FAQs

  

Frequently-Asked Questions

Cost and Purchasing

How much does it cost?

The Symbility software is not sold or licensed, so there’s nothing to buy. We charge only a small fee per claim, which allows you unlimited use of the Symbility.NET web-based application, and allows you to download and install the mobile claims field estimating software (for building and transmitting complete estimates from the field) any number of times, for as many users as you want. Once you pay the per-claim charge, all future activity in that claim is free. Any number of estimates can be built in that same claim file. Even technical support is included in this fee.

What would it cost to buy the software for ten users in two offices?

Symbility's simple per-claim pricing model means the answer is simple—it doesn't matter how many users, how many computers or how many offices you have. The freely downloadable mobile claims software can be installed any number of times and used by any number of users. All you pay is a small fee per claim.

Do you offer a free trial or demo?

Absolutely. Because we charge only per claim and the software is provided at no charge, you can register at www.symbility.net as a trial member and download the mobile claims component of the software, then install it anywhere, as many times as you like. You don't even need to provide your credit card until you're ready to become a full member. You'll also have access to the web-based component which you'll need to set up users and your company information. The only limitations with a trial membership are that you can't print claim files and can't transmit data to other users electronically. The trial period has no expiration.

When you're ready to become a full member, just update your account with your credit card (Symbility.NET is secured with 128-bit encryption and is digitally signed by Verisign).  

Hardware and Wireless

What computer hardware do I need to run the software?

To use Symbility.NET (our web-based communication hub), data warehouse and analytics engine, any computer with an Internet connection is sufficient (IE 5.5 or higher is required). mobile claims, our field-use estimate-building software, will run on virtually any PC that is 5 years old or newer, as well as a Tablet PC. Only Tablet PCs are pen-based and wireless, and therefore will allow you to exploit the full potential of the software (i.e. create on-site estimates). However, it is not mandatory that you run it on a pen-based, wireless PC.

Click here to view the minimum requirements for running the software.

To learn more about pen-based, wireless computers and related hardware, view our hardware guide in the customer support site.

What does a Tablet PC cost?

Just like other types of computers, the cost of a Tablet PC varies greatly based on manufacturer, model, features, etc. The general rule of thumb is a Tablet PC costs slightly more than a similarly equipped laptop PC. The extra cost accounts for the digitizer and extra engineering required to make it lightweight and durable.

Can I read a Tablet PC's screen outside and in direct sunlight?

Most Tablet PC screens are more readable outdoors than a regular laptop thanks to a better contrast ratio and polarizing film, and in fact are generally referred to as "indoor/outdoor" screens. They are still not readable in bright, direct sunlight, becoming "washed-out" like laptop screens.

Fujitsu Stylistic ST5031

However if you want true direct-sunlight readability, you do have an option with Tablets from Fujitsu and Motion Computing (who both specialize in Tablet PCs). Fujitsu offers a "reflective" screen that is extremely readable outdoors, even in direct sunlight, on their ST5030 series slate-style Tablet PCs (it is in fact more readable in sunlight than indoors). Motion Computing offers their own "View Anywhere" screen technology that is also very readable in bright sunlight.

Can I use a Disto outdoors as well?

Definitely, but using the Disto outdoors requires some special considerations. The big issue outdoors is seeing the red dot from the laser. The easiest and most effective way to deal with that is by using Leica’s red laser glasses, which makes the laser easy to see in bright light. They can be purchased directly from our partner Distgage.com.

Another technique (at no cost) is to use the built-in viewfinder. This is also indispensable for measuring longer distances, where the laser would be difficult to see even indoors.

The other issue that tends to crop up outdoors is that you’re often measuring convex angles—i.e. there’s no opposing wall to bounce the laser off of. Any of the following techniques can be employed for this:

  • Use the indirect measurement capture method (built into mobile claims) where you indirectly capture a dimension by facing the wall, capture 2 (or 3) measurements and the software uses triangulation to calculate the dimension.

  • Find an object to place at the convex corner (like a garden rake or a buddy) in order to bounce the laser off something.

For roofs, note that mobile claims users don’t need to get up on the roof to fully dimension them, so there are no other issues using the Disto there.
 

