Bluebeam vs e-Builder

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Our analysts compared Bluebeam vs e-Builder 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.

e-Builder Software Tool

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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e-Builder provides an integrated, cloud-based platform with a focus on capital planning and bidding. It is designed for construction professionals and facility owners. It keeps teams connected while providing configurable inclusions to support facility owners. Several modules are available out of the box so users can design their project management experience.

Users can manage project data with its suite of modules. The functionality to improve planning, design and many other key construction processes provides a collaborative project environment. It is used by over 400 professionals and has supported over $300 billion in capital programs.
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$49/User, Monthly
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Product Assistance

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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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  • Improve Capital Planning: Create better construction project budgets with financial and audit oversight modules. View how much a prospective project could cost using forecasting capabilities. 
  • Centralized Database: Access important project documents using dashboards. Store data in an accessible location to keep teams on the same page. 
  • Better Scheduling Practices: Relay delays that impact project completion to user dashboards to keep users apprised of issues affecting upcoming milestones. Updated project cost information is available at all times. 
  • Integrations: Set up everything from financial to design solutions with APIs and data exchange tools. 
  • Rollout Support: Receive notifications about system updates. Help employees get accustomed to new functionalities. 
  • Manage Designs: Review design edits using automated version control. 
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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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  • Cost Management: Analyze data from previous projects to define contingency budgets and predict costs required for the completion of projects to reduce expensive errors. Review critical financial reports to help make data-driven decisions. Mitigate cost-related risks to help keep finances under control. 
  • Automated Workflows: Collect electronic signatures to shorten approval time using verification tools. Integrate project management and scheduling modules to keep projects on track. 
  • Schedule Management: Assign tasks and allocate resources to help streamline project processes. Link schedules to budgets to manage cash flows. Allow managers to anticipate delays to help make strategic business decisions. Grant permissions to authorized users to update schedules. 
  • Centralized Documentation: Store data gathered from various points in a project’s life cycle in a central database. Find and share crucial documents with team members to build a collaborative work environment. 
  • Reporting: Import reports into Excel. Export data into Powerpoint when project presentations come around. Generate reports to avoid conflicting data entries. 
  • Design: Import CAD and BIM files into the system to review designs. Access files directly from a browser to leverage automated workflows and ensure design reviews are completed quickly. 
  • Procurement: Get rid of resource-intensive bidding paperwork and mailing services with included procurement management support. Distribute bid packages and answer bidding questions quickly. Store bid responses in a centralized location. 
  • Business Intelligence Tools: Keep ahead of any surprises or problems that may arise with BI tools to gather and display vital data using dashboards. 
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Product Ranking

#17

among all
Construction Management Software

#4

among all
Construction Management Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 2083 reviews
Great User Sentiment 303 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.

88%
of users recommend this product

e-Builder has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 303 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (16)
4.4 (7)
4.5 (298)
4.1 (12)
4.68 (880)
4.4 (273)
4.7 (778)
n/a
4.4 (111)
4.2 (11)

Awards

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

User Favorite Award

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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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User Friendly: The system is intuitive and accessible, as noted by approximately 88% of users who mentioned its usability.
Functionality: It offers a robust suite of successful project management tools, as reported by 85% of the users who mentioned the product’s functionality.
Customization: Almost 80% of the users who mentioned its customizability state that the tool can be adjusted according to their needs.
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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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Interface: Nearly 61% of the users who mention its interface do not like it and say that it is not easy to navigate.
Support: Support for the system can be slow, with some users noting that their queries take 2-3 days to be resolved, as reported by 60% of users who mention support. Also, the available documentation isn’t enough, as it doesn’t make the tool easy to learn.
Learning Curve: It has a steep learning curve, as mentioned by 84% of the users who mention its learning curve.
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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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e-Builder maintains a historical record of accounts receivables invoices and their status. Users mentioned that admin roles are helpful, and its forms are easy to use. It helps manage employee workloads. Most users prefer the web version to its mobile app. Customization of reports is not always possible. Cost may be a potential hurdle for small businesses. Learning how to use the software to its full capacity is challenging for most users, and they think that without more hands-on training, using the tool becomes a challenge.

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Screenshots

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