SmartBid

Very effective bidding tool!!

Commenti: Saved time (which equals $$$) and now we have a great place to store our bid documents, and easily distribute them to all of our subcontractors and suppliers!!

Aspetti positivi:

As a general contractor/construction manager firm, we use SmartBid on almost all of our projects. It's a great tool to let our subcontractors and suppliers know what projects we're bidding on, and ensure we have proper coverage for the scope of work involved. I was part of the initial setup when our company first began using SmartBid. We used to make a "call list" and someone would actually call up to a few hundred subs and suppliers for every project we bid. WOW. I can't believe we wasted so much time! Now, just a few clicks of a button and all of our bidding documents are in one, easily accessible place, and all the appropriate subs and suppliers are notified! Amazing!

Aspetti negativi:

The initial setup was a bit time-consuming. This was partly due to our own company's massively outdated subcontractor and supplier list. Most of our time was spent "trimming the fat" and updating old contact information. There are also limited user profiles, when it would be nice to have more people in our company be able to interact with SmartBid.

Smartbid- Great for general contractors!

Commenti: The benefits included are ease of access, multi user capability, subcontractor functions, and the blast emailing projects out to get the project to as many subcontractors as possible. We like the fact that it is cost efficient and allows our subcontractor pool to benefit from the program as well. You can also import public data agency information that includes new subcontractors.

Aspetti positivi:

I enjoy that smartbid streamlines the bidding process in construction. It allows you to upload drawings & specifications, as well as selecting trades to solicit to easily. Most bidding softwares are too complex for small subcontractors to understand and easily access documents. Smartbid offers ease of use for these subcontractors as well as allowing subcontractors to benefit the way the general contractor is. Having the availability to create takeoffs in Smartbid for the subcontractors you invite is so important.

Aspetti negativi:

The only thing I struggle with for Smartbid is the options to having subcontractors change their information within the program. We would like to see that subcontractors can update their license information as well as contacts for their company. Hopefully changes will be made in the future to allow these features to be utilized.

There are more affordable options

Commenti: It did get us out in touch with the trades, but the coverage was week.

Aspetti positivi:

I do like the way a project is created and the publishing features. I do feel that it was advantageous in the way we were able to take a project that we were going to bid and get the information out to the trades

Aspetti negativi:

I hated the fact that their database is so out of date. Many times our bid invite was going out to the wrong person or that person was no longer with the company. The software needs some form of check and balance to ensure that the information is accurate and that companies are keeping thier information correct.

Commenti: JE Dunn Construction is an ENR top 20 General Contractor with offices from Charlotte, NC to Seattle, WA. We have been using SmartBidNet nationally since March of 2010 and regionally in the Southeast for another year prior to that. Before using SmartBidNet, we used iSqFt for several years and several other systems including Pipeline and BidFax. SmartBidNet is the right bid management software package for our organization for a multitude of reasons, several of which are:
- Flexibility and customization of the system set-up
- SmartBidNet's commitment to adopting current technologies
- Ease of use for subcontractors The SmartBidNet system can be configured to accommodate firms ranging in size from only a couple of users to the largest multi-divisional, multi-office organizations. We currently have a total of 431 users across 20 different offices. SmartBidNet allows us to configure our system so that we can group our internal users, projects, and subcontractors by office and our offices by regions so that we can tailor the access of our users to fit what those users should be working on. We can limit or allow access to projects and subcontractor records by user, by proficiency, by office, by region, or by function (preconstruction, operations, accounting, HR, etc.). As an administrator, this flexibility is invaluable and crucial in maintaining security and accuracy of our information. The directors at SmartBidNet have adopted a shrewd practice of releasing new versions of their software about once a month. All subscribers to the system automatically get these new releases by virtue of the system being web-based. In these releases, SmartBidNet will implement (usually) small changes. Users benefit from this methodology by not having to go through extensive training following the typical 'Major Product Release' pattern of most software vendors. This method also allows SmartBidNet to run a continually changing list of product development activities and can more quickly adapt to incorporate newer technologies into their system. This has been particularly important to us as an organization as we have begun to integrate our custom in-house software applications with SmartBidNet in various ways. SmartBidNet offers a refreshingly open policy of allowing our internal systems to push or pull information directly to / from the SmartBidNet system, commenting to us at one point, "It's your data, you can do whatever you want with it". The last item I want to highlight speaks for itself. SmartBidNet leads the industry in ease of access and ease of use for subcontractors. One button access of project information was pioneered by SmartBidNet. Their commitment to a simple subcontractor interface is second to none. SmartBidNet has allowed us to pull together all of the offices for our entire company into a cohesive, well-organized, properly restricted system for the first time ever. This has allowed us to capitalize on many of the synergies that a multi-office general contractor should have in regards to shared resources and shared contacts. It has been a major improvement over previous systems.

Smartbid

Commenti: My experience with Smartbid could not be better. We use the program everyday, and update as much as necessary. It is highly recommended in my opinion.

