Proper estimating is crucial for any audiovisual (AV) installation business to remain profitable. However, manual estimating can be time-consuming and prone to human error. This is where AV estimating software solutions come in, helping streamline the estimating process.
In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at some of the top AV estimating software options on the market today. We'll compare their key features, functionality, and pricing to help you determine the best fit for your specific AV business needs.
Let's get started.
AV Calc
AV Calc is one of the original and most widely used AV estimating software programs. Here are some of its core features:
Pricing
AV Calc offers several plan options starting from $15 per month for a single user license. Additional user licenses can be purchased for $5 per month each. They also offer an enterprise license option for companies with 10 or more users.
Database
AV Calc comes pre-loaded with an extensive database of over 45,000 AV equipment, components, accessories and labor costs that are regularly updated. Users can also add their own custom items.
Estimating Tools
The software includes powerful tools to help streamline the estimating process including automatic takeoff functions, labor calculations, markups and more. Estimates can be created for both equipment/components and end-to-end turnkey systems.
Reporting
Customizable PDF reports can be generated from within the software including itemized equipment lists, labor breakdowns, and final proposals with company branding/logos. Estimates can also be exported to Excel.
Support and Updates
Basic software updates are included with all license plans. Phone and email support is available for additional fees if needed. The software developer also hosts regular webinars, trainings and a user community forum.
While an older program, AV Calc is arguably still the most full-featured option for core estimating functions. The extensive database is also a major advantage for users. However, the interface does show its age compared to newer solutions.
LibertyAV
LibertyAV is a cloud-based estimating software aimed specifically at AV/IT contractors and integrators. Here are some of its main highlights:
Pricing
Plans start at $49 per month for a single user and scale up based on the number of users. Additional modules like project management can be purchased separately or added to existing plans.
Scope Builder
This unique tool allows users to visually scope out room layouts, add equipment placements, run cable paths and automatically generate takeoffs and accompanying scope documents.
Database
The database includes over 20,000 AV, IT and low voltage items. Third party pricing and equipment integrations can also be added.
Project Management
In addition to estimating, LibertyAV offers integrated project management capabilities like scheduling, purchasing, change orders and billing/invoices.
Mobile Access
The software is fully cloud-based, allowing mobile access from iOS and Android devices. Users can generate scopes and estimates on the go.
Customer Support
Phone, webchat and email support is included with all plans. Video tutorials and an online learning center provide additional resources.
LibertyAV's strong visual scoping and integrated project management tools give it an advantage for users looking for an end-to-end solution. The clean, modern interface also offers a more intuitive user experience compared to some other options.
Contractor Quotes
Contractor Quotes is an online construction estimating program that includes functionality specifically for AV/low voltage contractors. Here are some key Contractor Quotes features:
Pricing
The basic Standard plan is free forever for a single user with limited features. Paid plans start at $39/month for 5 users. Additional users can be added in packs of 5 for $12/user/month.
Takeoff Tools
Includes measurement, material lists and quantity calculations to quickly generate estimates and visual work scopes. Integrated CAD importing.
Bidding Features
Users can generate professional proposals and track RFQs, bids and jobs directly within the software.
Database
Comes pre-loaded with equipment database but also allows easy additions of custom items for any scope. Integrations include major distributors.
Project Management
Offers job scheduling, purchase orders, change orders and invoicing/billing capabilities in one place.
Reporting
Customizable reports, summaries, proposals and invoices can be generated in digital and print-ready PDF formats.
While not purpose-built specifically for AV, Contractor Quotes offers robust construction estimating tools at a very affordable price point. The breadth of features for bidding, accounting and project management also make it a compelling option for growing AV businesses.
ProEst
ProEst is another full-featured commercial construction estimating and project management solution that includes AV functionality. Here are some key details:
Pricing
Annual subscription plans start at $799 for the base Commercial level. Additional modules like Project Management and Service/Maintenance can be purchased separately or included in higher tier plans.
Database
Comes pre-loaded with thousands of AV, low voltage, electrical and mechanical items. Custom equipment library is fully customizable.
Takeoff and Scope Building
Create scope documents with room layouts, item placements and quantities directly in the software for automated estimating.
Reporting and Dashboards
Generate visually pleasing proposals, bid forms and reports. Integrated analytics dashboard for insights.
Scheduling and Accounting
Track projects, budgets, purchase orders, pay applications, billing and accounting from within one centralized platform.
Support and Community
Phone support included with all plans. Extensive knowledge base and forum provides additional resources and sharing.
ProEst is a very full-featured commercial estimating solution catering to contractors across various trades and market segments. The built-in AV database and robust tools make it worth considering for even mid-sized AV firms with advanced project management needs.
Pricing Comparison
To summarize the pricing models of the key solutions we discussed:
AV Calc: Starts at $15/user/month, additional licenses for $5 each. Enterprise pricing for 10+ users.
LibertyAV: Starts at $49/user/month. Project management modules extra or bundled in higher tiers.
Contractor Quotes: Free basic plan. Paid plans from $39/month for 5 users. Additional users in packs of 5 for $12 each.
ProEst: Annual subscriptions from $799 for basic Commercial level. Add-on modules purchased separately or included at higher tiers.
Overall, AV Calc comes in as the most affordable option for basic estimating needs, especially for solo practitioners or small teams. Contractor Quotes also has an attractive price point considering the breadth of functionality. LibertyAV and ProEst have higher price tags but provide more advanced tools and project management when your business grows.
Customization and Integrations
All modern AV estimating solutions aim to offer robust customization capabilities as well as equipment database and third party integrations. Some highlights:
Customizing labor rates, estimating formulas, markups, company settings and more within each program's admin console.
Uploading custom equipment, products, catalogs and pricing datasets to enrich the built-in databases.
Integrations with major AV manufacturers' online catalogs for automated pricing and specs updates (Biamp, Extron, Shure, etc.).
Third party application programming interfaces (APIs) allow exchange of data with accounting software, ERP platforms and material ordering systems.
Import/export functionality to work with existing equipment inventories, specification documents, CAD/BIM files and other business systems.
The ability to truly customize the software solution and integrate it seamlessly with the rest of your workflows is an important consideration for long term scalability and return on investment. All the top programs provide excellent options for configuring things to your specific business needs.
Support and Resources
No estimating software is complete without thorough end-user assistance. Beyond the initial setup and training, ongoing technical support as well as educational materials play a key role in maximizing ROI. Here are some support highlights:
Phone, webchat, email and online ticketing options available from all developers. Response times typically under 24 hours.
Extensive video tutorials, written guides and "how-to" articles within dedicated learning portals or knowledge bases.
Regular webinars hosted by developers and industry experts on new features, best practices and advanced configurations.
User forums where practitioners can crowdsource advice and troubleshooting from peers.
Monthly software updates and upgrades to keep current with latest technologies, standards and pricing data.
Support commitments typically included as part of subscription plans. Additional support packages may be purchased separately if needed.
Proper end-user training paired with ongoing support helps ensure the software is utilized efficiently and issues are quickly resolved, boosting productivity and user satisfaction over the long run. Reputable developers devote ample resources to supporting their customer base.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many powerful AV estimating software solutions on the market today that can help streamline takeoffs, generate proposals and boost your bottom line. Choosing the right fit depends largely on budget, team size, current workflows and long term goals.
Low-cost options like AV Calc and Contractor Quotes offer nice functionality for smaller practitioners, while solutions like LibertyAV and ProEst provide robust, industry-standard tools best for growing medium/large firms. Definitely take advantage of free trials
