Bluebeam vs Contractor Foreman

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Our analysts compared Bluebeam vs Contractor Foreman based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Construction Management Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Bluebeam is a software platform designed to streamline construction workflows, particularly in the areas of project management, takeoff and estimating. It caters to a wide range of professionals in the construction industry, from architects and engineers to quantity surveyors and contractors. One of its core strengths lies in its ability to centralize and manage project documents efficiently. This includes features like real-time collaboration tools, markups and annotations, and integrated document control. Additionally, Bluebeam offers robust takeoff and estimating functionalities, enabling users to extract quantities, generate bids, and track project costs effectively. When compared to similar products, Bluebeam stands out for its user-friendly interface, collaborative features, and comprehensive set of construction-specific tools. User reviews often praise its intuitive design, efficient workflows, and ability to improve communication and coordination across teams. However, it's important to consider the pricing structure, which can be based on per-user licenses or tiered subscription plans, depending on the specific features and functionalities required.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Accurate takeoff tools
  • Streamlined workflows
  • Improved communication
Cons
  • Subscription cost
  • Limited Mac support
  • Advanced features complexity
  • Minor interface quirks
  • Learning curve for beginners
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Contractor Foreman is a cloud-based, full-service solution designed for general contractors and subcontractors. Its online panel and apps enable contractors to access data from anywhere via web browsers and internet-enabled devices. It supports over 35 modules like project, document, contact and safety management along with reporting, accounting and financials.

It helps create accurate estimates and invoices and process payments electronically. Additionally, it integrates with QuickBooks to reduce data entry errors.
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$49/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$49/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
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Android
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Cloud
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Mobile
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On-Premise
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Product Assistance

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Email
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FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time markups, shared workspaces, and centralized document storage streamline communication and feedback loops across project teams, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Improved Efficiency: Automated workflows, batch processing tools, and powerful search functionalities significantly reduce manual tasks and accelerate project delivery timelines.
  • Accurate Cost Estimation: Integrated takeoff and estimating capabilities with industry-standard tools and libraries ensure precise material calculations and bids, leading to better project budgeting and cost control.
  • Reduced Rework & Errors: Robust markup and annotation tools with version control and issue tracking minimize miscommunication and ensure everyone works on the latest information, minimizing costly rework.
  • Increased Transparency & Accountability: Centralized document management and audit trails provide clear visibility into project progress, changes, and responsibilities, fostering accountability and stakeholder confidence.
  • Optimized Field Management: Mobile apps and offline capabilities allow for seamless data access and markups on the go, improving field data collection, communication, and punch list management.
  • Scalability & Customization: Flexible licensing models and customizable toolsets cater to the needs of projects of all sizes and complexities, ensuring a scalable solution that grows with your business.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into project performance, resource allocation, and collaboration trends, enabling data-driven decision making for future projects.
  • Enhanced Security & Compliance: Secure cloud storage, user access controls, and audit trails ensure data privacy and compliance with industry regulations.
  • Strong User Community & Support: Access to extensive online resources, training programs, and responsive technical support empowers users to get the most out of the software and address any challenges efficiently.
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  • Streamline Client Relations: Enable clients to create online estimates, view project photos and financial documents, receive payments, and share project schedules via the client portal. 
  • Manage Files: Tag documents for quick access. Store unlimited files in a centralized location. Filter records by project, customer or tag. 
  • Send Notices: Share compliance and schedule notices, notes, daily logs, and RFIs with employees and clients. Document construction delays with just a few clicks. 
  • Track Time: Track workers’ locations using GPS technology. Use timecard data to calculate billing rates, burden rates and wages. Automatically send running timecard notifications to employees. 
  • Complete Projects on Time: Create schedules with drag-and-drop functionality. Export and import schedules in various file formats. 
  • Maintain Safety: Access over 1,000 safety topics and stay OSHA-compliant. Filter safety logs by dates, employees and issues. 
  • Manage Employees: Add staff to groups and track their timecards, meeting schedules and continuing education from a single screen. 
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  • Real-time Collaboration: Simultaneous markups and annotations with team members across various locations.
  • Centralized Document Management: Secure cloud storage and version control for all project documents.
  • Advanced Markup Tools: Diverse annotation tools like text boxes, stamps, shapes, and freehand drawings.
  • Integrated Takeoff & Estimating: Measure lengths, areas, and volumes directly from PDFs for accurate material calculations and bids.
  • Batch Processing: Automate repetitive tasks like scaling, stamping, and adding headers/footers to multiple documents.
  • Quantity Link with Excel: Synchronize takeoff data with spreadsheets for detailed cost analysis and reporting.
  • Studio Sessions: Real-time collaboration environment for markups and discussions on specific project documents.
  • Mobile Apps: View, annotate, and manage documents on the go with dedicated iOS and Android apps.
  • Dynamic Stamps: Create custom stamps with variable data fields that automatically update based on project information.
  • 2D Photo Markups: Embed and annotate photos directly within PDFs for clear visual communication.
  • Document Comparison & Overlay: Visually compare different versions of PDFs and identify changes efficiently.
  • Scripting & Automation: Create custom scripts to automate complex workflows and repetitive tasks.
  • Advanced Security: Secure cloud storage, user access controls, and audit trails ensure data privacy and compliance.
  • Openness & Integrations: Integrate with various construction management platforms and BIM software for seamless data exchange.
  • Extensive Training & Support: Access to online resources, training programs, and responsive technical support.
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  • Timecards: Access crew sheets and employee cards to track work hours. Generate reports to view staff workloads. 
  • Client Portal: Enable customers to make payments, view schedules, access documents, and approve quotes and change orders digitally. 
  • Inspection: Create inspection checklists to avoid missing critical steps. Track inspections by permit numbers, statuses or dates. Attach documents, photos and notes to records. 
  • Financials and Accounting: Automatically import estimate items and approved change orders into invoices. Track financial performance using progress billing functionality. Send bills via email to receive faster payments. 
  • Scheduling: Integrate with Google Calendar to organize and prioritize tasks. Toggle between Gantt, list and calendar views. 
  • Estimating: Create and share estimates with clients. Add markups, taxes and descriptions to line items. 
  • Online Payments: Enable clients to pay via credit card, online and in person. Track remaining balances and amounts paid on the contract. Create a payment log to monitor financial activities. 
  • Daily Logs: Track daily activities such as weather conditions, visitors, tasks accomplished, materials used and delays. 
  • Integration: Sync data with QuickBooks to reduce double data entry mistakes. 
  • Change Orders: Ensure payments even when clients change the type or components of orders. 
  • Access Control: Grant role-based access permissions to employees to protect confidential data. 
  • Reporting: Generate and import reports into other tools for analysis. Customize and export data into multiple file formats. Utilize built-in templates to save time. 
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Product Ranking

