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Last Post 04/10/2013 7:40 PM by  DFWadjuster
SIMSOL VS XACTIMATE
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ekraft
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07/28/2008 11:26 PM

    I have been an XACT user for a number of years.  Started doing some daily claims for a vendor and one client insists on SIMSOL program. ( I log on to their remote computer to write estimates)  Boy is it easy to learn and very "adjuster" oriented.  No one in my neck of the woods uses Simsol.  If it weren't for the carriers who send me claims via XACT, think I would switch to SIMSOL.  Cost prohibitive at this point.  Would have to install program on a separate laptop because SIMSOL conflicts with my auto estimating software causing it to not run.

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    Medulus
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    07/29/2008 10:32 AM
    Last I knew, Eric, Simsol offered a special rate to CADO members. I am not associated with Simsol, so I can't speak to whether the rate still applies. But you should probably check it out when you call them to sign up or renew the program.

    Also, and again I can't speak for Simsol, the Simsol tech folks are pretty bright and very responsive. They may be able to do something about that conflict with the other program. I was having a problem at one point and called up the tech support (which was free as compared to the Xactimate $20 tech support). They created a patch, emailed it to me within an hour, and the problem was fixed.
    Steve Ebner CPCU AIC AMIM

    "With great power comes great responsibility." (Stanley Martin Lieber, Amazing Fantasy # 15 August 1962)
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    Tom Toll
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    07/29/2008 11:09 AM

    I think Simsol is the best estimate computing software out there. I am very close to dropping MS/B and going entirely to Simsol. I have not used it since the DOS days, so I hope it is easy to use. What about their reports, are they as comprehensive as Integraclaim. I am doing more local claims than anything else and most of the companies I represent will allow any software, so a change may be in order.

    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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    johnpostava
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    07/29/2008 11:35 AM

    The conflict Eric is referring to is with ADP.  Their software uses an older version of the Borland operating engine.  Simsol requires a newer version of Borland.  The problem is basically an ADP issue.  My tech folks tell me whatever program is loaded last is the one that works.

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    bozidar
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    07/29/2008 2:54 PM

    Steve,

    The problem was with Xact.  They would delete print drivers and it seems they have corrected that problem.  I've installed X25 on two laptops (just to try it out), one with WinXP Pro and one with Vista and there were no conflcts or problems running either program.  And you're right, no charge for tech support! (or contents estimating either!)

    Some day, we'll adjust this way.
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    ekraft
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    07/29/2008 7:17 PM
    Posted By John Postava on 07/29/2008 11:35 AM

    The conflict Eric is referring to is with ADP.  Their software uses an older version of the Borland operating engine.  Simsol requires a newer version of Borland.  The problem is basically an ADP issue.  My tech folks tell me whatever program is loaded last is the one that works.



    Found out that I can't run both programs on the same laptop; problem is as John stated. 

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    ekraft
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    07/29/2008 7:20 PM
    Posted By Tom Toll on 07/29/2008 11:09 AM

    . What about their reports, are they as comprehensive as Integraclaim.

    Tom-the reports I do in SIMSOL are templates designed to pick up all of the claim and estimate information.  All I do is type the narratives, etc.

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    WILLIS
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    07/30/2008 8:32 AM
    I too have used Simsol since the DOS days. For me it will run circles around any other system. I will admit Power Claim has distinct advantages especially for multiple buildings on the same policy but almost every client I now work for is using Xact they have tailored their system to allow each vendor to track each claim from every angle. Unless we have multiple Cat 5 storms this year the days of getting over 100 losses and allowing you to work them is over. Xact pushes speed and closure and unfortunately it is get on their bandwagon or consider retiring. Come on Simsol you have a better product any adjuster will tell you it works great and is all inclusive but until you figure out how to knock Xact off the top of the hill you will just be getting smaller and smaller crumbs.
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    johnpostava
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    07/31/2008 1:35 PM
    Barry,
    Thanks for the kind words about simsol. As a matter of fact we just pulled a small insurance comapny away from brand X (the deal is not inked yet but in the works). During the past few years we have developed all the pieces of the claims cycle (electronic assignment, additional estimating features and data analysis) which we didn't have and X did. Now we can compete with them on a more level playing field. And we run circles around them on the cost of our technology. When we get a prospect looking to switch and we can get simsol in the hands of a few of their staff adjusters (and I get to present our analyitics to the management) simsol 9 out of 10 times gets the account. That being said, insurance companies more slow and it is sometimes too costly for them to make a change. Simsol is currently signing up more and more contractors who are refusting to pay X software costs and have the power to tell the insurance carriers they do business with that if they want them to do the repair work they have to accept simsol estimates. Once enough of our estimates pass over the desks of claims managers they will take a better look at our products. X is HUGE and will always be a force to be reconed with in the property arena. I prefer to work with regional and state carriers because they are easier to deal with and more fun to work with. The last 20 years in software have been very rewarding and the next 20 should be too.
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    Gale Hawkins
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    07/31/2008 6:35 PM
    Eric welcome to estimating outside of the Xactimate box. Sorry about the ADP conflict thing and maybe they will update soon so you can use Simsol directly from your desktop because that should be even faster then logging in remotely. In the years ahead we are told by Microsoft most all of us will be working off of web based software and that will finally remove conflict issues as the only thing the user’s computer/computing device will have to do is gain access to the web in an ideal world.
     
