Bluebeam vs Raken

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Our analysts compared Bluebeam vs Raken 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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Raken is a cloud-based reporting and management solution that fits with projects of all sizes. It contains powerful reporting tools focused on saving time and money. With strong mobile capabilities, users can type out or dictate daily reports directly from mobile devices while on the job site.

Toolbox talks can be hosted, and users can add photos, videos, weather reports and more as attachments to reports. It helps users keep track of subcontractor hours as well with time management capabilities.
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$49/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$15 Annual, monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
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Android
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Cloud
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Mobile
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Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
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Live Online
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Videos
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Email
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FAQ
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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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  • Simple Field Reporting: Saves time and money by streamlining the reporting process and opening it up to a suite of mobile tools. Submit detailed reports with multiple attachments from job sites anywhere at any time. 
  • Integrations: Compatible with Procore, Egnyte, Box and Prolog so users can hang onto their favorite apps.  
  • Valuable Insights: Dashboards provide an easily accessible place to view notifications, analytical data and valuable insights.  
  • Happier Users: Reduces report generation time, and lets users focus on more important project tasks or get some much needed time off the job.  
  • Cloud-Based Advantages: Offers data storage, real-time updates, mobile access and lower cost of entry thanks to its cloud-based SaaS deployment.  
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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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  • Report Management: Create professional reports even as users walk around the job site with robust reporting tools. Gathers reports from every subcontractor via The Super Daily and collates them automatically. 
  • Hours Tracking: Track field employee hours with time cards. Simplifies payroll processing to optimize hours tracking and payment processes. 
  • Toolbox Talks: Search for the perfect toolbox talk in seconds via mobile devices. Complete talks using mobile devices that can capture digital photos and signatures. 
  • Photo Management: The construction project app can take photos and videos with one tap from mobile devices. Automatically organize images and videos for easy access. 
  • Task Management: Distribute tasks to users with customizable due dates. Add photos and descriptions to tasks and syncs automatically across all teams and devices attached to the project. 
  • Powerful Summaries: Contains tools to quickly generate and send out monthly summaries that include links to daily reports to owners and general contractors. 
  • Dashboards: Real-time activity feeds show users data from events in the field. Create charts and graphs from construction site data and display them in a visually digestible manner.
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Product Ranking

#17

among all
Construction Management Software

#41

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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Raken
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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 73 37 78 88 97 81 75 58 48 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 2083 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 381 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.

94%
of users recommend this product

Raken has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 381 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (16)
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4.5 (298)
4.7 (32)
4.68 (880)
4.66 (175)
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4.7 (168)
4.7 (778)
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4.4 (111)
4.6 (6)

Awards

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

User Favorite Award

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

User Favorite 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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User Friendly: The system is easy to use and intuitive, as noted by approximately 92% of users who mention the system’s usability.
Functionality: Raken offers a robust suite of successful business management tools, as reported by 89% of the users who mention the product’s functionality.
Mobile Devices: About 83% of users who referred to Raken’s mobile apps noted that the apps on iOS and Android make recording details from the field very easy and quick.
Support: Nearly 88% of users who mentioned the platform’s support team noted that it was very helpful.
Reporting: Almost 85% of the users who mention Raken’s reporting feature find it very useful for their business as it lets users add weather reports, construction photos and videos to the reports.
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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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We looked hard, but users reported no cons for Raken. They are very happy with the features as the company takes customer feedback seriously and introduces new features with every update.
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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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Raken is a user-friendly construction management solution that comes equipped with functionalities that help users track various construction projects’ progress. Users find it easy to learn and are very happy that photo updates can be uploaded and tracked through its interface. Its reporting feature keeps owners and project managers updated with jobsite statuses. The mobile apps are easy to use, and let users create updates from the jobsite.

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Screenshots

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