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Benchmark Estimating Software vs. Bluebeam vs. Newforma Project Center

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Benchmark Estimating Software

    Score10 out of 10
    N/ABenchmark Estimating in Redfern offers an Estimating Software package that aims to streamline and simplify estimating processes, and improve the consistency and accuracy of pricing. It is used globally for project types including Asphalt, Civil Construction, Construction, Facilities Maintenance, Landscaping, Manufacturing, Mining, Road, Water & Sewer, by private enterprise, public authorities and small to medium businesses.N/A

    Bluebeam

    Score8.9 out of 10
    N/ABluebeam Revu is a PDF management, control, and editing tool. It enables collaboration and markup within shared documents across projects’ life cycles and has takeoff and bid creation capabilities.

    $260

    per year per user

    Newforma Project Center

    Score4.1 out of 10
    N/ANewforma Project Center is web-based construction project information management software for collaboration. Users can access a drag and drop interface, relate emails to documents, markup and review designs, track meeting minutes and action items, and search across projects. It has mobile accessibility.N/A
    Pricing
    Benchmark Estimating SoftwareBluebeamNewforma Project Center
    Editions & Modules
    No answers on this topic
    Basics
    $260
    per year per user
    Core
    $330
    per year per user
    Complete
    $440
    per year per user
    Max
    $590
    per year per user
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Benchmark Estimating SoftwareBluebeamNewforma Project Center
    Free Trial
    NoYesNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    YesYesNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Benchmark Estimating SoftwareBluebeamNewforma Project Center
    Considered Multiple Products
    Benchmark Global Pty Ltd
    No answer on this topic
    Bluebeam
    No answer on this topic
    Newforma, Inc.
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    No answers on this topic
    94%
    Would buy again
    17 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Delivers good value for the price
    No answers on this topic
    93%
    Delivers good value for the price
    14 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Happy with the feature set
    No answers on this topic
    94%
    Happy with the feature set
    17 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    No answers on this topic
    92%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    11 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation went as expected
    No answers on this topic
    92%
    Implementation went as expected
    11 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Features
    Benchmark Estimating SoftwareBluebeamNewforma Project Center
    Construction Project & Field Management
    Comparison of Construction Project & Field Management features of Benchmark Estimating Software and Bluebeam and Newforma Project Center
    Feature
    Benchmark Estimating Software
    6.5
    2 Ratings
    16% below category average
    Bluebeam
    9.8
    54 Ratings
    25% above category average
    Newforma Project Center
    7.8
    5 Ratings
    2% above category average
    Mobile app6.52 Ratings10.027 Ratings3.01 Ratings
    Plan distribution & viewing00 Ratings9.752 Ratings9.05 Ratings
    Plan markups & sharing00 Ratings9.854 Ratings6.05 Ratings
    Issue tracking & punchlists00 Ratings9.733 Ratings8.05 Ratings
    Photo documentation00 Ratings9.736 Ratings9.04 Ratings
    Jobsite reports00 Ratings9.831 Ratings6.03 Ratings
    Document sharing00 Ratings9.847 Ratings10.05 Ratings
    RFI tools00 Ratings9.835 Ratings9.03 Ratings
    Collaboration & approvals00 Ratings9.842 Ratings10.04 Ratings
    As-built drawings00 Ratings9.845 Ratings7.04 Ratings
    Submittal design and management00 Ratings9.821 Ratings9.01 Ratings
    Checklists00 Ratings9.93 Ratings7.01 Ratings
    Change orders00 Ratings9.93 Ratings00 Ratings
    Meeting Minutes00 Ratings00 Ratings9.01 Ratings
    Estimating
    Comparison of Estimating features of Benchmark Estimating Software and Bluebeam and Newforma Project Center
    Feature
    Benchmark Estimating Software
    8.6
    2 Ratings
    13% above category average
    Bluebeam
    9.6
    29 Ratings
    24% above category average
    Newforma Project Center
    8.0
    1 Ratings
    6% above category average
    Takeoff tools7.01 Ratings9.728 Ratings00 Ratings
    Job costing7.52 Ratings8.45 Ratings7.01 Ratings
    Cost databases9.52 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Cost calculator9.52 Ratings10.02 Ratings00 Ratings
    Bid creation9.52 Ratings9.98 Ratings9.01 Ratings
    Reporting & Analytics
    Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Benchmark Estimating Software and Bluebeam and Newforma Project Center
    Feature
    Benchmark Estimating Software
    -
    Ratings
    Bluebeam
    10.0
    1 Ratings
    26% above category average
    Newforma Project Center
    7.5
    1 Ratings
    2% below category average
    Dashboards00 Ratings10.01 Ratings8.01 Ratings
    Standard reports00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Custom reports00 Ratings10.01 Ratings7.01 Ratings
