The 6 Best BIM Software Solutions for 2024
Looking for the best BIM software for your construction business? We’ve reviewed 6 of the best apps on the market to help you choose!
Few remember that the iconic Sydney Opera House used to be a poster child of poor construction planning – which could’ve been avoided with BIM software.
The project, which was hastily started before it even received final approval, was marred by structural issues from the beginning. This construction “mishap” (with a final cost of over $100 million vs. its initial budget of $7 million) could have been averted had Building Information Modeling (BIM) been introduced in the ‘60s.
BIM software creates a virtual construction site so stakeholders can see the entire project sequence even before the team lays the first brick.
However, BIM software is much more than a drawing tool.
In a SmartMarket Report, 41% of contractors cited reduced errors and omissions as the top benefit of using BIM software. By digitizing all aspects of a construction project, BIM software can also:
- Create a centralized digital project model to streamline team collaboration
- Provide analysis of the project’s structural stability and resolve potential issues
- Establish a platform where you can easily manage subcontractors and their works
- Give virtual walkthroughs to easily identify and address potential safety hazards
In this article, I’ve rounded up the best BIM software solutions to elevate your construction planning and ensure your projects will be as successful as originally planned.
Top Picks
Below, you’ll find a summary of each app we’ve reviewed, with our scores, each app’s ideal use cases, its pricing, the availability of any free trials or free tiers, and the platforms on which the app is available. Each app has been thoroughly investigated and analyzed for users like you, with pros and cons, key features, integrations, and real user reviews.
Let’s take a look…
9.0 
14-day free trial, (no card needed)
8.1
7 days (no credit card needed)
8.0
30 days (credit card required)
7.8
7 days (credit card required)
7.5
30 days (credit card required)
EDITOR’S NOTE: We created Workyard – the first app reviewed here – to address issues we encountered while struggling to track and manage construction payrolls for over 700 workers in over 50 construction businesses. We built the Workyard app from the ground up to support construction companies like yours, with industry-essential features like the industry’s most accurate time clock app with GPS and geofencing, intuitive contractor scheduling, construction cost tracking tools, and more.
Learn more about how Workyard works on our main website, or sign up for a 14-day free trial today to see what Workyard can do for your business.
Workyard
Scoring
Key Features
-
High-accuracy GPS time clock for tracking worker productivity
-
Precise job progress tracking and real-time labor cost analysis
-
Built-in team communication with checklists, notes, and photos
-
Drag-and-drop task scheduling calendar with automated alerts
-
Centralized hub of live project data and labor cost reports
Simple, intuitive interface
Offline-capable mobile app
Visual calendar shows workers’ availability
Live labor cost tracking prevents budget overruns
No forever-free version
Pricing could be more flexible
No optional SMS scheduling alerts
Highlights
With its precise GPS tracking and robust project management features, Workyard is the perfect BIM-enhancing software to boost the efficiency of every field project.
BIM software coordinates project planning through realistic simulations of the construction sequence. By integrating it with Workyard, you get access to a flexible scheduling calendar designed to help you assign the right tasks to the best available worker for each stage of the construction project.
As the construction crew starts to breathe life into the building’s 3D model, Workyard tracks their time and productivity with its industry-leading GPS tracking features. Every data harvested by Workyard can be fed back into the BIM model to give your team a live view of the project’s performance and find areas for improvement.
To top it all off, Workyard’s job cost-tracking and reporting features provide construction teams with insights needed to make data-driven decisions, prevent delays, and avoid budget overruns.
Let’s explore some of Workyard’s core features and how they can help you get the most out of BIM.
Efficient Workforce Scheduling with Integrated Job Tracking
Scheduling tasks aligned with the BIM software’s construction sequence can be a headache.
With Workyard’s intuitive scheduling calendar, which has multiple viewing modes, users can have an eagle-eye view of the team’s schedules. This makes it easier to assign jobs based on workers’ availability and skills, essentially preventing possible delays and cost overruns due to scheduling inefficiencies.
Scheduling new tasks in Workyard is simple: click on a date, assign it to a worker or team, set the timeframe, and define the project location. Automated push notifications ensure everyone is alerted via email or the app for every newly created task or task update.
Built-in team communication and collaboration features are seamlessly incorporated into each scheduled task.
