Top SmartBid Alternatives & Competitors For 2024

Last Updated:

Looking for alternatives to SmartBid? Many users crave user-friendly and feature-rich solutions for tasks like Planroom & Document Management, General Contractor Functionalities, and Bid Request Management. Leveraging crowdsourced data from over 1,000 real Construction Bidding Software selection projects based on 400+ capabilities, we present a comparison of SmartBid to leading industry alternatives like Bidtracer, BuildingConnected, Construction Cost Estimator, and ConstructConnect.

Bidtracer Software Tool
Construction Cost Estimator Software Tool
ConstructConnect Software Tool

Product Basics

SmartBid by ConstructConnect is a mobile and web-based platform that helps general contractors and subcontractors streamline bidding processes. Users can send bid invitations, share documents, prequalify contractors and manage project data. It integrates with Procore, Dropbox and Autodesk BIM 360.

It ensures secure data storage, gives contractors access to qualified subs and corresponding contact information, and transfers documentation and attachments. Contractors can compare submitted bids by consolidating bid data, replacing spreadsheets and standardizing bid tabulation.
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Developed by Specialty Software Group, Bidtracer is a web-based software that offers project and bid managing, equipment tracking, and estimating functionalities. Contractors can track leads and opportunities with sales and marketing inclusions. It provides integration with Microsoft Outlook to help streamline communication. Project managers can export proposals to PDFs or Microsoft Word.

Store unlimited documents in a centralized database. Access files from remote locations using iOS or Android devices. Encourage workers to use prebuilt task lists to simplify work processes. Collaborative tools help promote harmony as well as improve productivity among employees.
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BuildingConnected is a platform that connects builders and owners to construction networks to tackle risk management and bidding processes. It is designed for general contractors, subcontractors and owners. It manages bids and proposals to increase ROI. It helps reduce risk, automate analysis and recommend steps to lower risk. It also assists in tracking projects, bid invites, status updates and due dates from a centralized monitoring suite.

Furthermore, it supports bid leveling to identify the lowest bid, increase transparency and lower risk. It offers data-based decisions, provides historical data and tracks relationships. It includes cloud storage, Procore integrations, branded invites, bid lists and plan rooms.
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Construction Cost Estimator is an iOS-based management and estimation tool designed for general contractors, electricians, excavators, insurance estimators, painters, roofers and more. It helps with on-site and service estimates. Users can create estimates on-site, send quotes to clients and print documents with just a few clicks.

Its app contains the cost of 30,000 items. Users can add custom items to costbooks. Generate customized reports with contact details and the company’s logo for internal staff and customers.
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ConstructConnect provides pre-construction, bidding and takeoff solutions designed for contractors of all sizes to help streamline and optimize business processes. Track projects right from inception up to bid day. Contractors can manage important project documents off-site using the mobile app. It offers analytical tools that help project managers make strategic business decisions.

Perform accurate takeoffs that help generate error-free estimates. It offers integrations with Excel, Salesforce, SmartBid and more to assist contractors with avoiding data entry errors.
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$450
$50
$399
$19.98
$1,000
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Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
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On-Premise
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On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
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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
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
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24/7 Live Support
Email
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Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Ranking

#12

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#25

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#4

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#39

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#8

among all
Construction Bidding Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

76
55
77
we're gathering data
63
42
39
73
we're gathering data
42
76
80
83
we're gathering data
69
85
88
89
we're gathering data
81
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Planroom & Document Management
Subcontractor Functionalities
Integrations & Extensibility
Subcontractor Prequalification
Bid Request Management
Planroom & Document Management
Bid Request Management
Support
Planroom & Document Management
General Contractor Functionalities
Bid Request Management
Subcontractor Functionalities
General Contractor Functionalities
Planroom & Document Management
Support
Subcontractor Prequalification
Subcontractor Functionalities
Support