    As John pointed out a lot has changed over the years when it comes to claims handling solutions. As Barry pointed out the adjuster’s options to Xactimate each have their uniqueness.
     
    John is correct that Xactimate is HUGE as we all know and this is especially true of many CAT adjusters. While most carriers DO NOT use Xactimate most all of the carriers that pass out large numbers of CAT claims however do use/require Xactimate. The fact you ran into a vendor that insists on you using Simsol shows how Simsol has worked hard to get people to see its advantage over Xactimate and after they did companies preferred it.
     
    It was perhaps in the July 2006 issue of Claims Magazine when both Simsol and HRI announced our web based CMS (Claims Management System) solutions (Claimwire and Net Services) which offered analytic data mining options so we can now compete for carrier/vendor business with solutions like Xactinet  and ComCentral. As John has pointed out it is very costly for large carriers to change software vendors. We do find the regional and state carriers more open to change and to providing analytics to their management team than in the past.
     
    Huge is that these new options to Xactware and MSB gives adjusting vendors and contractor firms access to affordable web based management systems to manner files from the cradle to the grave and all along the way. Companies are out spreading the word about new options web base solutions and that will have a positive impact on the adjusting and contractor industry.  
     
    I think one thing that will be so helpful to the adjuster is when each carrier/adjusting vendor/contractor provides the estimating software they want to be used and it be web based. When that day comes and it will come the adjuster could do four claims back to back on four different brands of adjusting software and do it sitting in the public library without any adjusting software loaded on it. There will be versions of the software that will run on the adjuster’s computer that can then sync up with the web server when connectivity is restored after a CAT event.
     
    All software vendors have this in place today for I2V solutions for underwriting and agency use and I think most auto claims software is web based today as well. I was told by one carrier using MSB they have been told the web version of their new estimating system to be out at the end of this year will be followed at some point with the web version of it. Everything is moving to the web it seems.
     
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    we2
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    07/31/2008 9:52 PM

     

    Any help/push you can give to/for SiMSOL will be WAY seconded by me.  I've been using the program for about seven years and LOVE it.  Can deal well with MSB/Integra, but really prefer SiMSOL.  Have avoided XM8 for years, but am now having to learn it because so many carriers are requiring it.  We lost out on several assignments this spring because we were not XM8-proficient, so am working my way through it--begrudgingly.  YUCK!

    SiMSOL report package/access is excellent & very user-friendly.   Letters & Carrier reports can be imported & set up as merge-documents ((precluding the necessity of re-typing data), as can any other reports.  Really nice!  And Flood reports are all there, too.  Love it, love it, LOVE IT!

    Much more ADJUSTER- friendly than XM8 . . . we need to push for more carriers to allow it!!!

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    we2
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    07/31/2008 10:00 PM
    Ditto the above . . .  Need to suggest its use to carriers . . .

     

     

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    Ray Hall
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    08/01/2008 3:44 PM

    Many many large losses I have worked in the last 20 years did not require ANY estimating program. They are spread sheet type losses when the adjuster captures all the cost incurred and places it on the correct sheet, then  a one page spread sheet recap , along with a one page statement of loss recaps the payments in the allowed and non allowed columns.

    Seems the carriers are looking for a program that will allow  inexperienced people to muddle throught with a week of training, and when you have several thousand muddling; the large pile of muddles should look the same so the office can reject the one's that dont match up, with a quick glance.

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    okclarryd
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    08/01/2008 9:46 PM

    I have been known to muddle with the best of 'em

    Larry D Hardin
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    Ray Hall
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    08/02/2008 12:06 AM

    Larry you are not a muddler, a mudder needs a puter to write an estimate. One very large vendor is asking entry level and above applicates to hand write an estimate, now that is anti-muddler I thinks.

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    Ray Hall
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    08/02/2008 12:09 AM
    Posted By Ray Hall on 08/02/2008 12:06 AM

    Larry you are not a muddler, a mudder needs a puter to write an estimate. One very large vendor is asking entry level and above applicates to hand write an estimate in the evaluation testing now that is anti-muddler I thinks.

     *** how did I loose one hour??

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    Tom Toll
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    08/02/2008 10:39 AM

    I just signed up for the 30 day free trial for Simsol. The vendors and companies I work for doing local claims said use whatever I wanted to use. I will try to get somewhat proficient on Simsol ASAP. I hope the learning curve is not too great.

    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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    ChrisKarp
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    08/19/2008 2:08 PM

    I feel for you I went from Simsol (since company inception) to Xact25 for a new company. It feels as if I have been thrown back into the stone age! Who made up those codes?

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    johnpostava
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    08/19/2008 2:13 PM
    Fred Flintstone (or was it Barney) :)

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    BobH
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    08/19/2008 9:30 PM

    The Xm8 codes are awful. Use the "search" feature enter a keyword. 
    If you are looking within one trade, hit F2 to search within that trade.