Managers can add checklists so workers know the exact sequence to follow, preventing small details from slipping through the cracks. Teams can exchange updates through notes, photos, and file attachments, ensuring everyone is on the same page and no crucial paper files get lost in the construction chaos.
Workyard’s contractor scheduling software optimizes team schedules with:
- Drag-and-drop rescheduling
- One-click task duplication
- Quick approval of time-off requests
- Color-coded custom labels
- Automatic repetition of recurring tasks
- Task watchers for job completion oversight
- Checklists for task instructions
- Job progress updates with notes and photos
- Calendar or task list view modes
- Bulk editing of scheduled tasks
- Staging space for unassigned tasks
See why 50,000+ workers and over 10,000 contractors use Workyard (and why construction managers like you gave it a stellar score of 4.9 / 5 on Capterra). Explore Workyard and start a 14-day free trial today to see how we can speed up your construction and workforce management
Live Job Cost Tracking and Allocation Report
Automatic labor cost tracking is built into Workyard. With each clock-in, workers can tag their hours to specific projects and cost codes. This way, Workyard can automatically allocate logged hours to their designated buckets and calculate the labor costs incurred for each task.
Through Workyard’s live cost tracking, managers can see in real time how their company’s labor budget is distributed. This allows them to adjust their spending on the fly, effectively preventing budget overruns.
With Workyard integrated with BIM software, your teams get real-time visibility of the construction project’s resource allocation. As a result, budgeting issues are promptly addressed, and possible project delays are minimized.
Visual and Up-to-Date Project Reporting
Workyard generates visual project reports you can drill into to gauge a worker’s performance, track labor costs, and find opportunities to improve project outcomes.
Combined with BIM software, Workyard’s reporting features give key decision-makers the data they need to address bottlenecks. For instance, Workyard’s job costing data can reveal financial blind spots you would otherwise have missed if you only relied on BIM software’s simulations.
Workyard produces different types of reports for construction projects, including:
- Summaries of approved time off within a pay period
- Total regular, overtime, and double-time hours worked
- Detailed or summarized project reports, including cost codes, clock-in/out times, and driving mileage
- Individual project reports with total time grouped by person, cost code, and mileage
- Job costing reports showing total time and labor cost per task
- Task reports showing job progress or completed tasks for billing
Reviews
While construction companies are Workyard’s key market, its mobile app reviews reveal its versatility as a GPS time tracker. Many users came from all types of field-based businesses, with most reviews noting the app’s reliability and accuracy.
Overall, Workyard users have a positive experience with the app. For real-world experiences of using Workyard, refer to some verified user reviews below.
iOS user ryno4hof approved of Workyard’s user-friendly time tracking, highlighting its ease of use compared to competitors and its effectiveness in streamlining data collection.
iOS Review:
Works well for me and my crew ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I have tried other apps that claim to do time tracking and they end up being so difficult to use that my guys just give up. What’s the point of having an app to track time if nobody uses it? I was skeptical about giving another one a shot but Bill gave me a ring and convinced me to try the free trial. I’m glad he did! My crew uses it every day and I’m finally getting all the info I need with a few mouse clicks instead of searching through binders of time sheets like before.”
Android user Ralph Milton lauded Workyard’s app for its swift, accurate responses and professional customer support.
Google Play Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I work for a great company it’s called BM Marine construction. when there is an issue and if you need a question answered I’ve always gone to the work yard app you got any answer. they answer quick. and are very professional and do not beat around the bush they give you an answer that is accurate. so at the end of the day I love where I work and I love the things that they have in place to help us as employees to get the right information.”
On Capterra, Michelle T. praised Workyard’s accurate time tracking and GPS features but noted limitations in assigning multiple cost codes to a single project entry.
Capterra Review:
Workyard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros: Workyard reminds employees to clock in and out and this has given our company more accurate time cards. The GPS feature has allowed us to better allocate time and costs to specific projects. Our company is moving throughout the day to many different job sites. The GPS feature helps us see if employee went on a job site that they employee may have forgotten to report.Cons: When clocking in and out you have to assign your time to a project but can only charge to 1 cost code which for us means they employee has to make several entries to a lot there time when on the same job but performing different cost codes.”
Pricing
Free Trial?
