SmartBid vs PipelineSuite

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared SmartBid vs PipelineSuite 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

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.
read more...
PipelineSuite is a web-based platform that offers bid management modules that help streamline pre-construction processes. Project managers can refine bid creation procedures and send bid invitations in minutes. Contractors can manage projects in real time from one accessible location.

Create customized forms to collect additional information about subcontractors. Its collaborative functions help promote harmony as well as boost productivity among workers. It offers integration with other management platforms such as Procore and eSUB.
read more...
$450 Monthly
Free Trial is unavailable →
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$499/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Small 
i
Medium 
i
Large 
i
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

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

Product Insights

  • 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. 
read more...
  • Streamline Workflows: Automate operations to save time and effort. Integrate with Stack to enable team members to perform accurate takeoffs. Improve communication by integrating with Procore. 
  • Win Better Jobs: Create bid lists to refine bid solicitation processes. Enable subs to access and respond to projects without having to sign-up. Send ITBs from the company’s email address to increase deliverability and open rate. 
  • Mitigate Risks: Prepare questionnaires to prequalify subcontractors. Create qualification, insurance and NDA forms for safety purposes. 
  • Impress Clients: Produce and send professional proposals to clients in minutes. Add the organization’s logo to emails to increase brand awareness. 
  • Avoid Data-entry Errors: Export bid tabulation sheets to Excel for better visualization. Identity scope discrepancies to minimize risks and boost revenue. 
  • Remain Mobile: Store documents on a cloud-based server to avoid data loss. Grant access permissions to authorized employees to secure confidential information. Access files from anywhere at any time using internet-enabled devices. 
read more...
  • 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. 
read more...
  • Bid Solicitation: Create and filter bidder lists by trades or sections. Filter unqualified subs by zip codes, areas, job types and prequalification statuses. Enable subcontractors to automatically respond to bids and request RFIs directly from the system. 
  • Bid Invitations: Send ITBs (invitations to bid) to multiple contractors through email or fax. Sort contacts by divisions or trades to help shorten the time involved in sending out invitations and focus on other important bidding procedures. 
  • Addendum Management: Create and send customized addendums to specific subcontractor groups such as HVAC or plumbing. 
  • CRM: Access fax and email logs to track conversations effectively. View lists of failed faxes to plan alternative communication strategies. Send faxes using web-based faxing functionality. Add notes to bidder lists to avoid miscommunication. 
  • Subcontractor Directory: Filter subcontractors by zip codes, unions, job types, certifications and more. Find subs based in different locations by typing trade descriptions in the search bar. 
  • Bid Leveling: Create itemized bid tabulation sheets to compare multiple bids simultaneously. Identify scope discrepancies and develop strategies to overcome them. Export data to Excel or convert them to PDFs to evaluate bids effectively. 
  • Risk Management: Generate electronic questionnaires using drag-and-drop functionality to help prequalify subcontractors. Fax or email prequalification forms to subs. Encourage bidders to upload relevant files like insurance certificates and financial documents. 
  • Integrations: Identify and mitigate risks, track workers’ activities, simplify workflows and manage submittals by integrating with eSUB and Procore. 
  • Bid Tracking: Move projects to bid boards to streamline bidding processes. View and track bids in real time to avoid missing out on important updates. 
  • Plan Room: Set project statuses as private or public to manage data exposure among subs. Enable subcontractors to download documents as zip files with just a single click. Upload files of all sizes and create unlimited folders to organize them. 
read more...

Product Ranking

#12

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#38

among all
Construction Bidding Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

76
63
42
55
76
72
85
52
Show More Show More
Planroom & Document Management
Subcontractor Functionalities
Integrations & Extensibility
Subcontractor Prequalification
Bid Request Management
Planroom & Document Management
Subcontractor Functionalities

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

SmartBid
PipelineSuite
+ Add Product + Add Product
Analytics & Reporting Bid Invitation & Closing Management Bid Request Management General Contractor Functionalities Planroom & Document Management Subcontractor Functionalities Subcontractor Prequalification 42 76 85 57 95 88 87 55 72 52 75 96 89 59 0 25 50 75 100
42%
0%
58%
58%
0%
42%
77%
0%
23%
73%
0%
27%
83%
0%
17%
50%
0%
50%
57%
0%
43%
75%
0%
25%
86%
0%
14%
100%
0%
0%
89%
0%
11%
89%
0%
11%
88%
0%
12%
63%
0%
37%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

86%
0%
14%
21%
0%
79%

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

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

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 95 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 56 reviews
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.

90%
of users recommend this product

PipelineSuite has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 56 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (24)
4.2 (3)
4.4 (64)
4.6 (46)
4.0 (7)
3.8 (7)

Awards

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

Integrations & Extensibility Award

PipelineSuite stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

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.
Show more
Centralized Communication Hub: PipelineSuite provides a platform for all project stakeholders to communicate and collaborate, reducing the need for scattered email threads and ensuring everyone stays informed.
Streamlined Bid Management: The software simplifies the process of creating, sending, and tracking bids, saving time and improving organization for construction teams.
Enhanced Visibility and Reporting: PipelineSuite offers robust reporting tools that provide insights into bid performance and project pipelines, enabling data-driven decision-making.
Improved Collaboration with Subcontractors: The platform facilitates seamless communication and document sharing with subcontractors, fostering stronger relationships and more efficient project execution.
Show more
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.
Show more
Limited Customization: Users have expressed frustration with the lack of flexibility in tailoring the software to their specific workflows and reporting needs, especially when dealing with unique bidding processes or complex construction projects.
Integrations: PipelineSuite may not seamlessly integrate with other commonly used construction software, such as project management or accounting systems, leading to data silos and manual data entry.
Mobile App: The mobile app's functionality and user interface have received criticism, with users finding it cumbersome for on-the-go bid management and communication.
Learning Curve: Some users have reported a steep learning curve, particularly for those unfamiliar with construction bidding software or those transitioning from other platforms.
Show more

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.

Show more

PipelineSuite has garnered positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and robust features that streamline the construction bidding process. Users appreciate the software's ability to centralize project information, communication, and documentation, which enhances collaboration and efficiency. The platform's bid management tools, including bid solicitation, comparison, and tracking, have been commended for simplifying the bidding process and improving accuracy. Additionally, PipelineSuite's integration with other construction software, such as estimating and project management tools, has been highlighted as a significant advantage, as it eliminates the need for manual data entry and promotes data consistency. While PipelineSuite offers a comprehensive solution for construction bidding, some users have noted that the software's customization options could be more extensive. Certain users have expressed a desire for greater flexibility in tailoring the platform to their specific workflows and reporting requirements. Additionally, while PipelineSuite integrates with several popular construction software solutions, some users have requested broader integration capabilities to encompass a wider range of industry-specific tools. Despite these limitations, PipelineSuite remains a highly regarded solution for construction professionals seeking to optimize their bidding processes. Its intuitive interface, comprehensive features, and integration capabilities make it an ideal choice for general contractors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders involved in construction bidding.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Construction Bidding Software


BidPlanroom

Bidtracer

Buildertrend

BuildingBlok

BuildingConnected

CoConstruct

ConstructConnect

Dodge Data and Analytics

e-Builder

iSqFt

PipelineSuite

PlanHub

Procore

WeBuild

Related Categories

Head-to-Head Comparison

WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more...

Compare products
Comparison Report
Just drag this link to the bookmark bar.
?
Table settings