ConstructConnect Bid Management vs. Viewpoint Spectrum

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
ConstructConnect Bid Management
Score 9.7 out of 10
N/A
Combining the functionality of SmartBid and iSqFt, the ConstructConnect Bid Management platform lets users send invitations to bid, prequalify subcontractors, build a network, and secure bid coverage.N/A
Viewpoint Spectrum
Score 7.9 out of 10
N/A
Viewpoint Spectrum is a cloud-based construction ERP suite with project management, accounting, resource management, and reporting and analytics. Key features include workflow automation and collaboration tools, document imaging and sharing, cost estimating tools, and RFI management tools.N/A
Pricing
ConstructConnect Bid ManagementViewpoint Spectrum
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
ConstructConnect Bid ManagementViewpoint Spectrum
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsAs a cloud-based solution, our clients can scale their access annually depending on the number of users. Subcontractors invited to bid or prequalify in the system receive access at no cost.Prospective buyers may contact vendor directly for a price quote.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
ConstructConnect Bid ManagementViewpoint Spectrum
Considered Both Products
ConstructConnect Bid Management
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
iSqFt is a solid competitor in the bidding/estimating platform world but as a user, Building Connected is the front runner. iSqFt lacks on the collaboration side and isn't as easy to use and access as its competitors. Building Connected is used by most of our clients so it's …
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
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, …
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
PlanHub and iSqFt are comparable to eachother. I do believe iSqFt has a slightly better user interface. I have used both for many years and do not particularly prefer one over the other. They both seem to have the same features and information that allow me to easily review and …
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
SmartBid is by far the most aesthetically pleasing of the software I've used in the field. It is incredibly competitive in terms of price and ease-of-use and is one of my favorites to use. I use SmartBid as well as other programs, but SmartBid is always one of my first choices.
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
SmartBid is used by more of the contractors that we happen to do lots of work with. It has basically the same features. However, SmartBid will let subcontractors view all the jobs a general contractor is bidding, even ones we were never invited to. So it has the potential to …
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
iSqFt is the better choice over Procore, iSqFt is a lot better than Procore all the way around even with its slow download speed.
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
I have been invited to view projects on other platforms such as Procore and have been required to enter a login for certain jobs. However, I can't find any where to register for the site. This may be something I've overlooked but the fact that I can't find it right away made …
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
I have not used another other companies similar to SmartBid
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
SmartBidNet is far superior to BidMail in my opinion. BidMail was good in that it had all of the information in one screen right in front of your eyes; however, it was very limited in managing the subcontractors and making sure that they all received the documents. It also was …
Chose ConstructConnect Bid Management
  • Better ability for subcontractors to respond via program.
  • Simpler interface.
  • Easier note tracking.
Viewpoint Spectrum
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
The cloud-based system is great, and the ease of use compared to other systems is why we chose it.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Viewpoint Spectrum allows us to have one platform to do payroll, invoice for projects, and manage the cost of a project. Whereas Procore didn't have those features and we were using multiple other platforms to do all of those things.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Spectrum, when compared to Simply accounting, is better. It has more options, and it is easy to navigate. Spectrum meets our needs better. Spectrum, when compared to Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, is better. Spectrum has better connectivity between its project …
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Not sure how comparable these software are. Both are great and were used for different reasons for different companies and circumstances. I use Viewpoint Spectrum for the Roadway Contruction industry and SAP for the chemical manufacturing world. There are similarities but a lot …
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Spectrum is much more comprehensive than its competitors, and provides a much deeper level of insight into project costing. From bidding to project closeout, Spectrum's software allows for cohesiveness and fluidity where other programs are very segmented and difficult to track.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Quickbooks Enterprise is much easier to use with a lot of the same more advanced features. From my experience, I wouldn't recommend Viewpoint Spectrum
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Viewpoint is much more user friendly than Sage 300, but is more limited (less customizable). It is not easy to get custom reports out of Viewpoint, whereas Sage is perfect for customization. With that comes more attention to detail in Sage, from all users, to avoid erroneous …
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Spectrum is the only one I have used since starting here 2 years ago.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Viewpoint Spectrum is much more construction based.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
I originally came off of the American Contractor when it reached its end of life, and my company converted to using Spectrum. American Contractor didn't give us half the visibility that Spectrum does - we still had to rely heavily on outside systems and processes to gain a full …
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Prior to acquisition by Viewpoint and then Trimble, the customer support was a major selling point of the software. Unfortunately at this time, that is no longer the case.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Foundation has some nice features that Spectrum doesn't and vice versa. Procore is much more complicated to use but it has better company wide reporting. I think Viewpoint will be a better choice in the long term. They are rolling out updates all the time. The cost is …
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
This is my first construction job and Spectrum is the only software I've used. The company used to use Sage
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Spectrum seems to be a better option for now since current leadership is comfortable with the financial aspect that Spectrum bring but some in the leadership team are not happy with the other offers that Trimble has.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
On my old accounting software one feature I miss is the feature where I could run a GL detail report and actually click on a line to see the actual entry.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
We selected Viewpoint Spectrum because it allowed us to run our construction and projects department along with our service department all in one application. We are into year five with Viewpoint Spectrum and are still very pleased with our decision.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
I have only evaluated the products. I chose Spectrum because it was (at the time) relatively inexpensive or on par with the others and seemed like the best option that fits our business model. It has not proven to be very costly for what we are getting in my opinion and nothing …
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Have not previously utilized any construction software. Our company has been on Viewpoint Spectrum for over 10 years.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
I wasn't part of the evaluation, but I did give input on what I thought of Viewpoint Spectrum before we bought it. I had used Timberline and Sage, before we got to Spectrum.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
Spectrum is an ERP system that was built with construction in mind. It has more applicability vs. Dynamics, which is used across many types of companies.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
I investigated Sage, Timberline, ConMast, and Quickbooks some 25 years ago. Viewpoint Spectrum was the best overall in most coverage and flexibility, ease of use, and mastery. I do not have any knowledge on other software currently.
