On-Screen Takeoff vs CostX

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Our analysts compared On-Screen Takeoff vs CostX 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

On-Screen Takeoff assists construction professionals and contractors with performing estimation and pre-launch presentations seamlessly. Generate attractive bids to win more work. It streamlines workflows by calculating measurements while the user adds markups to construction drawings. From commercial to residential contractors, it takes the heavy load of managing bids off employee shoulders.

It also has a window dedicated to bid design. The bid wizard provides users step-by-step guidance while creating new bids. It has an overlay feature that lets contractors distinguish between new and old data by marking new ones in blue and the old ones in red. It lets contractors bid adieu to paper in favor of digitized processes, therefore saving time and additional supply costs.

Pros

  • Quick & Flexible
  • No Runway Needed
  • Lower Operating Costs
  • Reduce Noise Pollution
  • Urban Air Mobility

Cons

  • Limited Range
  • Weather Dependence
  • Safety Concerns
  • Lack of Regulation
  • Infrastructure Needed
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Designed by RIB, costX provides cost estimating and takeoff solutions that help to plan budgets, determine material quantities and create reports. Managers can compare drawings and highlight model changes to identify modifications. Compare multiple subcontractors simultaneously to make strategic business decisions.

It supports BIM files exported from SketchUp, Revit, Tekla, Microstation, ArchiCAD, Mudshark and several others. Color code estimates to streamline the review process. Integrate with Microsoft Excel to avoid duplicate entries.
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$15/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$4,500 One-Time
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
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Android
Chromebook
Windows
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Linux
Android
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Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
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On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
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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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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Automate Workflows: Limit time spent on duplicate processes by automatically saving calculations for future use before submitting bids.
  • Reduce Errors: Take the guesswork out of performing accurate takeoff measurements using automated calculations to reduce errors that lead to costly reworks.
  • Go Paperless: Save all takeoff measurements and details online to reduce dependency on paper. Drive efficiency and reduce supply costs by making takeoff processes digital.
  • Save Time: Eliminate manual blueprinting processes and leverage digital mediums to perform takeoffs in less time. Perform calculations digitally in seconds to allocate labor and resources to other work areas.
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  • Generate Precise Quotes: Upload BIM files to estimate quantities and costs with just a few clicks. Develop forecast models to test what-if scenarios to improve efficiency. Enable multiple cost planners to work on the same estimate to promote collaboration. 
  • Eliminate Data-entry Errors: Drag and drop dimensions directly from the system to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to save time. Automatically update changes made to estimates to keep everyone on the same page. 
  • Perform Accurate Takeoffs: Cut takeoff time by up to 80% with 2D takeoff tools. Automatically assign random colors to negative and positive measurements in each dimension group. 
  • Make Informed Decisions: Create and analyze data using reporting modules. Categorize tasks by zones and codes. Generate charts and graphs to identify trends and outliers. 
  • Deploy on the Cloud: Access files from remote locations through web-enabled devices. Track project statuses in real time. 
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  • Assembly Takeoff: Estimate material and labor costs in one go. Leverage takeoff assembly to complete measurements seamlessly.
  • Electronic Plans: Collect and save records securely in a digital format throughout project life cycles. Simplify data accessibility for in-field workers through mobile devices.
  • Issue Management: Identify and resolve issues related to staff, suppliers and contractors that can impact projects.
  • Subcontractor Management: Feed client visions to subcontractors for projects and establish efficient communication to keep them updated. Monitor project progress and subcontractors to ensure everything is in order.
  • Optical Character Recognition: Identify individual objects of similar shape and size in drawings. Remove or make adjustments to objects in images seamlessly.
  • Paste Logic: Paste objects in the same space and direction for ceiling and multiple-room projects to reduce time spent on manual takeoff processes.
  • Overlay: Streamline plan review processes by comparing drawings and making changes in-house. Add decorative designs to make projects stand apart.
  • Templates: Leverage custom templates and style sheets to set up projects. Combine different styles to achieve maximum data precision in bids.
  • Multi-Condition Takeoff: Select multiple takeoff conditions at once and make processes seamless. Add and edit different shapes on images without wasting time.
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  • BIM Takeoff: Extract material quantities from 3D models to create accurate estimates. Customize takeoffs by creating model maps. Encourage multiple employees to work on a single project. View BIM takeoffs using costX Viewer. 
  • 2D Takeoff: Calculate lengths, areas and counts of scanned 2D drawings, CAD files and PDFs. Integrate with costXL to link changes in dimensions and quantities into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. 
  • Workbooks: Live-link material quantities to drawings and cost databases to help eliminate costly errors. Import Excel data retaining existing formulas. 
  • Subcontractor Comparison: Build databases consisting of relevant quotes using the bid day tool. Integrate subcontractors’ data with associated reports to make informed decisions. 
  • Auto-revisioning: Load initial measurements into revised DWG drawings to highlight modifications, make comparisons and update quantities. 
  • Reports: Build cost plans and bills of quantities as per client requirements using customizable report writing functionality. Automatically add page breaks to reports. 
  • Rate Libraries: Extract workers’ information, create bills of materials and generate cost estimates from BIM files. Access system administration to create rate libraries. 
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Product Ranking

#8

among all
Takeoff Software

#24

among all
Takeoff Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

79
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93
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88
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14
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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

On-Screen Takeoff
CostX
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Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 93 88 14 99 74 100 57 100 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

40%
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 282 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 34 reviews
87%
of users recommend this product

On-Screen Takeoff has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 282 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

90%
of users recommend this product

CostX has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 34 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (90)
4.4 (4)
4.3 (156)
4.5 (28)
4.4 (36)
4.5 (2)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated On-Screen Takeoff and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Measurement Management and Project Management.