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

SmartBid
Bidtracer
BuildingConnected
Construction Cost Estimator
ConstructConnect
+ Add Product + Add Product
Analytics & Reporting Bid Invitation & Closing Management Bid Request Management General Contractor Functionalities Planroom & Document Management Subcontractor Functionalities Subcontractor Prequalification 42 76 85 57 95 88 87 39 80 88 59 100 12 61 73 83 89 94 99 85 67 42 69 81 82 81 78 68 0 25 50 75 100
42%
58%
42%
58%
75%
25%
0%
100%
42%
58%
77%
23%
77%
23%
82%
18%
0%
100%
73%
27%
83%
17%
92%
8%
92%
8%
0%
100%
83%
17%
57%
43%
63%
37%
100%
0%
0%
100%
88%
12%
86%
14%
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0%
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0%
100%
86%
14%
89%
11%
11%
89%
89%
11%
0%
100%
78%
22%
88%
12%
63%
37%
75%
25%
0%
100%
75%
25%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

86%
14%
7%
93%
36%
64%
0%
100%
14%
86%

Analyst Ratings for Vendor Qualification Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

0%
100%
0%
100%
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100%
0%
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100%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 95 reviews
Great User Sentiment 20 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 202 reviews
Great User Sentiment 12 reviews
Great User Sentiment 5 reviews
87%
of users recommend this product

SmartBid has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 95 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

80%
of users recommend this product

Bidtracer has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 80% when considering 20 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

92%
of users recommend this product

BuildingConnected has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 202 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

85%
of users recommend this product

Construction Cost Estimator has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 12 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

84%
of users recommend this product

ConstructConnect has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 5 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (24)
n/a
4.3 (18)
4.5 (1)
n/a
n/a
4.0 (10)
n/a
n/a
n/a
4.4 (64)
4.0 (10)
4.6 (176)
4.2 (11)
n/a
4.0 (7)
n/a
4.7 (8)
n/a
4.2 (5)

Awards

Integrations & Extensibility Award
we're gathering data
User Favorite Award
Bid Request Management Award
we're gathering data
we're gathering data

