ConstructConnect vs SmartBid

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Our analysts compared ConstructConnect vs SmartBid based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Construction Bidding Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

ConstructConnect Software Tool

Product Basics

ConstructConnect provides pre-construction, bidding and takeoff solutions designed for contractors of all sizes to help streamline and optimize business processes. Track projects right from inception up to bid day. Contractors can manage important project documents off-site using the mobile app. It offers analytical tools that help project managers make strategic business decisions.

Perform accurate takeoffs that help generate error-free estimates. It offers integrations with Excel, Salesforce, SmartBid and more to assist contractors with avoiding data entry errors.
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SmartBid by ConstructConnect is a mobile and web-based platform that helps general contractors and subcontractors streamline bidding processes. Users can send bid invitations, share documents, prequalify contractors and manage project data. It integrates with Procore, Dropbox and Autodesk BIM 360.

It ensures secure data storage, gives contractors access to qualified subs and corresponding contact information, and transfers documentation and attachments. Contractors can compare submitted bids by consolidating bid data, replacing spreadsheets and standardizing bid tabulation.
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Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
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Email
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FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Simplify Bid Processes: Create and send ITBs to trade contractors. Automatically filter out contracts that don’t match the organization’s scopes of work. Prioritize bidders based on their engagement score. 
  • Go Digital: Perform electronic takeoffs to save time. Overlay revised plan sheets on original drawings to identify changes in scopes of work. 
  • Drive Sales: Connect with a network of contractors and subcontractors to build meaningful relationships. Win more work using pipeline management modules. 
  • Generate Quality Leads: Produce buyer activity reports to target potential prospects. Find new opportunities using the analytic function. 
  • Increase Productivity: Enable multiple estimators to work on the same project to reduce errors and strengthen collaboration. Create custom libraries to speed up takeoffs. Integrate with Excel to streamline estimating operations. 
  • Stay Mobile: Share information with employees using internet-enabled devices to keep everyone on the same page. Customize notifications to avoid missing out on vital updates. 
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  • Increase Bid Coverage: Integrate with ConstructConnect and SmartInsight to access subcontractor databases. Grant subs access to project details. Compare multiple bids simultaneously to save time. 
  • Gain Vital Insights: Generate financial and project performance reports to make informed decisions. Monitor job statuses in real time through the dashboard. 
  • Stay Out of Legal Troubles: Enable subs to upload documents such as licenses, insurances and W-9 forms directly into the system. Send automated notifications to subcontractors when compliance is nearing expiration. 
  • Increase Team Collaboration: Integrate with takeoff solutions such as Procore, Stack and BIM 360 to encourage multiple estimators to work on the same project. 
  • Share Documents in Real Time: Leverage Microsoft Azure’s document management capabilities to maintain a centralized database with granular access controls. 
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  • Bid Board: Automatically send ITBs from SmartBid and iSqFt to the bid center. Integrate with Outlook or Google calendars to track bid statuses and deadlines. Move projects from the bid board to the digital takeoff screen with just a single click. 
  • Takeoffs: Access, modify and annotate takeoffs in real time to help reduce costly errors. Store and manage project files, specifications and other relevant documents in a secure, cloud-based server. Overlay revised plan sheets on original drawings to quickly identify revisions made to scopes of work. Transfer takeoff data to Excel spreadsheets to streamline estimating processes. 
  • Bid Invitations: Create and send ITBs to subcontractors. Auto-filter out contacts that don’t match the current scope of work. Automatically forward bid invites from the existing mailing system to the bid center’s inbox to help save time. 
  • Risk Assessment: Prequalify subcontractors by creating customized forms. Review safety and financial records of subcontractors to help make informed decisions. Prioritize bidders based on engagement scores to speed up bidding processes. 
  • Project Insights: Monitor market trends to help make data-driven decisions. Assess competitors’ strengths and weaknesses based on geographical coverage and project types using analytics tools. Create forecast models to identify variables that might impact project performances. Set follow-up reminders to avoid missing out on important updates. 
  • Lead Management: Assign color-coded search tags to help organize projects effectively. Create buyer activity reports to help target potential clients. Filter opportunities by contacts, projects and companies. Automatically audit data to help eliminate duplicative entries. 
  • Mobile Interface: View project files from anywhere, at any time. Receive and respond to ITBs and monitor project statuses on the go. 
  • Activity Tracking: Monitor workers’ actions in real time. Track employee performances based on project views, logins and keyword searches. Generate reports to help keep projects on track. 
  • MasterSpec: Link BIM models, photos, research resources, installation methods and technical sheets to products. Develop customized specifications showcasing unique characteristics to stand out from competitors. Create specification checklists to ensure all important processes are completed. 
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  • Bid Invitations: Build custom mailing lists and edit bid invitations using mail editing functionality. Create ITBs using pre-built templates. 
  • Document Sharing: Upload project documents of different formats. Grant editing permissions to authorized users. Publish public documents to websites through XML integration. 
  • Mobile Interface: Use the mobile app to monitor bids and responses. Access project data off-site. 
  • Subcontractor Management: Manage a subcontractors’ network by integrating with public registries. 
    • Subcontractor Database: Import existing databases to find qualified subcontractors. Sort contacts by project types, trade codes and service areas. 
    • Bid Comparison: Analyze bid submissions and compare multiple bids to select the ideal subcontractor for the project. 
    • Prequalifications: Create custom forms online to collect subcontractors’ data consisting of supporting documents and confidentiality agreements. 
    • Nonconformance Tracking: Avoid manual data entry using optical character recognition technology. Enable subcontractors to upload compliance documents. Receive overdue nonconformance notifications to help ensure prompt action. 
  • Reports and Project Metrics: Generate color-coded reports to detect spam emails, duplicate companies and minorities. Create custom reports to track bidding processes. Analyze reports of subcontractors who received bid invitations and submitted bids. 
  • Integrations: Transition from pre-construction stage to building stage by integrating with Procore, Autodesk BIM 360 and Stack. Integrate with Dropbox to upload, store and share project files. 
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Product Ranking