14-day trial with no credit card required
Time Tracking
Annual: $6 / mo. per user + $50 base fee
Monthly: $8 / mo. per user + $50 base fee
Workforce Management
Annual: $13 / mo. per user + $50 base fee
Monthly: $16 / mo. per user + $50 base fee
Manage your BIM projects with Workyard
See how it works
SketchUp
Scoring
Key Features
-
Versatile 3D modeling with intuitive interface
-
Real-time team collaboration via Trimble Connect
-
Comprehensive library of pre-built 3D objects
-
Easy access and storage via cloud services
-
High-quality rendering for client presentations
User-friendly interface
Extensive 3D model library
Real-time collaboration
Interoperability with IFC import/export
Limited advanced features
Performance issues on large projects
Steep learning curve for new users
Lack of built-in parametric modeling tools
Highlights
SketchUp shines as a versatile BIM software with its intuitive 3D modeling interface, extensive library of pre-made components, and parametric modeling capabilities through Dynamic Components. This combination makes it easy to create detailed models quickly and accurately.
SketchUp’s integration with the Trimble Connect cloud platform allows for real-time collaboration among project teams, enhancing workflow efficiency. Additionally, support for Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) ensures interoperability with other BIM modeling software, simplifying data exchange across different platforms.
While SketchUp may not offer the advanced rendering and construction detailing tools of dedicated BIM solutions, its user-friendly approach and proficiency in handling complex 3D models make it a solid choice for smaller projects or firms transitioning from traditional 3D modeling to BIM.
Conversely, SketchUp’s lack of robust parametric modeling tools can be a significant drawback for creating complex, data-rich models. Performance issues, especially when dealing with large and detailed models, can also hinder collaboration and efficiency.
Moreover, its built-in BIM capabilities are not as comprehensive as those found in dedicated software like Revit, potentially leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in data management.
Reviews
Based on the overall user reviews, SketchUp gets positive feedback for its intuitive 3D modeling interface, extensive library of pre-made components, and seamless collaboration features.
However, some users have noted limitations in rendering capabilities, performance issues with large models, and a lack of robust parametric modeling tools compared to dedicated BIM software.
To get a more detailed understanding of the user experience, check out the following verified reviews:
SketchUp user bri.gui praised its 3D design potential on iPad but was deeply frustrated by its buggy tools that randomly switched modes, causing issues with object manipulation and navigation.
iOS Review:
Good, but endlessly frustrating ⭐⭐⭐
“I really want to love this app. And it does many things very well. The potential of designing in 3d on an iPad with pencil is all that.But in practice, every time I use this app, I’m deeply frustrated. Tools seem to randomly switch to bizarre modes. I’ll select an object , choose the move tool and constrain to an axis, then start to move it, only to find that it’s decided I’m trying to rotate my object. Or I pan back a bit too far, and suddenly, I’m stuck “in” a wall and can’t pan or zoom back out. Things like this happen all over the place.”
SketchUp Viewer user massContinuity loved the app’s smooth performance and intuitiveness in viewing sketches but deducted a star for lacking editing capabilities.
Google Play Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The app allows me to view my sketches on my mobile device. It is smooth and intuitive. It was easy to login to my account, which I use to draw sketches in the first place, find my sketches, and download and open them. Of course, it would be nice to edit sketches in the app, but since it is called SketchUp VIEWER, I will only knock off one star. A solid app which does exactly what it says.”
Cláudia F. found SketchUp easy to learn and helpful for visualization but criticized its lack of precision and difficulty in drawing complex geometries without plugins.
Capterra Review:
Draft and easy 3D models of your ideas ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Pros: It is easy to learn, free to download (2017 version) and it can help you easily visualize your project.Cons: It is not very precise and it can sometimes be very frustrating to draw complex geometries, it takes some plugins to do it.”
Pricing
Free Trial?
7 days (no credit card needed)
Go
$119/year
Pro
$349/year
Studio
$749/year
AutoCAD
Scoring
Key Features
-
Industry-specific toolsets for architecture, engineering, and manufacturing
-
2D drafting and 3D modeling with realistic rendering
-
Cloud-based collaboration across desktop, web, and mobile
-
AI-powered smart blocks and object detection capabilities
Precise 2D drafting capabilities
Industry-standard compatibility
Customizable user interface
Extensive tool libraries
Steep learning curve
Limited 3D functionality
High system requirements
Expensive licensing costs
Limited file format support
Highlights
AutoCAD’s powerful 3D modeling tools allow you to visualize and present designs with realistic lighting and materials. The integration of cloud-based workflows ensures you can access and work on projects from anywhere, whether on desktop, web, or mobile.