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Streamlined Bid Management: SmartBid centralizes the entire bid process, allowing General Contractors to efficiently manage invitations to bid, track subcontractor interest, and compare bids side-by-side.
Enhanced Collaboration: The platform facilitates seamless communication and collaboration between General Contractors and Subcontractors, ensuring everyone is on the same page throughout the bidding process.
Improved Accuracy and Efficiency: SmartBid helps General Contractors avoid costly errors by automating tasks such as bid leveling and ensuring accurate bid comparisons.
Increased Subcontractor Reach: SmartBid provides access to a vast network of qualified Subcontractors, expanding the pool of potential bidders and increasing competition.
Time Savings: By automating many of the manual tasks involved in the bidding process, SmartBid frees up valuable time for General Contractors, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of their projects.
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Centralized Platform: Bidtracer provides a single location to manage the bidding process, eliminating the need to juggle multiple spreadsheets and emails.
Streamlined Communication: The platform facilitates seamless communication between general contractors and subcontractors, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Improved Subcontractor Discovery: Bidtracer's extensive network allows general contractors to easily find qualified subcontractors for their projects.
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User-Friendly: The platform’s UI is simple and easy to use, according to 85% of users.
Bid Management: According to 74% of users who reviewed this pro, the product’s bid board consisting of modules such as bid tracking, leveling and packaging helps prevent data entry errors.
Document Control: About 81% of users who mentioned this pro said that it’s easy to view and modify files in real time.
Subcontractor Functionalities: Regarding this feature, approximately 62% of users said it’s simple to search for subs by location or names via subcontractor databases.
Streamlined Communication: According to 73% of users who reviewed this, the software makes it easy to follow up and send emails to vendors.
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Accurate Estimates: Users appreciate the software's ability to generate precise cost estimates, which helps them win bids and avoid costly overruns. For example, one user mentioned that the software helped them accurately estimate the cost of a large commercial project, saving them thousands of dollars.
Time-Saving Features: The software's automated features, such as material takeoffs and labor calculations, save users significant time and effort. One user stated that the software reduced their estimating time by 50%, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business.
User-Friendly Interface: Users find the software's interface intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those with limited experience in construction estimating. One user commented that the software was "so easy to use, even my interns could figure it out."
Comprehensive Database: The software's extensive database of materials, labor costs, and other relevant information ensures that users have access to the most up-to-date pricing data. One user noted that the software's database helped them stay ahead of the curve on fluctuating material costs.
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Comprehensive Project Information: Access detailed project information, including plans, specs, contacts, and bid dates, all in one place.
Streamlined Bidding Process: Submit bids electronically, track their progress, and receive notifications of bid awards or rejections.
Targeted Project Leads: Receive customized project leads based on your company's capabilities and interests, ensuring you're only bidding on projects you're qualified for.
Collaboration Tools: Collaborate with team members and subcontractors on bids and projects, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Time Savings: Reduce the time spent searching for and bidding on projects, allowing you to focus on winning more work.
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Steep Learning Curve: SmartBid's extensive features and functionalities can be overwhelming for new users, requiring significant time investment to learn and navigate effectively.
Customization Challenges: Adapting SmartBid to specific workflows or unique bidding processes can be difficult due to limitations in customization options, potentially hindering efficiency for companies with specialized needs.
Integration Issues: Integrating SmartBid with existing software or project management tools can pose challenges, requiring additional effort and potentially leading to data inconsistencies or workflow disruptions.
Cost Considerations: The pricing structure of SmartBid may be a concern for some construction firms, particularly smaller businesses or those with budget constraints, as it can represent a significant investment.
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Limited Customization: Users have expressed frustration over the inflexibility of Bidtracer's templates, finding it difficult to tailor them to their specific project needs and branding preferences.
Cumbersome Interface: Navigating the platform has been described as clunky and unintuitive, particularly when managing a large volume of bids or complex projects.
Integration Challenges: A common complaint is the lack of seamless integration with other popular construction management software, leading to data silos and manual workarounds.
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Scope of Work: It’s impossible to edit incorrectly categorized trade information and difficult to spell out scopes of work when sending documents, according to 66% of users.
Technological Aspects: According to 88% of users who reviewed this con, the system’s webpage isn’t mobile-optimized and needs a strong internet connection to function.
Reporting: About 53% of users who mentioned this con said that the platform offers limited reporting templates and doesn’t allow to run subcontractor-specific reports.
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Limited Material Database: Some users have reported that the material database is not comprehensive enough, especially for niche or specialized materials. This can lead to inaccurate estimates and require manual adjustments.
Inaccurate Labor Cost Estimates: Labor costs can vary significantly depending on location, project complexity, and union regulations. Some users have found that the software's labor cost estimates are not always accurate, leading to potential over- or under-bidding.
Lack of Customization Options: The software may not offer enough flexibility to accommodate specific project requirements or company-specific pricing structures. This can make it difficult to tailor estimates to individual bids.
Steep Learning Curve: Some users have found the software interface to be complex and challenging to navigate, especially for those new to construction cost estimating. This can lead to frustration and wasted time.
Limited Reporting Capabilities: The software may not provide detailed reports or analysis tools that are essential for tracking project costs and identifying potential cost overruns.
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Limited Functionality for Subcontractors: ConstructConnect's primary focus is on general contractors, offering limited features and functionalities for subcontractors. This can be a major drawback for subcontractors seeking a comprehensive platform to manage their bidding process.
Inaccurate or Outdated Project Information: Users have reported encountering inaccurate or outdated project information on the platform, leading to wasted time and effort in pursuing irrelevant or unavailable projects.
Limited Customer Support: ConstructConnect's customer support has been criticized for being slow, unresponsive, and unhelpful. This can be frustrating for users who encounter issues or require assistance with the platform.
High Cost: ConstructConnect's subscription fees can be expensive, especially for small or medium-sized construction companies. This can be a significant barrier to entry for businesses looking for a cost-effective bidding platform.
Cumbersome User Interface: The platform's user interface has been described as clunky and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for users to find the information they need efficiently.
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SmartBid, a construction bid management software, has garnered positive feedback from users for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Users appreciate the software's ability to streamline the bidding process, manage projects efficiently, and improve collaboration among team members. The software's ease of use has been highlighted as a significant advantage, making it accessible to both experienced and novice users. Additionally, SmartBid's extensive features, such as project management tools, estimating capabilities, and scheduling functionalities, have been praised for their effectiveness in enhancing productivity and organization. Compared to similar products, SmartBid stands out for its intuitive design and robust functionality. Users have noted that SmartBid's interface is more user-friendly than that of its competitors, making it easier to navigate and learn. Furthermore, the software's comprehensive feature set provides users with a wide range of tools to manage their bids and projects effectively. SmartBid's integration capabilities with other construction software, such as Procore and Autodesk, have also been commended for enhancing workflow efficiency. SmartBid's strengths lie in its ability to simplify complex processes, improve communication, and provide a centralized platform for managing construction projects. These factors are crucial for construction professionals as they contribute to increased efficiency, reduced errors, and improved project outcomes. SmartBid is well-suited for general contractors of all sizes who are seeking to streamline their bidding process and enhance project management. The software's scalability and flexibility make it adaptable to the needs of small, medium, and large construction firms. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it an ideal choice for both experienced and novice users. SmartBid's ability to improve collaboration, communication, and organization makes it a valuable tool for construction professionals looking to optimize their operations and achieve project success. However, it's important to note that software options and features can change over time, so it's recommended to check the latest information online before making a decision.