#8

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#12

among all
Construction Bidding Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

63
76
42
42
69
76
81
85
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Support
Planroom & Document Management
Subcontractor Functionalities
Integrations & Extensibility
Subcontractor Prequalification
Bid Request Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

ConstructConnect
SmartBid
+ Add Product + Add Product
Analytics & Reporting Bid Invitation & Closing Management Bid Request Management General Contractor Functionalities Planroom & Document Management Subcontractor Functionalities Subcontractor Prequalification 42 69 81 82 81 78 68 42 76 85 57 95 88 87 0 25 50 75 100
42%
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58%
42%
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58%
73%
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27%
77%
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23%
83%
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17%
83%
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17%
88%
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12%
57%
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43%
86%
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14%
86%
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14%
78%
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22%
89%
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11%
75%
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25%
88%
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12%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

14%
0%
86%
86%
0%
14%

Analyst Ratings for Vendor Qualification Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
100%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 5 reviews
Great User Sentiment 95 reviews
84%
of users recommend this product

ConstructConnect has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 5 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

87%
of users recommend this product

SmartBid has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 95 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.4 (24)
n/a
4.4 (64)
4.2 (5)
4.0 (7)

Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SmartBid and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Integrations & Extensibility.

Integrations & Extensibility Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Comprehensive Project Information: Access detailed project information, including plans, specs, contacts, and bid dates, all in one place.
Streamlined Bidding Process: Submit bids electronically, track their progress, and receive notifications of bid awards or rejections.
Targeted Project Leads: Receive customized project leads based on your company's capabilities and interests, ensuring you're only bidding on projects you're qualified for.
Collaboration Tools: Collaborate with team members and subcontractors on bids and projects, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Time Savings: Reduce the time spent searching for and bidding on projects, allowing you to focus on winning more work.
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Streamlined Bid Management: SmartBid centralizes the entire bid process, allowing General Contractors to efficiently manage invitations to bid, track subcontractor interest, and compare bids side-by-side.
Enhanced Collaboration: The platform facilitates seamless communication and collaboration between General Contractors and Subcontractors, ensuring everyone is on the same page throughout the bidding process.
Improved Accuracy and Efficiency: SmartBid helps General Contractors avoid costly errors by automating tasks such as bid leveling and ensuring accurate bid comparisons.
Increased Subcontractor Reach: SmartBid provides access to a vast network of qualified Subcontractors, expanding the pool of potential bidders and increasing competition.
Time Savings: By automating many of the manual tasks involved in the bidding process, SmartBid frees up valuable time for General Contractors, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of their projects.
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Limited Functionality for Subcontractors: ConstructConnect's primary focus is on general contractors, offering limited features and functionalities for subcontractors. This can be a major drawback for subcontractors seeking a comprehensive platform to manage their bidding process.
Inaccurate or Outdated Project Information: Users have reported encountering inaccurate or outdated project information on the platform, leading to wasted time and effort in pursuing irrelevant or unavailable projects.
Limited Customer Support: ConstructConnect's customer support has been criticized for being slow, unresponsive, and unhelpful. This can be frustrating for users who encounter issues or require assistance with the platform.
High Cost: ConstructConnect's subscription fees can be expensive, especially for small or medium-sized construction companies. This can be a significant barrier to entry for businesses looking for a cost-effective bidding platform.
Cumbersome User Interface: The platform's user interface has been described as clunky and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for users to find the information they need efficiently.