    You can also click on the header for the item description, which will sort the repair items alphabetically by description, not by the code.

    That database is so huge now, it has become a haystack. I don't use the codes anymore.

    Bob H
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    HuskerCat
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    08/19/2008 10:37 PM

    Or the little blue book icon for the photo array to pick & choose until you find your way.  At least I think it's still the little blue book icon, right Bob?  I've been off XM8 for a bit now.

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    Davidad1
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    08/19/2008 10:47 PM
    They have done away with the little blue book. It is a drop down search tab to look up items if needed in the estimating screen
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    ChrisM
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    12/10/2008 7:23 PM
    I have been out of the industry for awhile but used simsol when it first came out. I have tried other estimating programs recently and agree that simsol is a far superior product.
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    johnpostava
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    12/11/2008 12:57 PM
    Thanks for all the kind words of support. Even though X/ISO is required by many of the top carriers who assign the bulk of cat and everyday losses, Simsol continues to grow. Not a week goes by that a contractor or adjusting firm gets fed up with X/ISO and switches at least some of their estimating needs to our software. We currently have over 5,000 paying users who love the program and use it on every claim when X/ISO is not required. Here at simsol we very much appreciate the support and are doing everything in our power to knock out X/ISO whenever we can. We are winning the small battles but have a ways to go to win the war. X/ISO just put out a press release that they are now going to monthly price database "increases". This means the unknowledgeble insurance carriers blindly using X/ISO will be paying more for claims every month. Who in their right mind thinks construction costs go up every month. I have been in this business for 30 years and it just isn't so. X/ISO companies are paying unbelievable dollars for just using X/ISO software. Now they will be paying more every month in their estimates. IMHO, any company that contunues to use X/ISO in 2009 needs a reality check and should do some serious due dilignece before renewing their X/ISO contract.
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    yumadj
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    12/21/2008 3:46 PM

    I have had Simsol for 7 years and really like it. I used a carrier laptop loaded with Xactimate for Hurricane Katrina. I found it to be pretty archaic. Using codes or searches to locate items is a real bore and time consuming. Sketch is also time consuming. Good luck to Simsol in getting more carrier acceptance. As for pricing, let's face it, Xactimate markets to Contractors. Although, I will admit, Simsol can be a little "skimpy" on some items.
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    okclarryd
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    12/21/2008 10:27 PM
    If you think Simsol might be a little "skimpy", wait 'till you get a dose of MS/B
    Larry D Hardin
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    Tom Toll
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    12/22/2008 8:28 AM
    Hopefully the NEW MS/B will have a better database, if not, they are wasting their time with a new format.
    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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    Joeblack
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    12/30/2008 11:19 PM
    Mr. Postava posted: "X/ISO just put out a press release that they are now going to monthly price database "increases". This means the unknowledgeble insurance carriers blindly using X/ISO will be paying more for claims every month."
     
    Mr. Postava, A question for you: If the exact same scope of repairs were written in the current version of Xactimate and Simsol, are you saying that Simsol will be lower in all, or most all, cases? Just curious if any actual comparisons have been made? Thanks.
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    BobH
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    12/30/2008 11:41 PM
    Posted By Joe Black on 30 Dec 2008
    ...Mr. Postava, A question for you: If the exact same scope of repairs were written in the current version of Xactimate and Simsol, are you saying that Simsol will be lower in all, or most all, cases? Just curious if any actual comparisons have been made? Thanks.
    To be clear, I believe the price database used by Simsol, and Power Claim is created by http://craftsman-book.com/products/...c_aff_link

    I suppose Simsol and Power Claim provide the software tailored to adjusters, but to some extent would be at the mercy of others creating the actual prices (correct me if I am wrong John).

    Over the years I have seen the typical "spike" in prices for a Catastrophe (especially roofing) and there is a point where it tapers back down (somewhat).  Xactimate Roofing prices with IKE (and the 3rd quarter petroleum prices) really spiked hard, hit a plateau, and in some regions have started drifting back a little.  Frequent updates do not always = increases. 
     
    Working daily claims for years, I am amazed how slowly and gradually the Xactimate flooring & paint prices have moved when compared to my personal cost of living increases.  And yet they are almost always adequate if the scope of work is accurate (furnished house vs no content manipulation, etc.)
    Bob H
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    BobH
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    12/31/2008 2:07 PM
    Posted By Jeffrey Finley on 21 Dec 2008 
    ...As for pricing, let's face it, Xactimate markets to Contractors. Although, I will admit, Simsol can be a little "skimpy" on some items.
    I believe Xactimate's single largest client would have to be State Farm Insurance.  They have a relationship that goes back more than a decade. Also Farmers Ins, USAA, Allied-Nationwide, Century National, etc.  Don't forget that the Xactimate company was purchased in 2006 by ISO (Insurance Services Office, the same people you see at the bottom of common Insurance policy pages such as the HO-3). Read this link.

