4Clicks for Federal vs. eTakeoff vs. Square Takeoff

If you are considering purchasing this (very expensive) software, there is a 100% chance you are doing so because you have been awarded a Government contract that dictates you use 4Clicks Project Estimator. There are plenty of easier to use estimating packages out in the world, but you can't use any of them if you have a contract that requires 4Clicks.

Incentivized

When quoting projects are required where there is not much time and more precision is required. In these circumstances eTakeoff is spectacular. And it allows to integrate with BIN systems to have a better performance. The important thing is also that it does not limit you when making the necessary estimates.

Incentivized

• The estimates it produces are simple and easy to follow. The formatting is good.
• The tech support provided is very attentive.

Incentivized

• Client Server Solutions that allows to work simultaneously on the several footprints projects
• Integration with Construction Management Software's like Sage 300 CRE - Estimating
• Compatible with mobile devices like Microsoft Surface
• Savings upon the printing process to start the measurement phase
• Simplifies the amount of materials with only a pack of PDF footprints, granting the calculation of the material lists

Incentivized

• The software feels 20 years old. It has not kept up with modern times, and practically functions like an old DOS program.
• Clunky interface, arcane commands.
• Even their training info focuses on hotkeys like this is 1995. Even though I am of an age to remember computers in 1995, the younger generations of managers/estimators are not. It is time to bring the software into the new century!

Incentivized

• Measurement summary list could have more intuitive ways to organize measures.
• The server-client and project sharing needs to be easier.
• The reference of a measure from other drawings is a process that need to be simplified.

Incentivized

WinEst uses much the same database (RS Means/Gordion type) and has a similar interface. It is a bit cheaper.

Incentivized

eTakeoff is much more dynamic, more up-to-date, it has more functionalities and integrations that allow us to be more focused on project development. I would recommend promoting the platform more and creating a community of users to share their experiences and grow with the use of eTakeoff. I could also recommend a section where the user can be guided in real time.

Incentivized

• As stated before, if you are buying this software, it is because you have a contract forcing you to. While it does work, it is clunky, awkward, and very expensive.
• The price of the software and databases has always been high, but with the fairly recent acquisition of 4Clicks by Gordion (who also bought RS Means for their databases), there is literally no competition. Prices will continue to be very high, with no check on how high they can go.
• Again, can't fault 4Clicks tech support, as I think it is the best in the industry. They know their product and they respond to issues immediately. Considering what we spend a year for this product, however, you would expect nothing less.

Incentivized

• I strongly recommend to declare a design and scaling plan before making the purchase the eTakeoff Basic license has several limitations that will drive you to make a forced upgrade before even kicking out the app for the estimators
• Affordable at a regular cost considering that Autodesk Solutions like Revit will be a much higher fee per services.
• The ROI can be achieved after the first 6 months of the initial set up of traces, custom settings and list of items to be used on the construction project.

Incentivized