The Best CFS Alternative for Fence Contractors

You've Run CFS for Decades. Now You Feel Pushed Out.

If you've been estimating fences on a Computer Fencing System (CFS) since the early days, you're likely looking for a reliable alternative. Some contractors have run it since the 1980s. They didn't just buy software; they built their whole business around it. Your parts, your pricing, and your quoting style are all in there, and it has worked well.

It stings when the rug gets pulled. CFS is no longer being actively sold or developed. The team behind it has moved on, and many long-time users feel like they are being forced to change something that was working just fine. That is a frustrating spot to be in, especially when you did not ask for it.

If that is you, take a breath. You have more than one option, and you do not have to settle for the upgrade path handed to you.

Not Sold on the Official Upgrade?

Some contractors have already moved to the newer platform from the same company, and for various reasons, it has not felt like the right fit. If that is where you have landed, you are not stuck. It is worth knowing there is another option built by people who actually run fence businesses, before you decide the new tool is just how it has to be.

This is not about bashing anyone. It is about making sure you have explored all your options before you commit the next decade of your business to a new piece of software.

Key Features for a True Replacement

After this many years, you know what matters. A real replacement should give you:

Fence-specific estimating. Not generic construction software, but actual fence templates, fence math, gate logic, post spacing, and material takeoffs right out of the box.
Access from anywhere. CFS lived on one desktop. Modern tools let you quote from the office, the truck, or the customer's backyard.
One connected system. Estimating, CRM, scheduling, invoicing, and accounting sync in one place, so you stop re-typing the same job into four programs.
Professional onboarding. Switching is only painful if you are left to rebuild everything yourself.
A way to bring your data with you. Decades of parts and pricing shouldn't get thrown away.

That last point is usually the dealbreaker, so let's start there.

Yes, You Can Bring Your CFS Data With You

Here is the part that matters most to a long-time CFS user. You do not have to start from scratch.

Dirt Face has a tool that takes your existing CFS data, including your parts, pricing, inventory, and configurations, and pulls it into the platform. The tool reads that kind of catalog data and turns it into ready-to-use information and pricing inside Dirt Face. Combined with free onboarding on every plan, the Dirt Face team helps you rebuild your catalog. You will be quoting on familiar numbers instead of rekeying thirty years of parts by hand.

That means the foundation you have spent a career building comes with you.

What Dirt Face Actually Does

Dirt Face is an all-in-one, cloud-based platform built by fence contractors for fence contractors. Every item below is a current capability:

Estimating and design

Automated material takeoffs with part counts and costs from your parts database and templates
Quote literally any kind of fence including chain link, vinyl, wood, ornamental, and custom fences, and mix types, heights, colors, and styles on one quote
Customizable fence templates
Design layouts on a blank canvas, a satellite map, or an uploaded blueprint
Your own parts database, labor rates, and markups

Run the whole job in one place

Built-in CRM with a sales pipeline
Job management from quote to completion
Drag-and-drop crew scheduling and a crew portal
Shop drawings with component and elevation detail (Crew plan and above)
Inventory management and purchase orders (Crew plan and above)

Get paid and keep the books straight

In-app payment processing through FortisPay (all plans)
QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop integration
Branded proposals customers can review and sign electronically

Cloud and mobile

Runs in the web browser with no install, on phone, tablet, or desktop

Comparison Checklist

Use this when weighing any option, including staying put:

Built specifically for fence: Yes
Actively developed and supported: Yes
Works on mobile and from the job site: Yes
Automated fence material takeoffs: Yes
Import existing parts and pricing: Yes (includes AI tool plus done-for-you onboarding)
Shop drawings: Yes (Crew plan and above)
Built-in CRM, scheduling, and invoicing: Yes
QuickBooks Online and Desktop sync: Yes
Free trial: 14 days, no credit card required

(Software changes over time, so confirm any other tool's current features directly with them.)

What It Costs

Plans start at $78/month for the owner-operator plan and scale to Corporate and custom Enterprise tiers. Current details are on the pricing page.

You Get to Choose This Time

CFS being retired wasn't your decision. But what you run next is. If you want software that's still being actively built, works from the job site, keeps your whole operation in one place, and lets you bring your hard-earned parts and pricing along, it's worth a serious look from a team that actually runs fence.

See it on your own jobs: Start a 14-day free trial (no credit card required) or book a demo and let the team show you how your CFS data comes across.

FAQ

Can Dirt Face import my CFS data?

Yes. We have tools to pull your existing parts and pricing into the system, and our team helps with the setup during onboarding.

Can I switch if I am already on the new platform?

Yes. You are not locked into any software. We recommend starting a free trial to compare.

How is Dirt Face different from generic construction software?

It is built specifically for fence by fence contractors, with pre-loaded fence templates and specific takeoff tools, so you are not forcing a general contractor tool to do fence work.

Is there a free trial?

Yes, 14 days with no credit card required.

Is Dirt Face compatible with my old Computer Fencing System (CFS) data?

Yes, our team can help you migrate your data from your legacy Computer Fencing System (CFS) into our platform.