Estimating programs for custom fab shop

[Mechtech11]

What are the good estimating programs out there for a custom fab shop? We have approx 25 employess and fabricate anything from structural steel, guards, tanks etc...
We currently have jobboss but we are currently looking into Fabtrol. Are there any others out there that are worth looking into?
Any comments on Fabtrol?
Our main goal is to try to increase our estimating time.

 

[bernoullies123]

Best solution is to develop your own. These software packages were written for a specific application. If you want to deviate what-so-ever from the out-of-shelf of these packages, then you will continually have to pay the vendor. If you have lots of money, then go ahead. But if you want to keep the money to re-invest in your company or provide a discount to your client to win contracts, then the best solution is a self made application. Start small and tailor to your business needs. Use other open source software to complement your app. A simple database will cover most of your needs, and again go open source... a bit harder to learn at the start but the benefits will far pay off in the long run.