Cubit will be released later this month; it is our new natural estimating software for the construction industry. Here at Buildsoft, we wanted to explain to our customers what Cubit is, what it will become and what this means for you.
Cubit brings together our natural estimating approach to quantity takeoff from BT2 and enhances it with functionality from our leading estimating software Offsider estimating and Global estimating. We have thousands of customers already using BT2 and those users, more than anyone else, will be equipped to use Cubit. However, Cubit is more than just an upgrade, it is the start of a new approach to estimating.
Since announcing Cubit we have received many questions, and we wanted to make sure we were able to address these with all of our customers.
Why change the name?
BT2 (Buildsoft Takeoff 2) started out as a quantity takeoff tool. We quickly realised that our natural estimating approach to performing takeoff directly inside an estimate had tremendous benefits. It was faster, it was easier to learn and brought traditional estimating into the digital world. With such advancements in takeoff, we wanted to build a better estimating system.
Unfortunately the name ‘BT2’ was firmly fixed to the concept of quantity takeoff and it was very similar to the names of some of our previous takeoff software especially BTOS. We wanted a name that would stand out as separate to our existing and past products.
What’s a Cubit?
Cubit was the obvious choice, even after discussion possible names for months. We wanted a name that would stand out amongst the other products we have made over the last 30 years that was strong enough to help start a new chapter in our takeoff and estimating software.
Historically, a cubit is a unit of measurement (from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger) adopted by many ancient civilisations. The concept of a cubit spoke to our philosophy of making software which you can adapt to your method of working.
Is Cubit replacing BT2?
Yes, Cubit is completely replacing BT2. While you can keep using your licence of BT2 if you like Cubit has a large number of improvements and fixes that will make estimating easier. When Cubit is released all BT2 customers in software assurance will get a free upgrade Cubit.
Will Cubit work with my BT2 data?
Yes. Cubit will import your exported (backed up) Jobs from BT2 and will convert your current BT2 database so you can continue working with your current Jobs.
As always we strongly recommend backing up all of your data before updating your software.
Does Cubit replace Offsider or Global estimating
That is entirely up to you. Depending upon how you use your software, you may wish to stop using Offsider or Global. Cubit incorporates functionality from those systems such as coding and price lists into a natural estimating software, which is just one of many unique advantages Cubit has over Offsider and Global,
While we are working to implement all the core functionality from our estimating systems this is not currently the case. If you move from Global estimating to Cubit you will notice that there are some features that are not fully implemented in Cubit yet. You may want to operate both systems, in tandem, or even stay with Global estimating. That is perfectly fine, we will not be forcing you to upgrade and support for both systems will continue.
If I get Cubit can I keep using Offsider or Global estimating?
When you upgrade to Cubit from Offsider or Global you can keep using those products. Your Software Assurance for Cubit will cover those products and you will continue to receive updates for them when they are released.
Can I use Cubit with Offsider or Global estimating like I did with BT2?
Absolutely. You can perform your takeoff and use as many of the features in Cubit as you want and then transfer your Job to your other system. At any time you can transfer those changes back into Cubit.
What’s the difference between Cubit and Cubit Pro
The differences are outlined on our Cubit page.
If you would like more information about which system is right for you please contact us .
What’s the difference between a fixed and floating licence?
Buildsoft systems have generally employed a floating licence system whether that was by dongle or online activation. When you have a floating licence you can easily share that licence with other users or on other computers.
We have felt at times that this system has been unfair on smaller companies or on people that only want to use Buildsoft software on a single computer. We have introduced a fixed licence at a lower price for those customers that aren’t taking advantage of those sharing facilities. The Cubit fixed licence is fixed to one user and can only be used on one computer. The software and licence can be moved to another computer.
Why have you removed X feature?
If you are looking for a feature from Offsider or Global in Cubit and it is not there it is not because we have removed it. Cubit is built on top of BT2 which has been rewritten from the ground up. We have not copied our previous systems exactly because we know more about estimating systems than we did 30 years ago. Based on the feedback we receive from our customers we are looking at improving every feature.
We have already included many of these features from our other software in Cubit and will continue to do so into 2015.
It may also be that the feature you are looking for has changed and Cubit has a new way to do what you are looking to get done. If you want to request features please get onto our feature request forum or contact our Sales Team or Support Team.
When will X feature be available?
We have already started working on the next version of Cubit and we have a number of releases planned. Many more of your favourite features will be getting put into Cubit in 2015 and we look forward to telling you more soon.
If you want to request features please get onto our feature request forum or contact our Sales Team or Support Team.
Too much information, what does this mean for me?
This depends on what software you currently have.
When Cubit is released all BT2 licences will automatically be converted to a Cubit licence, as long as you are in Software Assurance. For customers without Software Assurance, there will be upgrade paths available to you, please contact the sales team so we can get you the most appropriate package at the best price.
Customers with software assurance will receive one floating licence of Cubit Pro for each Global and BT2 licence they have.
For every other BT2 licence you have where you do not have Global estimating you will receive one floating licence of Cubit.
For customers without BT2 there may be a small charge to upgrade your software to Cubit depending upon which edition you want. We are currently running specials for customers that wish to upgrade around the release of Cubit. Please contact the sales team for more details.
If you feel that you have been upgraded to the wrong edition or would like more information please contact us.
Can I upgrade from Cubit to Cubit Pro?
You can upgrade at any time but there will be a cost associated with this. To coincide with the release of Cubit we will be offering discounts on upgrading. Please contact our Sales Team for more details.
Summary and thanks
Cubit would not have been possible without the tremendous support that we have received from our customers. On behalf of everyone at Buildsoft I would like to thank you all for all the tremendous feedback we have received over the last 30 years. We hope this has answered some of your questions about Cubit. If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.