AccuLynx vs. Benchmark Estimating Software

If you have a home exterior company this is the best software!! Especially roof, gutters & siding. If you run a different company like you only handle decks, landscaping or maybe drywall, etc. This would not be the software for you

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

• Tracking progress of project
• Note/Message Keeping
• Reports

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• Progress Claims
• Standard quotes

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• Pricing in the database for each item is done manually due to the merger of two large suppliers nationally who decided to write their own database and estimating program and disconnect themselves from AccuLynx that had the ability to automatically update pricing. I feel that was a huge mistake on the part of the supplier. AccuLynx is trying to rectify that relationship.
• It's unfortunate that the only calendaring option is Google Calendar. We are very tied to Outlook which we feel is more user-friendly and we know it well.

Incentivized

• 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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Until someone shows me something more efficient or has features that are more streamlined and time is saved by all then I am all ears and ready to listen to that presentation. I wouldn't care at this point if I had to abandon QB if the system had it's own integrated accounting system otherwise it has to be able to do all and more of the features of QB and the CRM side also has to have/do more than AccuLynx features.

Incentivized

They can always improve and we are very successful when calling support. I would suggest they keep their support technicians available later for the west coast contractors who need help at the end of the day. We've come to know many of the techs because we call to offer suggestions but there's a process for us to follow for that.

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

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JobNimbus you have to customize it yourself and it's very time consuming to get it up and running efficiently and smoothly. AccuLynx is very intuitive and easy to use. This helps so much especially in the construction side. Also, AccuLynx can estimate easily which JobNimbus does not do at all. Buildertrend is good but really more for General Contractors who are builders. Not exterior remodelers.

Incentivized

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.

Incentivized

• The software is expensive, but if everyone utilizes it to its capacity it's well worth it.
• Less time is spent searching for information because it is all at your fingertips.
• Increased productivity in the overall company, which means we can handle a higher work load = higher revenue.

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

Incentivized