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Recent user reviews highlight its strengths and weaknesses, offering insights into whether it's the right fit for your business. Users praise Bidtracer's intuitive interface and robust project management features, particularly its ability to streamline bid tracking and centralize project information. This allows teams to stay organized and efficiently manage bids, ensuring no opportunities fall through the cracks. However, some users express frustration with occasional software glitches and limited customer support responsiveness. Bidtracer differentiates itself through its specialized focus on the construction industry, offering tailored features like equipment tracking and subcontractor management. This makes it a strong contender for companies seeking industry-specific solutions. However, its lack of seamless integration with popular accounting software is a notable drawback for some users. Overall, Bidtracer is best suited for small to mid-sized construction businesses seeking a dedicated platform to manage bids, projects, and subcontractors. Its industry-specific features and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for streamlining operations and improving bid organization. However, companies prioritizing seamless accounting integration or requiring extensive customer support might need to consider alternative options.

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BuildingConnected is a web-based platform that assists users with bid, subcontractor and risk management modules. Many reviewers were satisfied with the solution’s document management functionalities. Several users noted, the product offers an easy-to-use interface that helps simplify bidding processes and save time. However, many observed, the system’s webpage doesn’t work well on mobile devices. They also criticized that the platform didn’t provide enough formatting options for reports. Overall, the software’s a good fit for companies needing help with document storage and bidding operations.

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Is Construction Cost Estimator the keystone to winning more bids? Construction Cost Estimator has garnered mixed reviews from contractors over the past year. While many appreciate its user-friendly interface for creating on-site estimates and generating professional PDFs for clients, some have expressed concerns about its limitations. On the plus side, users highlight the software's speed in generating estimates, breaking down costs by material, labor, and subcontracts, which streamlines the bidding process. The availability of customizable templates with company branding is also praised for adding a professional touch. However, several users find the software's features to be basic, lacking the robustness of competitors like Procore, particularly when handling complex projects or requiring advanced reporting functionalities. The reliance on additional paid costbooks, while offering localized data, is a point of contention for some, who find the pricing structure less than ideal. Overall, Construction Cost Estimator seems best suited for smaller contractors and service companies handling straightforward projects where speed and ease of use are paramount. Larger firms or those dealing with intricate projects might find its capabilities lacking and may need to consider more comprehensive solutions.

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ConstructConnect is a construction project management software that helps users manage tasks such as bidding, project management, and risk management. Users have provided a variety of feedback on the software, with some praising its features and others criticizing its usability. Overall, ConstructConnect seems to be a popular choice for construction professionals, but it is important to consider the specific needs of your business before making a decision. One of the most common complaints about ConstructConnect is its user interface. Some users find it to be clunky and difficult to navigate, while others find it to be intuitive and easy to use. It is important to note that the user interface has been updated in recent years, so it is possible that some of the negative feedback is no longer relevant. Additionally, ConstructConnect offers a variety of training resources to help users get the most out of the software. Another common complaint about ConstructConnect is its cost. The software can be expensive, especially for small businesses. However, it is important to note that ConstructConnect offers a variety of pricing options, so it is possible to find a plan that fits your budget. Additionally, the software can save you money in the long run by helping you to avoid costly mistakes. Overall, ConstructConnect is a powerful construction project management software that can help you to improve your efficiency and productivity. However, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business before making a decision. If you are looking for a user-friendly and affordable option, there are other software programs available that may be a better fit for you.

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Related Categories

Top Alternatives in Construction Bidding Software


BidPlanroom

Bidtracer

Buildertrend

BuildingBlok

BuildingConnected

CoConstruct

ConstructConnect

Dodge Data and Analytics

e-Builder

iSqFt

PipelineSuite

PlanHub

Procore

WeBuild

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