How Owers Electrical found success with Countfire

In the fast-paced world of electrical estimating, embracing automation has become a game-changer for many professionals. With so many estimating software options available, choosing the right one can be a minefield. So, what should you look for when making your decision?

To help answer this question, we sat down with Countfire customer Brian Owers, Manager at Owers Electrical, to discover why he swears by automated estimating and how Countfire stacks up against other software solutions. From usability to speed, we uncover some important factors to consider when selecting the right automated estimating software.

About Owers Electrical

Owers Electrical Ltd, based in Cork, Ireland, is a family run business and has been providing electrical contracting services across Southern Ireland for nearly 40 years. With over 50 dedicated staff members and a diverse range of expertise, they tackle everything from residential and agricultural to commercial and industrial projects. 

The company also made its mark on some significant projects in recent years, including playing a vital role in the development of the new National Children’s Hospital in Dublin, and completing an impressive electrical installation at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork - one of the largest private hospitals in Europe.  

For Brian and his team, the process of manually doing takeoffs has always been a time-consuming and tedious task, which is why he decided to look out for alternative solutions. As he puts it, doing takeoffs is “his least favourite part of the job” so any tool that can help him work faster would be a valuable investment. 

Why Countfire?

Recognising the need to optimise the estimating process, Brian began exploring various automated estimating software options and Countfire soon emerged as the clear winner. 

“We trialled at least seven or eight different estimating platforms before deciding on Countfire. Each one had their own strengths and weaknesses, but Countfire stood out to me because of its simplicity, speed, and user-friendliness.” 

So, what else sets Countfire apart from other automated estimating software? According to Brian, it’s the multitude of useful features - from its intuitive interface and shortcut keys, to the cloud-based storage system and the ability to download takeoffs into an Excel spreadsheet. He also gives a special mention to some newly added features including the overlay and floorplan functionality. 

Furthermore, since implementing Countfire into his estimating process, Brian says he can now cut busy work and complete estimates “at least five times faster than before” allowing him to focus more on other important tasks within the business.

But it wasn’t just the software itself that impressed Brian. He also found Countfire’s training and support second to none. “The product specialists respond almost immediately and always resolve any issues I have,” Brian notes. “I was impressed with the level of support we received compared to other software we trialled. It’s definitely one of Countfire’s best strengths.”

Closing thoughts from Brian

Brian is a firm believer in using automation to complete estimates, and for him it’s a “no-brainer” regardless of the company’s size or setup. 

He considers speed, usability, and support as the most significant factors when it comes to selecting the right automated estimating software, and Countfire is the perfect solution for those looking to streamline their workflow.

Overall, Countfire has become an invaluable tool for Brian and his team at Owers Electrical. By simplifying the estimating process and saving them time, they can now continue to focus on what really matters - delivering quality work to their clients. 

If you want to take your estimating game to the next level, Countfire is the way to go - start your free trial today. 

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