Compare SmartBid и Swiftender

Benefits:

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 ... Read more

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!

Drawbacks:

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 This was partly due to our own company's massively outdated subcontractor and supplier list.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 ... Read more

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 This was partly due to our own company's massively outdated subcontractor and supplier list.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.

Summary:

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... Read more

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!!

Benefits:

I enjoy that smartbid streamlines the bidding process in construction. It allows you to upload drawings & specifications, as well as selecting trad... Read more

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.

Drawbacks:

The only thing I struggle with for Smartbid is the options to having subcontractors change their information within the program. We would like to s... Read more

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.

Summary:

The benefits included are ease of access, multi user capability, subcontractor functions, and the blast emailing projects out to get the project to... Read more

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.

Benefits:

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 t... Read more

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

Drawbacks:

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 w... Read more

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.

Summary:

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

Benefits:

Great software to organize all of your Subcontractors and Vendors. Very easy to edit, add, or delete company names and contacts. Many categories fo... Read more

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.

Drawbacks:

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 eac... Read more

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.

Summary:

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.

Benefits:

Easily send hundreds of custom & personalized invites to your most valued subcontractors & suppliers. Easy distribution of project revisions / add... Read more

Easily send hundreds of custom & personalized invites to your most valued subcontractors & suppliers. Easy distribution of project revisions / addendums.

Drawbacks:

Not that I've found yet! I'm very satisfied with the software.

Summary:

Benefits:

1. I like how Switftender allows/encourages their users to be involved in the evolution of the system. 2. I like the control I have over my databa... Read more

1. I like how Switftender allows/encourages their users to be involved in the evolution of the system. 2. I like the control I have over my database 3. I like how Swiftender is not trying to monopolize my sub-trades with fees 4. I like how easy and intuitive the system is for not only my staff but my sub-trades

Drawbacks:

It's only real downfall is it's lack of security in terms of document control once you send a link. While having an active link that stays current ... Read more

It's only real downfall is it's lack of security in terms of document control once you send a link. While having an active link that stays current no matter how many revisions you make to the document upload (dashboard) is a great feature and allows sub-trades ease of access throughout their supply chain and internally. It poses a security issue because once I send a link to the documents that link can be forwarded and shared outside of my control. My belief is that this is manageable by the Contractor and thought should always go into who you share information with - However I would like the ability to block/delete an invitation from access or at least be able to monitor/track who has used it. In the grand scheme of things my 4 pros above outweigh this issue, but nonetheless my hope is that this issue would be addressed/resolved in the future. Shayan and his team are great and over the last few years I have used this program I have seen the growth and believe in the direction of the programs evolution.

Summary:

Great - Great Team & Great Product.

Benefits:

Swiftender enables us to communicate with our trades and suppliers by sharing documents in the tender process. The program is achieving its goals ... Read more

Swiftender enables us to communicate with our trades and suppliers by sharing documents in the tender process. The program is achieving its goals and ours.

Drawbacks:

Swiftender has a bit of a learning curve to get used to the program. The process doesn't flow smoothly. We are still working out a few details wh... Read more

Swiftender has a bit of a learning curve to get used to the program. The process doesn't flow smoothly. We are still working out a few details while we try to get a rhythm in our daily usage.

Summary:

I feel Swiftender provides the end result needed and is worth the cost.

Benefits:

Ease of use, good customer support, Canadian based

Drawbacks:

Slowing down (but you guys are working on that).

Summary:

Good.