability to calculate detailing and layout labor
• Ability to compare PDFs and see what has changed between the two background image files

If you want to participate in our Beta test phase, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible.

Thanks -

Stacy Zerr

Ditch your digi and join the digital revolution!

We introduced OnScreen View (OSV) of TakeOff in Fall 2007. We didn't realize how many nor how quickly our customers would adopt this technology. It's come a long way in 3-1/2 years. Why are so many customers switching to OSV? It saves money. Yep, it's that simple. I've recently talked to multiple customers who have saved $30,000 - $50,000 in printing costs for their estimating groups. Look at your printing costs - would you like to save that money? Want to learn more? Come join one of two webinars that will cover the basics of OnScreen View TakeOff. While both webinars will cover similar material that can be used in either product, I'll conduct one webinar in AutoBid® SheetMetal and one webinar in AutoBid Mechanical.

AutoBid® SheetMetal for HVAC Ductwork estimating Tuesday, March 15th @ 4 p.m. ET/ 3 p.m. CT/ 2 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. PT

AutoBid® Mechanical for piping and plumbing estimating Wednesday, March 16th @ 11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT / 9 a.m. MT / 8 a.m. PT

Registration is limited - so register soon!

I'm working on a bunch of new posts (finally!), but we've had a lot of internal debate over which is better - step-by-steps with lots of graphics or a You Tube video.  Most of my posts up until now have been step-by-step simply because it is familiar.  I'm learning the video...slowly.  So, let me know which you prefer...

What method do you prefer to receive tips & tricks?

• I don't use no stinkin' tutorials
• Videos
• Step-by-step with lots of graphics

Created on Jul 20, 2010

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