Call Now to Book a CourseIt Has Become Popular Opinion that Xactimate’s Newest Version X1 “Sucks”
Well if you spoke these words a year ago… you would be much closer to the truth! X1 still had glitches and bugs. For those wanting to factor or adjust pricing, it seemed very difficult or even impossible. Plus it just looks different.
How dare they change things!
But have these issues been taken care of?
Should you switch to X1 now?
Well, this is an important question. Xactware announced that the end of life for Xactimate 28 will occur on December 1, 2021. They will also stop supporting Xactimate desktop 28 on July 31, 2021. Judging by how fast this year has gone by, these dates will pop up before you know it.
My Feelings Toward X1 Has Changed
When I think back to the very first time I used X1 , the software crashed and I lost everything, right in the middle of writing an estimate…. not a good first impression.
Since then, X1 has increasingly gotten better. I have very few issues with the program now.
Xactimate 28, on the other hand, has been getting worse with errors and crashes. It still works, but if this is a preview of the next year, it may be best to start moving over.
X1: Look and Usability
With X1, it will take a bit of time getting used to. But it has potential for growth and is a nice modern look. If you have any experience with Xactimate Mobile, you will not have any issues with the new interface. It is very similar.
Once you get used to the interface, you will realize there aren’t many differences within estimates. Sketching, inputting line items are pretty much the same.
What about the price factoring or creating price lists? Is it possible on X1?
Yes it is. But it is a different process. It certainly isn’t as simple but it also isn’t impossible with a little patience and research.
To start, look at this article explaining how to factor pricing using the Pricing Editor. The first time you use the Pricing Editor, it may take a little bit of time. But it gets increasingly easier.
So should you switch to X1?
In the past, the carriers and TPA’s drove the change to the newest version of Xactimate. When they switched, everyone else did too. That doesn’t have to be the case.
Xactimate 28 is going away soon. It seems like a great time to start changing over and getting used to X1 soon. Jump in folks! The water is fine….
Written by: Nick Sharp
Nick Sharp has worked with Jeremy Reets for over a decade now. He started in carpet cleaning and mitigation before moving to the construction side as a project manager. He then was the senior estimator for Champion Construction for over 8 years. Since its inception in 2015, Nick has been an instructor of our Restoration Estimating & Negotiating course. His most recent venture is as a restoration estimate consultant. Nick is an Xactware Certified Trainer and also has his Levels 1-3 Certifications in Xact 28 and X1. He’s a bad boy on that sketch but better at finding lost money!