Aspetti positivi:

Great software to organize all of your Subcontractors and Vendors. Very easy to edit, add, or delete company names and contacts. Many categories for each company, including work types, DBE choices, unique categories to your company. Many fields get pre-filled, and make it quick to input data. Great reporting, exporting, and sending single or mass emails. Updates for bids or just company reports.

Aspetti negativi:

There are so many features, sometimes users can double up information. It's better to keep track of what users can modify specific items within each company. It's easy to have multiple entries of the same company. So user monitoring is key.

A SubContractor's Pain

Commenti: Customer service / tech support is extremely poor. As a subcontractor forced to use this by some partner GCs, we regularly encourage them to switch to a different product. From our perspective as a user they are a nightmare. The stock answer is; "Go back and talk to our customer, they're doing something wrong, not our software". This is a TERRIBLE product for subcontractor integration.

Aspetti positivi:

It allows for easy submission of a proposal.

Aspetti negativi:

I have to log into multiple GCs separately. It doesn't allow several GCs under one email. It does an extremely poor job of providing a bid calendar.

Smartbid for soliciting proposals

Commenti: We use this software during the bidding process. It gives me the ability to add contacts, change addresses, email, ect. with ease. Quick communication options such as email solicitations or faxes if needed. The reports help, as well as creating Non Disclosure agreements. Adding files and having security control of who views those files is a big benefit.

Aspetti positivi:

User friendly, and easy to navigate the site. Not too many clicks of the mouse, and has the ability to add and delete unwanted fields. Very fast and friendly customer support for easy or hard questions.

Aspetti negativi:

Not too many cons. I am a big fan of this software for the use of getting quotes for bids.

Works Great

Commenti: Overall this is a tool that works if you work it. Usability is key when using any bidding software. Detail used in this program is very helpful.

Aspetti positivi:

The break downs and overall features of this product make it very useful for bidding large projects.

Aspetti negativi:

I think if the communication section could be more personalized so it seems as if the user is sending a email directly and not through smart bid. Most people are overrun in emails and a personalized touch may invite more participants to open there email. Does not update the date without refreshing the page. gets confusing when making calls.

This is a bid database that my company uses for the bid process for construction projects.

Commenti: An up to date database that can be filtered to different areas depending on where the project is located.

Aspetti positivi:

We are able to store potentiometer trade partners and send out communications regarding projects with ease. Trade partners are able to respond to the bid invitation and they are able to upload their proposal.

Aspetti negativi:

This software still has a couple of kinks. If at anytime you click the back button, you will be required to log back into the program.

SmartBid has been very easy to learn and navigate as I learn the ins and outs of it.

Commenti: The main benefit from this software is just the saving of time. What could take up to half my day, I can accomplish in the matter of an hour. The ease of use and time saving have been truly helpful.

Aspetti positivi:

I love the ease of use and the ability to distribute the information we need to get to our subs with such ease. The program is easy to use, but does not lack in its capabilities. For bidding purposes it makes my life so much easier knowing all the available information is getting distributed to everyone that needs to see it.

Aspetti negativi:

I have not come across any cons while working with the software. The only issue I have when using this is selecting the contractors to send bids to, but that is just because it is a strain on the eyes.

Smartbid review

Commenti: Very positive. I have been extremely pleased with this product.

Aspetti positivi:

Smartbid is easy to implement and is very user friendly.

Aspetti negativi:

Requiring bidders to submit thru Smartbid is cumbersome to setup.

The right tool for the job in regard to construction management bidding services.

Commenti: Great product, open API, and pretty good customer support. Its between this and building connected, but Smart Bid trumps Building connected because it does not require sub contractors to login.

Aspetti positivi:

The ease of use and the right amount of customization. The learning curve is present, but should not hinder a person that is at least somewhat comfortable with computer use. A great product that streamlines the bid process and allows the user the ability to tune the it to their needs.

Aspetti negativi:

The incorporation of the pre-qual process and other administrative tools into the software can be a bit clunky, but they still work, however, they require a bit more fiddling with.

Bid and Management

Commenti: Overall, using SmartBid can save time and produce professional studies and management of our construction projects.

Aspetti positivi:

By simplifying the pre-construction process and improving the overall communication, comparing bids and track projects.

Aspetti negativi:

SmartBid works very well, yet when it comes to add-ons, one should be careful how to apply such integrations.

Overall is a good Bid Software

Commenti: Easy to set up and fast distribution

Aspetti positivi:

The software is definetly helpfull for distributing the Invitation to Bid to as many subs as possible. It's also easy to set up.

Aspetti negativi:

One of the main issues I've had is that you have to be very careful on the spec codes that you assign to the subs. If you input the wrong codes, you will be excluding those subs from the ITB. Also, after so many years of using it, some subs go out of business and you can waste time checking (calling) which subs will be bidding or not.

