Autodesk Build vs. BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Autodesk Build
Score 8.1 out of 10
N/A
Autodesk Build, based on the former PlanGrid, is construction productivity software. It includes tools to collaborate, collect, and manage project information throughout the project’s construction and operations lifespan. It enables document centralization and tracking.
$39
user per month
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Score 7.9 out of 10
N/A
BuildingConnected is an online preconstruction platform supporting communication and collaboration with contractors, subcontractors, and real estate owners. The platform supports bid management with cost tracking and analytics, relationship tracking, alerting, and unlimited bid invitations. BuildingConnected was acquired by Autodesk in 2018.N/A
Pricing
Autodesk BuildBuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Editions & Modules
Nailgun
$39
user per month
Dozer
$59
user per month
Crane
$139
user per month
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Autodesk BuildBuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Autodesk BuildBuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Considered Both Products
Autodesk Build
Chose Autodesk Build
I have only used Autodesk Build at work. Compared to Procore which I have recently been introduced to, Autodesk Build has a more modern look and accessibility features. I can not give an in-depth review between the two products as I do not spend a lot of time using Procore.
Chose Autodesk Build
Procore and PlanGrid are the most direct competitors. The pricing structures are very dynamically different between PlanGrid and Procore. Procore tends to succeed better in the "project management" realm, while PlanGrid succeeds far beyond Procore in its ability to deal with …
Chose Autodesk Build
We currently use both Bluebeam and Adobe in our environment, but PlanGrid makes it much easier to view and do quick markups and annotations.
Chose Autodesk Build
PlanGrid is very similar to Procore but offers a slightly more straightforward user interface and seems not to be loaded with extra options that rarely would get used like Procore. PlanGrid is a much smoother software than Submittal Exchange or CMiC due to that same interface. …
Chose Autodesk Build
Compared on pricing, PlanGrid was best. Procore does submittals and pay apps, but GoBridgit was completely unrealistic in price for us to consider them. The overall use of PlanGrid along with current pricing makes it worthwhile for us. If pricing goes up, it would no longer be …
Chose Autodesk Build
  • Asana is better at assigning tasks and completing work on a deadline.
  • Bluebeam Revu is used by other consultants, but PlanGrid is preferred by our office.
  • Acrobat is quick and dirty but is difficult to track changes and versions.
Chose Autodesk Build
While other companies offer systems similar to PlanGrid, none offer the same features or benefits.
Chose Autodesk Build
BlueBeam is a program that some of our customers use as their management tool. It is a little more cumbersome than Plan Grid. We would certainly prefer using PlanGrid over other products that we have tried. Our field staff prefers to have a consistent platform to share the …
Chose Autodesk Build
Plangrid would sit in between these two when it comes to mobile job site collaboration and document management. Procore is more a full-featured product but it is 2X-3X the cost and there is some question whether the extra costs actual turns in to an ROI at the end of the day. …
Chose Autodesk Build
PlanGrid allows easier collaboration.
Chose Autodesk Build
PlanGrid is an easier system to use then Procore; however, Procore offers more of a full management software than PlanGrid does with plan distribution.
Chose Autodesk Build
Procore is a web-based service and is very slow. While PlanGrid updates and is not web based it is much quicker. PlanGrid is also much easier to use.
Chose Autodesk Build
PlanGrid provides the perfect balance of simplicity and accuracy. As I've noted, ProCore is more robust but the learning curve is steep, and, for my company, the majority of features would go unused (and thus would be a waste of money). PlanGrid offers a few solid features and …
Chose Autodesk Build
The programs are not exactly parallel, however, we formerly posted RFIs on Bluebeam and by owner request we are now using Plangrid. I have found that this feature on Plangrid is slightly more intuitive and the interface is more user-friendly. Bluebeam, on the other hand, has …
Chose Autodesk Build
PlanGrid is great for quickly communicating information within the field, however, its office capabilities are more limited compared to some alternative software I have used.
Chose Autodesk Build
I feel that PlanGrid is much more useful in our organization than ProCore due to the extra features and value
Chose Autodesk Build
They have similar platforms and uses. At this time we use both because General Contractors require we use some of these programs to work on their projects, and we don't have a choice which one we use. It's tough because we then have multiple platforms to learn, manage and use …
Chose Autodesk Build
We selected to use PlanGrid over the traditional Word/Excel combination for its ease of use, and streamlining of the process.
Chose Autodesk Build
It's easier to use, more user-friendly, has ready access, and is more cost effective.
Chose Autodesk Build
I feel that Plangrid does a good job at combining most of the best attributes of the above programs into one solid software. Finishline seems to be a bit stronger punchlist tool but it doesnt have any other features, can't be used a doc control, etc.
Chose Autodesk Build
PlanGrid has several more features in one location, as opposed to using multiple programs to accomplish the same task.
Chose Autodesk Build
Bluebeam is easier to use for plan markups, but the punch list function of PlanGrid is far better.
