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.

• A link to BIM 360 Model Coordination is a serious shortcoming. It used to be easy to link to models loaded to BIM 360 Glue for more in depth clash detection.
• I would have liked the ability to export a simulation created in Navisworks to 3DS Max for a more immersive animation with decent material mapping and better animation tools.
• I would like to be able to view/create BIM 306 Docs/Field issues directly in Navisworks. In the current workflow we have to use other file formats to work within BIM 360. It would be more productive to be able to navigate the model through Navisworks and to create viewpoints and issues from within Navisworks.

Incentivized

• 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.

• It helps in coordination on BIM projects. We have had major project coordination saving millions on jobs.
• Helps us win more projects as we can coordinate them
• Used to use the animation tools for site logistics. Now we use game engines.

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