Powerful bid management software

Aspetti positivi:

It gives you all you need to manage a bidding process. - multiple divisions - pick the trades based on so many items, like area code, location, division and etc. - track who has been reviewing the document, who is interested who is not and etc - customised tender packages And lots of other features

Aspetti negativi:

Weak in searching- you should know how exactly the trade has been saved, otherwise you should try multiple entries. It’s tricky to add new contacts to the trades and send the invitation for a recent tender It is not that much user friendly and needs time to be expert

PreConstruction and PreQualification Solution

Aspetti positivi:

This software is easy to use, customizable, and their customer service is excellent. yet to find a software that compares.

Aspetti negativi:

I would like if it was dummed down a bid for subcontractors. I dont like they have to create a login.

Love the endless features

Commenti: We have been using iSqFt for so long until we stumbled on this amazing product. Absolutely love it. Its very simple to use and got tons of more features. I actually never thought I would use the "Activity" feature . We used this to show the sub when the email we sent was opened and read and held him accountable for the changes he said he never was aware of. Also, there are constant updates and enhancements made to the program based on user review and comments, which is wonderful.

Aspetti positivi:

Features and ease of use

Aspetti negativi:

For users of old fashioned software's, It has a learning curve

SmartBid - Review

Commenti: Overall, SmartBid is great! It is very user friendly and is a huge help in the project bidding process!

Aspetti positivi:

I love the ability to compile lists of subcontractors in a database form where we can search them and send Invitations To Bid to them with ease by sending to any subcontractor in a certain area(state/area code/zip code/etc.)

Aspetti negativi:

I really cant think of anything that I do not like about SmartBid.

Subcontractors side

Aspetti positivi:

Communication is the biggest thing for me. Submitting submittals is easier through the website. The cost is really a plus for small business owners.

Aspetti negativi:

None so far. So far I have not any issue that I could not resolve myself. Easy to use and manage. I feel confident that if I need customer service I will not have any problems.

Great for Our Estimators

Commenti: Great program to send out mass emails for estimates large or small

Aspetti positivi:

There is nothing better than having management software do the work for you. This estimating tool manages large and small estimates with ease. I love sending quick emails for addenda, adding new subs and making this way easier than bogging down emails

Aspetti negativi:

I wish it had a few more integration tools but those could honestly be built into the program as we have not even begun to use this program as effectively as we could be.

SmartBidNet

Commenti: SmartBid is a fantastic resource that enables us to send out bid invitations to our choice of subs at the click of a few buttons.

Aspetti positivi:

Being able to quickly let our subs know new information at a moments notice.

Aspetti negativi:

The user interface needs to be updated. It is very difficult to understand how to send out even basic invitations to bid without the assistance of someone that has used the program for several months.

I loved smartbid and I was sad to say goodbye. It was just too much money for a small company

Commenti: We found a more affordable program that is better suited for our small business. But it didn't really compare. It is the closest thing we have found but it's not smartbid! Great job programmers!!

Aspetti positivi:

I can't say enough about the pros. It was truly a wonderful software program I loved it all. So easy

Aspetti negativi:

It was a bit intimidating at first and took some time to learn. But once I did, nothing really compares. Customer service was exceptional except the quality of the call sounded at times like it was a bad connection Like the Audio was in a tunnel. And some customer service reps had very strong accents.

Smartbid is a very good platform for invitations to bid.

Aspetti positivi:

Allows you to view a project, and also download plans indicate whether you will be bidding. We do not utilize this software as a company but use it through our GC's.

Aspetti negativi:

Sometimes when downloading a large bid package the downloading of the zip file will freeze. You have to start over and sometimes it takes a while to download, I am not sure if that is because of our bandwidth or Smartbid's issue.

Great Bid Software for GC's

Commenti: SmartBid is a great resource especially for contractors that bid in multiple markets. Our sub database on SmartBid consists of thousands of subcontractors that work with our six regional offices across the US. Our primary precon department is located at our headquarters in Michigan, and often have to support our other offices with estimation. The software makes it easy to find qualified subs with an almost limitless amount of ways to set up a work area in the location of the project. It is full of features that we could make use of with more training. So of the simpler features are the activity report, allowing us to see whether a sub has viewed the project or downloaded the files, and a feature where you can see the browser and IP address of a sub that is viewing projects, to find out if they are forwarding your invitations to others.

Aspetti positivi:

Very easy to pick up the basics, and a very powerful database tool.

Aspetti negativi:

Some of the more in depth features could be very powerful but it would require having more time or assistants to setup for each project.

One of the best bid softwares on the market

Commenti: I prefer receiving bid invites through smartbid than other similar softwares due to it's overall simplicity

Aspetti positivi:

The software is easy to use from a contract and subcontractor standpoint. Can submit bids directly through the software.

Aspetti negativi:

It can be slow and slightly laggy at times. The folder layout can get confusing if somebody isn't keeping things organized at the top.