PlanSwift vs On-Screen Takeoff

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Our analysts compared PlanSwift vs On-Screen Takeoff 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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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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$1,749 Annually
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
$15/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
Small 
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Medium 
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Large 
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Small 
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Medium 
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Large 
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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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Product Ranking

#6

among all
Takeoff Software

#8

among all
Takeoff Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

83
79
87
93
92
88
29
14
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Trades Management
Plans Management
Measurement Tools
Platform Capabilities
Project Management
Project Management
Trades Management
Plans Management
Measurement Management
Measurement Tools

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

PlanSwift
On-Screen Takeoff
+ 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 93 88 14 99 74 100 57 100 0 25 50 75 100
87%
0%
13%
93%
0%
7%
92%
0%
8%
83%
8%
9%
29%
0%
71%
14%
0%
86%
94%
0%
6%
100%
0%
0%
83%
0%
17%
67%
8%
25%
88%
0%
12%
100%
0%
0%
71%
0%
29%
57%
0%
43%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

60%
0%
40%
40%
0%
60%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 411 reviews
Great User Sentiment 282 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.

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.

4.3 (23)
4.4 (90)
4.3 (377)
4.3 (156)
4.0 (11)
4.4 (36)

Awards

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

Platform Capabilities Award

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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Screenshots

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