STACK vs Methvin

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Our analysts compared STACK vs Methvin based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Takeoff Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

STACK is a cloud-based estimating and materials management software solution that helps users measure plans, collaborate with stakeholders, create proposals and finalize estimates. It is designed for suppliers, manufacturers, general contractors and subcontractors and helps them with team collaboration, plan viewing and reporting. Its engagement inclusions and flexible offerings connect materials to customers.

It has robust callout, markup, invitation and sharing modules that align information between teams. Users can create proposals by adjusting markup tax, costs and overheads. Its centralized hub enables growth and project efficiencies. It also organizes documents and project details.

Pros
  • User-friendly interface
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Collaboration features
  • Mobile app availability
  • Integrations with other tools
Cons
  • Limited free plan features
  • Learning curve for advanced tools
  • Can be slow with large projects
  • Limited customization options
  • Customer support costs extra
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Methvin is a takeoff and estimating software designed to streamline construction project bidding and cost management. It caters to contractors of all sizes, but its comprehensive features and integrated functionalities might particularly benefit medium-sized businesses handling complex projects. Users can extract quantities directly from plans, generate bills of materials, and create detailed cost estimates. Integration with scheduling and resource management modules allows for comprehensive project oversight. Methvin is praised for its ease of use, powerful automation, and ability to handle diverse project types. Compared to similar offerings, Methvin emphasizes visual takeoff tools, comprehensive cost databases, and seamless integration across estimating, scheduling, and resource management. However, user reviews suggest its pricing might be less competitive for smaller firms, with costs typically based on a per-user, annual subscription model.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast takeoff creation
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Integrates with other tools
  • Affordable pricing
Cons
  • Limited customization
  • Fewer features than competitors
  • Can be slow with large projects
  • Limited reporting options
  • Customer support can be slow
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$49/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$27 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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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

  • Improved Efficiency: Streamline workflows with automated calculations, standardized takeoffs, and real-time data access, reducing project time and minimizing manual errors.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Foster seamless communication and project visibility with cloud-based storage, shared models, and integrated communication tools, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
  • Cost Optimization: Gain accurate material estimates and detailed cost breakdowns early in the planning process, enabling informed decision-making and budget control.
  • Reduced Risk and Errors: Minimize errors with standardized methods, pre-built libraries, and real-time error checking, leading to improved project quality and reduced rework costs.
  • Increased Transparency and Reporting: Generate comprehensive reports and track project progress in real-time, providing stakeholders with clear insights and improving project transparency.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Adapt to projects of all sizes and complexities with customizable workflows, user roles, and integrations with existing software, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs.
  • Improved Mobile Accessibility: Access project information, update quantities, and collaborate with team members on the go using the mobile app, maximizing flexibility and productivity.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage historical project data and industry benchmarks for informed bidding, resource allocation, and project planning, maximizing profitability and competitiveness.
  • Enhanced Team Performance: Empower teams with intuitive tools, automation, and real-time insights, enabling them to work smarter, faster, and achieve better results.
  • Reduced Administrative Burden: Automate repetitive tasks, streamline data management, and centralize project information, freeing up valuable time for strategic work.
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  • Speed Up Takeoffs: Measure areas in both imperial and metric scales with the web-based takeoff tool. Achieve accurate calculations to prepare attractive bids. 
  • Access Work Remotely: Communicate with teams or individual contractors from anywhere, anytime. Stay connected and updated with the progress of the project remotely.
  • Incorporate Multiple Integrations: Export to Excel, create PDFs and much more with multiple third-party integrations.
  • Manage Projects Efficiently: Starting from tendering up to the execution phase, touch all stages of the construction project to stay updated.
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  • Comprehensive Takeoff & Estimating: Calculate accurate material quantities and costs with advanced tools like multi-dimensional takeoffs, automatic assemblies, and integrated cost databases.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration: Store project documents, plans, and models securely in the cloud, enabling real-time access, version control, and seamless collaboration across teams.
  • Mobile App for Field Productivity: Access project information, capture data, update quantities, and collaborate with team members directly from the field using the mobile app.
  • Integrated Issue & Punch List Management: Identify, track, and resolve issues and deficiencies efficiently with photo markups, task assignments, and progress tracking tools.
  • Advanced Drawing & Markup Tools: View, annotate, and collaborate on plans and drawings with features like layer control, dimensioning tools, and cloud-based markups.
  • Customizable Reports & Dashboards: Generate comprehensive reports and dashboards tailored to your needs, providing real-time insights into project progress, costs, and performance.
  • Open API & Integrations: Integrate STACK with existing software and tools like accounting systems, project management platforms, and industry-specific applications.
  • Role-Based Permissions & Security: Control access to project data and features based on user roles and permissions, ensuring data security and project integrity.
  • Offline Functionality: Access essential project data and tools even without an internet connection, maximizing productivity in remote locations.
  • Advanced Quantity Takeoff Tools: Utilize features like automatic takeoffs from 2D and 3D models, takeoff libraries, and integrations with estimating software for faster and more accurate material calculations.
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  • Audit Trail: Obtain documentary evidence about project progression from audits. Stay updated with the associated costs of events and processes that occurred.
  • Templates: Leverage custom templates to build designs and send measurements seamlessly. Add notes and color areas showing changes and updates.
  • Electrical Estimating: Generate cost estimates and win bids efficiently. Link worksheets to multiple tasks and divide them accordingly to perform accurate pricing.
  • Historical Database: Transform historical construction data into useful information to incorporate in projects. Avoid the pitfalls of construction processes by implementing corrections based on data.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Extract actionable insights from reporting to make improvements to projects. Leverage metrics to plan daily tasks to increase productivity.
  • Project Management: Stay on top of required materials and labor and track project progress. Address areas needing improvement to run projects smoothly.
  • Takeoff: Perform fast and accurate takeoffs remotely. Measure material perimeters and length and count elements. Maintain complete oversight throughout the process.
  • Subcontractor Management: Keep subcontractors updated on changes and project progress. Allow them to access necessary documents.
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Product Ranking

