Project Estimator vs Benchmark Estimating Software

Likelihood to Recommend

If you are considering purchasing this (very expensive) software, there is a 100% chance you are doing so because you have been awarded a Government contract that dictates you use 4Clicks Project Estimator. There are plenty of easier to use estimating packages out in the world, but you can't use any of them if you have a contract that requires 4Clicks.

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Tim Corbett

General Manager

Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees

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I have used it for bulk earthworks, for roadworks, stormwater drainage, sewer reticulation, water reticulation, and associated works. It's easy to use a process called subcontractor manager to get multiple sub-contractor prices into your estimate for quick comparison, then pick the one that you really want to use in the estimate. It also has a process called auto allocation which can almost fully automate your estimating process, bringing in Items from the library that match the items in your bid. Haven't found a scenario that it's less appropriate, it all comes down to how detailed you set up your initial item library and resource library.

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Brian D. Salmond

Owner/Estimator

Big Fish EstimatingCivil Engineering, 1-10 employees

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Feature Rating Comparison

Project Estimator

Benchmark Estimating Software

Takeoff tools

Job costing

Cost databases

Cost calculator

Bid creation

Project Estimator

Benchmark Estimating Software

Mobile app

Pros

The estimates it produces are simple and easy to follow. The formatting is good.
The tech support provided is very attentive.

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Tim Corbett

General Manager

Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees

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Progress Claims
Standard quotes

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Chris van Vuuren

Project Manager

RCA Civils Group Pt LtdConstruction, 11-50 employees

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Cons

The software feels 20 years old. It has not kept up with modern times, and practically functions like an old DOS program.
Clunky interface, arcane commands.
Even their training info focuses on hotkeys like this is 1995. Even though I am of an age to remember computers in 1995, the younger generations of managers/estimators are not. It is time to bring the software into the new century!

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Tim Corbett

General Manager

Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees

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I haven't found anything yet. Benchmark is constantly evolving and adding new processes, I believe it keeps up to date with what it's users want.

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Brian D. Salmond

Owner/Estimator

Big Fish EstimatingCivil Engineering, 1-10 employees

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Support Rating

No score

No answers yet

No answers on this topic

Benchmark Estimating Software 9.5

Based on 2 answers

The support guys were always helping and sorted out issues we had very quickly.

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Chris van Vuuren

Project Manager

RCA Civils Group Pt LtdConstruction, 11-50 employees

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Alternatives Considered

WinEst uses much the same database (RS Means/Gordion type) and has a similar interface. It is a bit cheaper.

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Tim Corbett

General Manager

Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees

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I have always found that Benchmark allows for a more rapid compilation of the estimate through the library system. It can also allow for easy duplication of an estimate for a second stage etc, using the original rates in the resources, or at a click of a button, reverting to updated resources from the library. I have found that other systems rely on a great number of spreadsheet type operations that can easily be changed in the estimate and can lead to errors if copied to another estimate.

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Brian D. Salmond

Owner/Estimator

Big Fish EstimatingCivil Engineering, 1-10 employees

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Return on Investment

As stated before, if you are buying this software, it is because you have a contract forcing you to. While it does work, it is clunky, awkward, and very expensive.
The price of the software and databases has always been high, but with the fairly recent acquisition of 4Clicks by Gordion (who also bought RS Means for their databases), there is literally no competition. Prices will continue to be very high, with no check on how high they can go.
Again, can't fault 4Clicks tech support, as I think it is the best in the industry. They know their product and they respond to issues immediately. Considering what we spend a year for this product, however, you would expect nothing less.

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Tim Corbett

General Manager

Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees

View all 1 answers on this topic

Benchmark has created standardisation in quotes and tenders.
Created standard progress claims.

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Chris van Vuuren

Project Manager

RCA Civils Group Pt LtdConstruction, 11-50 employees

View all 2 answers on this topic

Pricing Details

General

Free Trial

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Free/Freemium Version

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Premium Consulting/Integration Services

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Entry-level set up fee?

No

General

Free Trial

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Free/Freemium Version

—

Premium Consulting/Integration Services

—

Entry-level set up fee?

—

Rating Summary

Project Estimator

Benchmark Estimating Software

Project Estimator

Benchmark Estimating Software

Project Estimator

Benchmark Estimating Software

Project Estimator vs Benchmark Estimating Software