AccuLynx vs. Benchmark Estimating Software

When you want to track your quotes that have gone out to customers so that you can follow up on them, this system makes it way easier to do that. It also makes it way easier to track invoice dates. One area that it is less appropriate is for detailed big public bids where a traditional estimate template is not appropriate.

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

• Estimating.
• Customer Management.
• Scheduling Material Delivery/Orders & Labor.
• Tracking job profitability.
• Invoicing.
• Reporting.
• Access everything from anywhere via app, etc. in real time.
• Entire company can communicate with each other.

Incentivized

• Progress Claims
• Standard quotes

Incentivized

• 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.

Incentivized

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

Very versatile and allows for other people to complete things and someone else to still look at and approve if needed. Great communication ability internally and with customers and with that being the case is a tremendous asset with documentation also. Really a well rounded tool that allows you to do everything needed for a job in one place and have the records to show what was done by whom and when.

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.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

AccuLynx has met our needs more than our previous CRM program. ALX is user-friendly which is super nice when training new employees, compared to our previous program which then seemed very outdated.

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

• I am have had a hard time justifying AccuLynx since I am a small business. I hate all the add ons. I do not appreciate that all the good tools cost extra money on top of my monthly payment.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized