This is the Prime -FAQ, which contains the most frequently asked questions about Prime Estimating & Software Services, LLC.
Frequently asked questions:
- Software
- What is Prime?
- What Software platform does Prime provide to it's clients?
- What are the minimum computer requirement?
- Is the Software provided Online or Downloadable?
- How do I install Prime6400?
- Who will use Prime software?
- How are upgrades provided?
- Can I estimate a metric project?
- Can Prime6400 quickly and easily handle Special Item pricing?
- What type of internet connection do I require?
- How is my confidential data saved for the Online version?
- How do I backup my data?
- Can I access the application from other locations?
- Does Prime6400 have any data included?
- What is the expected setup time?
- How can I be sure that this is the right software for my business?
- Can I request special features?
- Services
- What type of services are provide other than software?
- How do I communicate information?
- How will takeoff and pricing information be return to me?
- What is the typical turn around time to complete a takeoff and pricing?
- How will my estimate be storage when you are doing work for other contractors?
- How will my estimate be storage when you are doing work for other contractors?
- Will I have access to the software for the project?
- What is Prime Estimating & Software Services, LLC?
Prime provides estimating services and software to the Architectural Woodwork, Millwork and Casework industry. Read more about Prime www.millworkestimators.com.
- What Software platform does Prime provide to it's clients?
Prime6400 is based on current program language utilizing SQL databases, designed for standards compliance and performance with all Windows conventions. The program language engine has engineering tools and debugging capabilities to eliminate any program errors. And the SQL database structure is one of the most popular and powerful used in the software industry. This is not a spreadsheet based program.
- What are the minimum computer requirement?
System Requirements:
- Pentium III 800 or greater
- Windows NT (SP4)/2000/XP/Vista
- 1024 x 768 resolution
- 128 MB RAM or greater
- Explorer 6.0 or higher with ActiveX add-on installed
- Excel 2000/XP/Vista
- Is the Software provided Online or Downloadable?
Prime6400 is available as an Online Hosted program that is accessible from any high speed internet connection. There is also a downloadable version for users that do not require remote access capabilities.
- How do I install Prime6400?
The Online Hosted version does require installation. You will be assigned a user name and password to login online. The download version will require installation on your computer or server after downloading files from the Prime website.
- Who will use Prime software?
The list of users include millwork and casework manufacturers, carpentry contractors, specialty contractors, general contractors, architects and owners.
- How are upgrades provided?
For the Online Hosted version, upgrades will be uploaded to our server after hours. Users will merely receive an email message stating that the upgrade has been installed. The download version however, will require you to download the upgrade and install on your computer or server after being notified by email that the upgrade is available.
- Can I estimate a metric project?
Yes. Quantites entered can be in metric or meters. The calculations and assebled sizes will be entered in imperial.
- Can Prime6400 quickly and easily handle Special Item pricing?
The software application is designed to give a clear path to keep the takeoff and pricing moving without any delays for building library items. By use of a unique screen to input all materials and labor for the Special Item, the user can keep the flow moving without any delay.
- What type of internet connection do I require?
Any internet connect will work for you. For best performance, a high speed internet connection is recommended such as DSL or cable 1.5 meg or greater.
- How safe is my data on the remote server?
Your data is stored on a dedicated server in a Class A Data Center with:
- Dual Tier 1 / OC12 Connections
- Raid5 Server with 3 Live Mirrored Drives
- 99.997% Uptime History
- 24/7/365 Monitoring
- Failover Power System
- Automatic 24 Hour Tape Backup
- Offsite Tape Storage
- Offsite/Secure Remote Location 24 hour Data Transfers (158 bit encryption)
- Virus Protection
- How do I backup my data?
Online Hosted version required no backup of data. Data is automatically backed up to a tape and also remotely storage off premises. The download version does require the user to perform typical backups of their data. It is recommended that important estimates be printed when completed for a hard copy for insurance.
- Can I access the application from other locations?
Only the Online Hosted version has remote access through the Prime central server through any hi-speed internet connection. Users of the download version can setup that our remote access through other methods at their own expense if required.
- Does Prime6400 have any data included?
The system has a material, labor hours, labor costs and standard library included based on an industry standards and AWI cost book.
- What is the expected setup time?
The system has a material, labor hours, labor costs and standard library included based on an industry standards and AWI cost book. The initial setup time would entail updating the existing databases to represent the figures that is propriatary to their firm. Estimated time is 4 to 8 hours. Should the user require additional items, this time would be over and above the estimated time.
- How can I be sure that this is the right software for my business?
There are 2 options for any potential user to be sure he has selected the right system for his use. Prime offers a 30 day free trial or a 90 day moneyback guarantee. Available on online service only. If acceptable and the user would like to change to the download version, all data and software will be available to download to the users server.
- Can I request special features?
Yes. If your request considered by Prime to be beneficial to the global system, then the changes will be upgraded at no cost to the users. If the request is deemed to be specific for the sole benefit of the individual users, then change will be provided at an extra cost and any available to that individual user. Any requests for upgrades shall be at the sole descretion of Prime.
- What type of services are provide other than software?
Prime will provide any serices to suit your requirements including:
- Competitive, coceptual, budget and ROM bids
- Takeoff and pricing
- Quantity Surveys
- Consulting
- Business Development
- Instruction and training
- Bid analysis
- Custom Programming
- How do I communicate information?
Forward all scope/bid documents to Prime by FedEx/UPS or electronically in PDF format.
- How will takeoff and pricing information be return to me?
For non users of the software, all reports will be forward by email in PDF or Excel spreadsheet format. For software users, you will have access to the estimate directly upon login to review, modify and print.
- What is the typical turn around time to complete a takeoff and pricing?
Generally Prime will return an estimate within 3-5 days. Estimate will be returned at a minimum of 1 day prior to the bid date. The client must allow sufficient time for Prime to complete the estimate. As all projects vary in size and therefore there is no definitive answer.
- How does Prime incorporate my pricing and rates?
For non users of software, Prime will forward a list of materials and labor requirements, to be completed by the client. Prime will enter into your private database. For users of the software, the client will login and enter the required information. Prime use the clients information to complete the estimate. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more info.
- How will my estimate be storage when you are doing work for other contractors?
Client information will be stored in a password protected proprietary SQL database.
- Will I have access to the software for the project?
Client must be a user of the Prime6400 software to have access to their estimate online.
General Questions - Software
General Questions - Services
