What users are saying about
10 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener noreferrer'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8.4 out of 100
Based on 10 reviews and ratings
5 Ratings
<a href='https://www.trustradius.com/static/about-trustradius-scoring' target='_blank' rel='nofollow noopener noreferrer'>trScore algorithm: Learn more.</a>Score 8 out of 100
Based on 5 reviews and ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
Project Estimator
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.
General Manager
Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees
Pipeline Suite
Pipeline Suite is a very niche product, but for anyone who has ever dealt with the construction bidding process, you can understand the need for it. With Pipeline Suite, it is so easy to request bids, share documents and plans, and coordinate schedules for submittals. We are able to prequalify sub contractors and vendors at a faster pace as well with the product
Project Manager
International Relief TeamsNon-Profit Organization Management, 11-50 employees
Feature Rating Comparison
Estimating
Project Estimator
5.2
Pipeline Suite
8.2
Takeoff tools
Project Estimator
5.0
Pipeline Suite
8.0
Job costing
Project Estimator
2.0
Pipeline Suite
9.0
Cost databases
Project Estimator
7.0
Pipeline Suite
8.0
Cost calculator
Project Estimator
6.0
Pipeline Suite
8.0
Bid creation
Project Estimator
6.0
Pipeline Suite
8.0
Construction Project & Field Management
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
8.5
Plan distribution & viewing
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
9.0
Plan markups & sharing
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
9.0
Issue tracking & punchlists
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
8.0
Photo documentation
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
9.0
Jobsite reports
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
8.0
Document sharing
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
9.0
RFI tools
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
8.0
Collaboration & approvals
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
9.0
As-built drawings
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
9.0
Mobile app
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
7.0
Submittal design and management
Project Estimator
—
Pipeline Suite
8.0
Pros
Project Estimator
- The estimates it produces are simple and easy to follow. The formatting is good.
- The tech support provided is very attentive.
General Manager
Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees
Pipeline Suite
- Sharing documents and plans with project stakeholders is a piece of cake.
- The product makes tracking the status of bids so much easier.
Project Manager
International Relief TeamsNon-Profit Organization Management, 11-50 employees
Cons
Project Estimator
- 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!
General Manager
Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees
Pipeline Suite
- The onboarding process was difficult for us just because we had some pretty disorganized databases.
- The product is pricey for small to medium sized firms.
Project Manager
International Relief TeamsNon-Profit Organization Management, 11-50 employees
Support Rating
Project Estimator
No score
No answers yet
No answers on this topic
Pipeline Suite
Pipeline Suite 9.0
Based on 1 answer
I have found that the customer support team has an understanding of the construction bidding process. They have been able to see issues through our eyes, so to speak, not just through the eyes of a software company. They have always been very timely in their responses and seem to go above and beyond to solve issues
Project Manager
International Relief TeamsNon-Profit Organization Management, 11-50 employees
Alternatives Considered
Project Estimator
WinEst uses much the same database (RS Means/Gordion type) and has a similar interface. It is a bit cheaper.
General Manager
Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees
Pipeline Suite
I don't have a lot of personal experience with SmartBid, but from what I hear from other colleagues, Pipeline Suite makes it easier for subcontractors to access documents/plans and to respond to bids. The interface and design of Pipeline Suite is more modern and the user experience is a major upgrade from SmartBid
Project Manager
International Relief TeamsNon-Profit Organization Management, 11-50 employees
Return on Investment
Project Estimator
- 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.
General Manager
Infinite Energy Construction, incConstruction, 51-200 employees
Pipeline Suite
- We have been able to respond to more bids using Pipeline Suite.
- Our proposals are more accurate and organized, which has made our projects come under budget more often.
Project Manager
International Relief TeamsNon-Profit Organization Management, 11-50 employees
Pricing Details
Project Estimator
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
Pipeline Suite
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No