Esticom

Implementing Esticom software is designed to be quick and straightforward, minimizing the disruption to your business operations. Here is a typical implementation process:

1. Sign-Up and Setup: Users can start by signing up for a free 14-day trial, which allows them to explore the software’s features without any financial commitment. The setup process is simple and does not require any hardware installations or complex configurations.
2. Uploading Plans: After logging in, users can upload their project plans in PDF or image formats. Esticom automatically breaks these plans into individual sheets, making it easy to organize and navigate through them.
3. Performing Takeoffs: Users can then begin the takeoff process using Esticom’s intuitive tools. The software includes features like AutoCount, which uses machine learning to automatically count symbols and shapes across plans, significantly speeding up the takeoff process.
4. Building Estimates: Once the takeoff is complete, users can build detailed estimates. Esticom’s integrated material database and customizable cost data ensure that estimates are accurate and up-to-date with current market prices.
5. Generating Quotes: Users can generate professional, customer-facing quotes directly from the software, which can be customized with company logos and specific project details.
6. Integration with Other Systems: For users who need to integrate Esticom with other project management or accounting software, the platform offers seamless integration options. For example, Esticom integrates with Procore and Foundation Software, allowing for smooth data transfer and enhanced workflow efficiency.

The entire implementation process is designed to be completed in minutes, rather than weeks or months, making it highly efficient and user-friendly.

Esticom offers several customization options to fit specific business needs, although there are some limitations compared to more established software:

• Material Database Customization: Users can customize the built-in material database with specific parts, assemblies, and labor units to match their unique requirements. This ensures that estimates are tailored to the specific needs of each project.
• Customizable Templates: The software includes ready-made project templates that can be customized to streamline the takeoff and estimating processes. These templates help in generating consistent and professional bids quickly.
• Bid Proposals: Users can customize bid proposals by adding company logos, inclusions, exclusions, and detailed pricing information. This feature helps in creating professional and tailored quotes for clients.

• Reporting and Analytics: Esticom provides customizable reports and project analytics, allowing users to generate data-driven insights that support informed decision-making. However, some users have noted that the reporting capabilities may not be as robust as those offered by more comprehensive solutions

• Integration with Other Software: Esticom’s ability to integrate with other project management and accounting software, such as Procore and Foundation Software, allows for a customized workflow that meets the specific needs of different businesses.

Esticom's pricing is relatively straightforward, with a subscription cost starting at $139 per user per month. This fee includes access to all features and support services, ensuring transparency and simplicity in cost structure. Here are the key points regarding additional costs:

• Setup Fees: There are no setup fees associated with Esticom. The software is cloud-based, eliminating the need for hardware installations or complex configurations.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance and updates are included in the monthly subscription fee. Users do not incur additional charges for software updates or maintenance services.
• Support Charges: Customer support is included in the subscription cost, covering various support channels such as phone, email, live chat, and a help desk. There are no extra charges for accessing support services.
• Storage Limits: While the subscription covers most features, additional costs may arise if users exceed storage limits or require specific third-party software integrations.

Esticom offers comprehensive training and support options to ensure new users can effectively utilize the software. Here are the details:

Training Resources

• Documentation: Detailed user manuals and documentation are available to guide users through the software’s features and functionalities.
• In-Person Training: For users who prefer hands-on training, in-person sessions can be arranged.
• Live Online Training: Interactive online training sessions are available, allowing users to learn in real-time with a trainer.
• Videos: A library of video tutorials is accessible, providing step-by-step instructions on various aspects of the software.
• Webinars: Regular webinars are conducted to cover specific topics and advanced features, helping users stay updated with the latest enhancements.

Support Services

• Phone Support: Users can reach out to support representatives via phone for immediate assistance.
• Chat Support: Live chat support is available for quick queries and troubleshooting.
• Email/Help Desk: Email support and a help desk are provided for more detailed inquiries and issues.
• FAQ and Forum: An extensive FAQ section and user forum are available for self-help and community support.
• Knowledge Base: A comprehensive knowledge base offers articles, guides, and best practices to help users maximize the software’s potential.
• 24/7 Live Support: Around-the-clock live support ensures that users can get help whenever they need it.

