PlanHub vs SmartBid

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Our analysts compared PlanHub 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.

Product Basics

PlanHub is a cloud-based software that helps suppliers, subcontractors and general contractors streamline their bidding process. It lets general contractors send invitations to over 25,000 suppliers, commercial contractors and preferred subcontractors. It allows contractors to add unlimited members to the dashboard, post unlimited projects, track progress and activity status and view contractor databases by expertise and locale. It also provides unlimited space to store projects and an instant messaging service.

Subcontractors can filter, sort and search projects by requirements, receive information about upcoming projects, bid on unlimited projects, meet other contractors and more. Suppliers can upload estimates, view material takeoffs and search for projects. It also integrates with Stack, Raken, Databid and eSUB to provide bidding services.
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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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$1,199 Annually
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$450 Monthly
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Chromebook
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On-Premise
Mobile
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On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

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

Product Insights

  • Streamline Workflows: Add unlimited members to the dashboard to track project and bid statuses. Scan digital blueprints to view trade-specific details using OCR reader technology. Search projects by construction and project types and locations for quick access. 
  • Win Bids: Simplify bidding operations by using the bid navigator. Evaluate bids by types, locations and coverages. Attach relevant project files to bids to help subcontractors understand plans and drawings in detail. 
  • Build Meaningful Relationships: Subcontractors can connect with contractors and suppliers via instant messaging functionality. 
  • Gain Competitive Edge: Generate reports to view who received ITBs, accessed and downloaded documents and submitted bids to prioritize bidding efforts and produce professional proposals. 
  • Boost Productivity: Access project posting, forecasting and networking modules to streamline work processes and spend more time on important projects. 
  • Deploy in the Cloud: Store documents in a centralized database to keep everyone on the same page and promote transparency. 
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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 Management: Filter project files by trades and service areas to access bids. View and track bids via centralized dashboards. Receive bids from a pre-approved network of subcontractors using private project functionality. Find, evaluate and compare bids to make strategic decisions. 
  • Instant Messaging: Check activity status of subcontractors and vendors to communicate important information immediately. 
  • RFI Center: Respond privately or publicly to subcontractors’ queries. Change notification settings to receive RFI alerts through email. 
  • Bid Navigator: Streamline bidding processes to help save time. 
    • PDF Bluetooth Scanner: Search for trade-specific keywords in documents to determine project relevancy for bidding. 
    • Customized Notifications: Save keywords relevant to business requirements to receive alerts about recently posted project plans via email. 
    • Calendar: Track bid deadlines and project invites by integrating the bid calendar with existing calendar systems. 
    • Analytics: View detailed reports of subcontractors who received bid invitations, viewed and downloaded project files and submitted bids. 
  • Subcontractor Database: Select subcontractors from existing databases to help streamline bidding processes. 
  • File Sharing: Store, organize and share project files among workers. 
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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

#7

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#12

among all
Construction Bidding Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

59
76
25
42
59
76
71
85
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General Contractor Functionalities
Planroom & Document Management
Planroom & Document Management
Subcontractor Functionalities
Integrations & Extensibility
Subcontractor Prequalification
Bid Request Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

PlanHub
SmartBid
+ Add Product + Add Product
Analytics & Reporting Bid Invitation & Closing Management Bid Request Management General Contractor Functionalities Planroom & Document Management Subcontractor Functionalities Subcontractor Prequalification 25 59 71 100 100 78 46 42 76 85 57 95 88 87 0 25 50 75 100
25%
0%
75%
42%
0%
58%
59%
0%
41%
77%
0%
23%
75%
0%
25%
83%
0%
17%
100%
0%
0%
57%
0%
43%
100%
0%
0%
86%
0%
14%
78%
0%
22%
89%
0%
11%
50%
0%
50%
88%
0%
12%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

29%
0%
71%
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 422 reviews
Great User Sentiment 95 reviews
85%
of users recommend this product

PlanHub has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 422 user reviews from 3 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.

4.0 (1)
4.4 (24)
4.19 (229)
n/a
4.3 (192)
4.4 (64)
n/a
4.0 (7)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated PlanHub and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for General Contractor Functionalities.

General Contractor Functionalities Award

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

User-Friendly About 81% of users who mentioned this pro said the platform’s UI is intuitive.
Bid Management: The solution’s bid listing, inviting and tracking features simplify bidding processes, according to 70% of users.
Subcontractor Functionalities: According to 80% of users who reviewed this pro, it’s easy to contact subs via subcontractor databases.
Project Posting: Regarding this feature, approximately 80% of users said that publishing projects out to bid isn’t a daunting task.
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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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Document Management: Sometimes project files are labeled incorrectly, according to 75% of users.
Scope of Work: According to 90% of users who reviewed this con, the platform doesn’t categorize items according to cost codes or CSI divisions.
Communication: About 73% of users who mentioned this con said the product doesn’t offer a robust messaging system.
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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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PlanHub is a cloud-based software that helps subcontractors, suppliers and contractors streamline bidding operations and win jobs. Several users noted, the product provides a user-friendly interface that helps reduce administrative burdens and save time. Many users were satisfied with the product’s subcontractor management functionalities, However, many observed, communicating with subcontractors can be challenging. Overall, the software’s a good fit for companies looking for basic bidding and lead-generating functionalities.

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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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