PlanSwift vs The Estimating Edge

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Our analysts compared PlanSwift 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

PlanSwift, a ConstructConnect offering, is an estimation software designed for general and specialty contractors. It helps manage concrete, drywall, electrical, flooring, framing, HVAC and more while improving accuracy, saving time and increasing profit margins.

Users can complete estimation for simple and complex areas, volumes, items, perimeters and length with point and click support. They can also drag-and-drop assemblies like labor costs, waste and materials and calculate expenses. It can do internal, material and labor calculations and export them to users’ Excel sheets.

Pros
  • Easy to learn & use
  • Fast, accurate takeoff
  • Flexible reporting tools
  • Good customer support
  • Cloud-based & mobile
Cons
  • Limited 3D capabilities
  • Fewer integrations
  • Higher cost for some projects
  • Can be slow on complex models
  • May require training for advanced features
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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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$1,749 Annually
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$12,000 One-Time
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Small 
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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

  • Faster Takeoff Times: Drag-and-drop interface and automated calculations dramatically reduce manual work, saving significant time on takeoffs.
  • Improved Accuracy: Eliminate manual errors with PlanSwift's precise measurements and automatic calculations, leading to more reliable estimates.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time cloud-based access allows teams to collaborate efficiently, ensuring everyone works with the latest information.
  • Streamlined Estimating: Generate professional estimates quickly and easily with flexible reporting tools and customizable templates.
  • Increased Project Visibility: Gain insights into material needs, costs, and potential risks with detailed takeoff reports and visual aids.
  • Reduced Material Waste: Accurate takeoffs lead to more precise material ordering, minimizing waste and saving costs.
  • Improved Bidding Competitiveness: Submit faster, more accurate bids with confidence, giving you an edge in the competition.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Access project data and takeoffs on the go with the mobile app, enhancing flexibility and productivity.
  • Scalability for Growth: As your business grows, PlanSwift easily adapts to handle larger and more complex projects.
  • Peace of Mind: Trustworthy customer support and regular software updates ensure you have the ongoing assistance you need.
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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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  • Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplify takeoffs with point-and-click measurements and direct placement of pre-defined assemblies onto plans.
  • Automatic Calculations: Eliminate manual errors with PlanSwift's automatic calculations for lengths, areas, volumes, and more.
  • Multiple File Format Support: Seamlessly import and work with various file formats, including PDFs, DWGs, and images.
  • Customizable Assemblies: Create and save reusable assemblies for frequently used materials and components, streamlining takeoffs.
  • Advanced Measurement Tools: Handle complex shapes and curved lines with tools like arc calculations and automatic cut-out deductions.
  • Color Coding and Annotation Tools: Highlight different takeoff items, track progress, and add notes directly on plans for clear communication.
  • Powerful Reporting Tools: Generate detailed takeoff reports with customizable layouts, filtering options, and cost summaries.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration: Work together on projects in real-time with team members and clients, regardless of location.
  • Mobile App Integration: Access project data, view plans, and perform basic takeoffs on the go with the mobile app.
  • Open API Integration: Connect PlanSwift with other software you use through its open API for increased data flow and automation.
  • Scalability and Customization: Adapt PlanSwift to your specific needs with customizable settings, user roles, and data fields.
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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

#7

among all
Construction Estimating Software

#41

among all
Construction Estimating Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

61
76
8
79
38
80
89
66
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Takeoff Capabilities
Document and Database Management
Reports and Dashboards
Platform Capabilities
Takeoff Capabilities

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

PlanSwift
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 8 38 89 65 62 34 65 99 79 80 66 82 99 61 100 88 0 25 50 75 100
0%
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100%
86%
0%
14%
38%
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62%
88%
0%
12%
100%
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0%
73%
0%
27%
67%
0%
33%
86%
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14%
60%
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40%
100%
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25%
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75%
63%
0%
37%
67%
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33%
100%
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100%
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88%
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12%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

67%
0%
33%
42%
0%
58%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 411 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 289 reviews
86%
of users recommend this product

PlanSwift has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 411 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

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.

4.3 (23)
n/a
4.3 (377)
4.5 (289)
4.0 (11)
n/a

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated PlanSwift and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Takeoff Capabilities.

Takeoff Capabilities 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

User-Friendly Interface: Planswift is praised for its intuitive and straightforward interface which allows users to easily navigate and utilize the software, enhancing productivity for takeoff and estimating tasks.
Accurate Takeoffs: Users appreciate the precision that Planswift provides, enabling them to quickly generate accurate materials and labor estimates, essential for competitive bidding and managing project margins.
Customizable Templates: With Planswift, the ability to create custom templates for various project types helps streamline the estimating process, saving valuable time while ensuring consistency across estimates.
Integration with Other Software: The software's compatibility with third-party applications ensures a seamless workflow, allowing for the easy import and export of data and enhancing overall efficiency.
On-Screen Takeoff: The on-screen takeoff feature allows users to directly measure plans on their computer screen, reducing the need for physical plans and promoting a paperless environment.
Support and Training: Responsive customer support combined with a robust set of training resources empowers users to maximize the potential of the software.
Cost-Effective: Many users find Planswift to be an affordable solution without compromising the functionality required for managing takeoff and estimating complexities.
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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: For new users, PlanSwift can be quite daunting to learn and master, particularly for those with limited tech experience, potentially delaying project starts.
Occasional Bugs: Users have reported running into software glitches that can disrupt the takeoff and estimating process, requiring workarounds or customer support intervention.
Inconsistent Customer Support: While some users find the support helpful, others report slow response times and varying levels of assistance when facing issues with the software.
Performance Issues with Large Files: Handling large and complex projects can sometimes slow down the software, leading to longer loading times and decreased responsiveness.
Limited Cloud Capabilities: Compared to competitors, PlanSwift's cloud features are not as robust, potentially hindering collaboration and remote access for teams.
Cost Prohibitive for Small Businesses: The pricing structure can be on the higher end, presenting financial challenges for small firms or independent contractors.
Outdated Interface: Some users feel that the user interface is not as modern or intuitive as other solutions, affecting user experience and efficiency.
Limited Integration with Other Platforms: PlanSwift's ability to integrate with other construction management or accounting software is often seen as insufficient or overly complex.
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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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Users consistently praise Planswift's user-friendliness and affordability compared to industry giants like Bluebeam Revu and OnCenter Estimating. Newcomers find its interface intuitive and training resources abundant, enabling them to become productive quickly. Additionally, Planswift's subscription model makes it financially accessible to smaller firms and individual contractors. However, some users lament a perceived lack of advanced features present in competitors. While Planswift boasts core functionalities like 3D takeoff and integration with popular CAD programs, it may not cater to highly complex projects requiring specialized tools for intricate assemblies or detailed cost estimating. A key differentiator highlighted by users is Planswift's customer support. They commend its responsiveness and helpfulness, often exceeding expectations compared to competitors. This personalized support is crucial for users encountering technical issues or seeking guidance on advanced functionalities. Ultimately, user reviews depict Planswift as a valuable tool for those prioritizing ease of use, affordability, and reliable customer support. However, users requiring in-depth features for highly specialized projects might find themselves needing to explore alternative solutions. Weighing individual needs against Planswift's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for making an informed decision.

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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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Screenshots

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