Navisworks vs. SharpeSoft Estimator

Navisworks is a key tool if doing any 3D model coordination with other trades. It will allow you to view your model content with others to know for certain that your design is accurate and can be assembled. Navisworks also comes with a lot of additional tools to make this process easy.

Incentivized

SharpeSoft [is] designed to be a day-to-day hard-bid estimating program. It is easy to learn and use, yet very powerful. I would not recommend this product to hourly service providers.

• Model Viewing, the navigation tools are really easy to use for walking through the model, especially if viewpoints are set up for key locations.
• The take-offs work really well and can be very quick and easy if the model was built right.

Incentivized

• Handles complex bid formats and bid submittal structures such as using bid alternates and non-tax bid schedules.
• This software is one of the easiest programs to learn and effectively use.
• This software is reasonably priced, but very powerful.
• Project support is timely, intimate, local and professional.

• Need more options for clash detection, e.g. clash between only the top and bottom faces of an element
• For applying different appearance profiles users need to remove previous sets first. Which is not good. They should just provide an ON/OFF button
• The use of Section planes are bit tricky for new users, they should add options like Revizto

• They need to put a search bar in the item master list so you can easily find work items.
• They could make the alternate package easier to use.
• The should find a way to allow the user to define at least one cost type in the program.

Autodesk owns Navisworks, and it seems to have a pretty good support network. A lot of the troubleshooting or support information is provided through an online database, so you most likely would not be getting any personal attention with your issues. Since there are so many users for Navisworks, there is a lot of information on the web.

Incentivized

Navisworks is a master tool if we want to do any 3D model coordination with any trade of a building. It allows us to view our model content with all elements to visualize and understand for certain where our design stands in terms of accuracy and how all things can be assembled on site. Navisworks also comes with a lot of additional tools to make BIM process easy.

Incentivized

I think SharpeSoft is the best estimating product on the market for our type of work. It is reasonably priced and is very reliable. We have had very few problems with the software and the upgrades and support staff and reliable.

• The software is very easy to use and quick to master, most users can navigate a building or model within a few short sessions, but there is enough depth to use it as a serious productive tool.
• The software cost of Navisworks Manage is a barrier to smaller companies, and has been a limitation on some of our projects that not all members could use the full functionality. However there is still enough functionality in even the free version to assist with smooth communication between team members.

Incentivized

• Using SharpeSoft has grown our business by allowing us to accurately bid more projects.
• The ease of use allows estimators of all ages to quickly become skilled at consistently bidding work