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Steep Learning Curve: SmartBid's extensive features and functionalities can be overwhelming for new users, requiring significant time investment to learn and navigate effectively.
Customization Challenges: Adapting SmartBid to specific workflows or unique bidding processes can be difficult due to limitations in customization options, potentially hindering efficiency for companies with specialized needs.
Integration Issues: Integrating SmartBid with existing software or project management tools can pose challenges, requiring additional effort and potentially leading to data inconsistencies or workflow disruptions.
Cost Considerations: The pricing structure of SmartBid may be a concern for some construction firms, particularly smaller businesses or those with budget constraints, as it can represent a significant investment.
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ConstructConnect is a construction project management software that helps users manage tasks such as bidding, project management, and risk management. Users have provided a variety of feedback on the software, with some praising its features and others criticizing its usability. Overall, ConstructConnect seems to be a popular choice for construction professionals, but it is important to consider the specific needs of your business before making a decision. One of the most common complaints about ConstructConnect is its user interface. Some users find it to be clunky and difficult to navigate, while others find it to be intuitive and easy to use. It is important to note that the user interface has been updated in recent years, so it is possible that some of the negative feedback is no longer relevant. Additionally, ConstructConnect offers a variety of training resources to help users get the most out of the software. Another common complaint about ConstructConnect is its cost. The software can be expensive, especially for small businesses. However, it is important to note that ConstructConnect offers a variety of pricing options, so it is possible to find a plan that fits your budget. Additionally, the software can save you money in the long run by helping you to avoid costly mistakes. Overall, ConstructConnect is a powerful construction project management software that can help you to improve your efficiency and productivity. However, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business before making a decision. If you are looking for a user-friendly and affordable option, there are other software programs available that may be a better fit for you.

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SmartBid, a construction bid management software, has garnered positive feedback from users for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Users appreciate the software's ability to streamline the bidding process, manage projects efficiently, and improve collaboration among team members. The software's ease of use has been highlighted as a significant advantage, making it accessible to both experienced and novice users. Additionally, SmartBid's extensive features, such as project management tools, estimating capabilities, and scheduling functionalities, have been praised for their effectiveness in enhancing productivity and organization. Compared to similar products, SmartBid stands out for its intuitive design and robust functionality. Users have noted that SmartBid's interface is more user-friendly than that of its competitors, making it easier to navigate and learn. Furthermore, the software's comprehensive feature set provides users with a wide range of tools to manage their bids and projects effectively. SmartBid's integration capabilities with other construction software, such as Procore and Autodesk, have also been commended for enhancing workflow efficiency. SmartBid's strengths lie in its ability to simplify complex processes, improve communication, and provide a centralized platform for managing construction projects. These factors are crucial for construction professionals as they contribute to increased efficiency, reduced errors, and improved project outcomes. SmartBid is well-suited for general contractors of all sizes who are seeking to streamline their bidding process and enhance project management. The software's scalability and flexibility make it adaptable to the needs of small, medium, and large construction firms. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it an ideal choice for both experienced and novice users. SmartBid's ability to improve collaboration, communication, and organization makes it a valuable tool for construction professionals looking to optimize their operations and achieve project success. However, it's important to note that software options and features can change over time, so it's recommended to check the latest information online before making a decision.

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Top Alternatives in Construction Bidding Software


BidPlanroom

Bidtracer

Buildertrend

BuildingBlok

BuildingConnected

CoConstruct

Dodge Data and Analytics

e-Builder

iSqFt

PipelineSuite

PlanHub

Procore

SmartBid

WeBuild

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