Feature Suggestions and Improvements for ZZ Take Off

Hi ZZ Take Off Team,

First, I want to say I really appreciate the opportunity to test out ZZ Take Off. I understand the software is still in its early stages, and I’m excited about where it’s headed. As someone who’s been using takeoff tools like PlanSwift extensively in the field, I wanted to share a few ideas that I believe could help push ZZ Take Off ahead of the competition.

1. Enhanced Count Assemblies for Spread Footings

In structural concrete foundation drawings, spread footings are often angled. While this doesn’t affect the takeoff quantities, having the ability to visually match these angles on-screen would be a helpful, user-friendly feature. PlanSwift allows me to input length, width, and depth into a count assembly to calculate cubic yards quickly—which is a major time-saver.

Suggestion:

• Add input fields (L x W x D) directly into count tools for quick volume calculations.
• Introduce a "rotate object" function that allows assemblies to pivot or align with angled drawings for improved visual accuracy and organization.

2. Smart Callout Navigation (AI-Powered Linking)

This idea could really set ZZ Take Off apart from any competitor. On structural drawings, navigating callouts can be tedious—flipping between pages, searching for matching details, etc.

Suggestion:

• Use AI or OCR to recognize callout references and page numbers.
• Allow users to click on a callout label (e.g., “F2/S-202”) and instantly jump to that specific detail view on the referenced sheet.
• This would streamline navigation and significantly cut down takeoff time.

3. Assembly Organization – Folder System

Once a project scales, it’s easy to lose track of assemblies, especially when you have 50+ on a single project.

Suggestion:

• Implement a folder system in the left-side navigation panel where assemblies can be grouped, collapsed, and color-coded.
• This would make large takeoffs far more manageable and help estimators double-check completed scopes with confidence.

4. Future Estimating Functionality – Formula Builder

While ZZ Take Off is currently focused solely on takeoffs, I am excited to see how they implement estimating down the road.

Suggestion:

• Provide an intuitive way to build and assign formulas for pricing, labor, equipment, and materials.
• Unlike PlanSwift, which hides these functions behind a steep learning curve, ZZ Take Off could use a more streamlined, visual interface to connect quantities to formulas and pricing models.

Thanks again for developing this software and listening to user input. I'm really hopeful about what ZZ Take Off can become and happy to continue testing features as you develop them.