Measurement Management Award
Project Management Award

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

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Functionality: The software provides the necessary tools and features for performing fast takeoffs, according to 79% of users.
Ease of Use: According to 89% of users, the solution has a friendly user interface and seamless navigation experience.
Performance: About 86% of users mentioned that the application offers a robust takeoff platform that experiences little to no downtime.
Reporting: Regarding reporting, approximately 84% of users said that On-Screen Takeoff has efficient reporting that helps clinicians extract daily reports seamlessly.
Support: According to 96% of users, support representatives are helpful and come up with swift answers to queries.
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Detailed Cost Breakdown: Users appreciate the ability to break down costs into granular detail, allowing for precise tracking and analysis of project expenses. For example, they can easily see the cost of labor, materials, and equipment for each specific task.
Streamlined Bidding Process: CostX simplifies the bidding process by providing a centralized platform for managing bids, allowing users to easily compare different bids and make informed decisions. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors.
Improved Accuracy: Users find that CostX helps them create more accurate cost estimates by providing access to real-time data and allowing for adjustments based on changing market conditions. This leads to more competitive bids and a higher likelihood of winning projects.
Enhanced Collaboration: CostX facilitates collaboration among team members by providing a shared platform for accessing and updating project data. This ensures everyone is working with the same information and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
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Data Visualization: According to 75% of users, the application provides a complex data visualization that might cause navigation issues.
Connectivity & Integrations: About 63% of users reported that the software disconnects from sister platforms, such as QuickBid, and is unable to identify CAD files.
Sharing: According to 86% of users, the solution might be a bit difficult for staff to comprehend at first.
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Limited Customization: Some users have found that CostX's customization options are limited, making it difficult to tailor the software to their specific needs. For example, they may not be able to create custom reports or modify the interface to suit their workflow.
Steep Learning Curve: CostX can be challenging to learn, especially for users who are new to construction estimating software. The interface can be complex and the software has a lot of features, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Lack of Mobile Functionality: CostX is primarily a desktop application, which can be inconvenient for users who need to access their data on the go. The lack of a mobile app can make it difficult to work on projects remotely or to quickly check estimates while on site.
Price: CostX can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individual contractors. The cost of the software, combined with the potential need for training and support, can be a significant investment.
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Reviewing user experiences from the past year paints a mixed picture of On-Screen Takeoff (OST). While users praise its strengths like user-friendliness, efficiency gains, and robust features, some weaknesses and differentiating factors set it apart from competitors. On the positive side, users consistently laud OST's intuitive interface and ease of learning, making it accessible even for those new to digital takeoffs. Its time-saving features like auto-measurement and pre-defined libraries are game-changers, boosting productivity and minimizing errors compared to manual methods. Additionally, OST boasts powerful features like cloud collaboration and real-time updates, improving communication and project transparency, which users find advantageous over competitors lacking such capabilities. However, some weaknesses emerge. Occasional reports of glitches and stability issues raise concerns, and the subscription pricing model, while offering flexibility, can be less cost-effective for smaller firms compared to perpetual license options found in competing products. Additionally, some users miss advanced features present in pricier alternatives, like integration with specific industry software or comprehensive reporting tools. Ultimately, OST's value proposition lies in its user-centric design, efficiency gains, and collaborative features. While not the most feature-rich or budget-friendly option, it excels in ease of use and caters well to users seeking a streamlined and intuitive takeoff experience. Choosing between OST and competitors depends on individual needs and priorities, with users valuing user-friendliness and efficiency likely finding OST a strong contender.

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Does CostX make your construction bids "cost-effective" or just "costly"? CostX is a popular software for construction bidding and takeoff, but user reviews are mixed. Some users praise its flexibility and accuracy, highlighting its ability to handle specialized work and provide reliable quantities for negotiations. They appreciate the speed and efficiency it brings to the bidding process, allowing them to tender more projects and increase profitability. However, others find the software lacking in training and support, leading to difficulties in maximizing its potential. The lack of a streamlined backup procedure is also a concern, as losing data in CostX can be detrimental to a company. CostX is most suited for construction companies that require a flexible and accurate takeoff and estimating solution, particularly those specializing in niche areas. Its ability to handle various drawing types and provide detailed quantities makes it a valuable tool for negotiating contracts and ensuring profitability. However, companies should be prepared to invest in training and ensure proper backup procedures are in place to mitigate potential data loss.

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Screenshots

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