Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMduct vs. Buildsoft Global vs. 4Clicks for Federal

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Autodesk Fabrication
Score 10.0 out of 10
N/A
Autodesk Fabrication, based on the ESTmep+ construction and estimation software developed by Applied Software and acquired by Autodesk in 2018, allows users to Create MEP models, generate estimates, and drive fabrication. The Autodesk Fabrication line includes Fabrication ESTmep, as well as Fabrication CADmep, and Fabrication CAMduct.
$1,140
per year
Buildsoft Global
Score 7.0 out of 10
N/A
Buildsoft headquartered in Sydney offers Global, a construction estimating and job analysis software tool. Buildsoft is a MiTek Australia company.N/A
4Clicks for Federal
Score 5.0 out of 10
N/A
4Clicks for Federal provides quick access to full line item descriptions, notes, takeoffs, pricing info and more for federal engineers, estimators and facilities professionals. The software also includes RSMeans Data and can directly populate government forms. The platform can also be used to create budgets, all while keeping contracts and documents organized. 4Clicks for Federal is only available for purchase to federal and military professionals or AEC firms with current…N/A
Pricing
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMductBuildsoft Global4Clicks for Federal
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Autodesk FabricationBuildsoft Global4Clicks for Federal
Free Trial
YesNoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMductBuildsoft Global4Clicks for Federal
Features
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMductBuildsoft Global4Clicks for Federal
Reporting & Analytics
Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMduct
10.0
1 Ratings
26% above category average
Buildsoft Global
10.0
1 Ratings
26% above category average
4Clicks for Federal
-
Ratings
Standard reports10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Custom reports10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Data exportability10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Dashboards00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Construction Project & Field Management
Comparison of Construction Project & Field Management features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMduct
8.8
1 Ratings
17% above category average
Buildsoft Global
10.0
1 Ratings
30% above category average
4Clicks for Federal
-
Ratings
Plan distribution & viewing8.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Plan markups & sharing9.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Issue tracking & punchlists8.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Photo documentation9.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Jobsite reports10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Document sharing7.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Collaboration & approvals8.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
As-built drawings10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Submittal design and management8.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Checklists9.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Specifications10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Change orders9.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
RFI tools00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile app00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Meeting Minutes00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Estimating
Comparison of Estimating features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMduct
10.0
1 Ratings
28% above category average
Buildsoft Global
10.0
1 Ratings
28% above category average
4Clicks for Federal
-
Ratings
Takeoff tools10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Job costing10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Cost databases10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Cost calculator10.01 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Bid creation00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMduct
-
Ratings
Buildsoft Global
10.0
1 Ratings
35% above category average
4Clicks for Federal
-
Ratings
Employee demographic data00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Employment history00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Job profiles and administration00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Workflow for transfers, promotions, pay raises, etc.00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Organizational charting00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Organization and location management00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Compliance data (COBRA, OSHA, etc.)00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMduct
-
Ratings
Buildsoft Global
10.0
1 Ratings
39% above category average
4Clicks for Federal
-
Ratings
Pay calculation00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Support for external payroll vendors00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Off-cycle/On-Demand payment00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Benefit plan administration00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Direct deposit files00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Salary revision and increment management00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Reimbursement management00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Asset Management
Comparison of Asset Management features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMduct
-
Ratings
Buildsoft Global
10.0
1 Ratings
38% above category average
4Clicks for Federal
-
Ratings
Tracking of all physical assets00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
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User Ratings
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMductBuildsoft Global4Clicks for Federal
Likelihood to Recommend
9.0
(1 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
5.0
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
Autodesk Fabrication ESTmep, CADmep, and CAMductBuildsoft Global4Clicks for Federal
Likelihood to Recommend
Autodesk
1. This software best suits in the fabrication projects, because it generates the most accurate data for the fabrication of the model as compared to other softwares. 2. Due to its high end output the working on this software is a bit hard then other softwares because there is manual command for every step. 3. This softwares suits best when we need to do the routing adjustments completely manual because it does not show any errors just like other softwares.
Read full review
Buildsoft
Customer service is the main target for organisations where Buildsoft global is the perfect software. I am totally amused by this software. Cost accounting of the organisation can be easily done which is helping most. Sometimes it is lacking some criteria. With this software, we can not enter the total journal entries which are making some problems. However, it is great software.
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The Gordian Group, Inc.
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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Pros
Autodesk
  • It uses the database for the modelling of HVAC, Plumbing and electrical services. Using the database makes the model most accurate to the real time implementation as compared to other contemporary softwares.
  • It treats every fabrication element separate. Hence modifying or updating the element does not hamper the other model elements.
  • AutoDesk fabrication is much more flexible to implement different manual routings which is not that much flexible in other softwares.
  • Maintaining the whole number lengths of ducts is very easy in this software. Where others struggle to do this easily.
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Buildsoft
  • Cost accounting
  • Customer service
  • Displays the job at a glance
Read full review
The Gordian Group, Inc.
  • The estimates it produces are simple and easy to follow. The formatting is good.
  • The tech support provided is very attentive.
Read full review
Cons
Autodesk
  • This software needs the central file system so that multiple people can work on a single file at the same time.
  • This software needs high end graphics which make it tuff to work in 3D space. If this problem can be solved then the efficiency of completing the job will improve drastically.
  • In this softwares we have to prepare separate sheet on every file because we have to use separate file for separate work. This hampers in maintaining the same standards of the submission interface of the sheets.
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Buildsoft
  • Dates using is having some lackings
  • Can not enter multiple invoices
  • Can not enter journal entries
Read full review
The Gordian Group, Inc.
  • 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!
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Buildsoft
First, I want to share my feelings about this software. I am totally amused by this software because I can do my job in a perfect way. Cost accounting can be done easily by this software. The software can done its works very smoothly better than any software. It is a great software to me.
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The Gordian Group, Inc.
WinEst uses much the same database (RS Means/Gordion type) and has a similar interface. It is a bit cheaper.
Read full review
Return on Investment
Autodesk
  • We become able to provide more accurate data to our clients.
  • Working with this software has arouse the interest of the clients towards the fabrication through this platform
  • We have got more spool jobs since we have started doing the fabrication by this software
Read full review
Buildsoft
  • Best customers service
  • Perfect cost accounting
  • Imperfect match
Read full review
The Gordian Group, Inc.
  • 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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ScreenShots