Constructware (discontinued) vs GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel

Likelihood to Recommend

Constructware is well suited for many different types of projects in both real estate and infrastructure. However, it is now becoming outdated with the introduction of the BIM 360 platform. I think even Autodesk may plan to slowly stop rolling out subscriptions to Cnstructware since most of its functions are now getting added on to BIM 360.

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Tanmay Bhalerao

Project Controls/BIM Specialist

AECOMCivil Engineering, 10,001+ employees

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Specific scenarios where GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is well suited include:

Small to medium sized contractor who typically works on small to medium sized projects with limited complexity
Contractors who value low prices over full functionality (this software application is very affordably priced)
A new contractor or new contracting accounting / finance professional who would appreciate the specific limitations imposed by the software

Specific scenarios where GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is not well suited include:

Larger contractors who think about and price projects in line with typical commercial design and construction
Residential projects (the software is much better suited for commercial lease buildouts, for instance)
A contractor whose finance department already uses full-suite accounting software

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Jeff Looby, CPA

Associate

Credit SuisseBanking, 10,001+ employees

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Pros

Provenance. Keeps track of changes and the people/companies who made those changes.
Collaboration.
Work [is stored] in the cloud.

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Tanmay Bhalerao

Project Controls/BIM Specialist

AECOMCivil Engineering, 10,001+ employees

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Convenient estimating
Streamlines the price quotation process
Standard cost application
Overhead calculation and pplication

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Jeff Looby, CPA

Associate

Credit SuisseBanking, 10,001+ employees

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Cons

UI can be improved, as shown by improvements made in BIM 360.
Only works well with Internet Explorer.
Steep Learning Curve due to confusing UI.

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Tanmay Bhalerao

Project Controls/BIM Specialist

AECOMCivil Engineering, 10,001+ employees

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Only CSI construction cost database data
Only works with Microsoft Office (Excel)
The online help system has limited functionality

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Jeff Looby, CPA

Associate

Credit SuisseBanking, 10,001+ employees

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Pricing Details

General

Free Trial

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Free/Freemium Version

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Premium Consulting/Integration Services

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Entry-level set up fee?

No

Starting Price

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General

Free Trial

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Free/Freemium Version

—

Premium Consulting/Integration Services

—

Entry-level set up fee?

—

Starting Price

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Alternatives Considered

Better than Unifier:1. Better UI2. Everything else is about the sameBim360 is now the go-to platform for all functions previously provided by Constructware.

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Tanmay Bhalerao

Project Controls/BIM Specialist

AECOMCivil Engineering, 10,001+ employees

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GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is cheaper, easier to use, more streamlined and is easily installed and up and running. The flip side to the ease of use is the limited functionality, somewhat outdated cost bucketing profile and general lack of sophistication. The add-in also does not talk with full suite accounting software which requires additional reconciliations if used within a large organization.

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Jeff Looby, CPA

Associate

Credit SuisseBanking, 10,001+ employees

View all 1 answers on this topic