    Founded in 1986, Xactware’s customers now include 16 of the top 20 property insurers and approximately 80 percent of insurance repair contractors and service providers.

    Xactimate was a simple, "lean and mean" program when I first worked with it 15 years ago.   It has ALWAYS included adjuster features such as depreciation by line item, deductible, claim #, etc.   Over the years It has "added features" which made it more complex in my opinion. Not an easy program to learn.
     
    Some people on this forum have a strong dislike for Xactimate, and refer to it as a "contractors program".  It is true that most water-fire restoration contractors use it, and now many roofers (that work insurance related projects) use it. To me it is a benefit to have a common price database, doesn't bother me at all if a contractor is using it.  They can (and do) change the prices, you cannot assume that the estimate you are given by a contractor is using "virgin" Xactimate pricing.

    Bob H
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    Davidad1
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    12/31/2008 11:08 PM
    Re construction contractors use Xactimate as the carriers require it to be used to be on the guaranteed programs , such as State Farm, USAA, CSAA or Contractor Connection and now Safco's Innovation program. Etc. When the 80 % of carriers who use Xact now decide to use another program such as Simsol or MS/B and the contractors follow, will those be considered a contractor program??? .... Xact has been around a long time now and however it started either as a contractor based program or whatever it has become this 800 pound gorilla that the 80 % like for whatever reason.....
    Estimating is living on the edge between greed and fear
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    ChuckDeaton
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    01/01/2009 12:15 PM
    Xactimate and Simsol are two very different animals. Xactimate has a residential construction pedigree, while Simsol has a residential flood pedigree. Xactimate is code based while Simsol is mouse based. Xactimate develops pricing internally and Simsol uses the Craftsman books.

    Simsol is the residential flood program and can be used for residential/hail wind. Xactimate is the residential wind/hail program and can be used for flood. Neither are particularly good for writing large commercial estimates. Xactimate is backed by the largest US residential carrier, which assists in developing the price database as do contractors that use the contractor version.

    I expect that both will be updated as the move from 32 bit to 64 bit operating systems moves with the introduction of Window 7 and the new I7 chip.
    "Prattling on and on about being an ass with experience doesn't make someone experienced. It just makes you an ass." Rod Buvens, Pilot grunt
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    Tom Toll
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    01/01/2009 2:21 PM
    Chuck, as you know, there is no good commercial database, you must make your own. Problem is, Integraclaim will not allow you to add it to their database, which is rather foolish. I pay for the  program and they dictate to me what I can and cannot do, even most of the companies I work in daily claims are not their clients. They all charge us a lot of money for their systems, yet won't allow us to build a good commercial data base. Now, I cannot speak for Simsol, and would hope John would allow this. I had always heard the xactimate had a good commercial datebase, not true.
    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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    BobH
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    01/01/2009 2:53 PM
    Posted By Tom Toll on 01 Jan 2009 
    ...I had always heard the Xactimate had a good commercial database, not true.
    It's not like "zero" commercial items, Xactimate has lot's of metal framing components used in commercial applications, concrete wall systems, and of course commercial roofing.

    So often a commercial claim will involve just the "tenant improvement" type items within the empty shell, and of course Xm8 has all that (tin-can studs, glue-down carpet). It has lots of electrical for commercial (high capacity breaker panels, every size conduit with various gauge wire), phone wiring, commercial based plumbing (anti-backflow, etc) with larger than residential capacity water and drain lines.  The HVAC section definitely includes commercial size units, with choices for commercial ducting, etc.  You would be pleased at the basic "starting point" for your commercial estimate.  Lot's of truss choices, variety of Glu-Lam dimensions.  And it seems doors are always getting damaged, Xm8 has a wide variety of commercial roll-up doors, steel doors, glass store front, etc. These items are in the ordinary version of Xm8.  You have to know the search feature, forget memorizing the codes.
     
    Of course there is always the unique item that you have to research and add yourself.  Whenever you do that, Xm8 will ask you if you want to save that item to the database.  You can break the cost of that item down to materials / labor, so it can tax the material portion of the unit cost (very flexible on how to deal with tax depending on the State you are working in, but if you cannot break a database item down to at least it's material component your hands are often tied re: tax issues).
     
    I know I sound like a salesman for Xm8 but I'm not. There are people like Roy that know much more than I do about the program, but we all get comfortable with what we are used to.  You can make anything work, even if it is just an Excel spreadsheet.

    Bob H
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    ChuckDeaton
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    01/01/2009 7:43 PM
    Thanks, Bob. Almost my thoughts to a T. Xactimate is clearly the best program for the general commercial adjuster and the adjuster on that odd piece of property.

    At the moment I am doing some litigation support for a defense firm which involves commercial claims from Katrina. I would like to put my observations down in writing here, but it is hard to provide a view of what got the claim into suit. None of the adjusters used Xactimate, all of the hired estimators did. Generally speaking the hired estimators researched commercial pricing for specialty items, to quote Bob, "Of course there is always the unique item that you have to research and add yourself." and none of the adjusters appeared to have done much research. Simsol, Powerclaim and MSB are the three estimating programs used by the several adjusters involved. And please don't take my observation as any negative comment, it is what it is a personal observation.

