ConstructConnect Bid Management vs. ConstructConnect Insight

As mentioned before in some of the previous questions, the confidentiality agreement feature is extremely helpful. I have worked on several projects where it's so early in the design phase that the documents are considered confidential and we are required to get a signed NDA from every person who sees the documents. This feature makes it extremely painless. SmartBidNet is less appropriate if you're just doing a quick cost exercise where you might not need to contact several subs. It's easier to just use email and a cloud sharing program like Box or Egnyte.

Incentivized

I believe ConstructConnect's customer service is non-existence. In my experience, the cloud based software system never seems to be functioning at 100% and is usually a problem, like today. I feel they do a poor job updating projects and providing accurate construction schedule information; Most of it is dates given a inaccurate.

• Even with a "Limited Access" free account, you are able to see all the necessary files. When using it to just look at a job and download documents, this is all you should need. With more access you can see more projects that are out to bid but as a sales engineer for a manufacturer, I receive the bid requests from my contractors who are bidding there is no need to upgrade my access level.
• Documents are very easy to download into a .zip file and you can pick and choose which documents you want to download for specific trades. Plus there is a specific tab for Addenda so you don't have to search through the Documents tab. The tabs also show the amount of files in each tab so you can easily stay up to date on current documents.
• The Dashboard of each job shows the project general contractor and for subcontractors, responding to a bid request is as easy as clicking a button to indicate if you will bud or will not bid. This dashboard also shows location and the project description which are particularly helpful for a manufacturers rep/sales engineer that may not see the project description otherwise.

Incentivized

• I find it amazing how fast results come up when searching on a keyword
• details, details, details.. again, marvelous.
• filters work really well giving highly efficient results pointed at just what you want.
• exporting to pdf with customizable flexibility, very useful giving all the details on a project or firm via attachments to emails.

Incentivized

• iSqFt has one major flaw that makes it a pain to use. I go there to get plans and specs. You think a company that sends you plans and specs would have a faster download speed, it takes forever to get the plans and specs. I usually find a way around iSqFt to get the plans and specs.

Incentivized

• A comprehensive log of jobs in my area would be nice. We're located in Gainesville FL. There has been 10 jobs this month we're on because of our sub contracts. Not one of them made it on ConstructConnect. How many other jobs am I not seeing?

SmartBid has an excellent support team that is always at your service. Any problem I've had (when I've even had them) has been resolved almost immediately, along with tips on how to avoid them in the future. If you're looking for a program with excellent customer service, look no further than SmartBid.

Incentivized

They frequently check-in to make sure you are being properly helped and are quick with a response if you need something.

Incentivized

SmartBid is the first software of its kind that I use. However, comparing it with other software used by colleagues, it is evident that SmartBid has a much higher potential than software of the same category. By allowing easier management of documents and sub-contractors, SmartBid allows a high increase in the overall speed and efficiency of the interventions in the construction sites. Furthermore, using it makes it possible to increase the number of projects we can manage simultaneously.

Incentivized

don't know, haven't used or even courted anyone else for this purpose. Found Reed years ago at ASHRAE/AHR expo, and started it with their pitch then and their good assistance since then.

Incentivized

• It has helped increase exposure and the number of General Contractors we can meet and bid with
• It has caused some wasted time by digging through bids that do not have all the relevant information to issue a proposal
• It has made bidding opportunities easier by sending them directly to us.

Incentivized

• It's had a huge impact since we switched to it. I do not have exact numbers to share but I would say we have increased weekly leads significantly in the last three years.
• The time it saves is great! I know that we can trust that 95% of the information we see on ConstructConnect is up to date. This typically will save me multiple calls/emails daily.
• The only negative thing I can think of is we have fewer interactions with other people daily, whether that be face to face, by phone, or email.

Incentivized