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
We stayed with Spectrum for what we thought would be an easy upgrade and transition. However, we are evaluating how we are going to use ViewpointOne Teams because we've suffered many roadblocks to daily use like daily logs and uploading of photos using the app. Also, choosing …
Chose Viewpoint Spectrum
We originally had Jonas Premier prior to Viewpoint based on cost and flexibility (report writing). However, we discovered that Jonas reports are not available as described in the demo. And reports were not easy to read because they had to be created. It was challenging to …
Features
ConstructConnect Bid ManagementViewpoint Spectrum
Construction Project & Field Management
Comparison of Construction Project & Field Management features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
6.1
Ratings
20% below category average
Viewpoint Spectrum
-
Ratings
Plan distribution & viewing7.50 Ratings00 Ratings
Plan markups & sharing1.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Issue tracking & punchlists9.10 Ratings00 Ratings
Photo documentation1.70 Ratings00 Ratings
Jobsite reports9.10 Ratings00 Ratings
Document sharing7.40 Ratings00 Ratings
RFI tools6.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Collaboration & approvals7.00 Ratings00 Ratings
As-built drawings8.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile app8.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Submittal design and management1.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Specifications7.60 Ratings00 Ratings
Estimating
Comparison of Estimating features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
9.0
Ratings
17% above category average
Viewpoint Spectrum
-
Ratings
Bid creation9.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Payroll Management
Comparison of Payroll Management features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
5.0
Ratings
39% below category average
Pay calculation00 Ratings7.70 Ratings
Benefit plan administration00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
Direct deposit files00 Ratings8.20 Ratings
Customization
Comparison of Customization features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
5.3
Ratings
35% below category average
API for custom integration00 Ratings5.30 Ratings
Security
Comparison of Security features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
8.3
Ratings
1% below category average
Single sign-on capability00 Ratings9.60 Ratings
Role-based user permissions00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
Reporting & Analytics
Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
3.6
Ratings
70% below category average
Dashboards00 Ratings7.80 Ratings
Standard reports00 Ratings3.30 Ratings
Custom reports00 Ratings2.40 Ratings
General Ledger and Configurable Accounting
Comparison of General Ledger and Configurable Accounting features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
8.9
Ratings
14% above category average
Accounts payable00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Accounts receivable00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Global Financial Support00 Ratings9.30 Ratings
Primary and Secondary Ledgers00 Ratings9.40 Ratings
Journals and Reconciliations00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
Configurable Accounting00 Ratings9.20 Ratings
Standardized Processes00 Ratings9.40 Ratings
Inventory Management
Comparison of Inventory Management features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
6.2
Ratings
25% below category average
Inventory tracking00 Ratings5.10 Ratings
Automatic reordering00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
Location management00 Ratings7.40 Ratings
Order Management
Comparison of Order Management features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
7.8
Ratings
1% below category average
Pricing00 Ratings7.20 Ratings
Order entry00 Ratings7.20 Ratings
Credit card processing00 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Cost of goods sold00 Ratings8.10 Ratings
Subledger and Financial Process
Comparison of Subledger and Financial Process features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
8.1
Ratings
8% above category average
Billing Management00 Ratings9.50 Ratings
Cash and Asset Management00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Travel & Expense Management00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
Budgetary Control & Encumbrance Accounting00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
Period Close00 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Project Execution Management
Comparison of Project Execution Management features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
6.7
Ratings
5% below category average
Project Planning and Scheduling00 Ratings5.00 Ratings
Task Insight for Project Managers00 Ratings7.10 Ratings
Project Mobile Functionality00 Ratings7.30 Ratings
Definable Resource Pools00 Ratings7.20 Ratings
Procurement
Comparison of Procurement features of Product A and Product B
ConstructConnect Bid Management
-
Ratings
Viewpoint Spectrum
7.8
Ratings
10% above category average
Bids Analyzed and Compared00 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Contract Authoring00 Ratings8.10 Ratings
Contract Repository00 Ratings8.10 Ratings
Requisitions-to-Purchase Orders Integrated00 Ratings6.80 Ratings
Supplier Management00 Ratings7.30 Ratings
Best Alternatives
ConstructConnect Bid ManagementViewpoint Spectrum
Small Businesses
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Score 1.4 out of 10
Zoho One
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Score 9.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
InEight
InEight
Score 8.2 out of 10
Infor VISUAL
Infor VISUAL
Score 7.3 out of 10
Enterprises
InEight
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Score 8.2 out of 10
24SevenOffice
24SevenOffice
Score 9.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
ConstructConnect Bid ManagementViewpoint Spectrum
Likelihood to Recommend
8.0
(0 ratings)
7.3
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
8.7
(0 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
8.5
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
9.6
(0 ratings)
6.4
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
7.0
(0 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
9.1
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.9
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
6.6
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
7.6
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
ConstructConnect Bid ManagementViewpoint Spectrum
Likelihood to Recommend
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.
