Beck Technology is enormously excited to welcome users to the new DESTINI Cloud platform. The move to a new cloud-based architecture represents a seismic shift in the underlying technology that powers the DESTINI suite of applications, and in turn, a significant improvement to the user experience for all our clients.
Broadly speaking, functionality has been maintained to ensure users feel right at home in the transition to the new platform. However, the Cloud does bring with it a wealth of improvements. This article offers an overview of the main changes between the legacy Estimator and Cloud Estimator products.
Estimator Cloud is still in development. This article will be updated as more features are brought to the Cloud version.
Architectural Changes
Easy Install & Setup
The installation and setup of Estimator Cloud is significantly easier than legacy versions.
- Quick and easy installation via the Microsoft Store.
- No more Remote Desktop config steps, and no need for a unique ID email.
- Changing laptops or signing in via another PC is effortless.
Live Database Connection – No Need to Save
This is a big one; the cloud platform allows Estimator to maintain a live connection to the database, so data is written to the database the moment it is entered. What does this mean?
- No need to save! The save button is gone because your data is stored instantly.
- Improved multi-user experience – you will see changes made by other users on a live basis.
Seamless Access to Local Files – No Z Drive
DESTINI Estimator runs locally on your PC, greatly streamlining the process of accessing your local files and folders.
- Instant access to local files and folders
- No Remote Desktop means no challenging file system workflows
- No need for the Hosted Z Drive
Improved Performance
We have made a range of optimizations in DESTINI Cloud, bringing sweeping performance benefits to the user:
- Faster to boot up: Estimator will get you to your work faster and more efficiently
- Faster to load estimates: Estimates open and close much faster, allowing you to get straight to work.
- No need to save and wait for the database to be fully updated and refreshed.
- Better overall responsiveness: The application is no longer dependent on a Remote Desktop connection, so users will enjoy a snappier, more responsive experience.
Workflow Changes
DESTINI Cloud broadly maintains the functionality of the legacy product to ensure transitioning users can hit the ground running. But experienced DESTINI users will also notice some new features and changes. Here are some of the highlights:
Fees
- Revised user interface
- Fees and Total rows are type-defined on creation
- Fee changes are reflected in the estimate instantly, so you can see the numbers on the fly
- New fee type: 'Total Excluding Self' (Coming Soon).
- Custom fees can be based on burdened costs for more flexibility.
Project View
- Auto-acquire lock upon clicking into the Project sheet.
- Legacy button 'Sync Estimate and Lock Spreadsheet' is now Edit Mode. 'Unlock Spreadsheet' is now Commit.
Assemblies
- Auto-tabbing on question entry streamlines assembly workflows.
Dashboard
- New Commit button added to Dashboard view (eg. after hard keying in the version and date on the Summary tab).
Estimator Cloud is still in development. This article will be updated as more features are brought to the Cloud version.
Lesson - DESTINI Cloud Quick Start Guide
Now that you have an overview of what's new in DESTINI Estimator Cloud, you can get a more detailed breakdown in the DESTINI Cloud Quick Start Guide via the Beck Tech Training Portal.
Other Useful Links
LINK: Product Roadmap