AutoCAD’s AI-powered Smart Blocks feature boosts design efficiency by automating block creation through object detection. Moreover, customization through APIs and third-party app integration means you can tailor the software to fit your unique needs.
Unfortunately, AutoCAD’s 3D modeling capabilities are inferior to the advanced parametric modeling and data-rich object libraries in dedicated BIM platforms.
The steep learning curve and the complex interface might slow down new users. Meanwhile, high system requirements and pricey licensing can be deal-breakers for smaller firms.
AutoCAD also suffers from limited file format support and integration issues, hindering seamless collaboration with other BIM tools and stakeholders.
In addition, it lacks key BIM features like automatic quantity takeoffs, clash detection, and advanced scheduling tools, which are crucial for managing complex construction projects.
Reviews
User reviews highlight AutoCAD’s strengths in offering comprehensive drafting tools and robust 3D modeling capabilities. Many users appreciate its cloud-based workflows and industry-specific toolsets, though they note the steep learning curve and high cost as significant drawbacks.
For more detailed insights, check out the following verified reviews from actual users.
AutoCAD user MacToirneach found the app’s default settings unsuitable for mechanical drawings, making dimension measurements difficult to view.
iOS Review:
HOW do I adjust scaling for dims viewing? ⭐⭐
“Since I’ve only just started using AutoDesk’s CAD for iphone, I’ll rate this around half, a little less than satisfied. I can probably use it more because I took an engineering course in vocational college, but I can’t ask them for help, they’re closed. I’m using auto CAD for mechanical drawings ONLY, with one project measured out mostly in inches averaging less than a foot in length. But the default settings seem meant for architectural, with the viewing window in THOUSANDS of units. So when I apply a dimension measurement, the text isn’t visible (because its offscreen) until I zoom out the viewing window to the point where I can’t see the drive gear I’m measuring! Also, I’d prefer to get notations in fractional inches if I can, but I found a conversion chart for that.”
Android user W. Paul Shelton enjoyed AutoCAD’s mobile convenience but suggested improvements for font selection, layer management, and paper space unlocking.
Google Play Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Love it! Very convenient and fun to use on the go when ideas for a project pop up. Things I would say need to be addressed: The fonts drop down is annoying everytime I open the app. Also, (I could be doing this wrong) I can’t seem to get a selected item to be moved to a different layer. I also haven’t figured out how to unlock paper space if locked on a computer. I think these could be solved with a more comprehensive aid for the mobile app.”
Capterra user Ashita J. loved AutoCAD’s 2D design capabilities but noted issues with command recognition and performance when working with large files.
Capterra Review:
Drawing Precision: A Comprehensive Review of AutoCAD ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Pros: AutoCAD is a great software to work for designing 2D floor plans and design. It helps in space planning and allocation of suitable spaces to achieve functionality and feasibility in making layouts.Cons: The software sometimes does not take a command correctly while working. It hampers the speed to work on the software. Also, when the file gets heavy and it becomes a little difficult to work with smoothness on the software.”
Pricing
Free Trial?
15 days (credit card required)
Monthly subscription
$250/mo. for 1 user
Flex
Minimum $300/100 tokens (AutoCAD costs 7 tokens/day)
Autodesk Revit
Scoring
Key Features
-
Intelligent 3D models with dynamic parameters
-
Unified architectural, structural, and MEP models
-
Instant schedule updates with model changes
-
Integrated energy analysis tools to optimize building performance
Intelligent 3D models with dynamic parameters
Allows multiple users to work simultaneously
High-quality 3D renderings and VR presentations
High hardware requirements
Steep learning curve
Expensive licensing
Limited customization
Highlights
Autodesk Revit’s parametric modeling capabilities allow for intelligent 3D models with dynamic parameters, enabling architects, engineers, and construction professionals to collaborate seamlessly on projects.