    Data exportability00 Ratings10.01 Ratings00 Ratings
    Human Resource Management
    Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Benchmark Estimating Software and Bluebeam and Newforma Project Center
    Feature
    Benchmark Estimating Software
    -
    Ratings
    Bluebeam
    -
    Ratings
    Newforma Project Center
    6.0
    1 Ratings
    15% below category average
    Employment history00 Ratings00 Ratings6.01 Ratings
    Asset Management
    Comparison of Asset Management features of Benchmark Estimating Software and Bluebeam and Newforma Project Center
    Feature
    Benchmark Estimating Software
    -
    Ratings
    Bluebeam
    -
    Ratings
    Newforma Project Center
    6.0
    1 Ratings
    13% below category average
    Tracking of all physical assets00 Ratings00 Ratings6.01 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Benchmark Estimating SoftwareBluebeamNewforma Project Center
    Small Businesses
    CMiC Construction Platform
    Score7.5 out of 10
    CMiC Construction Platform
    Score7.5 out of 10
    CMiC Construction Platform
    Score7.5 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Autodesk Build
    Score8.6 out of 10
    Autodesk Build
    Score8.6 out of 10
    Autodesk Build
    Score8.6 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Revit
    Score8.9 out of 10
    Revit
    Score8.9 out of 10
    Revit
    Score8.9 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Benchmark Estimating SoftwareBluebeamNewforma Project Center
    Likelihood to Recommend
    10.0
    (2 ratings)
    9.9
    (66 ratings)
    8.0
    (5 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    1.0
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Usability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.8
    (4 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    9.5
    (2 ratings)
    1.0
    (11 ratings)
    7.0
    (1 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Benchmark Estimating SoftwareBluebeamNewforma Project Center
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Benchmark Global Pty Ltd
    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
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    Bluebeam
    The program is great for editing construction drawings, stamping/approving official documents and overlaying revised documents to see design changes. You can use it as an estimating takeoff tool, estimating database, document control, cloud document storage, the list goes on! Bluebeam poses many applications for the user to utilize for the desired needs. There may be some other software that has one specific function that can perform the specific task better, but Bluebeam is a holistic program with many tools for use.
    Incentivized
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    Newforma, Inc.
    Newforma is a great tool to collaborate with large teams and between firms. It allows for great documentation of transfers, activities, and other procedural aspects of projects that require collaboration between disciplines, for example, MEP, electrical, architectural and technology. For internal use, Newforma has been great for communications tracking and archival, as well as for record-keeping of all the users in a team or number of teams. Many great options are features are unused due to a lack of training or exposure to them, for example, the graphical viewers that can preview CAD, Revit, and other formats, or the markup tool available with the desktop client.
    Incentivized
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    Pros
    Benchmark Global Pty Ltd
    • Progress Claims
    • Standard quotes
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Bluebeam
    • Once you set Bluebeam Revu as your default PDF handler, it launches immediately when clicking a PDF to open. The speed with which it opens documents is impressive.
    • Creating PDF's out of other documents, such as Word, Excel, JPG's, etc. is simple.
    • Digitally signing documents is a simple, secure process. You can keep your signature password-protected, yet still access it quickly.
    • The Bluebeam Revu mobile application ( I use the iOS version on an iPad Pro), is awesome. Not only does it handle PDF's like you would expect it to, it allows for effortless digital signing of documents on the fly. Nice to be able to quickly sign a document and email right back out from the tablet no matter where I am.
    Incentivized
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    Newforma, Inc.
    • Newforma sits on top of our previous filing system (Windows Explorer). This was very important to us because we didn't have to change the project numbering system in order to fit Newforma's design. Also, if we were to decide we didn't like it, we could easily revert back to our previous methods.
    • Newforma does a great job of indexing information, making searches much easier by being able to use keywords instead of knowing the exact file location. No more traversing through countless folders before finding what you need.
    • Newforma keeps a read receipt for everything that you submit through it for issue tracking, and keeps an easy to read record of your workflow.
    Incentivized
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    Cons
    Benchmark Global Pty Ltd