How will a Tablet PC stand up to the cold, the elements and a drop to the floor?

Generally speaking, Tablet PCs are more durable than laptops because they are designed for mobility, and are expected to be carried around while being used most of the time. However let's tackle each concern separately.

Itronix Duo-Touch ruggedized Tablet PC

  • Cold: Like regular laptops, Tablet PCs generate quite a bit of heat—not enough to burn your hands, but enough to keep them toasty and more importantly enough to counter the effect that the cold has on LCD screens somewhat The most significant effect you'll encounter is a lag in how fast the screen updates—the "liquid crystal" freezes. The effect is greater with "slate"-style Tablet PCs, where the LCD screen is closer to the heat-producing CPU). Using a Tablet that has been running for a while at 15°F is not your biggest problem—trying to use it with snowmobile mittens on is! (Then again, this is no different from using pen-and-paper) If you will often use your Tablet PC in very cold weather, we recommend a ruggedized model from companies such as Symbol or Itronix.

  • Elements: Tablet PCs are much the same as a laptop in this regard—they do not like moisture, and if you use one in the rain you're just asking for trouble. Submersing it will severely damage it. Only ruggedized Tablets offer protection from rain.

  • Drops: Like a laptop, Tablet PCs should be considered fragile, and in most cases will not survive a drop onto a hard floor. However, since they are intended to be used while carrying around, many offer protection of the data on the device, "locking" the hard drive if it detects a sudden fall so that should the Tablet PC become damaged, the data will remain intact and can be loaded onto another device.

How do I use your wireless, pen-based system when I'm in an area where there's no wireless coverage?

Symbility has been designed from the ground up for use with all types of wireless technologies, and the realities that go along with them. One of these realities is that you will never be connected to the Internet 100% of the time. Yet Symbility still provides access to your data and allows you to build estimates anywhere you go. We accomplish this with our unique Claim Synchronization Technology. When you do have an Internet connection (wired or wireless), you synchronize mobile claims to automatically download all claim data pertaining to you and upload all data that you've collected on-site since you last synchronized. You can then disconnect from the Internet and go work with your claims in an area that has no wireless coverage.

Do I need to have a wireless connection to use your system?

No. Not only can you use the full estimating and claims processing capabilities of mobile claims in an area that has no wireless coverage (like a hurricane-ravaged zone) but you can choose to always plug your computer in to a wired connection when you need to connect to the Internet. Of course, you lose one of the major advantages that Symbility provides—the ability to submit the estimate and receive new claim assignments before leaving the loss site—but it is possible.

Does Symbility allow me to print the claim file, including estimates I've built, while at the loss site?

Absolutely (but only with a full membership). After (optionally) collecting the insured's signature digitally with your pen-based PC you can print the entire claim file with any standard or portable printer. We like the Bluetooth-enabled HP Deskjet 450. Imagine leaving the printer on the kitchen counter, then moving from room to room while building the estimate, finally pressing  "print" at the last room of the upper floor...by the time you walk back down to the kitchen, the insured is already reading through the printouts.

 

Pricing Database

Where do you get the unit costs for your item database?

Symbility uses the Craftsman pricing database, specifically the National Renovation and Insurance Repair Estimator, with additional data from the National Construction Estimator, National Repair and Remodeling and National Home Improvement Estimator publications. Craftsman has been researching pricing data since 1951. It is the same database used by some of our competitors (SimSol, PowerClaim, etc.) A detailed whitepaper discussing the data is available by clicking here.

Is the database regionalized?

The database contains pricing data for 768 regions throughout North America.

How frequently is it updated?

The database is updated monthly.

 

Software Features and Usage

Do I need to use the Symbility.NET website or the mobile claims software, or both?

Symbility.NET is a web-based software application that allows users access to all their claim files (both current and historical) so that you can review, print, analyze and edit the file. It's also where an administrator configures user accounts, permissions, defaults, preferences, notifications and other administrative tasks. Typical users of Symbility.NET include claims managers, inside adjusters, claim reviewers, project managers, administrative or back-office support staff and anyone who doesn't need to build estimates.

