Constructware (discontinued) vs. RSMeans data, from Gordian (Costworks)

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 However, it is now becoming outdated with the introduction of the BIM 360 platform.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.

Incentivized

Well Suited: Construction cost estimates for new larger projects where the construction will start within the next 6-9 months. Budgetary estimates for future buildings through its square foot models. Not Well Suited: Not accurate enough on small projects where labor, travel to sites, and OH&P are a higher percentage of unit costs than on larger projects where these costs are spread out across more units.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

• CostWorks is very good at generating quick and valid estimates for standardized facilities such as office buildings, schools, etc. It allows you to validate other cost estimates at the UniFormat level when doing an estimate validation.
• CostWorks' database of detailed line-items is a very resourceful asset when it comes to finding a very specific line-item. Sometimes, when using Success or MII, I will have CostWorks open on the other screen so I can find an item that the other softwares just don't have and build it into the other software from the CostWorks entry.
• CostWorks does a very good job of generating reports that are both well-developed and have enough detail at the summary level to be able to sit with a client or a project manager and have them follow along and understand without being overwhelmed with detail and numbers.

Incentivized

• 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.

Incentivized

• small project costs where labor is a bigger portion than materials on cost
• markup factors on governmental projects

Incentivized

I've never had the need to discuss CostWorks with a vendor.

Incentivized

Better than Unifier: 1. Better UI 2. Everything else is about the same Bim360 is now the go-to platform for all functions previously provided by Constructware.

Incentivized

CostWorks is a unique software for estimating as compared to the other softwares I have listed above. PACES is mostly used for federal modeling and really cannot be compared to Costworks. It has its own developed modeling database and has its own quirkiness and issues. MII has been developed for the USACE and utilized a user-developed folder structure and RS Means Database. I use CostWorks along side this software to find line-items that are not in the MII RS Means Database. Success has been developed for NAVFAC and again, utilizes a user-developed folder structure and RS Means Database. When I use this software, I ALWAYS have CostWorks open on the other screen as Success' RS Means database is extremely lacking when it comes to the number of detail line-items. Timberline is by SAGE and I use it mostly for DOS and FAA work. Of the 3 RS Means Database softwares, this one has the most detailed database for reference, however, there are times when I do have to look up an item that Timberline does not have and the first software I open is CostWorks.

Incentivized

• Saves time.
• Eases collaboration.
• Increases accountability.

Incentivized

• I don't really see any "negative" impacts on my business or my ROI by purchasing CostWorks. It's a valuable tool that we use, however, some of my colleagues do not use it or use it very infrequently.
• I find it well worth the cost even though we don't develop complete estimates in CostWorks due to client dictated softwares.
• It has provided very quickly-built estimating models that let our team and project managers know that the RFP or the task that they are contemplating bidding on or starting to work on is actually feasible to construction given the budget and directive.

Incentivized