HeavyBid vs The Estimating Edge

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Our analysts compared HeavyBid vs The Estimating Edge based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Construction Estimating Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Developed by HCSS, HeavyBid provides estimating and bidding solutions to help automate daily tasks. Verify material and labor prices to identify estimating errors. Import takeoff data from external programs to produce precise cost estimates. Store files in a secure cloud environment. Enable managers to track project progress via the dashboard.

Managers can create, modify and analyze supplier and subcontractor quotes. Generate estimate recap reports to summarize quotes for better understanding. It integrates with Microsoft Project, Excel, Primavera P6, Word and Outlook, and accounting tools.
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The Estimating Edge helps commercial subcontractors streamline bidding and estimating processes. Automated project managing functionality assists managers in saving time. Enable estimators to perform precise takeoffs using internet-enabled devices. Store files in a cloud-based server for quick access.

Integrate with construction accounting, takeoff and subcontractor solutions to maintain data consistency. Estimate materials for complex shapes and cladding modules to help eliminate waste. Create what-if scenarios to evaluate bids and measure variations.
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$3,195/User, Annually
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$12,000 One-Time
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Cloud
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Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Reduce Estimating Errors: Access bid item, activity and material codebooks to automatically build estimates. Use custom calculation routines to avoid performing repetitive calculations. 
  • Promote Collaboration: Enable multiple estimators to work on the same quote to improve estimating accuracy. Attach photos, audio clips and videos to plans to keep everyone on the same. 
  • Make Data-driven Decisions: Produce preconfigured revenue reports to evaluate the company’s financial performance. Integrate with Tableau and Power BI to analyze key performance indicators. 
  • Generate Professional Proposals: Customize Word- and Excel-based bid proposals in just a few minutes. Add company logo to proposals to increase brand recognition. 
  • Maintain Data Integrity: Integrate with accounting systems like QuickBooks, CMiC and Foundation to generate error-free quotes. 
  • Stay Secure: Store files in ISO 27001, SSAE16/SOC compliant data centers to protect them from hackers. 
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  • Streamline Workflows: Automatically update material prices across estimates when changes occur. Produce bid variations to help clients make the right choice. Access and analyze historical bids to plan bidding strategies. 
  • Win Better Jobs: Track opportunities using the construction management app. Integrate with Salesforce to predict bid outcomes. Share information with clients via a messaging portal. 
  • Perform Accurate Takeoffs: Automate takeoff processes to calculate precise material quantities. View 2D models in 3D mode to identify design errors. Store blueprints in a secure cloud environment. 
  • Generate Error-free Estimates: Add products, markups and labor rates to trade databases. Review quotes before sending them to clients to avoid costly errors. Pull up measurements from takeoff systems to maintain data accuracy. 
  • Make Data-driven Decisions: Generate profit recap, material ordering, job costing and alternate pricing reports to evaluate financial and operational performance. Export reports to Excel to gain better data visualization. 
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  • Estimation: Copy and reuse past quotes to save time and avoid data entry mistakes. Add activities to estimates in just a few clicks. Assign resource codes to items such as equipment, labor and materials to speed up estimating processes.  
  • Bid Management: Find bid items using the keyword search function. Add desired columns to the bid pricing screen to view detailed information. Mark up estimates by cost types. Export data directly to DOT’s bidding system to eliminate re-entering bid prices. 
  • Quote Management: Create folders for subs and suppliers to help them access data quickly. Perform multiple quote comparisons, update estimates and detect advantageous pricing. View scope differences among quotes and make last-minute changes. 
  • Bi-directional Interface: Export cost and resource schedules to Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project. Import modified schedules to the system’s database to merge them with estimates. 
  • Calculations: Calculate quantities, production rates, costs and risk factors using the built-in calculator. Copy calculations to notes and reports to help review bids. 
  • Insights: Compare past and actual estimates to identify errors and reduce risks. Create custom key performance indicators to gain valuable insights. Conduct what-if analyses to make strategic business decisions. 
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  • Bid Management: Update materials and labor costs while simultaneously detecting cost errors to secure more bids. 
  • Analytics and Reporting: Produce detailed reports to make strategic business decisions. Filter data by project requirements to ensure effective communication with clients. 
  • Labor Management: Leverage smart labor technology to save time and generate precise estimates. Automatically calculate adjustments based on predetermined preset values. 
  • Mobile Application: Track production progress in real time using iOS devices. Automatically capture material prices to omit manual data entry processes. 
  • Integration: Streamline estimation and production operations by integrating with Foundation, Sage Estimating, Mosaic and ComputerEase
  • Takeoff: Move data from the takeoff screen to the final estimate to simplify bid preparation. Save assembly templates to speed up takeoff processes. 
  • Historical Database: Customize manufacture-specific components according to business needs. 
  • Estimate: Color-code blueprints by steel type, UL design, hourly rating and thickness. Make a copy of existing estimates and adjust materials or labor rates to conduct what-if analyses. 
  • Template Customization: Add product values such as labor rates, overhead and profits, and tax rates to existing templates. 
  • Cloud-based: Enable team members to save and share documents with each other to encourage a collaborative work environment. 
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Product Ranking

#34

among all
Construction Estimating Software

#41

among all
Construction Estimating Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

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Estimate Management
Reports and Dashboards
Document and Database Management
Platform Capabilities
Reports and Dashboards
Platform Capabilities
Takeoff Capabilities

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

HeavyBid
The Estimating Edge
+ Add Product + Add Product
Bid Management Cost Management Document And Database Management Estimate Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Takeoff Capabilities 84 84 93 97 87 66 95 41 79 80 66 82 99 61 100 88 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

we're gathering data
Excellent User Sentiment 289 reviews
we're gathering data
90%
of users recommend this product

The Estimating Edge has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 289 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.5 (289)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated HeavyBid and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Construction Estimating Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Document and Database Management and Estimate Management.

