PlanSwift vs Methvin

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Our analysts compared PlanSwift 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

PlanSwift, a ConstructConnect offering, is an estimation software designed for general and specialty contractors. It helps manage concrete, drywall, electrical, flooring, framing, HVAC and more while improving accuracy, saving time and increasing profit margins.

Users can complete estimation for simple and complex areas, volumes, items, perimeters and length with point and click support. They can also drag-and-drop assemblies like labor costs, waste and materials and calculate expenses. It can do internal, material and labor calculations and export them to users’ Excel sheets.

Pros
  • Easy to learn & use
  • Fast, accurate takeoff
  • Flexible reporting tools
  • Good customer support
  • Cloud-based & mobile
Cons
  • Limited 3D capabilities
  • Fewer integrations
  • Higher cost for some projects
  • Can be slow on complex models
  • May require training for advanced features
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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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$1,749 Annually
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Tailored to your specific needs
$27 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
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Small 
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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

  • Faster Takeoff Times: Drag-and-drop interface and automated calculations dramatically reduce manual work, saving significant time on takeoffs.
  • Improved Accuracy: Eliminate manual errors with PlanSwift's precise measurements and automatic calculations, leading to more reliable estimates.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time cloud-based access allows teams to collaborate efficiently, ensuring everyone works with the latest information.
  • Streamlined Estimating: Generate professional estimates quickly and easily with flexible reporting tools and customizable templates.
  • Increased Project Visibility: Gain insights into material needs, costs, and potential risks with detailed takeoff reports and visual aids.
  • Reduced Material Waste: Accurate takeoffs lead to more precise material ordering, minimizing waste and saving costs.
  • Improved Bidding Competitiveness: Submit faster, more accurate bids with confidence, giving you an edge in the competition.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Access project data and takeoffs on the go with the mobile app, enhancing flexibility and productivity.
  • Scalability for Growth: As your business grows, PlanSwift easily adapts to handle larger and more complex projects.
  • Peace of Mind: Trustworthy customer support and regular software updates ensure you have the ongoing assistance you need.
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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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  • Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface: Simplify takeoffs with point-and-click measurements and direct placement of pre-defined assemblies onto plans.
  • Automatic Calculations: Eliminate manual errors with PlanSwift's automatic calculations for lengths, areas, volumes, and more.
  • Multiple File Format Support: Seamlessly import and work with various file formats, including PDFs, DWGs, and images.
  • Customizable Assemblies: Create and save reusable assemblies for frequently used materials and components, streamlining takeoffs.
  • Advanced Measurement Tools: Handle complex shapes and curved lines with tools like arc calculations and automatic cut-out deductions.
  • Color Coding and Annotation Tools: Highlight different takeoff items, track progress, and add notes directly on plans for clear communication.
  • Powerful Reporting Tools: Generate detailed takeoff reports with customizable layouts, filtering options, and cost summaries.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration: Work together on projects in real-time with team members and clients, regardless of location.
  • Mobile App Integration: Access project data, view plans, and perform basic takeoffs on the go with the mobile app.
  • Open API Integration: Connect PlanSwift with other software you use through its open API for increased data flow and automation.
  • Scalability and Customization: Adapt PlanSwift to your specific needs with customizable settings, user roles, and data fields.
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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.
read more...

Product Ranking

#6

among all
Takeoff Software

#31

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

83
67
87
67
92
58
29
57
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Trades Management
Plans Management
Measurement Tools
Platform Capabilities
Project Management
Trades Management
Project Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

PlanSwift
Methvin
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 87 92 29 94 91 88 71 100 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%
29%
0%
71%
57%
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43%
94%
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6%
59%
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41%
83%
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17%
67%
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33%
88%
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12%
88%
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12%
71%
0%
29%
71%
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29%
100%
0%
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100%
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

60%
0%
40%
40%
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60%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 411 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 35 reviews
86%
of users recommend this product

PlanSwift has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 86% when considering 411 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.

4.3 (23)
4.4 (17)
4.3 (377)
4.6 (18)
4.0 (11)
n/a

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated PlanSwift and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities.

Platform Capabilities 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: Planswift is praised for its intuitive and straightforward interface which allows users to easily navigate and utilize the software, enhancing productivity for takeoff and estimating tasks.
Accurate Takeoffs: Users appreciate the precision that Planswift provides, enabling them to quickly generate accurate materials and labor estimates, essential for competitive bidding and managing project margins.
Customizable Templates: With Planswift, the ability to create custom templates for various project types helps streamline the estimating process, saving valuable time while ensuring consistency across estimates.
Integration with Other Software: The software's compatibility with third-party applications ensures a seamless workflow, allowing for the easy import and export of data and enhancing overall efficiency.
On-Screen Takeoff: The on-screen takeoff feature allows users to directly measure plans on their computer screen, reducing the need for physical plans and promoting a paperless environment.
Support and Training: Responsive customer support combined with a robust set of training resources empowers users to maximize the potential of the software.
Cost-Effective: Many users find Planswift to be an affordable solution without compromising the functionality required for managing takeoff and estimating complexities.
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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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Steep Learning Curve: For new users, PlanSwift can be quite daunting to learn and master, particularly for those with limited tech experience, potentially delaying project starts.
Occasional Bugs: Users have reported running into software glitches that can disrupt the takeoff and estimating process, requiring workarounds or customer support intervention.
Inconsistent Customer Support: While some users find the support helpful, others report slow response times and varying levels of assistance when facing issues with the software.
Performance Issues with Large Files: Handling large and complex projects can sometimes slow down the software, leading to longer loading times and decreased responsiveness.
Limited Cloud Capabilities: Compared to competitors, PlanSwift's cloud features are not as robust, potentially hindering collaboration and remote access for teams.
Cost Prohibitive for Small Businesses: The pricing structure can be on the higher end, presenting financial challenges for small firms or independent contractors.
Outdated Interface: Some users feel that the user interface is not as modern or intuitive as other solutions, affecting user experience and efficiency.
Limited Integration with Other Platforms: PlanSwift's ability to integrate with other construction management or accounting software is often seen as insufficient or overly complex.
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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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Users consistently praise Planswift's user-friendliness and affordability compared to industry giants like Bluebeam Revu and OnCenter Estimating. Newcomers find its interface intuitive and training resources abundant, enabling them to become productive quickly. Additionally, Planswift's subscription model makes it financially accessible to smaller firms and individual contractors. However, some users lament a perceived lack of advanced features present in competitors. While Planswift boasts core functionalities like 3D takeoff and integration with popular CAD programs, it may not cater to highly complex projects requiring specialized tools for intricate assemblies or detailed cost estimating. A key differentiator highlighted by users is Planswift's customer support. They commend its responsiveness and helpfulness, often exceeding expectations compared to competitors. This personalized support is crucial for users encountering technical issues or seeking guidance on advanced functionalities. Ultimately, user reviews depict Planswift as a valuable tool for those prioritizing ease of use, affordability, and reliable customer support. However, users requiring in-depth features for highly specialized projects might find themselves needing to explore alternative solutions. Weighing individual needs against Planswift's strengths and weaknesses is crucial for making an informed decision.

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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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