Esticom, now part of Procore, employs several robust security measures to ensure the protection of user data:

• Cloud Infrastructure: Esticom is built on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, which provides a secure and scalable environment for data storage and processing. Azure is known for its strong security features, including physical security at data centers, encryption, and compliance with various international standards.
• Data Encryption: Data is encrypted both at rest and in transit. This means that data stored on servers and data being transmitted between users and the cloud are protected from unauthorized access.
• Access Controls: Only authorized users can access the data. Role-based access controls ensure that users have the appropriate level of access based on their role within the organization.
• Regular Audits and Compliance: Procore, the parent company, adheres to industry-leading certifications such as SOC 1 & 2 (Type 2) and ISO 27001:2013. Regular audits and impact assessments are conducted to ensure ongoing compliance and to identify and mitigate potential security risks.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Measures are in place to prevent the unauthorized transfer of sensitive data. DLP tools monitor data movements and apply security policies to protect intellectual property, personally identifiable information (PII), and other sensitive data.
• Secure Collaboration Tools: The use of secure collaboration tools is enforced to prevent the sharing of sensitive information through potentially insecure channels. This helps mitigate risks associated with shadow IT.

Esticom, as part of Procore, follows a structured approach to software updates:

• Regular Updates: Esticom releases updates regularly to improve functionality, add new features, and enhance security. These updates are managed seamlessly through the cloud, ensuring that users always have access to the latest version without the need for manual installations.
• Automatic Deployment: Updates are automatically deployed to all users, minimizing downtime and ensuring a consistent user experience. This approach also helps in quickly addressing any security vulnerabilities that may arise.
• User Notifications: Users are typically notified of upcoming updates and new features through in-app notifications, emails, or release notes. This ensures that users are aware of changes and can take advantage of new functionalities.

Data Ownership

Esticom, as part of Procore, ensures that clients retain ownership of their data. This means that any data inputted into the software by users remains their property. Users have full control over their information, and Procore acts as a custodian, ensuring the data is stored securely and managed according to industry best practices.

Data Portability

Esticom supports data portability, allowing users to export their data in various formats. This functionality is crucial for users who need to transfer data between different systems or wish to have a backup for security purposes. Users can typically export data in formats such as Excel, CSV, and XML, facilitating easy integration with other systems and ensuring that users can manage their data as needed.

Scaling Up

• Adding Users: Esticom allows organizations to scale up by adding more user licenses as needed. This flexibility ensures that as project demands increase or the team size grows, additional users can be accommodated seamlessly.
• Feature Upgrades: Organizations can also opt for additional features or higher-tier plans if they require more advanced functionalities. This can be arranged through Procore's subscription management services.

Scaling Down

• Reducing Users: If organizational needs decrease, users can be removed from the subscription plan. This flexibility helps in managing costs effectively by only paying for the number of active users.
• Downgrading Plans: Organizations can downgrade to a lower-tier plan if they no longer require certain advanced features. This can be managed through the subscription services agreement, ensuring that the software usage aligns with current needs.

Contract Renewal

• Automatic Renewal: Esticom subscriptions typically operate on an automatic renewal basis. This means that unless the user cancels the subscription before the end of the current term, it will automatically renew for another term of the same duration.
• Notification: Users are usually notified in advance of the upcoming renewal, giving them ample time to decide whether to continue or cancel the service.
• Renewal Terms: The terms and pricing for the renewal period are generally consistent with the original subscription agreement, unless otherwise notified by Esticom or Procore.

Contract Cancellation

• Cancellation Policy: Users can cancel their subscription at any time. However, the specifics of the cancellation policy, such as whether a refund is provided for the unused portion of the subscription, depend on the terms outlined in the subscription agreement.
• Notice Period: Typically, a notice period is required for cancellation. Users must notify Esticom or Procore within a specified timeframe before the end of the current subscription term to avoid automatic renewal.
• Early Termination: If a user decides to terminate the contract before the end of the subscription term, there may be early termination fees or penalties, as stipulated in the subscription agreement.
• Data Access: Upon cancellation, users will typically retain access to their data for a limited period to allow for data export and transition. After this period, access to the software and data may be restricted or terminated.

Esticom, as part of Procore, adheres to several key compliance standards to ensure data security and regulatory compliance:

• ISO 27001:2013: This is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information so that it remains secure.
• SSAE 18 (SOC 1 & 2): These standards, developed by the American Institute of CPAs, provide assurance about the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data.
• NIST 800-171: This standard defines how to safeguard and distribute sensitive information, particularly for federal agencies and contractors.
• FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program): Procore is working towards FedRAMP authorization, which is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.