    At the moment I am following 2 other adjusters and a contractor on a metal roofing claim.We all know that seemingly minor things like the gauge of the metal, profile and coatings change the price of the materials and labor. 29 gauge metal with Weather-X top coat and a primer backing in a residential profile is cheaper and easier to install than 26 gauge with Kyanr 500 or Hylar 500 coat and a resin backing in a commercial profile, but none of the estimating programs adequately describe the line item. As far as I know Xactimate is the only estimating program that allows me to write a line item and save it for future use.

    I am going to buy a copy of Xactimate contractor just to see the differences. Surely Xactimate contractor allows the contractor to install specialty items and prices and to retain them. Maybe Simsol contractor would also. I have never seen any mention of an MSB/Integraclaim contractor version.

    My whole plan is to move away from utilizing a laptop to write estimates and move to a workstation with virtually unlimited RAM and at least 4 screens. Then run Xactimate contractor, Photo Adjuster with Microsoft Word for reports and abstracts of coverage and Microsoft Excel for the Statement of Loss. I also want to be able to run wave files so that I can listen to my dictated scope notes. Is there a pure 64 bit estimating program available?
    "Prattling on and on about being an ass with experience doesn't make someone experienced. It just makes you an ass." Rod Buvens, Pilot grunt
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    okclarryd
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    01/02/2009 8:31 PM
    And, you're gonna mount this up in an Aveo in the back seat, right?
    Larry D Hardin
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    ChuckDeaton
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    01/02/2009 9:06 PM
    The Daewoo Kalos is a subcompact automobile manufactured by GM Daewoo (the South Korean subsidiary of General Motors) introduced in 2002 and marketed globally in 120 countries — prominently as the Chevrolet Aveo[1] (ah-VAY-o)
    "Prattling on and on about being an ass with experience doesn't make someone experienced. It just makes you an ass." Rod Buvens, Pilot grunt
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    katadj
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    01/03/2009 12:01 AM
    And uses a lot less fuel than the bus Chuck runs.
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    okclarryd
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    01/03/2009 9:52 AM
    I can custom build you a satellite dish mount for the roof of your ah-VAY-o but then you'll need outriggers to keep the thing from turning over in the turns.
     
    Keeping on topic,  I have used Xactimate on many commercial losses and like it a lot better than MS/B.  I'm a bit of a fan of MS/B and have used it since it was called DDS.  But, the database and pricing has been manipulated, folded, spindled, and mutilated until it's not the program that I used for many years.
     
    I have reviewed Simsol files on homeowner claims but have never used it so I have no frame of reference as far as commercial losses go.
     
    I am of the opinion that the adjuster using the program is what makes the difference.  We could still hand write estimates with local pricing, if we had to.  But, I, for one, would rather not.  Sorry I brought that up.
    Larry D Hardin
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    Medulus
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    01/03/2009 11:32 AM
    I can speak to having used Simsol for several years. I could customize the database to fit the pricing recommendations of any company for which I was working and save that as a separate database. I always made sure my narrative reflected that I had written the estimate using the pricing dictated by that carrier to cover myself. 
    I could also create a whole separate database or create custom items to add to the database that was already there.  I frequently did just that.
    Steve Ebner CPCU AIC AMIM

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    Tom Toll
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    01/03/2009 3:51 PM
    I had been told many months ago by an MS/B employee that they had a completely new program coming out that would have a robust database. It was supposed to have been offered by now, but I don't see it. I wish they would get their stuff together and get that new program out before I change to something else. Doing every day daily claims would allow me to use anything, with exception on one company who insists on Integraclaim. The Integraclaims, as stated before, sucks.
    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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    Joeblack
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    01/04/2009 12:27 AM

    Posted By Chuck Deaton on 01 Jan 2009 07:43 PM 
    .... Surely Xactimate contractor allows the contractor to install specialty items and prices and to retain them.

    Yes it does.

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    ChuckDeaton
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    01/09/2009 11:54 PM
    "I cannot afford to have multiple estimating programs in hopes that the independent adjusting firm or carrier will need my services." If you aren't willing to purchase the tools needed to do a job, my advise would be to stay on the porch.

    "should always check the local market place and get a read on what contractors are charging in a particular area." My experience is that the vast majority of catastrophe adjusters never check any prices. In fact,checking and changing prices form the unit pricing in Xactimate, MSB, Simsol, etc. is frowned up on, noted in the estimating program, reported and in some cases will end up in termination. Not to mention being constantly questioned by supervisors.

    I have been in depositions where adjusters who changed prices were being questioned by plaintiff's attorneys and it wasn't pleasant.

    "Xactimate estimates generates phone calls to the inside and outside adjusters, who then have to take the time to explain to the homeowners what the estimate has addressed." In any instance a copy of the adjusters estimate is to be provided to the insured and it is only common courtesy to call the insured and explain any facet of the adjusting process and that includes going over the estimate. Most states have Fair Claims Practices Act that not only requires the adjuster to explain the estimate but the policy as well.