Revit automates repetitive tasks, generates accurate schedules and documentation, and provides integrated sustainability analysis tools to optimize building performance. Its photorealistic visualization features enable users to create high-quality 3D renderings and VR presentations directly within the software, making it an indispensable tool for modern BIM workflows.
Despite its strengths, Autodesk Revit has some notable drawbacks. The software’s heavy focus on structural design can limit its capabilities for more advanced design tasks, as it lacks some of the flexible modeling tools found in other BIM modeling software.
Furthermore, interior designers might find it challenging to use due to its default isometric perspective, which can make editing from certain viewpoints difficult.
Reviews
Revit’s users generally praise its robust parametric modeling capabilities, collaborative features, and automated documentation tools.
Meanwhile, some users note the software’s steep learning curve, high hardware requirements, and expensive licensing as potential drawbacks.
Overall, the software appears to offer a powerful set of BIM features, though its suitability may depend on the user’s specific needs and budget.
Revit user AdjHanson commended the mobile app’s capabilities but lamented its tendency to crash when working on detailed structures, resulting in lost progress.
iOS Review:
Crashes ALL THE TIME ⭐⭐⭐
“Great capability for a mobile application, but any sufficiently detailed structure causes the app to crash during use, resulting in the loss of all progress. Even more infuriatingly, the app will crash anytime you attempt to save your progress if you’ve done more than 3-4 minutes of work. If I want to add to a rendering, I have to save every time I make a change to avoid overwhelming the app and causing it to crash. Even then, it often crashes upon opening for no apparent reason. It creates a “restored” version of any file that crashes, but these restored copies wont open or load and are therefore useless. I use a brand new iPad Pro with the highest capabilities so this shouldn’t be an issue. This app is fantastic for viewing renderings on the go, but not making them.”
Construction manager Joshua H. praised Revit’s efficiency in producing 3D views and cross sections but noted the high price as a deterrent for occasional users.
Capterra Review:
Great home designing software ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Pros: I love how revit automatically produces corresponding walls and the like for 3D views and cross sections. It makes doing a full set of plans much more efficient. It really helps to visualize everything that you’re creating on paper.Cons: The price is a bit of a deterrent for the average user. For the price, it’s a great value if you’re going to use it a lot, because of how much it does and how efficient it can be, but I don’t use it enough anymore to warrant paying for it.”
Pricing
Free Trial?
30 days (credit card required)
Monthly subscription
$235/mo. for 1 user
Vectorworks Architect
Scoring
Key Features
-
Integrated 3D modeling engine for accurate building models
-
Advanced rendering options for realistic project presentations
-
Seamless collaboration with various software and file formats
-
Automated and accurate updates to construction documents
Intuitive 2D/3D workflow
Robust BIM capabilities
Powerful collaboration features
Customizable documentation management
Comprehensive design visualization
Steep learning curve
Occasional software glitches
Limited API exposure
Inconsistent pricing discounts
Restricted mobile support
Highlights
Vectorworks Architect seamlessly blends 2D and 3D workflows to meet architects’ needs. It boasts robust BIM capabilities, including IFC support and energy analysis, enhancing project accuracy and efficiency.
Collaboration is a breeze with features like project sharing and cloud-based publishing. Its customizable documentation management, complete with automated viewports and smart data tags, ensures precision and efficiency.
With photorealistic rendering and virtual reality tools, architects can visualize projects vividly. The intuitive interface, parametric modeling, and extensive object libraries make it easy to tailor workflows without stifling creativity.
Despite its strengths, Vectorworks Architect has areas that could be improved. New users may find the learning curve steep, making initial adoption challenging.
Some users have also reported occasional software glitches and performance issues, which can disrupt workflow. Meanwhile, the limited API exposure may hinder integration with other specialized tools, posing a constraint for some projects.
Reviews
Based on reviews across multiple platforms, Vectorworks is praised for its intuitive interface, robust BIM capabilities, and impressive rendering features that help architects produce visually compelling designs.
On the flipside, some users note a steep learning curve, occasional software glitches, and limited mobile support compared to the desktop version.
iOS user LvLdMe commended Vectorwork’s features yet pointed out problems with cloud storage integration and constrained iPad Pro compatibility.
iOS Review:
App crashes right when opening ⭐⭐⭐
“This is also the first time I the iPad Pro that all the cloud drives are disconnected except Dropbox. It won’t allow me to add them back either. I love this app, please don’t die Nomad.”
