Benchmark Estimating Software vs. Pipeline Suite vs. SAPPHIRE Structure

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

Pipeline Suite is a very niche product, but for anyone who has ever dealt with the construction bidding process, you can understand the need for it. With Pipeline Suite, it is so easy to request bids, share documents and plans, and coordinate schedules for submittals. We are able to prequalify sub contractors and vendors at a faster pace as well with the product

Incentivized

In our organisation, we are 10 designers working with sapphire. We are able to design multiple units of building without any problems. The learning curve is not small but when you start to master the software, it is incredible. The precision of this software is amazing. If needed, you can easily share your file with a coworker if you need helps...

Incentivized

• Progress Claims
• Standard quotes

Incentivized

• Sharing documents and plans with project stakeholders is a piece of cake.
• The product makes tracking the status of bids so much easier.

Incentivized

• Automatically generating different elements to save time.
• Designing and calculating elements.
• Providing a clear material listing.

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

• The onboarding process was difficult for us just because we had some pretty disorganized databases.
• The product is pricey for small to medium sized firms.

Incentivized

• Not friendly user
• Maybe providing to many options to do one thing.
• Big Learning curve if you want to to big buildings.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

I have found that the customer support team has an understanding of the construction bidding process. They have been able to see issues through our eyes, so to speak, not just through the eyes of a software company. They have always been very timely in their responses and seem to go above and beyond to solve issues

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 don't have a lot of personal experience with SmartBid, but from what I hear from other colleagues, Pipeline Suite makes it easier for subcontractors to access documents/plans and to respond to bids. The interface and design of Pipeline Suite is more modern and the user experience is a major upgrade from SmartBid

Incentivized

SAPPHIRE is way more complete and precise than EzCad. You can't just draw a bunch of lines and make it works( even if in reality it doesn't work). Your work needs to make sense in order to design it. If you make mistakes the software will tell you and you will need to correct your mistakes.

Incentivized

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

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• We have been able to respond to more bids using Pipeline Suite.
• Our proposals are more accurate and organized, which has made our projects come under budget more often.

Incentivized

• Faster turn around time
• More precise than ever
• Great data exportation

Incentivized