    As I use Xactimate and Simsol on a daily basis I am extremely interested in how you know that Xactimate "unit price adjustments are not valid."

    "Prattling on and on about being an ass with experience doesn't make someone experienced. It just makes you an ass." Rod Buvens, Pilot grunt
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    One Bull
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    01/10/2009 12:30 AM
    Agree... a positive approach  to possible solutions facing our industry, would be the best path to follow. 
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    BobH
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    01/10/2009 12:21 PM
    Gary, your posturing is not adding a hell of a lot to this conversation.
    (edit of 1-11-09: thank you for revising your post Gary)
    Bob H
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    okclarryd
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    01/11/2009 4:45 PM
    I've worked both sides of this fence as an adjuster and as an estimator for a contractor. I have come to the opinion that the grass is equally green and has been nourished by a liberal application of fertilizer on both pastures.

    If the Xactimate estimate is accurate and factual, there's plenty of money to address the repairs. The 10/10 for a general contractor makes sure that everyone makes enough to be in business next week.

    There always has been and always will be those instances where a specific entry is made to address something that is not seen everyday. I don't think it can be added to the database in Xactimate and remembered. A drop-down box explaining the entry has always worked for me both as an aduster and as an estimator.

    Once again, I think the estimate is a result of the preparer.

    As the saying goes, .............. garbage in, garbage out.
    Larry D Hardin
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    we2
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    08/09/2009 9:06 PM

    Better late than never, I guess . . .

    I've been dragged, kicking & screaming, into the XM8 fold & have done one storm and several dozen daily claims in the past six months with XM8 as the mandatory database. When I can find my line items, the XM8 database seems to be a bit higher than SiMSOL (my program-of-choice), however, I do NOT find it an adjuster-friendly program. I've worked with MSB/IntegriClaim, even back when it was DDS(!) as well as PowerClaim, & STILL think XM8 has a way to go (though I admit it's much better than it was a few years ago. 
    Just, ppi, Sketch is a phenomenal program, but an adjuster does NOT need to be a draftsman, and I tend to take waaay to much time trying to make my footprints/floorplans perfect. They don't NEED to be! I still prefer the simplicity of SiMSOL!

    My two cents has become a nickle, I guess, but what the . . .

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    we2
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    08/09/2009 9:51 PM

    Good heavens, gentlemen . . . How is it that NONE of you has commented that XM8, being the CONTRACTOR's program that it is (and always has been) is TOTALLY manipulable.  ANYONE (i.e., any contractor OR adjuster) can change ANY price & make it part of their database.  NONE of the prices is sacrosanct.  The naïveté of carriers in thinking that their forcing adjusters to use the same program as contractors will result in identical, or even close, estimates is beyond absurd.  Convincing them of this would prove impossible.  But, keep trying, guys.  KEEP TRYING.

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    johnpostava
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    08/17/2009 10:25 AM
    X may be the largest estimating vendor but IMHO they are far from the best. Big companies like to work with big companies and that fact will never change. Middle managers won't lose their jobs if they pick the largest vendor because if they don't deliver, the manager can blame the vendor but if they select a smaller vendor and they fall on their face, heads at the carrier will roll! MSB is not going away, sometime ago we inquired about purchasing the estimating division of MDA and we were told they have no interest to sell off that part of the business. The "three year" development cycle of their new generation of estimating software is now approaching five years. As a competing adjusting software provider, we fully understand the complexities of developing such a system that, in addition to estimating, must handle photos, diagrams, forms, reports, etc. and must also run on all of the ridiculous operating systems put out by Microsoft. Just like any remodeling job, developing good software typically takes twice as long as first thought and usually costs twice as much money in programming fees! I, myself, look forward to seeing it upon release.

    As for our shop, in the upcoming months we will be announcing some cool integrations with other third party vendors servicing the property claims industry as well as a couple of new applications that we hope will be widely accepted by the adjusting and contracting communities. SIMSOL has been "hanging around" for over 20 years and we currently have thousands of satisfied users. My brother, Frank, and I still own the company and we enjoy, everyday, the services we provide our users. When adjusters have a choice they (usually) choose SIMSOL. X definitely has the overwhelming market share and is the "800 pound" gorilla in our marketplace but there are plenty of bananas out there for the other vendors. Tiger Woods lost this weekend to the 117th ranked player in the world, J.E. Yang from Korea. Sometimes even a little guy can come out a winner!

    The tropics are heating up and we at SIMSOL hope you all get a ton of work this year - no matter what software you use to do your claims.
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    Gale Hawkins
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    08/17/2009 11:22 PM

    We at HRI have decided the best software out there is the one that enables you to feed your family the best. In fact that is often determined by the "other" golden rule.

    He who has the gold makes the rules. :)

    Technically that may not be be the best software but the best of anything can be very subjective. Like John we wish everyone a great season.

    Most adjusters are not CAT adjusters and may have more choice in the brand of estimating software. Again grab the one that best enables you to feed your family and everyone will come out OK in the end.