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
PlanHub, iSqFt, SmartBid and Procore
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Very similar but BuildingConnected, an Autodesk is easier to use. The projects available are easier to locate and the user friendly screens allow for deciding which projects to bid.
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
We also use AutoCad so it was easy for us to look at BuildingConnected first since they are by the same company. We had found out while interfacing with our customers that some other platforms (like procore) were hard to use and find information on, so we did not give them …
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
BuildingConnected is one of my favorite bid management softwares because of its ease of use and simple interface. At a quick glance you can easily see where your project is, who is planning on bidding, and what values submitted bids equal out to. BuildingConnected makes it …
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Procore has excellent project management, but the bidding side is the worst I have ever used.
Planhub is easy to use and lets me put as many jobs as possible online.
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
BuildingConnected is 100x better than Smart Bid!! Much more flexibility and options!
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Have used BlueBook Construction, which has a smooth, quick search for local contractors. Still, they don't allow us the client project creation. I even had issues with them displaying proper project descriptions based upon was receiving inadequate and or erroneous bid …
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
I'd say that BuildingConnected is by far the best software I've used in the industry. It's much more aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, and just a better overall product than ProCore, iSqFt, & SmartBid. Those sites all seem to be lacking in at least one of those categories …
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
SmartBid is very similar to BuildingConnected. In our case it just depends which general contractor has BuildingConnected vs SmartBid. I can say that building connected has brought us more/new estimating opportunities by updating our profile - indicating what division we …
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
iSqft cannot stack up against BuildingConnected. The ease of use and intuitiveness of the software is lightyears ahead of iSqft.
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
BuildingConnected is user-friendly and easy to understand. One of the key successes for communication within the bidding process is for a dialogue not only from within our company, but also with the subcontractors that we are reaching out to. Nearly all subcontractors we have …
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
I have used various products to do my job and by far BuildingConnected is the best. I wish all construction companies used this program. They are easy to use and does most of the work for me. I like the way they call or text me and ask for my opinion on their product and if …
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
I like the look of BuildingConnected the best between the 3 of these products. Isqft to me has an outdated look and isn't super easy to navigate like BuildingConnected. I like the the visual look of BuildingConnected its very easy on the eyes and draws your eye to where you …
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Some of these other products are feature-rich but lack user-friendly features. BuildingConnected, what it lacks in some deeper features, it makes up for in Customer Service and User Friendliness.
Chose BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
We use BuildingConnected for our bidding process mainly because of their database feature. Procore does not offer a database outside of using your own. Plangrid, Dodge & PanTerra have databases, but they don't seem to be as broad as BuildingConnected. SmartBid actually has some …
Features
Autodesk BuildBuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Construction Project & Field Management
Comparison of Construction Project & Field Management features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Build
6.5
Ratings
15% below category average
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
3.6
Ratings
71% below category average
Plan distribution & viewing7.00 Ratings1.30 Ratings
Plan markups & sharing6.00 Ratings1.30 Ratings
Issue tracking & punchlists5.00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Photo documentation9.00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
Jobsite reports9.00 Ratings6.10 Ratings
Document sharing8.00 Ratings1.30 Ratings
RFI tools5.00 Ratings1.20 Ratings
Collaboration & approvals8.00 Ratings1.20 Ratings
As-built drawings5.00 Ratings1.20 Ratings
Mobile app3.00 Ratings1.00 Ratings
Submittal design and management00 Ratings1.20 Ratings
Checklists00 Ratings1.20 Ratings
Meeting Minutes00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
Specifications00 Ratings8.90 Ratings
Change orders00 Ratings6.90 Ratings
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Build
-
Ratings
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
8.0
Ratings
5% above category average
Job profiles and administration00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Reporting & Analytics
Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Build
-
Ratings
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
1.2
Ratings
146% below category average
Dashboards00 Ratings1.10 Ratings
Standard reports00 Ratings1.20 Ratings
Custom reports00 Ratings1.20 Ratings
Data exportability00 Ratings1.10 Ratings
Estimating
Comparison of Estimating features of Product A and Product B
Autodesk Build
-
Ratings
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
6.2
Ratings
25% below category average
Takeoff tools00 Ratings1.20 Ratings
Job costing00 Ratings7.00 Ratings
Cost databases00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
Cost calculator00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Bid creation00 Ratings8.90 Ratings
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Autodesk BuildBuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
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User Ratings
Autodesk BuildBuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Likelihood to Recommend
7.0
(0 ratings)
1.3
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
10.0
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Usability
5.0
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
9.0
(0 ratings)
8.9
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Autodesk BuildBuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
Likelihood to Recommend
Plangrid is well suited for companies (that are not currently using a different SaaS construction package) to make their construction document management more collaborative and mobile friendly. Companies requiring/wanting their subs and owners to collaborate with them as part of the life of a construction project will find Plangrid very helpful in fulfilling this goal. On the negative side, companies that are fully entrenched in using other construction suites will struggle to fully use Plangrid to its potential as pre-built integration between Plangrid and other packages is limited
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It is perfect for anyone in construction - whether you're an estimator or project manager. BuildingConnected is the go-to resource to help you stay on top of your projects. It is not as appropriate for people that are not in the construction field. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to be more organized.
