BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product vs. Followup CRM

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
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
FollowUp CRM
Score 10.0 out of 10
N/A
FollowUp Power CRM for Construction is a CRM system for the construction industry. Features include lead tracking, sales pipeline analysis, closing ratios, quota management, project management, and dashboards. It can integrate with other marketing and accounting products.N/A
Pricing
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk productFollowup CRM
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk productFollowUp CRM
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk productFollowup CRM
Considered Both Products
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 …
FollowUp CRM
Chose FollowUp CRM
My company had already implemented FollowUp Power CRM for Construction before I arrived. I have used other CRM programs in the past, and FollowUp Power is much more user friendly, and I have already seen a direct increase in my lead to customer conversion ratio as well as …
Chose FollowUp CRM
We used a Microsoft CRM. FollowUp Power is much more sales oriented and has a easier UI. FollowUp Power only tracks up to the sale, while our previous CRM tracked a job from beginning to end.
Chose FollowUp CRM
I have never used any other product of this nature. I used to do it the old fashion way. Now I have FollowUp Power CRM for Construction, and my sales have tripled. My income has grown in leaps and bounds as well!! This is a great product, a must have!!
Chose FollowUp CRM
This is the first such software we have used and tried for job tracking to my knowledge. It was selected by our head of marketing as tool to track how we receive and follow through with clients and jobs.
Features
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk productFollowup CRM
Human Resource Management
Comparison of Human Resource Management features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
8.0
Ratings
5% above category average
Followup CRM
-
Ratings
Job profiles and administration8.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Reporting & Analytics
Comparison of Reporting & Analytics features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
1.2
Ratings
146% below category average
Followup CRM
-
Ratings
Dashboards1.10 Ratings00 Ratings
Standard reports1.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Custom reports1.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Data exportability1.10 Ratings00 Ratings
Construction Project & Field Management
Comparison of Construction Project & Field Management features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
3.6
Ratings
71% below category average
Followup CRM
-
Ratings
Plan distribution & viewing1.30 Ratings00 Ratings
Plan markups & sharing1.30 Ratings00 Ratings
Issue tracking & punchlists8.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Photo documentation7.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Jobsite reports6.10 Ratings00 Ratings
Document sharing1.30 Ratings00 Ratings
RFI tools1.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Collaboration & approvals1.20 Ratings00 Ratings
As-built drawings1.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Mobile app1.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Submittal design and management1.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Checklists1.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Meeting Minutes6.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Specifications8.90 Ratings00 Ratings
Change orders6.90 Ratings00 Ratings
Estimating
Comparison of Estimating features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
6.2
Ratings
25% below category average
Followup CRM
-
Ratings
Takeoff tools1.20 Ratings00 Ratings
Job costing7.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Cost databases6.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Cost calculator8.00 Ratings00 Ratings
Bid creation8.90 Ratings00 Ratings
Sales Force Automation
Comparison of Sales Force Automation features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
9.1
Ratings
17% above category average
Customer data management / contact management00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Workflow management00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Territory management00 Ratings6.10 Ratings
Opportunity management00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Integration with email client (e.g., Outlook or Gmail)00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Contract management00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Quote & order management00 Ratings8.90 Ratings
Interaction tracking00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Channel / partner relationship management00 Ratings7.20 Ratings
Customer Service & Support
Comparison of Customer Service & Support features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
10.0
Ratings
28% above category average
Case management00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Call center management00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Help desk management00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Marketing Automation
Comparison of Marketing Automation features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
10.0
Ratings
27% above category average
Lead management00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Email marketing00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
CRM Project Management
Comparison of CRM Project Management features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
9.5
Ratings
22% above category average
Task management00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Billing and invoicing management00 Ratings8.40 Ratings
Reporting00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
CRM Reporting & Analytics
Comparison of CRM Reporting & Analytics features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
9.7
Ratings
25% above category average
Forecasting00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Pipeline visualization00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Customizable reports00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Customization
Comparison of Customization features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
9.8
Ratings
27% above category average
Custom fields00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Custom objects00 Ratings9.00 Ratings
Scripting environment00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
API for custom integration00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Security
Comparison of Security features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
10.0
Ratings
18% above category average
Single sign-on capability00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Role-based user permissions00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Social CRM
Comparison of Social CRM features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
10.0
Ratings
31% above category average
Social data00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Social engagement00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Integrations with 3rd-party Software
Comparison of Integrations with 3rd-party Software features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
7.7
Ratings
5% above category average
Marketing automation00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Compensation management00 Ratings5.50 Ratings
Platform
Comparison of Platform features of Product A and Product B
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk product
-
Ratings
Followup CRM
10.0
Ratings
31% above category average
Mobile access00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk productFollowup CRM
Small Businesses
FollowUp CRM
FollowUp CRM
Score 10.0 out of 10
Salesmate
Salesmate
Score 10.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
InEight
InEight
Score 8.3 out of 10
Creatio
Creatio
Score 9.7 out of 10
Enterprises
InEight
InEight
Score 8.3 out of 10
Creatio
Creatio
Score 9.7 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk productFollowup CRM
Likelihood to Recommend
1.3
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Usability
10.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
8.9
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(0 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
BuildingConnected, an Autodesk productFollowup CRM
Likelihood to Recommend
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.
Read full review
One of the best things about FollowUp Power is that we can mark things for follow-up several months down the line, which we frequently have a need for since many of our clients are seasonal. For example, we'll get started working with them while they're here in Florida for the winter, then they'll head back north in the spring and not want to hear from us again until they return in the fall. With FollowUp Power, we can then mark them for follow up in the future rather than to have to somehow remember to contact them in the future.
Read full review
Pros
  • 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
  • We love the dashboard feature. This is where we spend the majority of our time. The dashboard helps us avoid missing bid dates and deadlines.
  • The system is very intuitive and a new user will be up to speed within one hour after they start using the system. There is only one place to enter all data. This allows for ease of use and minimizes data entry mistakes.
  • Every task is date stamped to insure proper work flow and holds the team accountable to each other.
Read full review
Cons
  • 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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  • It really needs to have the capability of listing numerous phone #s with a note beside each one ("his cell#", "her work#", "do not call before 9a.m.", etc.).
  • It really needs to have the capability of listing numerous e-mail addresses ("hers", "his", "her email address at work", etc.).
  • It would be nice to have a separate general information box where we could put comments in that would show every time we bring up the account (such as "her nickname is Bobbi", "their dogs name is Fido, "their son is currently stationed in France", "husband is going through chemotherapy", etc.), which would help us to remember personal details that are important to our clients.
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Usability
Very easy to use.
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No answers on this topic
Support Rating
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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No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
Quick and easy. Pretty much menu-driven
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No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
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.
Read full review
My company had already implemented FollowUp Power CRM for Construction before I arrived. I have used other CRM programs in the past, and FollowUp Power is much more user friendly, and I have already seen a direct increase in my lead to customer conversion ratio as well as increased sales
Read full review
Return on Investment
  • 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
  • I have seen a lot better tracking on my jobs when it comes to scheduling and staying on top of my jobs.
  • The dashboard is part of my daily routine it tells me exactly what I need to follow up on weather it is calling the customer or checking on the customer.
  • Payments or what the current status of the job is.
Read full review
ScreenShots