Bluebeam vs eSUB

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Our analysts compared Bluebeam vs eSUB 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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eSUB is a cloud-based management system that focuses on mobility while providing subcontractors with a solid set of digital tools. It offers multiple avenues to connect field workers and project managers while helping subcontractors manage their daily business processes. Automation of labor tracking and paperless documentation helps speed up daily tasks.

It centralizes information letting team members work efficiently with the requisite information. It provides an integrated work environment for construction firms to efficiently plan and schedule projects while keeping stakeholders in the loop.
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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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Product Assistance

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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
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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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  • Increase Productivity: Boost productivity with automated processes, reduce coordination time with cloud-based management systems and get teams to work faster than ever. 
  • Better Communication: Communicate rapidly with teams and individual employees using the mobile app without halting business processes. 
  • Better Error Prevention: Get improved data visibility for projects to prevent costly errors down the line. 
  • Boost Employee Retention: Access project management modules to help ease everyone’s workload while reducing overall burnout. 
  • Work With All Skill Levels: Handle complex projects with simple-to-use modules. Allow team members to tackle multiple tasks at once without being overwhelmed by documentation and reporting. 
  • Quick Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Track risks from a variety of areas including weather conditions, financials, technical issues and more. Identify and solve problems faster for better project functioning. 
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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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  • Document Control: Access project files in real time using the mobile app. Grant document access permissions to selected team members. Store all integral data in a virtual filing cabinet to help boost productivity. 
  • Resource Planning: Schedule employees and equipment using drag-and-drop functionality. Allocate resources based on employee skill levels, project needs and equipment availability. Allow workers to check schedules in real time to help keep everyone on the same page. 
  • Accounting Modules: Keep financial data secure and eliminate data entry errors. Record transactions to allow accounting staff to help determine profits and losses. Automatically transfer job costing data to existing accounting systems. 
  • Integration: Share files across other systems with simple to use importing and exporting functionality. Integrate with popular ERP modules to tackle accounting needs and decide what documentations should be shared and with whom.  
  • Purchase Orders: Create accurate purchase orders to receive fast approvals. View payment statuses in real time. Keep track of line items such as cost of parts, discounts, quantities and part codes. 
  • Issue Tracking: Allow employees to create daily logs to track weather conditions, disruption hours and accidents to help resolve issues beforehand. Identify internal issues to manage workers efficiently. Receive notifications when tasks are nearing due dates. 
  • Corporate Management: Access critical project data from one accessible location to help managers quickly generate and analyze reports. Email, approve, edit or attach reminders to change order logs with just a click. Track reports, drawings, submittals, transmittals and more to help make data-driven decisions.  
  • Schedule Management: Assign and coordinate tasks effectively using Gantt charts. Copy tasks, durations and dependencies from past schedules to help save time. Manage resources efficiently using critical path scheduling functionality. 
  • Correspondence Toolbox: Access letter and legal templates such as administrative forms, change directives, notices, contract documents and more. Create accurate documentation to avoid legal disputes. 
  • RFI Tracking: Create RFIs using customizable templates to help gain quicker responses. Track RFI statuses to ensure all concerned clients are notified. Attach drawings, details, clarifications and relevant documents to RFIs. 
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Product Ranking

#17

among all
Construction Management Software

#8

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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Bonus Management Budgeting And Forecasting Dashboard And Reporting Mobile Capabilities Mobile Capabilities Platform And Security Capabilities Platform Capabilities Reporting And Dashboards Rewards And Recognition Salary Management 100 60 100 100 97 100 84 81 74 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 2083 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 314 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.

91%
of users recommend this product

eSUB has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 314 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (16)
4.9 (8)
4.5 (298)
4.7 (13)
4.68 (880)
4.57 (152)
4.7 (778)
4.5 (138)
4.4 (111)
4.0 (3)

Awards

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

User Favorite Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated eSUB and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Bonus Management and Platform Capabilities. eSUB stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Bonus Management Award
Platform Capabilities 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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Functionality: The system organizes daily tasks, tracks multiple documents like change orders and daily reports and helps apply contacts to multiple jobs. It simplifies project management and makes information available to relevant employees, noted 89% of users who talked about the product’s functionality.
Flexible: Nearly 81% of reviewers who talked about flexibility emphasized that the system can be customized to accommodate different workflows and allows clients to approve, revise or reject projects.
Centralization: The product offers capabilities to track all aspects of a job from a central location, making it easier to monitor work progress from start to finish, said 77% of users who mentioned centralization.
Communication: Approximately 83% of reviewers who talked about communication noted that the system fosters real-time communication between office and field staff and outbound exchange with the clients.
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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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Learning Curve: There’s a steep learning curve involved to get acquainted with all bells and whistles offered by the product, noted 80% of users who talked about the learning curve.
Mobile App: Nearly 86% of reviewers who talked about the mobile interface said that the system’s mobile apps do not provide features like the website.
Reporting: The system doesn’t offer detailed reporting for information like timesheet data, said approximately 75% of users who talked about reporting.
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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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eSUB streamlines project management, provides prompt feedback on projects and simplifies processing change orders and RFI correspondence swiftly. It boosts productivity by delivering accurate information, uploading pictures and communicating with the field staff in real time. Its centralized tracking system monitors job progress from start to finish, stores all work-related information in one place and keeps everyone informed. It is easy to implement, backed by helpful customer support and can be customized to fit a user’s workflows. However, the product has a steep learning curve to get used to its features, doesn’t offer a task reminder function and lacks flexible reporting features. It has limited default areas, logs out several times when idle and its mobile apps offer limited capabilities.

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Screenshots

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