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Pros
  • Very easy to use, and training takes less than a few hours for field staff.
  • Connects office to field quickly and efficiently.
  • Uploading , naming, and tagging sheet is the best in the business.
  • Sheet and document manager always display most current information and also gives you the ability to look back at previous versions for changes.
Read full review
  • Helps keep track of multiple jobs at once
  • Helps sort your bid invites into won/lost/pending/archived etc.
  • It is a central location where general contractors can put all their updated files and addendum
  • Lets you see which contractors are bidding the same job so you can coordinate your estimating
Read full review
Cons
  • It'd be nice to have access to upload and edit documents from the app. Only for certain users.
  • A small business billing option that addresses multiple users of a single account would make managing access simpler. Being able to load unlimited sheets, but only access a specific limit on your team's devices.
  • Allow users to integrate their own RFI templates into the app, so RFIs can be generated in your own format right from the field, immediately ready to ship.
Read full review
  • Stronger Sub search for situations in which we are not creating and publishing a project within BuildingConnected. In many instances, we simply need to find a trade subcontractor immediately. We cannot waste time in creating, publishing a project, documentation, files, etc., etc.. We should have an excellent advanced search window for this purpose.
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Likelihood to Renew
We are at the point where we have shown our teams what is possible with this software. We cannot take it away and go back to the way we used to do things. I think that they would push back on us to give them access to something electronic. It is a good program that we will continue to use
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No answers on this topic
Usability
Hard to get the hang of this software, but with time it become very repetitive and easier to navigate. I have used this software for over a year now and the constant updates by Autodesk have made the software better and better to use at work. This allows me to use this tool more effectively
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Very easy to use.
Read full review
Support Rating
Online chat during business hours is extremely helpful. The Plangrid staff has gone above and beyond many times to help us. One time they even offered to completely rebuild our 900+ sheet project so I could slip sheet a few old drawing revisions! This undoubtedly would have taken hours on Plangrid's end. They are always responsive and are continually improving, listening to user feedback.
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Though I haven't had to utilize any live support at BuildingConnected, I know others at my company have and have had good success with them. They seem to be very responsive and since the software is so simple, there are not that many pitfalls or hurdles that you need to work through to accomplish your task.
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Implementation Rating
No answers on this topic
Quick and easy. Pretty much menu-driven
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Alternatives Considered
Procore and PlanGrid are the most direct competitors. The pricing structures are very dynamically different between PlanGrid and Procore. Procore tends to succeed better in the "project management" realm, while PlanGrid succeeds far beyond Procore in its ability to deal with project documentation (plans and specs). Bim360 is a great product, but it is limited in its use due to the modeling requirement; while PlanGrid bridges that gap and plays in both 2D and 3D spaces. Buildertrend has some aspects of plan distribution, but it is limited in functionality.
Read full review
BuildingConnected is one of my favorite bid management softwares because of its ease of use and simple interface. At a quick glance you can easily see where your project is, who is planning on bidding, and what values submitted bids equal out to. BuildingConnected makes it really easy to find and engage new subcontractors, and is very easy to use as a team.
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Return on Investment
  • Positive: Syncing drawings. As I said, keeping an up-to-date set of drawings is seamless on ProCore, as compared to a traditional server or even the cloud. The software is designed to see and mark-up drawings. Though markup tools aren't as robust as, say, Bluebeam Revu (I wouldn't expect all of that from a web app, anyway), it's very nice to easily see all the newest drawings.
  • Positive: Saved time. Documents are updated at the same time, across all devices, with only one upload.
  • Positive: Punch list is easy. ProCore punch lists are quite complicated. In PlanGrid, with 1-tap we can add items and give a brief description. When doing a walk-thru, it should be easy to jot down notes. These can be detailed once you're sitting at a desk, and PlanGrid allows for that. But for field personnel, punch lists are an easy and efficient use of time.
  • Negative: Photo management. For us, there should be a way to just upload photos, and not require to use the photo tool within the app.
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  • Our company is able to view the number of bid responses and award percentages for each subcontractor.
  • We save a considerable amount of admin time by utilizing BuildingConnected. Correspondence to all subcontractors can be concurrent rather than individually where a general note must be distributed.
Read full review
ScreenShots

Autodesk Build Screenshots

Screenshot of No confusing folders - all your plans at your fingertips.Screenshot of Easy overlay to visually detect changes or clashes.Screenshot of Track issues directly on the plan, including descriptions, photos, cost, and schedule impacts.Screenshot of Mark up plans for instant communication between field and office.Screenshot of Attach any kind of construction documents to your plans, including 360 photos.Screenshot of Track, review, and submit all your field reports on a mobile device.