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    johnpostava
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    08/18/2009 10:57 AM
    Well said, Gale.
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    Olegred
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    08/19/2009 6:22 PM
    Xact is the best out there. I worked Simsol, MSB, Powerclaim. They all are obsolete programs with no sketch capabilities. I can draw a VERY complicated roof in sketch and apply shingles in one click. And it takes me about 10 minutes to do that. Try doing it in Simsol. To be honest, Xact is so ahead of the game that it's not even comparable to the obsolete and awkward, designed 20 years ago things that you call estimating software by mistake. All of you get real, learn how to PROPERLY use Xactimate and be happy.
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    WILLIS
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    08/20/2009 1:43 AM
    John, I have used and loved your product since 1994 You are correct not every Carrier requires Xactimate but those numbers are dwindling. Simsol approached business by satisfying the field adjuster with a user friendly product. Xactimate outwitted you. They could care less about the adjuster. Xactimate was originally intended just for Contractors but once State Farm saw its benfits in Andrew they moved to adjusters. They marketed their system to management of the Carrier via Xactanalysis. Their system allows the Carrier to follow their claim from day one to completion and track every move that adjuster makes each time they log in to input data. With that data they can determine which adjuster works their files more timely and reaches that glorious pinnacle The Closed File the quickest. And based on that historical they can decide who to hire first on the next claim. Trust me, the prime directive is close it fast.OK, no one wants a poor file, but the drive is closures. For those that think Xactimate is the most advanced only thing out their program just remember who is telling you that and drilling you Xactimate is the only way. With Xactimate you will be prone to mutliple errors. You will still need scratch paper and a calculator and still be doing reports in Word outside the program and that will just spell errors. With Simsol and Integriclaim I can do everything inside the program that will draw estimate amounts from Dwelling, APS, Contents estimates or ALE to make sure I do not make a 2AM error I can do an entire caption report in less than 5 minutes that is absolutely correct with each part of my estimate. If you can figure out how to make Simsol track files like Xactimate then sell that to Carriers you will get back alot of carriers that really do not like Xactimate but it just offers so many file tracking benefits and no one else has that.
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    Olegred
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    08/20/2009 1:49 AM

    For those who do not know

    in xactimate

    spellcheck avilable? yes

    Custom captioned reports available? yes

     

    Like I said just learn xactimate and give up on old crap, Xact is the future.

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    okclarryd
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    08/20/2009 7:44 AM
    give up on old crap, Xact is the future

    Seems like I heard the same BS about Mobama.
    Larry D Hardin
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    johnpostava
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    08/20/2009 12:03 PM

     

    Willis,
    Ole really has a bone to pick about simsol (and all the other estimating systems enjoyed by so many adjusters)!.  Don't know why but he seems angry!  Simsol does have an electronic assignment and claims management system called ClaimsWire and we do have an estimate and claims analysis software product called Discovery.  These products allow our insurance carriers to dig deep into estimates and monitor their adjusters for both quality in the adjustment process and how efficiently they use the estimating software.   No adjuster that I know of has ever gotten fired by a carrier using our products – they are used to detect flaws that indicate the adjuster needs additional training in one or more areas. These products are being enjoyed by IA firms and about a dozen regional and state insurance carriers.  Most of our carriers don't hire cat adjusters and use their staff for storms.
     
    I have access to a copy of X and have tried on more than a few occasions to learnboth the estimating platform and the drawing package (FYI, X holds a patent on the drawing-to-estimate workflow and won't allow anyone to build their own - it bogus and we would win if we fought it but I'd rather keep 2 million in the bank!)).  Now I know why there are so many "training" vendors for X - X needs them!  Adjusters get up and running with simsol in less than a day and never look back.
     
    Ole, I am glad to see you are passionate about your software of choice and probably one of the few adjusters that have taken the countless hours to master X.   For me, this 50-year old dog would rather spend his time doing the estimate than drawing pictures - but that's me....
     
    Thanks for listening...
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    WILLIS
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    08/20/2009 1:39 PM
    John, Ole, must be a Snake Farm wannabe that is his choice
    I am aware of Claimswire and Discovery both are better than X I have used the Xact from inside it is a tool for big brother People in management usually are not field trained and just expect immediate results I have seen adjusters lose all their files because they did not handle the 20 nightmares they just got in 2 days or less One would think Carriers could learn from lawsuits and PA's but if we have another Cat 4-5 through Miami out through Tampa these same carriers will want you on site the day after it hit if not before, ready to inspect and send all data on the internet forget there is no power, no water, no gas, no lodging all that is the field adjuster problems I guess we all need an RV with a tow behind car that gets 400 mpg + a portable tanker with 500 gals of gas + a satellite dish for internet + a soft smile, a kind word, and a thick skin because the Carrier will just want results I am 60 yrs old and been doing this for 37 yrs. I have made a career off re-working files carriers pushed their IA's to close in 2 days. Simsol eliminates most of the simple errors Xact creates You still have to know what you are doing, be willing to tell a carrier the truth and if they want it closed then close it but make it clear closed does not really mean closed. I have Xact and can use it effectively not much choice if you want to work but I import alot of Simsol into it
    I would like to find a vendor that only uses Simsol so I do not have to pay rent of two estimate systems just to make a living. Have a great day.
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    Olegred
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    08/20/2009 2:16 PM