#17

among all
Construction Management Software

#59

among all
Construction Management Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 2083 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 640 reviews
93%
of users recommend this product

Bluebeam has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 93% when considering 2083 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

90%
of users recommend this product

Contractor Foreman has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 640 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (16)
5.0 (13)
4.5 (298)
4.7 (35)
4.68 (880)
4.46 (334)
4.7 (778)
4.5 (258)
4.4 (111)
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Awards

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

User Favorite Award

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

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Functionality: The solution provides all the necessary tools and features required to perform quick and accurate takeoffs, according to 76% of users.
Ease of Use: According to 94% of users, the application’s user interface is slick and user-friendly. They found it easy to navigate and find desired features.
Support: About 94% of users who mentioned this pro praised the quick response and ability to solve issues quickly.
Sharing & Collaboration: Regarding this feature, approximately 80% of users said that the solution separates documents in order and exports them to a designated folder seamlessly.
PDF Viewing: According to 99% of users, the software offers an optimum PDF viewing experience that streamlines takeoff measurements.
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Ease of Use: The product’s UI is intuitive and simple to understand, according to 70% of users.
Project Management: More than 95% of users who reviewed this pro said the solution offers a client portal, dashboard and daily logs to help streamline business operations.
Financial and Accounting: About 98% of users who mentioned this pro said the platform simplifies estimating and invoicing processes.
Cost: More than 95% of users who reviewed this pro said the product’s budget-friendly.
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Speed & Performance: In spite of having top features, the solution is laggy and hangs from time to time, according to 62% of users.
Deployment: According to 76% of users, the software lacks dynamic integration capabilities with in-house systems.
Training: About 58% of users who mentioned this con said the application has a steep learning curve.
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Speed: The platform slows down while uploading large datasets, according to 95% of users.
Integration: All users who reviewed this con said it's difficult to integrate with QuickBooks.
Missing Features: About 83% of users who mentioned this con said the product doesn’t offer unlimited customization options, advanced HR functions and robust communication tools.
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Bluebeam's user reviews in the past year paint a picture of a powerful and versatile construction software with some room for improvement. Users praise its intuitive interface, extensive PDF editing and markup features, and seamless integration with popular project management platforms. These strengths are particularly valuable for streamlining communication and collaboration across disciplines, as exemplified by a reviewer who noted how Bluebeam "eliminated the need for paper markups and endless email chains" on their project. However, some users find Bluebeam's takeoff functionalities less robust compared to dedicated takeoff software like OnCenter or PlanSwift. While Bluebeam offers basic auto-scaling and dimensioning tools, complex projects often require manual verification and lack features like real-time material cost integration. This can be a dealbreaker for users who prioritize advanced takeoff capabilities. Another point of contention is the subscription pricing model, which some users find expensive compared to perpetual licenses offered by competitors. However, others appreciate the continuous updates and access to cloud-based features that come with the subscription. Ultimately, the cost-effectiveness depends on individual needs and project scale. In conclusion, Bluebeam excels in collaboration, communication, and general PDF management for construction projects. It's a strong choice for teams seeking a user-friendly platform to streamline workflows and centralize information. However, users requiring advanced takeoff functionalities or those on a tight budget might find other options more suitable.

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Contractor Foreman is a web-based software designed for small businesses. Many reviewers were content with the solution’s project management capabilities. Several users noted, the product’s inexpensive when compared to competitors. On the contrary, many criticized that the software doesn’t offer seamless integration with QuickBooks. They also observed that the platform lags while using certain modules. Overall, the product’s a good fit for organizations needing help with project management and accounting.

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Screenshots

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