Capterra reviewer David C. highlighted Vectorworks Architect’s extensive features and integrations as strengths but lamented its service platform incurring additional costs and compulsory upgrades.
Capterra Review:
Best BIM software for a growing practice ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Pros: the vast array of features and it’s integration with other 2D, BIM and 3D software.Cons: The service select feature which is marketed as a customer service platform comes at a separated cost, further you cannot get updates or pay for upgrades without it.”
Pricing
Free Trial?
7 days (credit card required)
Monthly subscription
$153/mo.
Tekla Structures
Scoring
Key Features
-
Accurate 3D modeling for constructible BIM process
-
Beam end partial fixity for connection stiffness modeling
-
High shear design in combined bending and axial check
-
Fire resistance check to Eurocode EN 1993-1-2
-
Improved integration with Trimble Connect for collaboration
Accurate 3D modeling for BIM
Supports multi-material construction
Automated 2D drawing generation
Seamless software integration
Robust collaboration capabilities
Steep initial learning curve
Higher cost compared to alternatives
Limited support for architects and MEP
Cumbersome clash detection reporting
Duplication of imported items
Highlights
Tekla Structures is a BIM powerhouse for structural engineering, detailing, and construction management.
It features an advanced beam end partial fixity for connection stiffness modeling and high shear design capabilities with combined bending and axial checks, making it an ideal choice for intricate structural projects.
The software also excels in fire resistance analysis to Eurocode standards. In addition, it integrates seamlessly with collaboration platforms like Trimble Connect, ensuring efficient workflows, detailed fabrication drawings, and smooth coordination among project stakeholders.
However, the steep learning curve can be a significant hurdle for new users as it demands a considerable investment of time and training to become proficient. The software also tends to be on the pricier side, which can be a barrier for smaller companies with tighter budgets.
Users have also pointed out limitations in the sketch functions, particularly with offset features, which can be frustrating during detailed design work.
Reviews
Tekla Structures’ user reviews highlight its powerful 3D modeling capabilities, ease of use, and comprehensive functionality for structural design and analysis.
On the contrary, some users note a steep learning curve, especially for first-time users. They also report issues with customer support and pricing models that favor new subscribers over existing license holders.
A Capterra reviewer praised Tekla Structures’ ease of use for building design and load computation but noted a steep learning curve for first-time users.
Capterra Review:
Reliable software for structural designs ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Pros: I like using this software especially when I have to design a certain building. And as well as making computation of loads that I will have to apply. It’s easy to use and convenient in presenting for meetings of what building or structure that you and your team were planning to build.Cons: Maybe the least thing of this software was you have to be knowledgeable first in using this 3D software. If your not familiar or it is your first time using it, you’ll encounter a lot of trial and error. and supervision is advice when using it as well.”
Pricing
Free Trial?
30 days (credit card required)
Carbon
Contact sales for pricing
Graphite
Contact sales for pricing
Diamond
Contact sales for pricing
The Bottom Line
Construction workforce management and BIM software have one goal: to help your team zoom in on the most crucial details so you can prevent your project from becoming the next costly construction fiasco.
As the best project tracking tool for construction, Workyard enhances a BIM software’s error-spotting capabilities.
While BIM helps teams zero in on structural weak spots, Workyard helps address financial blind spots and low worker productivity, ensuring your construction projects are always completed on time and within budget.
Discover why Workyard is the best workforce management solution to integrate with BIM software or sign up for its 14-day free trial to access its premium features at no cost.
Our Scoring System Explained
Our 8-part scoring system was created to help you understand the potential value of any software we review simply and fairly.
We created it after reviewing dozens of software products, which we covered in depth, but without providing a direct and simple way for readers to compare products on their merits – without spending a lot of time looking through our articles for the information they needed to make an informed decision.
Every app we review will include Customer Support and Company scores, which we’ll explain in more detail below. Many of the factors reviewed in this article will also be consistent across most (or all) of our software reviews, with some differences:
The 8 factors assessed and their contribution to a product’s overall score may differ slightly from product to product based on various factors, such as the use case we’re reviewing for, the type of business these products are tailored to, and other considerations. However, all reviews will feature an 8-part score, weighted and combined to calculate each product’s overall score.
