Bidworx Reviewer's Comments

Vertigraph, Inc., an international supplier of windows-based software, develops and markets software solutions that automate takeoff, estimating, bidding and digitizing functions of companies engaged in construction management. Vertigraph's customers include general contractors and subcontractors of all trades and construction managers that are involved in commercial, industrial, residential and heavy-highway infrastructure construction.

Feature Set:  

The BidWorx program seems to have been designed by people attempting to address complaints of difficulty when using estimating software. The program offers an introductory slide show presentation and has a logical, well-organized format to aid in the estimation-creation process. The straightforward format and powerful program features combine to make BidWorx a beneficial addition to any estimating department.

The BidWorx database is an open-architecture design, which grants access to all stored data. The data can be organized by estimate, work records, assemblies and items. It is organized with files, which are available for distribution to contacts and crews. You can quickly create new records by copying and modifying existing ones. You can also specify a variety of search criteria to accelerate the process of finding and sorting data. There are sample databases included in the program. These are designed for all trades and can be customized to meet your company's specific requirements. RS Means and other third party price books are also available.

The actual estimate is created by a flexible, user-defined work breakdown structure known as Work Records. Results of the estimate can be presented in Bidday spreadsheets with unit costing and quantity measurements which can be easily transferred to spreadsheet data entry forms for easy comparison of bids.

The Excel-compatible formula and function set allows BidWorx estimates to contain up to 256 spreadsheets. Information can be referenced from sheet to sheet. There are over 130 function Wizards which calculate items such as on-center spacing, pitch and bell pier calculations, etc. Data features include sort, cell protection, find and replace. Formatting options include a variety of borders, patterns, fonts and colors.

Reporting features allow you to view the estimate in a variety of ways. Bid information, such as costs, work hours and quantities may be displayed in an analysis summary, a detailed information format, or using drill-down features. Drill-down features expand the details by division, subdivision and work records. There are 4 user-definable work records available along with user-defined criteria to be included in the report.

Ease of Use:  

Despite its powerful program capabilities, BidWorx is relatively easy to navigate. There is an introduction slide show demonstrating the intuitive design of the BidWorx program. However, without prior experience with estimating programs, this program may be somewhat complicated. If you have previous knowledge of estimating programs, you will appreciate the logical organization allowing you to easily proceed through each step of the estimation process. There are available training classes to instruct you in the program, allowing you to fully realize and incorporate the capabilities of the program.

Ease of Installation:  

Bidworx has a simple installation process. We encountered no problems throughout the process.

Help/Support:  

BidWorx contains a content-sensitive help section that is adequate for an estimator with previous experience using estimating programs. Vertigraph provides consulting and training services which include: Full_Serve® (providing all software enhancements), an 800 telephone number, website references, and email and fax support for twelve months. Vertigraph professionals also provide training sessions, which may be held at a location convenient for you, and database development.

Summary:  

BidWorx was designed for medium to large construction companies with full-time estimators. Part-time estimators of small construction companies and subcontractors may find this program frustrating due to a lack of continuous experience with the program. The initial cost of the program must be seriously considered for a company on a tight budget. However, as a new Vertigraph customer, you receive six free months of Full Serve, which provides all of the software enhancements, and an additional 20% discount on any other Vertigraph software after you have spent a total of $350. Bidworx is a very well-designed, useful and functional estimating program housing many tracking and reporting capabilities. For the medium-sized construction company with at least one full-time estimator, BidWorx is a solid choice to aid in your estimating needs.