Estimating Link vs. HCSS

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Estimating Link
Score 0.0 out of 10
N/A
Heavy/Civil Estimating Software designed for unit price and lump sum bidding, used to calculate job costs using resources like labor and equipment. Users can add markup, OH, profit, bonds, and indirect costs to finalize a bid, and build professional proposals for customers.N/A
HCSS
Score 9.5 out of 10
Mid-Size Companies (51-1,000 employees)
HCSS is a construction software suite. It includes functionality for bidding, time card and project management, safety, planning, scheduling, equipment management, and data warehousing and reporting. Each module can be purchased separately. The suite can be hosted in the cloud.N/A
Pricing
Estimating LinkHCSS
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Estimating LinkHCSS
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeRequiredRequired
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Estimating LinkHCSS
Considered Both Products
Estimating Link

No answer on this topic

HCSS
Chose HCSS
The company utilizes several platforms to achieve their overall project control goals.
Chose HCSS
I was not part of the team that looked at other potential products at the time of purchase of HCSS.
Chose HCSS
We did not try any other software. In discussions with employees that have worked with other companies, they said to go with the Cadillac of softwares from the get-go, and that's what we decided to do. We wouldn't have it any other way now that we have used HCSS.
Chose HCSS
We've used Sage in the past and even though I would say it's on par, it did not provide the integration that we needed for our new systems and databases.
Chose HCSS
I don't have any other to compare to, as my previous company we built a software system from the ground up that did all of these functions already.
Chose HCSS
We used to use Estimating Link. It was very helpful in our transition to a larger company. It was like HeavyBid light, but also a fraction of the cost.
Chose HCSS
Occasionally I have come across an individual you is a spreadsheet user for estimating. and has not used heavybid. Usually after a little bit of orientation the individual can readily see the increased efficiency and the potential for less errors. I have also talked to …
Chose HCSS
HCSS has mobile apps and is very attentive to its customer's needs. Support is awesome.
Chose HCSS
We researched other software companies but none provided the depth of support and knowledge that HCSS brought to the table. HCSS is also always growing and listening to its customers. Customer support seems to remain the backbone of the company that is always striving to grow …
Chose HCSS
None. Outside of Excel spreadsheets Heavy Bid is the only estimating program I have used.
Chose HCSS
I've looked at a couple different software systems, both at this company and others, and nothing has compared to Heavy Bid and Heavy Job. The versatility and functions of both are truly amazing and have helped us in many ways. Other systems just don't compare.
Chose HCSS
Other estimating products I have used consist of ICE/MC2 and MS Excel. ICE was not a good fit for our company, as they have awful technical support and offer very poor training. MS Excel is great for simple estimates where there is not a lot of data being compiled. However …
Chose HCSS
HCSS is the best we have ever found.
Chose HCSS
In general, HCSS has allowed us to grow to a point with technology as a company where we're now confident in pursuing more advanced technologies to help in other back office areas. We have also been able to grow our IT support team to open new doors for us that didn't exist …
Chose HCSS
I worked for Kiewit for 26 years and they wrote their own program which is similar to HCSS, but their operations program was better than HCSS.
Chose HCSS
Bid2win, and Hard dollar.

