NCR or computer generated certs

[jedisparks]

Hey!

Ive always used the NCR hand written certificates and reports but am wondering if i might benefit form using the computer generated ones.

just wondered what others do and any pros and cons for either..

reason ive stuck with had written so far is that i can complete and issue certs on the job instead of having another admin task to do at home.

 

[sparkdog]

I tried computer ones for PAT testing but found it too slow.I suppose its down to how fast you can type.

 

[Amp David]

Pros for me are - neat and tidy if your handwriting is dodgy, (like mine), any mistakes when writing don't mean scribbles or having to do a new cert, don't have to get certs printed if you want you own logos etc on them, don't have to keep hard copies as PDFs can be created..

The cons are - not being able to issue the cert right there on site (unless you have a printer on the van), a little extra time spent in the office issuing the electronic cert

 

[IQ Electrical]

Cons as listed already.

Pros:

A professional looking document

Distribution board schedules at the push of a button

Document e-mailed to client as a pdf

No paper copies in the office

All documentation on memory stick

I'd never change back, my handwriting ensures that!

 

[jedisparks]

Ok thanks, i get the idea. So what software programme is best?

Thanks again

 

[IQ Electrical]

Ok thanks, i get the idea. So what software programme is best?

Thanks again

Ah, the best, the cheapest, the easiest?

I've used 2 packages-Amtech FastTest Pro and Castline Formfill 9.

The best is Amtech, it really is the dogs, especially if you use their design package too.

Formfill is a nice, cheaper compromise that still gives us the features that we need at a much better price.

I think you can demo both but you need to really get stuck in to make a decision based on anything other than cost!

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Went to NIC package recently....save a fortune in tipex....but it takes a LOT longer,I was surprised at how much longer for a big PIR or EIC with several DB's,the end result looks a lot more professional but in all honesty I'd go back to NCR for big ones.

 

[jedisparks]

Cost isnt the deciding factor, i guess id like to try and make life easier dont mind the extra pounds if it helps me. one feature i like the idea of is being able to print an exrta circuit schedule off to keep beside a consumer unit. easy and quick is important if its possible that is

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Yep,the circuit schedules are handy...but unless you are mustard on the PC I dont think you will find it much easier.

 

[Amp David]

I use Easy Cert and can't complain about it

 

[Ponty Massive]

Does anyone use these cert's or something simular?

ELECTRICAL TEST CERTIFICATES 17th EDITION SOFTWARE DISC on eBay (end time 16-Nov-10 10:46:06 GMT)

 

[accordfire]

Can vouch for Easycert - very handy in that it remembers customer details, prints easily, PDFs, will over print purples, greens and reds, or blank with company logo, or blank empty to take to site, and they do bundles, to include EasyCert Pro and Easy PAt, ISTR - Easy PAt is probably only worth it if you have a PAT tester that records info, otherwise waaaaaay slow entering a million bits of info for each device first time.

You can also upload the recorded tests from certain type of multi-tester for fixed installs too - like the Fluke 1653B and so forth.

About £175 or so for Easy Cert Pro, about £211 with the Easy PAT. I think they do a mobile version for PDA's too - but it only works on clunky old Windows PDAs I think.

They're here - and you can download 30 day trials (which overprint the form on the footer and header with "Trial Version", etc)

 

[accordfire]

Of course, this always works too, with a bit of dogging around with Adobe or similar that can edit PDFs.....

Forms for Electricians

In any case the IET website on wiring regulations should be on any well dressed electrician's bookmarks/favourites/whateveryourbrowsercallsthoselinksyoudon'twanttohavetotypeineverytime.