Read full review
Viewpoint Spectrum would be fine for small to medium-sized companies. It would be great for transitioning from an in-house paper-based process, especially since it's designed with small construction companies in mind. They're making it even easier for smaller companies by offering additional features that you'd normally have to find in other products. However, companies can easily outgrow this system. We have about 15 years of data in the system, over 300 active jobs, and nearly 1,500 employees. In the past 3 years we've noticed slower performance and frequent locks in the system that require intervention from a system administrator. We moved to the cloud about 2 years ago and this has made troubleshooting even more difficult as we don't have the same access that we did before to resolve performance issues.
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Pros
  • 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.
Read full review
  • Dashboards make navigating to the crucial information quick and easy.
  • The layout with what we affectionately call the job info bar helps our project teams to quickly get where they need to go in the system.
  • Crystal reports are easily managed and integrated with Spectrum, giving us great flexibility in custom reports.
  • With a little training, and I mean a little, Spectrum is user friendly. Easy to create favorites/shortcuts for ease of use.
Read full review
Cons
  • 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.
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  • Subcontract Kiosk can be glitchy - allows subs to overbill on subcontract billing items
  • Document Imaging can be glitchy - often says users do not have adequate security to view/add documents, but they do - if they sign out and back in, it works fine
  • At times, support can be lacking - sometimes case responses are delayed or you get an incorrect answer
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Likelihood to Renew
No answers on this topic
It checks all of our boxes at the moment.
Read full review
Usability
No answers on this topic
Some things in Spectrum are NOT that intuitive, but I think knowledge of the software just comes with time. There are still some things I need assistance with in Spectrum but I'm very comfortable with my day to day items now that I've been using it for years. However, if there is something I don't do often or haven't done before, I don't find the software to be that intuitive, I actually find the logic on some things to be a little weird but it's fine once I know how to do it.
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Reliability and Availability
No answers on this topic
Very little down time. They host our system.
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Performance
No answers on this topic
For the most part the product is very reliable. Since we are hosted we sometimes have connectivity issues but I would say that is more our ISP than Spectrum.
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Support Rating
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.
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The support has recently changed. Last year, you could call in and get an immediate response. Now that doesn't seem possible unless you have an urgent situation with access to the software, payroll or payables. I have found that using chat or e-mail works nicely for the most part, but sometimes I feel it would be easier if someone from support would jump on our site and take a first-hand look rather than going back and forth
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Online Training
No answers on this topic
Our trainer was excellent and navigated the time zone differences expertly. She gave us test assignments to complete and was available for questions at any time.
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Implementation Rating
No answers on this topic
It is important to have a strong implementation partner. It made the transition from our old system to the new system easier.
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Alternatives Considered
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.
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Spectrum, when compared to Simply accounting, is better. It has more options, and it is easy to navigate. Spectrum meets our needs better. Spectrum, when compared to Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate, is better. Spectrum has better connectivity between its project management system compared to Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate. Spectrum, when compared to CMIC, I believe they are equal. CMiC has a better project management system, but Spectrum has an easier accounting system to navigate.
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Scalability
No answers on this topic
You can grant user specific access which is nice. Project managers do not need all the same modules as Accounting. But Accounting does need access to PM modules as well
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Return on Investment
  • 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.
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  • Viewpoint Spectrum has allowed us the opportunity to be proactive in analyzing the costs for a project in time to make a difference in the outcome of the project. It has allowed us defense in supporting our communications with the project owners.
  • Viewpoint Spectrum has allowed us to become more productive with its accounting software and the cohesion between the modules. It has definitely streamlined the processing necessary to account for the business.
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ScreenShots

ConstructConnect Bid Management Screenshots

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