Kamai vs On-Screen Takeoff (Oncenter)
Legacy markup tool
On-Screen Takeoff is the industry default for marking up plans on screen by hand. Kamai is the automation that runs before anyone opens OST: the models read the sheet and return structured data, so the markup is already done.
OST is the room where the estimator marks up the plan. Kamai does the markup before the estimator opens the room. Not a replacement for the workspace, a replacement for the manual labor.
What each tool is built for.
The honest read, including the rows where the other tool wins.
| Capability | Kamai | On-Screen Takeoff (Oncenter) |
|---|---|---|
| Manual takeoff workflow | Not in scope | Industry-standard |
| Automated takeoff | Primary | Takeoff Boost, partial |
| Web vs desktop | Web plus API | Desktop (Windows) |
| Trade-specific landing pages | Yes | Yes |
| Estimating pipeline integration | Via API | Quick Bid (in-house) |
| Brand familiarity | New | Decades |
Why Kamai is built this way.
- We chose API-out because OST users want to keep their downstream pipeline.
- We automate the markup and live alongside an entrenched desktop workflow rather than trying to replace it.
Why On-Screen Takeoff (Oncenter) is built that way.
- Oncenter kept OST a Windows desktop product because their buyer expects it.
- Takeoff Boost is their AI bet, a sidecar to the manual tool rather than a replacement.
Most Kamai users in this orbit run OST today. The path: feed structured data from Kamai into OST or the estimating tool downstream, then decide where manual markup still adds value.
See how Kamai stacks against the rest.
Kamai vs On-Screen Takeoff (Oncenter). Make the call.
Bring your drawing set. Decide for yourself.
Upload a sheet, run it through Kamai, and compare the output with whatever you're using today. No sales call required.