#2

among all
Takeoff Software

#31

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

82
67
87
67
90
58
57
57
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Reports and Dashboards
Trades Management
Measurement Tools
Plans Management
Measurement Management
Trades Management
Project Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

STACK
Methvin
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 87 90 57 88 72 63 100 100 67 58 57 58 72 88 71 100 0 25 50 75 100
87%
0%
13%
67%
0%
33%
92%
0%
8%
58%
0%
42%
57%
0%
43%
57%
0%
43%
88%
0%
12%
59%
0%
41%
67%
0%
33%
67%
0%
33%
63%
0%
37%
88%
0%
12%
100%
0%
0%
71%
0%
29%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

70%
0%
30%
40%
0%
60%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 1077 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 35 reviews
90%
of users recommend this product

STACK has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 1077 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

90%
of users recommend this product

Methvin has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 35 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.8 (1)
n/a
3.7 (10)
4.4 (17)
4.5 (1066)
4.6 (18)

Awards

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

User Favorite Award
Reports and Dashboards Award

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

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User-Friendly Interface: Users appreciate STACK's intuitive and modern interface that simplifies navigation and reduces the learning curve for new users.
Cloud-Based Accessibility: Being cloud-based enables team members to access project information and collaborate in real-time from any location, enhancing flexibility and remote work possibilities.
Accurate Takeoffs: STACK provides precise and reliable takeoff capabilities, which is critical for construction professionals to estimate materials, labor, and costs accurately.
Integrated Cost Estimating: Users can seamlessly transition from takeoffs to cost estimating, improving workflow and reducing potential for error between these integrated processes.
Customizable Reporting: The software offers customizable reporting features, allowing users to generate detailed and specific reports tailored to their needs.
Responsive Support Team: The customer support team is noted for being responsive and helpful, providing quality assistance when users encounter issues.
Continuous Updates: STACK is commended for its ongoing updates and feature enhancements, keeping the platform up-to-date with the latest industry standards and user requirements.
Comprehensive Training Resources: The provision of extensive training materials and webinars facilitates user education and maximizes the software’s value.
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User-Friendly Interface: Many users appreciate Methvin for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which simplifies the learning curve and accelerates the adoption process for new users.
Flexible Estimating Tools: The estimating suite in Methvin is often praised for its flexibility, allowing users to create detailed and adjustable estimates that can be easily tailored to different project requirements.
Collaborative Features: The platform promotes team collaboration, enabling multiple stakeholders to work on the same estimate simultaneously, which enhances efficiency and reduces errors.
Integration Capabilities: Users favor Methvin’s ability to integrate with other software systems, expanding its functionality and fitting well into existing technology ecosystems.
Responsive Customer Support: Responsive customer service garners positive feedback, as users find the support team helpful and quick to resolve any issues that arise.
Cloud-Based Solution: Being a cloud-based platform, Methvin offers accessibility from various devices and locations, which is crucial for teams that are often on-the-go or working remotely.
Comprehensive Reporting: Methvin’s reporting capabilities are considered robust, enabling users to generate insightful reports that assist with decision-making and project tracking.
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Limited Customization: Some users report that STACK's customization options are not as extensive as they would prefer, leading to a less personalized experience that may not precisely fit unique workflows.
User Interface Complexity: The learning curve for new users can be steep, with some finding the interface and navigation to be not as intuitive, affecting onboarding and productivity.
Integration Challenges: Certain users have encountered difficulties when trying to integrate STACK with other systems, which can disrupt data flow and overall project management efficiency.
