HCSS vs. On-Screen Takeoff

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
HCSS
Score 8.8 out of 10
Mid-Size Companies (51-1,000 employees)
HCSS is a construction software suite. It includes functionality for bidding, time card and project management, safety, planning, scheduling, equipment management, and data warehousing and reporting. Each module can be purchased separately. The suite can be hosted in the cloud.N/A
On-Screen Takeoff
Score 7.5 out of 10
N/A
On-Screen Takeoff is a construction takeoff and estimating solution. It is intended to streamline takeoff, RFI, and bidding processes.N/A
Pricing
HCSSOn-Screen Takeoff
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
HCSSOn-Screen Takeoff
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
YesNo
Entry-level Setup FeeRequiredNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
HCSSOn-Screen Takeoff
Top Pros
Top Cons
Features
HCSSOn-Screen Takeoff
Construction Project & Field Management
Comparison of Construction Project & Field Management features of Product A and Product B
HCSS
6.8
33 Ratings
9% below category average
On-Screen Takeoff
-
Ratings
Plan distribution & viewing6.99 Ratings00 Ratings
Plan markups & sharing6.06 Ratings00 Ratings
Issue tracking & punchlists9.913 Ratings00 Ratings
Photo documentation10.025 Ratings00 Ratings
Jobsite reports8.030 Ratings00 Ratings
Document sharing7.117 Ratings00 Ratings
RFI tools3.01 Ratings00 Ratings
Collaboration & approvals4.019 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile app6.128 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
HCSSOn-Screen Takeoff
Small Businesses
FollowUp CRM
FollowUp CRM
Score 9.5 out of 10
PlanSwift, by ConstructConnect
PlanSwift, by ConstructConnect
Score 8.7 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Revit
Revit
Score 8.9 out of 10
PlanSwift, by ConstructConnect
PlanSwift, by ConstructConnect
Score 8.7 out of 10
Enterprises
Revit
Revit
Score 8.9 out of 10
Bluebeam
Bluebeam
Score 8.5 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
HCSSOn-Screen Takeoff
Likelihood to Recommend
6.1
(38 ratings)
9.0
(15 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Usability
7.0
(2 ratings)
6.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
10.0
(35 ratings)
8.2
(5 ratings)
Implementation Rating
8.2
(32 ratings)
7.0
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
HCSSOn-Screen Takeoff
Likelihood to Recommend
HCSS
Our operation uses several pieces of what we call specialty equipment (not used every day on every job). The foreman when finished will give a location of where this equipment is left, this many times can be very vague and lead to a lowboy driver trying to block around to find the piece or driving down a street he cannot get turned around in. With the GPS devices, the driver can pinpoint exactly where the unit is and if he has room to turn around at that location.
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ConstructConnect
I think most of the reasoning was just provided on the previous pros and cons questions. On-Screen Takeoff (OST) is well suited for doing either quick takeoffs or getting into an elaborate, detailed takeoff. All though the viewing tools are quick and easy, I would still very much prefer using BlueBeam for looking through an overall set of drawings. With all of the hyperlink and bookmark functions of BlueBeam, OST doesn't compare and I rarely use OST unless I'm actually doing a takeoff.
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Pros
HCSS
  • #1 is support! HCSS is by far the best software support of any product we have ever used. Unlike most software companies HCSS utilizes their support calls to help upgrade their software. When you here them tell you that they will write down a particular issue you come across during a support call if they can't help you then and there they will research and get an answer to you extremely fast. If the software will not do it, you can bet there is a good chance it will be on the list of enhancements you will see come out in the near future.
  • Estimating software is very extensive. Their software is capable of handling the smallest estimate all the way to the largest joint venture estimate. It has advanced features that make it extremely useful for analyzing job materials, subcontractors etc.
  • HeavyJob is an extremely useful tool for the field to keep the office up to date with job costs. Everything is at the Foreman's fingertips on Tablets to allow the information from the field to get uploaded to HeavyJob manager which then can export to accounting. We are also able to give our Foreman the ability to deal with the Daily and weekly safety needs (Tailgate Meetings, incident Investigation, observations etc.) right on the Tablets thru HeavyJob.
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ConstructConnect
  • The biggest thing for me is that it is so easy to use, which allows it to be used widely throughout our organization without a lot of intense training.
