HCSS HeavyBid Estimating Software

I would highly recommend this to any business that is into production estimating. Once you are set up, and ready to go you can estimate a lot of work using the stored information quickly.

Pros

The ability for me to create an estimate that can be handed off to a project manager that doesn't have him asking me 100 questions. It is all there for them and helps them get the project started off right.

Cons

There is a fair amount of learning that goes into it, and if you are not careful about the set up you can really have problems that multiply through the estimate.

Pros

Insanely powerful program. The cost database from previous jobs make estimating far easier when old numbers are at your fingertips. Great customer service.

Cons

Takes a while to understand program and use features effectively. Once the ins and outs are learned, the program becomes intuitive.

Pros

Very functional. Can modify bids very easily and create and remove bid files very quickly. Customer service is great.

Cons

The quote form (I believe Crystal reports) loads and closes very slowly. Calculation routines are complicated

Pros

The software is easy to use once you get familiar with the system. The integration with Vista by Viewpoint is extremely helpful, as that is the Construction Software we use. Great reports to get data that you need. Reports help with the buyout process as well. Considering implementing HCSS Heavy Job at our company for tracking in the field. I love that you can get production requirements from direct cost report to the guys in the field.

Cons

Takes a little time to get familiar, but then very easy to use. It seems a little overwhelming at first.

Pros

It's like a giant spreadsheet and helps you to manage several parts of your project
Really great auditing features

Cons

Program is still based on an old and archaic data structure that sometimes requires maintenance
Not very good for complex mechanical projects

Like any software it isn't what you are used to, but, once you understand HCSS software (HeavyBid & HeavyJob) it is extremely helpful to managing work both prior during bids, during, and after as a resource for labor rates etc.

Pros

Great for CIVIL work. Lots of helpful shortcuts, like the fact it automatically pins most recent jobs to the main screen (you can also pin bids manually to always be on that screen). HCSS doesn't just hire techs to go around and tech the software they hire real construction professionals that have experience in both the software and industry which is very helpful.

Cons

Worst part about the software is the error sounds it makes when you forget to fill out a field and try to move onto a new task (that can be shut off). Great for both new bids and pricing COR work and managing budgets (with the help of HeavyJob in the field)

Look no further, write the check.

Pros

The power of the system, the ability to manipulate and quickly adjust pricing. Customer support is un-stumpable. The ability to import data from previous bids makes the estimating process fast and accurate.

Cons

As with anything this powerful, you must dedicate the time to learn the system. The ideal program is to bring in a trainer once a month for 6 months to grow and groom the new user.

HCSS Heavy Bid is one of the most widely used estimating software for heavy-civil construction.

Pros

The advance calculation routines and checks allow me to have confidence in my costing and pricing. The escalation features is time saver, especially at bid time when final scheduling is provided.

HCSS customer service is the best. Never been on hold or transferred. Immediate connection to a friendly person who can help.

Cons

There is a steep learning curve, however, they host user group meeting that can bring beginners up to speed quickly.

Pros

The functionality is superb and lets you save time by utilizing labor rates, crews, bid items etc. from common taks/jobs as templates. Powerful tool

Cons

Steep learning curve and non-intuitive interface. It could be much more clear and have a better dashboard. Other than that, pretty stellar.

I would and have recommended this software to others.

Pros

Customer support is amazing. There is always someone there to receive my calls at any time and on any day.

Cons

So expansive it's hard to learn all the tricks. It's hard to transfer all the tricks I've learned to coworkers but we have weekly trainings to share information.

Pros

I like how easy it is to use. With master estimates, it is easy to customize the software to industry needs.

Cons

The reports are a bit complicated for first time users. Not all of them are used either but it just takes practice to know what is needed.

Pros

Allows you to customize your bids to your liking. Bids can be streamlined for customers and/or you can copy what the owner has set up.

Cons

THE SELECT BID ITEMS FEATURE NEVER WORKS. EVERY TIME I TRY TO ADD BID ITEMS THROUGH THE SELECT BID ITEMS IT DOESN'T WORK!

Went to the training/convention for the first time this February. thought it was great. thanks!

Pros

I like the quote class system. It's handy to input info as it comes in and compare with others. handy.

Cons

On occasion as I pull items from my codebook in the select bidtiem screen, the description comes across but my activities do not. if I tab through all the cells it seems to work.

HCSS is an excellent, expandable, construction software package.

Pros

Very expandable. Excellent Customer Service.

Cons

Pricing is on the higher end, but is commensurate with the quality of the package.

Advice to Others

Strongly consider this package if you are a larger construction company that wants a fully integrated program.

HCSS Heavy Bid has numerous essential features that other bidding software just do not have. They improve the ease of use and efficiency of almost every part of the process. They also allow for easy integration into their HCSS Heavy Job software, if you win the bid. After having used multiple bidding software, this one stands out as the best.

Pros

- Ease of use for adding custom items and making changes after the fact
- Well laid out and easy to navigate menus
- Ability to have multiple tabs open

Cons

- None

Advice to Others

Use this software and do the training modules with HCSS.

We use Heavy Bid, Heavy Job, Trux, and Dispatcher. The correct use of these 4 programs is very powerful. The capabilities for analysis, control, and general resources management is made easy and centralized. It definitely is a little uphill to correctly setup all programs and you start using them right (Training needed), but once they were up and running the return was without precedent.

Pros

Very Robust, very complete, very good communication between programs.

Advice to Others

It is somehow overwhelming at first sight because of all the options and things you can do. But once you pass that stage it is all good.

Great software to bid construction projects. Gives you the ability to have multiple items, activities, and crews.
Many ways to present your bid and adjust costs. Very valuable tool for our project management and estimating staff.

I have used heavybid for more than 2 years. I used it for estimating for about 1.5 years and have used it to understand and keep track of cost codes for 6 months. For estimating I think it is a great tool that will help you accomplish about anything that you can think of. Adding labor, equipment, creating master estimates, copying bid items or replacing them, etc. Integration with a heavy job is smooth and it becomes a great tool for project management to create change orders and look at resources estimated.

Pros

A number of features that are so helpful to estimate and record estimating process. Being able to attach documents to estimates as well as notes.

Cons

Difficult to learn everything it offers

The software is very easy to use. Nice GUI and great customer support. Very reliable software and supportive company.

Pros

HCSS offers very good 24-hour support. The program is very adaptable to all levels of construction estimating/bidding and can speak to most well-known accounting software.

Cons

I can't say much here maybe because in my experience I have yet to walk away with a negative feeling towards the product or vendor.

Advice to Others

Be sure that you feel comfortable in training new hires in the basis of use. Especially time-saving features that are available.

Great Software. Real good configuration, and organization of different functionalities and crew assemblies, Equipment, and Materials breakdown. Allows you to manage subcontractors and assign Markup.

Pros

Real good configuration, and organization of different functionalities and crew assemblies, Equipment, and Materials breakdown. Allows you to manage subcontractors and assign Markup.

Cons

Too expensive. Not enough versions of the software priced for different user needs.

Advice to Others

If you have the money to afford it, its worth it, but be advise its expensive, when you add all the Maintenance cost that come with it.