    • 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
    Read full review
    Bluebeam
    • If you have several tabs open and you try to drag one out for a side by side view then you do not have all the modification options and you have to combine them back together.
    • There is a lag time when hitting the print option.
    • There is also a lag time when opening files, sometimes I think the window is frozen.
    • I wish the basic version also had basic file editing, as in editing a document as Adobe does.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Newforma, Inc.
    • I have found it difficult to locate audits.
    • Some users have issues while uploading project data.
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Benchmark Global Pty Ltd
    No answers on this topic
    Bluebeam
    Bluebeam is a powerful PDF viewer and mark-up tool. We are more familiar with it than Adobe Acrobat Pro or other viewers, and it has more features geared towards construction document managers than Acrobat Pro does.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Newforma, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Usability
    Benchmark Global Pty Ltd
    No answers on this topic
    Bluebeam
    I'm constantly finding that Bluebeam Revu does more than I knew it could. And when I find something that it can't do, I've found that Bluebeam truly listens to its user base and will work to incorporate any good suggestion when feasible.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Newforma, Inc.
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Benchmark Global Pty Ltd
    The support guys were always helping and sorted out issues we had very quickly.
    Incentivized
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    Bluebeam
    Its hard for me to give a rating on this one as we rarely have to use the support feature for Bluebeam. However, when we have used it, they have been ultra supportive in helping us get exactly what we needed. I know another engineer was trying to figure out a feature and the rep gave a detailed tutorial on how to complete the task
    Incentivized
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    Newforma, Inc.
    While I have never asked for support myself, a Newforma representative has been in the office annually to give training seminars and info sessions on how to fully use the product. I find this essential to keep the product relevant and make sure everyone knows its full capabilities and an important part of customer support.
    Incentivized
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    Alternatives Considered
    Benchmark Global Pty Ltd
    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
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    Bluebeam
    We feel there is not another program out there that would compare to Bluebeam at this current time. Some of the other programs out there do not include studio or the overlaying process which is one of our main uses. The ease of hyperlinking makes this product stand out the most.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Newforma, Inc.
    A good competitor against other similar solutions and support is excellent.
    Incentivized
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    Return on Investment
    Benchmark Global Pty Ltd
    • Benchmark has created standardisation in quotes and tenders.
    • Created standard progress claims.
    Incentivized
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    Bluebeam
    • A major positive aspect is being able to take your computer home without taking the entire set of paper drawings. They have made it so easy to navigate a set of drawings that I can work at home using only the digital drawings.
    • Collaboration with owners and architects has been a great feature. Setting up a Bluebeam studio and having everyone get in and mark things up, then having the architect be able to go in and see what markups have been added, has made the constructability review process much much better.
    • Even when not working on drawings, Bluebeam is a very good tool for working with standard PDF documents. The markup tools are very easy to use.
    • The negative aspect is the takeoff function because some people would like estimators to use the Bluebeam takeoff because it would make their job easier down the road; however, the actual act of doing a full scale takeoff in Bluebeam would require much more time.
    Incentivized
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    Newforma, Inc.
    • Newforma makes it easy to transfer, share, archive, and search extensive data sets in a single GUI
    • For it to be effective, all users in a team must receive a basic training and use it consistently
    • Adoption in the industry is good (A/E); many teams use it consistently. Learning to use it once produces time-saving in subsequent projects
    Incentivized
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    ScreenShots

    Benchmark Estimating Software Screenshots

    Screenshot of Marketing DashboardScreenshot of Project BrowserScreenshot of Takeoff Sheet Template

    Bluebeam Screenshots

    Screenshot of Bluebeam Cloud with Markup ListScreenshot of Bluebeam Cloud with Tool ChestScreenshot of Bluebeam Revu MarkupScreenshot of Bluebeam Revu Studio Session