BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product vs. Benchmark Estimating Software

When receiving RFQ's from companies within a manageable distant from our location, it has been very helpfull. Receiving RFQ's for projects outside of our work area, it is just a waste of time. The projects available are well organized and give date due of proposal.

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

• Helps keep track of multiple jobs at once
• Helps sort your bid invites into won/lost/pending/archived etc.
• It is a central location where general contractors can put all their updated files and addendum
• Lets you see which contractors are bidding the same job so you can coordinate your estimating

Incentivized

• Progress Claims
• Standard quotes

Incentivized

• There was a previous glitch where bid forms have been updated by subcontractors that have accessed a former version are not able to access the updated/new bid form.
• I would like to see the ability for BuildingConnected to automatically send a bid reminder to bidders at a set amount of time prior to the bid date.

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

Very easy to use.

Incentivized

Though I haven't had to utilize any live support at BuildingConnected, I know others at my company have and have had good success with them. They seem to be very responsive and since the software is so simple, there are not that many pitfalls or hurdles that you need to work through to accomplish your task.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

Quick and easy. Pretty much menu-driven

Incentivized

Have used BlueBook Construction, which has a smooth, quick search for local contractors. Still, they don't allow us the client project creation. I even had issues with them displaying proper project descriptions based upon was receiving inadequate and or erroneous bid proposals, and the engagement manager was not flexible in resolving the problem!

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

• Allows our company to accurately estimate the cost of a project.
• Helps us to reach out to qualified subcontractors based on past experience and history with our company.
• Contains bid leveling capabilities to ensure that all proposals cover a full scope of work.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized