FastDUCT

FastDUCT is a specialized HVAC estimating software solution developed by FastEST, Inc., designed to meet the unique needs of commercial and industrial sheet metal contractors. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools that streamline the process of estimating HVAC ductwork and related components, enabling contractors to produce fast, accurate, and professional bids. The software supports a wide range of duct types—including rectangular, round, and oval—and integrates seamlessly with FastPIPE, another FastEST product, to provide a unified estimating platform. At the heart of FastDUCT is its extensive and customizable catalog, which includes over 250,000 items. This catalog features a wide array of duct fittings, accessories, hangers, and specialty items, many of which are sourced from leading manufacturers such as Ductmate, Thermaflex, and CertainTeed. The catalog is regularly updated to reflect current pricing and includes SMACNA-standard labor rates, ensuring that estimates are both accurate and industry-compliant. One of FastDUCT’s standout features is its intuitive on-screen digitizer, which allows users to perform takeoffs directly from digital plans, including PDFs. This eliminates the need for third-party takeoff tools and simplifies the workflow, especially for users working on laptops or with limited screen space. The software’s interface is designed for ease of use, with a compact, customizable palette that keeps essential tools within easy reach. FastDUCT also offers robust customization options. Users can tailor specifications for each job, including materials, duct liners, joints, stiffeners, tie-rods, and accessories. These specs are automatically applied during the takeoff process, reducing manual input and minimizing errors. Additionally, the software supports job templates, allowing contractors to reuse configurations from previous projects—an especially useful feature for firms that frequently work with similar building types or clients. Reporting is another area where FastDUCT excels. The software can generate detailed labor and material reports, which can be filtered and sorted by sections, specs, zones, cost codes, and more. These reports can be exported to Microsoft Excel, making it easy to create polished, client-ready proposals. FastDUCT also allows for job-specific adjustments, such as material pricing based on supplier quotes or labor rates adjusted for site conditions.

FastDUCT distinguishes itself in the HVAC estimating software market through a combination of precision, usability, and integration. One of its most significant competitive advantages is its comprehensive, built-in catalog of over 250,000 items. Unlike many competitors that rely on third-party databases or require manual data entry, FastDUCT’s catalog is preloaded with up-to-date pricing and labor rates based on SMACNA standards. This not only saves time but also ensures that estimates are accurate and aligned with industry norms. Another key differentiator is FastDUCT’s on-screen digitizer, which allows users to perform takeoffs directly from digital plans without needing additional software. This feature is particularly valuable for contractors working in mobile or constrained environments, such as on laptops or single-monitor setups. The digitizer, combined with a compact and customizable interface, makes the software highly efficient and user-friendly. FastDUCT also offers deep customization capabilities, enabling users to tailor job specifications, materials, and labor factors to match the unique requirements of each project. This level of flexibility is not always available in competing products, many of which offer more rigid workflows. The ability to reuse job templates further enhances productivity, especially for firms handling repetitive or similar projects. Integration with FastPIPE gives FastDUCT a unique edge in multi-discipline estimating. Contractors who handle both piping and ductwork can benefit from a unified platform that consolidates estimates into a single Excel-based output. This reduces duplication of effort and ensures consistency across trades.

• Small Businesses (1-99)
• Mid Market (100-500)
• Enterprise (500+)