  • Another great thing is that it does not matter how big or little the scope of the take off may be, it works just as well for a whole 12 story building take off as it does for a stretch of sidewalk.
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Cons
HCSS
  • All their apps are on mobile devices. Although there is not a clear company policy on Android versus iPhone. Updates for features lag behind on Android. Some apps are exclusive to one platform making it hard to fully interconnect all programs.
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ConstructConnect
  • It would be nice if you could select an object that occurs on multiple sheets, copy, and paste it into change orders or alternates.
  • If you could search for where a certain condition is being used (which sheet) and go directly to that page or pages, that would be cool.
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Likelihood to Renew
HCSS
No answers on this topic
ConstructConnect
It provides invaluable communication, organization, and flexibility to generate a project overview both visually and by the numbers. In addition to the overview it makes getting into the project details easy and quick, so our takeoff is accurate and correct every time
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Usability
HCSS
As mentioned, user interface appears messy and complicated at initial onset. Training is necessary but becomes easy to maneuver through after solid daily use.
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ConstructConnect
On Screen Takeoff is a valuable tool for what it does. Across the board it can keep track of the critical data and corresponding values without extra legwork. While powerful, it is prone to user error, and the problem can compound quickly if not realized up front. Overall a great project tool, but not without limitations
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Support Rating
HCSS
I have never had a bad experience or heard of one in 4 years of doing business with HCSS. That is unheard of even with the hurricanes and flooding in Houston area it feels like HCSS was always there and willing to help in every way.
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ConstructConnect
I have had very few issues with the software which is probably the first sign that there is a good customer support team, since I am sure they are working and fixing problems for everyone when they get a report from somewhere. The few times I have had to reach out to support they have been knowledgeable and on top of helping me quickly get my issues resolved.
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Implementation Rating
HCSS
I was not employed with PPI upon implementation. I would prefer to reference my previous statement, that each company needs to evaluate its culture and address your implementation accordingly. The purchasing company should assign an employee as point person and really take charge of not just the technical side of the implementation (HCSS pretty much handles that), but focus on company culture and training.
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ConstructConnect
Implementation was as simple as setting up the program and creating databases. Everything else was already in use and this was a supplement to the final organization of the system
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Alternatives Considered
HCSS
Other estimating products I have used consist of ICE/MC2 and MS Excel. ICE was not a good fit for our company, as they have awful technical support and offer very poor training. MS Excel is great for simple estimates where there is not a lot of data being compiled. However neither hold a candle to the power of HCSS Heavybid
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ConstructConnect
Being able to train individuals in a single afternoon on the program and trusting them to get you something usable as soon as possible is quite invaluable. It is also something that I feel is unique to this program. It is just easier.
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Return on Investment
HCSS
  • The biggest ROI for us was the ease of adoption by field personnel.
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ConstructConnect
  • The software has more than paid for itself because the company has been able to save lots of money when awarding to subs since it is easy to verify quantities to qualify their bids.
  • Less of a chance of under-ordering products since the visible audit trail improves accuracy. Also you spend less since you aren't ordering more than you should be.
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ScreenShots

HCSS Screenshots

Screenshot of HeavyBid - build the structure of your estimateScreenshot of HeavyBid - manage sub and material quotesScreenshot of HeavyBid - create professional bid proposalsScreenshot of HeavyJob - manage your job site from your mobile deviceScreenshot of HeavyJob - capture job site photos from any deviceScreenshot of HeavyJob - review, edit, and approve time cards from a mobile device