Great First Principal Estimating Software

Started using this in 1999 - tried the others as well, but came back to Benchmark - it's so simple to use the Resources and Item libraries to quickly set up and price a set BOQ/SOR or make up your own from the library items.

Pros

How simple it is - and how the software does the adding and subtotalling for you - no messy hand typed calculation lines.

Cons

Some of the standard reports need a good tweaking.

Easy to Use and Great Support

I have been using Benchmark since 1997 and from the beginning have found it very easy to use. It has evolved over the years through constant development to be very comprehensive estimating software. Benchmark has saved me significant time while improving accuracy and consistency. Navigating through an estimate to review and revise production rates, crew composition and quantity calculations etc. is fast and simple. Anyone considering purchasing estimating software, should seriously consider Benchmark Estimating Software.

Pros

Composite items, variables and the overall ease of navigation within an active project or browsing for previous projects

Benchmark Estimating

I have used a few estimating programs. Benchmark is definitely the best to use. Easy setup and change as you want to change things along the way. Would like to work and see how to utilise the program in full, with a entity that really uses the program to it's full potential.

Pros

User friendly. Easy to setup and build as you progress.

Cons

The excel reports is sometimes not very "edit" friendly

Marsupial Landscape Management Review

Hi, I have been with Marsupial Landscape Management for just under a year now, upon commencing work I was introduced to Benchmark estimating software for the first time. My previous employer used a different estimating software that I grew to be fairly familiar with over time, however, after first opening Benchmark my first impression was how friendly the user interface projected! I was pleasantly surprised from the previous estimating software that I had been exposed to. This initial experience with Benchmark made me feel comfortable using the software from the start and I was always prompted to continue exploring the software on my own, being the sole user of the software at the time. I had no problem picking up the software and learning any new features with time. I have found it to be an efficient and powerful estimating tool, given the library, inputs are kept as true to the works that we had successfully done in the past. I would happily recommend Benchmark estimating software to companies of any size, from tier 1 to tier 3. I can see why it is as popular as it is, and I hope to learn more about Benchmark throughout my career.

Pros

User-friendly interface. Library data which is readily available. Library of quotes available at any time. It is a great Data library for estimating.

Cons

There is so much to learn!

Benchmark Estimating in Use

Very pleased with what we achieve, using the program. Make submissions so much easier.

Pros

All tenders/quote and progress claim in one.
Track costs of every project.
With good data base, it just get easier.

Cons

Not interfacing with other take-off programs.

Quadracon & Benchmark

I have been using Benchmark personally for close to 12 years, being introduced to it from Nigel Watts with a past Organisation when I was an Estimating Manager. The softwares high functionality, authority matrix and strong estimating capability has long been the lure for me. Benchmark was my first real investment when we started our own Building Business, and I would consider the software to be fundamental to our Business.

Great to ensure consistency across multiple users

I find this software great for multi-user operating in an enterprise environment. The resources library makes updating prices easy and ensures consistency of pricing across the organization. The items library stores all our standard jobs in a clean and tidy place and it's fantastic for recurrent estimates.

Pros

The libraries structure.
Easy to use
Good customer support

Tons of Features

Pros

Features. Benchmark has tons of features. It can be overwhelming, but an investment well worth the time.

Cons

Complicated. It can be a bite complicated. It does take time to set up.

Simple straight forward and flexable

Any person who takes over 3 months to learn this package after using another program should be re-trained in basic first principle estimating. Benckmark is a simple set up which offers fast allocation or items or resources.

Long Process to Learn

I used Timberline before and learn how to use it in a couple of weeks. With Benchmark, still 3 months Im still on basic level