At the heart of the mobile claims software is a very graphical estimating tool, designed specifically for wireless, pen-based computers. You can also think of it as an extension of Symbility.NET, allowing you to take the claim data that is stored on the Internet with you out into the field, without needing a constant Internet connection. lf you need to create or edit estimates, you would use Symbility mobile claims. As a registered user of Symbility, you can freely download mobile claims and install it anywhere, anytime. You are charged only if you process a claim.

I've tried running other estimating software on a tablet computer at the loss site and found it just doesn't work—I resorted to going back to my old method of recording details on paper then building the estimate back at the office. What makes Symbility any different?

What makes our product different is that it has been designed from the ground up for pen-based computers. Every other product on the market has been designed for a desktop environment. For software to be effective while moving around a loss site holding a pen-based computer,  all the nuances of pen computers must permeate every aspect of the user interface and  behind-the-scenes engineering of the software. Before we wrote one line of code we considered slower CPUs, reduced memory capacity, low bandwidth connections, battery life, portrait screen orientation, and that a "stylus" (pen) would be the only input device.

Is Symbility easy to use?

Of course it's recommended you try it out yourself (remember you don't have to buy it, you only pay per claim) but keep this in mind: it has to be easy to use, because you need to be able to complete full estimates will just a pen. This means it has to be highly graphical, intuitive, and offer numerous efficiencies without requiring memorization of codes, two-handed keyboard + mouse operation or a single keystroke.

Is mobile claims true estimating software or just a glamorous "tick sheet"? When using it in the field, is there a full pricing database? Can I adjust the prices if necessary?

Symbility's mobile claims field estimating software is the first to provide a full claims estimating platform for use on a pen-based computer. It's the same software you would use on a desktop PC in the office (but since it lets you complete full estimates before leaving the loss site, why would you?) Anything you're used to doing with other estimating software, like adjusting prices or noting unusual circumstances can be done (with only a pen!) in addition to drawing very detailed floorplans, roofplans, and exterior views.

Is it necessary for the companies I work with to also use your system for me to send estimates to them or receive estimates from them?

Although it does make the process more straightforward, it's not necessary for your customers or vendors to also use Symbility (although with only a per-claim fee and nothing to buy, there's not much stopping them). It's easy and free to share your claim files with non-Symbility users with our "Guest User Access" feature.  Simply provide them with an optionally time-limited username and password and direct them to www.symbility.net. Upon logging in they will see a customized "portal" showing your company's name and logo and any claims that you have chosen to share. They see only parts of the claim that you allow to be accessed. They can print the claim or create a PDF file.

How flexible is the system with regards to making notes and comments for unique situations?

Symbility offers several features that provide tremendous flexibility:

  • The price of any item from the pricing database can be changed when needed,  and the change can be remembered for future use.

  • A multi-line note can be attached to any line item in an estimate. The note can be entered using the innovative QuickList feature that stores commonly-used text, or using handwriting recognition or the on-screen keyboard.

  • A digital photo can be attached to any line item in the estimate. A picture is worth a thousand words, so slow instead of typing it. Photos can have captions and can be annotated with electronic ink. Photos can also be placed right in floorplan, roofplan or exterior diagrams.

  • A voice annotation (a digital recording of your voice) can be attached to any line item (or added directly into a diagram) to narrate long comments instead of handwriting them. Any other user can play back the recording. This feature is also handy for taking a statement from the insured.

  • Textboxes and callouts can be added to diagrams to point out unique situations.

  • Using a pen provides the ability to draw freehand directly on top of diagrams and photos will "digital ink".

Do you provide standard forms within the software? Can I create my own forms in the software?

The software comes with 13 standard FEMA forms which can be added to any electronic claim file. Our "Form Editor" (available 3Q 2006) will allow users to create,  share and incorporate into any claim file virtually any single- or multi-page forms with a simple desktop publisher-like interface.

 

Other

Do you offer training?

Yes, training is available either in a classroom at our office or yours or via the Internet. See the Training page of our support site for further details.

What does the printed output look like?

A sample printed claim in PDF format can be downloaded by clicking here.