Heavybid is far above both in terms of product features, but even if they were equal, HCSS support makes a huge difference.
Features
Estimating LinkHCSS
Construction Project & Field Management
Comparison of Construction Project & Field Management features of Product A and Product B
Estimating Link
-
Ratings
HCSS
6.8
Ratings
10% below category average
Plan distribution & viewing00 Ratings6.90 Ratings
Plan markups & sharing00 Ratings6.00 Ratings
Issue tracking & punchlists00 Ratings9.90 Ratings
Photo documentation00 Ratings10.00 Ratings
Jobsite reports00 Ratings8.00 Ratings
Document sharing00 Ratings7.10 Ratings
RFI tools00 Ratings3.00 Ratings
Collaboration & approvals00 Ratings4.00 Ratings
Mobile app00 Ratings6.10 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Estimating LinkHCSS
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Score 9.1 out of 10
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Score 10.0 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
InEight
InEight
Score 8.3 out of 10
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Score 8.3 out of 10
Enterprises
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Score 8.3 out of 10
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Score 8.3 out of 10
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User Ratings
Estimating LinkHCSS
Likelihood to Recommend
-
(0 ratings)
6.1
(0 ratings)
Usability
-
(0 ratings)
7.0
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Estimating LinkHCSS
Likelihood to Recommend
No answers on this topic
Our operation uses several pieces of what we call specialty equipment (not used every day on every job). The foreman when finished will give a location of where this equipment is left, this many times can be very vague and lead to a lowboy driver trying to block around to find the piece or driving down a street he cannot get turned around in. With the GPS devices, the driver can pinpoint exactly where the unit is and if he has room to turn around at that location.
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Pros
No answers on this topic
  • #1 is support! HCSS is by far the best software support of any product we have ever used. Unlike most software companies HCSS utilizes their support calls to help upgrade their software. When you here them tell you that they will write down a particular issue you come across during a support call if they can't help you then and there they will research and get an answer to you extremely fast. If the software will not do it, you can bet there is a good chance it will be on the list of enhancements you will see come out in the near future.
  • Estimating software is very extensive. Their software is capable of handling the smallest estimate all the way to the largest joint venture estimate. It has advanced features that make it extremely useful for analyzing job materials, subcontractors etc.
  • HeavyJob is an extremely useful tool for the field to keep the office up to date with job costs. Everything is at the Foreman's fingertips on Tablets to allow the information from the field to get uploaded to HeavyJob manager which then can export to accounting. We are also able to give our Foreman the ability to deal with the Daily and weekly safety needs (Tailgate Meetings, incident Investigation, observations etc.) right on the Tablets thru HeavyJob.
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Cons
No answers on this topic
  • All their apps are on mobile devices. Although there is not a clear company policy on Android versus iPhone. Updates for features lag behind on Android. Some apps are exclusive to one platform making it hard to fully interconnect all programs.
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Usability
No answers on this topic
As mentioned, user interface appears messy and complicated at initial onset. Training is necessary but becomes easy to maneuver through after solid daily use.
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Support Rating
No answers on this topic
The people at HCSS who I interact with, whether it is a support technician, product manager, or the HCSS President, Mike Rydin, are as passionate at making construction management for heavy civil contractors a valuable experience as I am. They want to get us emphatic, project management addicted people in to tell them why their product is not working, and work with us to design the software to work for us. HCSS is good for the heavy civil contractor; it is going to help us to manage our projects with precision, accuracy, and accountability.
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Implementation Rating
No answers on this topic
It is critical to select the right team to take to HCSS for implementation. They take very good care of you and your team and listen to all of your concerns. During implantation we often discuss wants and needs with VPs and Officers as they pass through to check on our progress.
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Alternatives Considered
No answers on this topic
We researched other software companies but none provided the depth of support and knowledge that HCSS brought to the table. HCSS is also always growing and listening to its customers. Customer support seems to remain the backbone of the company that is always striving to grow with the industry.
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Return on Investment
No answers on this topic
  • The biggest ROI for us was the ease of adoption by field personnel.
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ScreenShots

Estimating Link Screenshots

Screenshot of The bid sheet is where you start and end your bid.  Lists your Items with Unit and Total Costs for each Item, Markup, and Item Spread.  See your total Bid Price, along with alternates highlighted in color.Screenshot of The Item sheet is where you build each item with labor, equipment, rental, material, and subcontractor resources.  Add your production in days or hours to determine overall item cost.  Visible resource breakdown by unit and total is listed to the side.Screenshot of The Rate Library is used to add resources to your items.  By simply toggling between your resources within your Rate Library, simply double click a resource to add it to your item.  Rate Libraries are customized to your business.Screenshot of Develop a professional proposal for your customer.  Be as detailed as you want with customizable letterheads.  More then 7 Proposal Templates to choose from - detailed itemization or lump sum.  Include Totals, Project Inclusions/Exclusions, and a Signature Line.

HCSS Screenshots

Screenshot of HeavyBid - build the structure of an estimateScreenshot of HeavyBid - manage sub and material quotesScreenshot of HeavyBid - create professional bid proposalsScreenshot of HeavyJob - manage a job site from a mobile deviceScreenshot of HeavyJob - capture job site photos from any deviceScreenshot of HeavyJob - review, edit, and approve time cards from a mobile device