SharpeSoft Estimator vs. Manual Bidding: Why Now is the Time to Upgrade

SharpeSoft Estimator vs. Manual Bidding: Why Now is the Time to Upgrade

How you bid is just as important as what you build in today’s heavy civil construction industry. Many professionals still rely on handwritten notes, manual spreadsheets, and outdated tools to produce project bids. This year, the gap between digital estimating software like The SharpeSoft Estimator and manual bidding is more significant than ever. If you’re stuck using traditional bidding methods, it might be costing you time, money, and lost opportunities. 

In this blog from SharpeSoft, we’ll compare The Software Estimator to manual bidding practices and discuss why now might be the best time to upgrade your bidding to more innovative systems. 

Table of Contents: 

1. Manual Bidding: Understanding the Setbacks

2. What The SharpeSoft Estimator Brings to the Table

3. Manual Bidding vs. SharpeSoft Estimator: A Comparison 

4. The ROI of Upgrading Your Estimation Software 

5. Why Now is the Time to Upgrade 

6. Conclusion 

Manual Bidding: Understanding the Setbacks 

Manual project bidding methods have been the norm for decades. However, that doesn’t mean these practices are still the best option. With innovative technologies like AI (artificial intelligence) and data analytics reshaping how we do business, outdated systems, and manual methods can no longer meet the demands of a digitalized world. The result? Inconsistent pricing, time-consuming processes, missed deadlines, and more. 

Here’s what typical manual bidding looks like: 

• Calculations that are prone to human error

• Estimators using handwritten takeoffs or Excel sheets

• Team collaborations that are disconnected or slow

• Changed orders and revisions that are difficult to track 

What The SharpeSoft Estimator Brings to the Table

SharpeSoft's Estimator is a purpose-built heavy civil construction estimating software designed to streamline every part of the bidding process. The Estimator platform was created for professionals by professionals to transform how you estimate. 

Primary Features:

1. Automated Cost Calculations: Reduce errors and save time with built-in expense libraries and formulas.

2. Real-Time Updates: Instantly apply changes to labor, materials, and subcontractor costs.

3. Integrated Bid Management: Create, track, and submit detailed bids from one platform.

4. Historical Data Access: Use past project information to make more precise and competitive bids.

5. Team Collaboration Tools: Keep everyone on the same page with centralized project estimates and permissions.

Manual Bidding vs. SharpeSoft Estimator: A Comparison 

Manual project bidding is often error-prone, slow, and challenging to scale. Construction estimators spend countless hours on repetitive tasks, like manually checking calculations or updating spreadsheets, which increases the risk of inaccuracies. Team collaboration is often limited, with essential documents and files being passed back and forth rather than being updated in real time. Information from past projects must also be dug up manually.

The SharpeSoft Estimator, on the other hand, streamlines the entire process. The software reduces time spent on project estimates through consistent cost databases, automated calculations, and live updates. Teams can collaborate with ease using cloud-based syncing and role-based project access. SharpeSoft’s Estimator is also built to scale, making it easy to handle large-scale or complex projects with confidence. 

The ROI of Upgrading Your Estimation Software 

Switching to modern estimating software solutions like The SharpeSoft Estimator isn’t just convenient—it’s an essential business decision that pays off. Many of SharpeSoft’s users report their project bid preparation being cut in half, giving them back valuable time and a competitive edge in today’s market. 

Here’s how SharpeSoft’s Estimator can help: 

• Reduce overhead by cutting hours spent on data entry and corrections

• Win more bids by submitting quicker and more precise proposals

• Improve profitability through better expense control and historical benchmarking

• Stay competitive as more construction companies go digital, especially in project bidding

Why Now is the Time to Upgrade 

Heavy civil construction, like most industries these days, is going through a significant technological transformation. From AI-powered tools to connected job site platforms, digitalization is the future—and estimating software is part of this fundamental shift. 

Conclusion

Don’t wait until another project bid slips through your fingers. Now is the time to work smarter, not harder. The SharpeSoft Estimator gives you the tools you need to win bids faster, with more precision, and with less stress. 

Contact SharpeSoft today to schedule a FREE demo of The SharpeSoft Estimator!