Performance Issues: There are occasional reports about the software lagging or being unresponsive, especially when handling large and complex projects or datasets.
Cost Considerations: For some small businesses or independent contractors, the cost of STACK can be prohibitive, particularly when considering the additional features and users that may be necessary.
Limited Reporting Features: Feedback indicates that the reporting functionality may not be as robust or versatile as required by some users for in-depth analysis and decision-making.
Customer Support Concerns: There have been instances where users have expressed dissatisfaction with customer support response times and the effectiveness of the assistance received.
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Limited Integration Capabilities: Users often find Methvin's integration with other systems lacking, making it challenging to achieve a seamless workflow between various construction management tools.
User Interface Complexity: Some users report that Methvin's user interface can be less intuitive and more complicated than similar platforms, leading to a steeper learning curve.
Performance Issues: There are occasional reports about the software's slow performance, especially when handling larger, more complex projects, which can hinder productivity.
Customer Support Concerns: Users have expressed frustrations with customer support, indicating slow response times and lack of effective solutions to technical problems.
Feature Limitations: Some users feel that Methvin is not as feature-rich as competing estimating solutions, lacking advanced functionalities that could streamline the estimating process.
Mobile Experience: Users needing robust on-the-go access have pointed out that Methvin's mobile experience doesn't measure up to its desktop counterpart.
Reporting Inflexibility: The software's reporting tools are sometimes described as inflexible, offering limited customization options for users who need detailed and specific reports.
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User reviews of STACK in the past year highlight its user-friendly interface, cloud-based accessibility, and collaborative features as key strengths. Many users appreciate the intuitive design and the ability to access project information and collaborate with team members from anywhere. Compared to competitors like PlanSwift or OnCenter, STACK is often praised for its ease of use, especially for those new to construction software. However, some users mention a learning curve for advanced features and limited customization options compared to more specialized estimating software. Another frequently cited advantage is STACK's mobile app, allowing users to capture data and update quantities on the go. This is seen as a significant benefit for field work and real-time project tracking, differentiating it from desktop-only competitors. However, some users report performance limitations with very large projects, which can be a drawback for complex builds. Overall, STACK seems to be a popular choice for small and medium-sized construction companies or teams valuing ease of use, collaboration, and mobile accessibility. While it may not offer the same depth of features as advanced estimating software, its user-friendliness and cloud-based platform resonate with many users. Carefully considering your project needs and team's technical expertise is crucial before deciding if STACK is the right fit.

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Sifting through user reviews of Methvin paints a picture of a user-friendly, affordable takeoff and estimating software ideal for smaller to medium-sized projects. Customers consistently praise its intuitive interface, cloud-based accessibility, and budget-conscious pricing compared to feature-rich competitors like OnCenter or PlanSwift. However, when complexity ramps up, some users find Methvin's capabilities limited. While its basic shapes and scaling tools handle standard takeoffs well, intricate details or curved walls might require exploring alternatives with advanced 3D modeling features. Collaboration shines as a major strength. Real-time data updates and integrations with project management platforms like Asana streamline communication and ensure everyone's on the same page. This is particularly valuable for geographically dispersed teams, a common scenario in construction. Ultimately, Methvin's value proposition lies in its user-friendliness, affordability, and collaborative features. If your projects prioritize ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and team-based workflows within moderate complexity, Methvin emerges as a strong contender. But for highly specialized needs or extensive 3D modeling, exploring competitors with more robust functionalities might be necessary.

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