Frequently Asked Questions

Feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.

	Why don't you integrate with the CD version of Marshall & Swift?
	We wanted to get the online version running first. In the near future we'll implement an "open API", which will allow vendors of all sorts to integrate their products into WinTOTAL's core XML data structures without our involvement in the coding. (An API is like a "socket" that other pieces of software can "plug in" to.) If you think about it, it's the only way to logically integrate with all the various versions and flavors of tools that you see and use everyday; that way, we're not the bottleneck. When we open that up, M&S will be able to integrate their CD without us being involved in the deployment and development, and will be able to do it as quickly as they see fit."
	What are the differences in the options in the "Put data in" section?
	Cost Approach w/Addendum Uses the Marshall & Swift "Standard Report" to populate the cost approach section of your major form, and will add a copy of the standard report to your WinTOTAL report as a page you can review and edit. A copy of the standard report will be stored in your digital workfile. Cost Approach Only Uses the Marshall & Swift "Standard Report" to populate the cost approach section of your major form. No supporting addenda will be added to your WinTOTAL report, but a copy of the standard report will be stored in your digital workfile. Marshall & Swift 1007 [LGL] Uses the Marshall & Swift 1007 field report and adds a legal-sized version of the 1007 form into your WinTOTAL report. The cost approach section will NOT be filled out. A copy of the 1007 form will be stored in your digital workfile. Marshall & Swift 1007 [LTR] Uses the Marshall & Swift 1007 field report and adds a letter-sized version of the 1007 form into your WinTOTAL report. The cost approach section will NOT be filled out. A copy of the 1007 form will be stored in your digital workfile.
	What type of reports can I import into WinTOTAL?
	You can choose to insert either a Marshall & Swift Standard Report or a 1007 Field Report into WinTOTAL.
	What's the difference between the Marshall & Swift Standard Report, and the 1007 Field Report?
	The reason these numbers are different is due to the way each report handles the multiplier. A Standard Report applies the multiplier to each line item which makes it easier to fill out a cost approach. The 1007 report handles the multiplier, just like the book, at the end.
	When I change information on the "Launch SwiftEstimator" screen, why doesn't it populate back into my report?
	Any information you fill in or change on the initial "Launch SwiftEstimator" screen does not transfer back to WinTOTAL because this is a one way transfer. If you need to change the information, please cancel the "Launch SwiftEstimator" screen and change the information on the report. Once the information has been changed, launch SwiftEstimator again and the information will now show in the SwiftEstimator screen.
	Why do I have to re-enter information into the SwiftEstimator screen that I have already entered into my WinTOTAL report, such as Sq. Footage?
	Marshall & Swift only allows us to pass up a very limited amount of information, basically just the property address. While we're working with Marshall & Swift to expand the fields we're allowed to pass up, we'll also be building a data lookup side-bar for the SwiftEstimator integration that will give you quick access to the most important fields and photos while you're completing the cost approach. To see a mock-up of what it will look like, click here.
	How do I change the information that I entered into Swift Estimator?
	If you need to change the data in your cost estimate, with the report open click on "Launch SwiftEstimator" under the Tools menu. Make your needed changes within the SwiftEstimator, click on the Reports/Calc link on the left hand side, click on the calculate button, then the Transfer to WinTOTAL button.
	How do I launch SwiftEstimator?
	You can launch SwiftEstimator by opening a report, then clicking on the "SwiftEstimator" button in your Forms PowerView. You can also find it on the Tools menu. Your Estimate ID transferrs from your main file number, as well as your address, city, state, and ZIP code.
	How do I purchase more estimates?
	You can purchase more estimates by calling 1-800-ALAMODE or by clicking the "Purchase More" link within the Launch SwiftEstimator screen.
	Why do I only have 7 days to edit the Cost Estimate?
	Marshall & Swift only allows you to edit an estimate for 7 days before charging you again. If you need to edit the estimate after the 7 days, you can always do so by launching the estimate and clicking on the Launch SwiftEstimator button. You will prompted that the estimate is older than seven days and will be treated as a new estimate, would you like to continue? If you click yes, this will charge you for a new estimate.
	When am I charged for an estimate?
	You are charged for an estimate when you click the "Calculate" button within the SwiftEstimator.
	How do I find Help in the SwiftEstimator screen?
	You can find Help in multiple areas. Within the SwiftEstimator, "Help" is located in the upper right hand corner next to the "Log out" button. This will display the overall help manual for SwiftEstimator.com. If you need to know something about a specific item, like what the "Marshall & Swift Tables" option does in the "Depreciation" screen, you can click on any label and it will bring up specific information regarding that option.
	If I close the SwiftEstimator screen will it save my data or do I have to enter it back in?
	If you need to close the estimate and come back to it later before calculating you can do so. Just remember to click on the "Save" option on the left hand side before exiting.
	Why does the text I entered in the "Notes" field of SwiftEstimator not transfer into my report?
	When you enter information in the "Notes" field this information does not populate any of the cost reports. If you have information that you need to populate either the 1007 or Standard Report, make sure you type it into the "Remarks" field instead.