    I am not angry guy, come on. I am just telling you that the future of the estimating software  is integration of graphical estimating with  estimating platform (sketch) and continuous feedback from the field adjuster via network (xactnet).  In Simsol you awkwardly draw room by room in an old CAD version that makes you wanna cry. No 3d rendering at all. For example with super cutup roofs that I handle every day (mixed slope, pitch, bunch of dormers) it is IMPOSSIBLE to work those in Simsol. Yes, it's a good database with friendly interface but that's not enough nowadays.  And the agrument "oh, gosh, I've been using it for 10 years and now I have to use another program" .. is ridiculours, get yourself into classroom and learn. Once you learn xact it is incredibly powerful program. Come on, carriers  switch to xact not only due to their marketing but also when they realize how good this program is.

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    Ray Hall
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    08/20/2009 3:37 PM
    This topic with about four or five posters has confirmed what I was predicting was the future of of storm claims back in 2003. Roof measurements by satellite. Estimating programs that can be ran by high school computer nerds from home. Macro,s, copy and paste etc etc. 20 eye balls in the experience room and 50 FICUS taking photos will close 1,000 storm losses per day, quicker, more accurate, more QC and less expense than 200 "one adjuster one house" system used today. Ten adjusters instead of 200. And it will work. The cost per file for estimatics will be a real factor, with simplicity/cost the main focus
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    Olegred
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    08/20/2009 4:51 PM
    Posted By Ray Hall on 20 Aug 2009 03:37 PM
    This topic with about four or five posters has confirmed what I was predicting was the future of of storm claims back in 2003. Roof measurements by satellite. Estimating programs that can be ran by high school computer nerds from home. Macro,s, copy and paste etc etc. 20 eye balls in the experience room and 50 FICUS taking photos will close 1,000 storm losses per day, quicker, more accurate, more QC and less expense than 200 "one adjuster one house" system used today. Ten adjusters instead of 200. And it will work. The cost per file for estimatics will be a real factor, with simplicity/cost the main focus


    :) Will not happen.  :)   Hail damage can not be determined from satellite. In fact I would even PREFER to have drawing of the roof done by eagleview, so I could just do my test squares and get off the roof. Second. Number of layers to remove, dripedge, valley metal, kind of shingles still have to be determined by an adjuster. Third, interior damages are not adjustable from out of space. Fourth, who is going to negotiate with a contractor?  :)

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    Ray Hall
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    08/20/2009 6:04 PM

    Can a person look at a photo of a roof membrane and see physical damage ? Yes. Can a camera see moisture on the back side of a floor or wall? Yes. Can a person measure a roof, without ever getting on the roof? Yes. Can a person draw a foot print of the foundation and then add in the hips, gables, valleys, dormers and then add 15% and be within 50 SF ever time? Yes. Can a fire adjuster estimate a total fire loss on a dwelling and contents, if nothing but a slab exist or just ashes in an outline of the foundation... for that matter can a flood adjuster? Yes to both. Never happen. Happens several hundred times ever day. How does that happen?, if it never happen? How do adjusters settle losses if they never see the loss. They do somehow or they would not be paid for settling losses. What have I missed? It,s settled and thats what adjusters do

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    Olegred
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    08/20/2009 7:08 PM
    As you say, it MAY BE applicable to a very smail amount of losses, mostly total losses. Never to hail, or wind. Adjusters, and I mean good adjusters will never be out of work. Technology just makes our work easier. If you know how to use it.
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    Ray Hall
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    08/20/2009 10:03 PM

    I agree 100%, if you do not need adjusters to crawl on roofs. and they can be settled without crawling on a roof, what have I missed.?

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    Olegred
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    08/22/2009 1:10 AM
    to illustrate my point... try drawing this http://www.bing.com/maps/default.as...&encType=1 in simsol
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    BobH
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    08/22/2009 9:07 AM

    That link isn't working too well, but I can see the neighborhood.

    Yeah, those Atlanta area roofs are the most cut-up beasts.  Architects on drugs.  Whatever happened to those simple gable roofs that didn't have leaking valleys and skylights...

    Bob H
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    Tom Toll
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    08/22/2009 10:04 AM

    A relative of mine is a home builder and told me, (which I already knew) that homes are being built with high cut up roofs to make the structure look bigger than it really is. It seem we americans are more interested in looks than we are simplicity. No wonder the housing market went to hell with the additional costs invovled in this construction methodology. We seem to have lost our zest for simplicity.

    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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    Olegred
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    08/23/2009 2:31 AM
    Yeah... architects in the subdivision are trying to outdo each other, losing sense of appearance\functionality balance completely... Chimneys in valleys, skylights everywhere :)
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    DFWadjuster
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    04/10/2013 7:40 PM
    Has this all been resolved? I have Simsol 5.1, I'm going to have to get Xactimate 27.5.   Are they going to play nice together on the same laptop?
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