Analysts' Pick Award
Document and Database Management Award
Estimate Management Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated The Estimating Edge and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities and Reports and Dashboards. The Estimating Edge stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Platform Capabilities Award
Reports and Dashboards Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Comprehensive Estimating: HeavyBid offers a wide range of features that cater to various aspects of construction estimating, including takeoff, pricing, bidding, and reporting. This comprehensive approach allows estimators to manage the entire bidding process within a single platform.
Customization and Flexibility: HeavyBid provides a high degree of customization, enabling users to tailor the software to their specific workflows and requirements. This flexibility ensures that estimators can adapt the software to their unique estimating processes and preferences.
Integration Capabilities: HeavyBid integrates with various other software applications commonly used in the construction industry, such as scheduling, accounting, and project management tools. This integration streamlines data flow and enhances collaboration between different departments within a construction company.
Industry-Specific Focus: HeavyBid is specifically designed for the heavy civil construction industry, with features and functionalities tailored to the unique needs of this sector. This industry-specific focus ensures that estimators have access to tools and resources that are relevant to their projects.
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Database of Construction Assemblies: The Estimating Edge provides a comprehensive database of pre-built construction assemblies, which can save estimators significant time and effort during the takeoff process. These assemblies include detailed material and labor breakdowns, allowing for accurate cost estimates.
Customization Options: Users can customize the database by adding their own assemblies, materials, and labor rates to reflect their specific needs and local market conditions. This flexibility ensures that estimates are tailored to each project's unique requirements.
Integration with Other Software: The Estimating Edge integrates with popular construction software programs, such as scheduling and project management tools. This integration streamlines the workflow and reduces the need for manual data entry, improving efficiency and accuracy.
Reporting Capabilities: The software offers a variety of reporting options, allowing estimators to generate detailed cost breakdowns, proposals, and other documents. These reports can be customized to meet the specific needs of clients and stakeholders.
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Steep Learning Curve: HeavyBid's extensive features and functionalities can be overwhelming for new users, requiring significant time investment to master the software effectively.
Customization Challenges: Adapting HeavyBid to specific workflows or unique project requirements can be complex, often demanding advanced knowledge of the software's underlying structure.
Integration Limitations: Integrating HeavyBid with other construction management software or external databases may pose challenges, potentially hindering seamless data exchange and workflow efficiency.
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Steep Learning Curve: The software's extensive features and functionalities can be overwhelming for new users, requiring a significant time investment to learn and master effectively.
Customization Challenges: Adapting the software to specific workflows or unique estimating requirements can be complex, often necessitating advanced configuration or custom programming.
Integration Limitations: Integrating The Estimating Edge with other construction management software or external databases may require additional tools or custom development, potentially hindering seamless data exchange.
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HeavyBid is a powerful construction estimating software that has garnered a mixed reputation among users over the past year. While its comprehensive features and ability to handle complex projects are widely appreciated, some users find the software's interface to be outdated and cumbersome. The learning curve associated with HeavyBid is often cited as a drawback, as it requires significant time and effort to master. However, users who invest the time to learn the software find it to be a valuable tool that can streamline the estimating process and improve accuracy. Compared to competitors like Bluebeam Revu and PlanSwift, HeavyBid offers more advanced functionality for detailed cost estimation and bid preparation. Its ability to integrate with other construction management software is also seen as a major advantage. However, HeavyBid's higher price point and steeper learning curve may deter smaller companies or those with simpler estimating needs. Overall, HeavyBid is best suited for large construction firms or those that handle complex projects with a high degree of detail. Its comprehensive features and ability to integrate with other software make it a valuable tool for streamlining the estimating process and improving accuracy. However, smaller companies or those with simpler needs may find the software's complexity and cost to be prohibitive.

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The Estimating Edge has garnered positive feedback from users, particularly those in the construction industry, for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Users appreciate the software's intuitive design, which allows for easy navigation and efficient estimate creation. The Estimating Edge offers a wide range of tools and functionalities, including pre-built templates, cost calculators, and material databases, enabling users to generate accurate and detailed estimates. Additionally, the software's ability to track project progress and compare estimated costs to actual expenses has proven valuable for project management and cost control. Compared to similar products, The Estimating Edge stands out for its affordability and customization options. Users have noted that the software is more cost-effective than other estimating solutions on the market, making it an attractive choice for small businesses and independent contractors. The ability to customize templates, reports, and databases allows users to tailor the software to their specific needs and workflows. Furthermore, The Estimating Edge offers trade-specific features and databases, catering to the unique requirements of different construction trades. This level of customization ensures that estimates are accurate and reflect the specific materials, labor costs, and industry standards relevant to each project. The Estimating Edge is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized construction businesses and contractors who require a reliable and efficient estimating solution. Its ease of use, comprehensive features, and affordability make it an ideal choice for those who may not have extensive experience with estimating software or dedicated estimating departments. The software's ability to streamline the estimating process, improve accuracy, and enhance project management capabilities can significantly benefit businesses looking to optimize their operations and increase profitability. However, it's important to note that software options and features can evolve rapidly, so it's recommended to check for the latest information and updates directly from The Estimating Edge or other reliable sources.

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The Estimating Edge

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