Yes, you can import your existing data from Conquest Estimating into Sterling quickly and effectively. Our onboarding specialists will assist you in transferring core elements such as cost plans, libraries, resource breakdowns, and historic estimates. We understand that continuity and accuracy are vital during the switch to a new system, so we provide guidance on mapping your data fields and formats into Sterling’s structure. This process ensures your team retains access to the data you’ve built over the years while benefitting from Sterling’s advanced features and cloud-based collaboration tools. Whether you’re transitioning from a legacy system or moving from desktop to SaaS, our team ensures a smooth migration experience

Sterling is fundamentally different from Conquest Estimating, which is built as a single-user desktop application. Sterling is a multi-user, cloud-native SaaS platform designed for the needs of modern estimating teams. This means no software installation, no dependency on local servers, and no limitations around user access or geographic location. Sterling enables real-time collaboration across teams, allowing multiple users to work on the same cost plan or take-off simultaneously with version tracking and audit history. Updates are delivered monthly, automatically, and without downtime. With Sterling, your estimating process becomes more agile, secure, and scalable. Fit for both regional contractors and national enterprises.

Yes, all support, product updates, and training resources are included in your Sterling subscription at no extra charge. Unlike many traditional desktop solutions, where support may incur additional costs or only be available under a separate maintenance agreement, Sterling includes everything as standard. Our UK-based support team is available to help with technical queries, training needs, and best practice advice. Monthly software updates bring new features, improvements, and bug fixes directly to your workspace with zero disruption. We believe in transparent pricing – no bolt-ons, hidden costs, or surprise fees. What you see is what you get.

Yes, Sterling supports true real-time collaboration. Multiple estimators, QSs, and sustainability team members can work on the same cost plan, take-off, or carbon estimate at the same time, regardless of location. This is a major improvement over traditional desktop solutions like Conquest Estimating, which typically limit access to one user at a time or require complex setups to allow for multi-user functionality. Sterling’s cloud-native environment ensures that all changes are tracked, versioned, and recorded. With granular permissions, you can control access by role or team function. Collaboration becomes seamless, efficient, and secure – ideal for distributed teams or organisations working across multiple offices or regions.

Sterling is built to run on any modern device with an internet connection and a web browser. This includes Windows desktops and laptops, MacBooks, tablets such as iPads, and even Chromebooks. There’s no need for installations, plugins, or remote desktop connections. Whether you’re in the office, working from home, or on site, you can access Sterling through a secure login. This flexibility is a significant advantage over traditional estimating software like Conquest, which is often tied to a single machine or limited by outdated licensing models. With Sterling, you can estimate from anywhere – securely and reliably.

Sterling offers enterprise-grade security, far beyond what traditional desktop software can provide. Hosted in secure UK and EU-based cloud environments, Sterling benefits from regular penetration testing, encrypted data storage, secure authentication protocols, and continuous backup routines. Desktop solutions like Conquest rely on the local machine’s or server’s security setup, which can be more vulnerable to data loss, corruption, or breaches. Sterling is designed for the modern threat landscape, with audit trails, user permissions, multi-factor authentication, and full GDPR compliance. Your data is safe, protected, and recoverable – wherever you are and whenever you need it.

No. Sterling is a true SaaS (Software as a Service) solution and does not require any on-premise infrastructure, servers, or complicated IT configuration. There’s no need to set up VPN access, Citrix environments, or local network sharing. All you need is a stable internet connection and a supported browser. This significantly reduces the burden on your IT team and removes the costs associated with hardware maintenance or version control. From day one, Sterling is ready to go – allowing your estimating team to hit the ground running without delay or technical friction.

Yes, Sterling provides full change tracking and revision history across all elements of your project. Every change made within the platform – whether it’s a resource update, a measurement edit, or a cost adjustment – is logged and timestamped. You can view previous versions of estimates, compare changes between revisions, and understand who made each update. This kind of transparency is especially important for audit purposes, commercial assurance, and team accountability. Compared to static desktop tools like Conquest Estimating, which often require manual versioning and local file management, Sterling offers a dynamic and traceable workflow that reduces risk and improves quality control.

Yes, Sterling is designed to serve a wide range of users across the construction supply chain, including main contractors, subcontractors, estimators, QSs, and carbon consultants. The platform is highly flexible – whether you’re managing full project estimates, preparing competitive tenders, pricing trade packages, or calculating embodied carbon impacts. Main contractors benefit from advanced lifecycle and package management features, while subcontractors appreciate the ease of use and clarity when preparing resource-based bids. Sterling adapts to your workflow rather than forcing you to adapt to the software – supporting projects of all sizes and types across the UK and beyond.

You do – always. Any data you input into Sterling, including cost plans, rate libraries, resource data, custom assemblies, and project histories, remains entirely your property. Sterling does not access, mine, or resell your data in any form. We take data privacy seriously and operate with a clear and transparent approach to data governance. This is a crucial distinction from other platforms that may retain rights to use anonymised data for analysis or commercial purposes. When you use Sterling, your data stays within your control, protected under UK GDPR and our strict terms of service.