Bluebeam vs VPO

Last Updated:

Our analysts compared Bluebeam vs VPO 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.

VPO 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
read more...

VPO provides a single platform to manage a construction project’s complete life cycle — from inception to completion. It is designed for architects, engineers, suppliers, vendors, owners, contractors and construction management firms. It is an easy-to-use, secure and cloud-based workspace used by project stakeholders to view, publish and measure progress.  

It leverages Microsoft’s cloud-based modules and combines them with project management, providing a scalable workspace that works for small and large scale operations.  

read more...
$49/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$1,250 Annual, free, quote-based
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

  • 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.
read more...
  • Single Platform: Empowers project partners to manage the life cycle of a project using one system from inception to completion. Use records as proof in case of a dispute or claim. Automates manual processes for document reviews.  
  • Role-based Permissions: Ensures security by letting relevant people access data that they have permission to view. Lets management set item level permissions so that users can only see data related to their user id. Such security is important for applications of payment, change orders and bid documents.
  • Fully Customizable: Offers best practices and is fully customizable. Features like Teams lets companies add features they require for specific projects.  
  • Easy User Adoption: Built on a Microsoft platform and has a similar interface and usability. 
  • Mobility: Can be accessed from anywhere as long as users are connected to the internet using a PC, tablet, Mac or smartphone. Documents can be synced locally. Manage photos, documents, field reports and videos with its mobile app. 
  • Flexible Pricing Plans: Offers flexible plans and payment options for users working on single projects. Annual and monthly pricing plans are available.
  • Secure Cloud Infrastructure: Own and control data with no additional hardware or software licenses.. Does not require IT professionals to install and support.
read more...
  • 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.
read more...
  • Bid Management: Helps maintain a list of bidders and their vital data such as certifications, qualifications and more while managing the bid invitation process. Provides a cloud-based environment to upload bids securely. Sends automatic email notifications to the relevant people.  
  • Document Management: Stores all project documents in the cloud and is accessible from all types of devices. Lets users edit MS Office documents from mobile devices and browsers as it is built on the Microsoft (MS) Office platform. Is OCR search enabled. Lets users work with documents offline and syncs them automatically to the cloud. 
  • Financial Management: Helps users control project costs and decide a budget, define cost categories and cost codes, budget and funding for every cost node, track purchase orders and invoices, payment applications and the way they relate to the budget.  
  • Progress Photos: Lets users take a photo or video from their mobile device, tag it with specific keywords and upload it, making it easy to search for photos.
  • Punch List: Enables project managers to punch in items using their mobile devices while walking the job site. Attach photos, voice recordings and videos to projects. Sends email notifications to team members when punch list items are attached.
  • RFIs: Lets team members submit requests for information (RFI) for the project using any device. Assign RFIs to a team and give team members access to an audit trail, maintaining a single point of record.
read more...

Product Ranking

#17

among all
Construction Management Software

#32

among all
Construction Management Software

Find out who the leaders are

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 2083 reviews
Great User Sentiment 102 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.

84%
of users recommend this product

VPO has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 102 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (16)
n/a
4.5 (298)
n/a
4.68 (880)
4.21 (53)
4.7 (778)
4.2 (49)
4.4 (111)
n/a

Awards

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

User Favorite Award

we're gathering data

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.
Show more
User Friendly: The system is intuitive and accessible, as noted by approximately 82% of users who mentioned its usability and functionality.
Support: Users who mention its support say that response times are fast. 100% of the users who mention its support have good things to say about it.
Customization: Over 80% of the users who mention its customization capabilities state that they could customize the tool according to their business needs.
Show more
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.
Show more
Implementation: Nearly 100% of the users who mention its implementation say that it is time-consuming.
Mobile App: Approximately 100% of the users who mention its mobile interface state that an upgrade would improve its performance.
Show more

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.

Show more

VPO is a user-friendly and intuitive software solution. Existing users really like VPO’s workflow for RFIs and submittals. It lets users access reports and documents in a centralized location. It has also helped them streamline their workflows. It can be customized according to the needs of the users, though not everything can be customized. Also, users should note that it does not provide expanded or updated features post purchase. User permissions about who can view submittals may not be seamless when someone outside the team needs access.

Show more

Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Construction Management Software


Aconex

Buildertrend

CMiC

CoConstruct

Construction Cloud

ConstructionOnline

Contractor Foreman

e-Builder

eSUB

Fieldwire

Jonas Construction Software

PASKR

Procore

Raken

RedTeam

Sage 300 Construction

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