How We Score Software
All factors in our reviews are scored on a 10-point scale – technically 11 points – from 0-10. However, we only give products a score of 0 if it does not include an essential feature at all, and we try to avoid giving out 0 scores if a product can demonstrate any functionality in line with the specific factor being reviewed.
In general, the 0-10 range translates as:
- 9.0 – 10 – One of the absolute best in its category (amazing).
- 7.5 – 8.9 – Very good, but with some minor issues (very good).
- 6.0 – 7.4 – Mediocre performance with notable shortcomings (average).
- 3.0 – 5.9 – This feature is not ready for prime time (borderline).
- 1.0 – 2.9 – This feature actually makes its product worse (unacceptable).
- 0 – The product doesn’t include this important feature at all.
How We Calculate Overall Scores
The 8 factors reviewed are weighted based on an overall total of 100%:
- Ease of Use: 20%
- Time Tracking Accuracy: 20%
- Scheduling Features: 15%
- Job Tracking: 15%
- Integrations: 10%
- Customer Support: 15%
- Company: 5%
Methodology for Each Factor
Ease of Use
We evaluate a product’s ease of use based on three main considerations:
- How easy is it to set up this app?
- How easy is it for managers to use the backend dashboard?
- How easy is it for frontline workers to use the (mobile) app?
These three considerations cover the main ways you and your team would use the software being reviewed – when you first obtain it, when someone (a manager, executive, team leader, or similar role) needs to use it to manage people, money, data, and other things, and when workers you’re tracking use the app (usually a mobile version of the software designed for frontline and/or field team members) to clock in, clock out, record time worked, or address other day-to-day needs.
Time Tracking Accuracy
Every minute matters when you’re trying to control payroll costs. This factor accounts for various features and common needs in time-tracking apps, such as…
- How accurate or precise is its GPS tracking capability?
- How accurate – and how customizable – is its geofencing feature?
- How accurate is its travel and mileage tracking (if available)?
- Can it automatically clock workers in and out based on the above?
- Can you set and/or restrict rules for clocking in and out?
- Can the app continue tracking workers while offline?
- How easy is its mobile app and/or kiosk for frontline workers?
Scheduling Features
Many construction businesses prefer to manage as many aspects of employee labor activity as possible in a single app, which is why many time-tracking apps also include worker scheduling as a core feature.
When we consider a product’s scheduling features, we look at:
- Its dashboard customizability (daily, weekly, or monthly views).
- Its project-based scheduling and visibility.
- Its real-time updates and notifications for workers.
- Its real-time map views of worker locations for best-fit scheduling.
- Its recurring schedule (copies to subsequent weeks, etc.) functionality.
Job Tracking
This factor helps you understand if the software can also provide insight into specific projects, which is particularly handy when your business deals with many customers or clients who generally need shorter-term work. Effective job tracking typically also includes accurate job costing functionality for construction companies.
We assess several things when calculating a product’s job tracking score:
- Its project-based tracking for multiple projects per day/week/etc.
- Its ability to track multiple / many projects simultaneously.
- Its use of (and your ability to customize) construction cost codes.
- Any built-in job costing views.
- Any integrations for cost coding (QuickBooks etc.)
Integrations
No business can operate on a single app, which is why integrations with other apps and tools are such important aspects of modern business software.
To calculate a product’s integration score, we’ll examine:
- How many native integrations (the simplest connection) does it offer?
- How effective and easy-to-use are its integrations with payroll software?
- Does it have robust data import and export features?
Customer Support
Learning how to use a new app can be frustrating, even if it’s meant to be the most user-friendly app around. That’s why great customer support is so essential when considering which time-tracking app to use.
Customer support scores are calculated based on:
- Live support channels available (phone, email, chat, etc.).
- Live support hours (business hours only, 24/7, etc.).
- The strength of the product’s online help center and/or FAQs.
- What other users say about support in online reviews.
Company
A great company with a highly customer-friendly approach can often make up for shortcomings in their software products – at least up to a point.
When assessing this score, we’ll examine:
- Transparency (easy-to-find pricing, etc.)
- Trial period (duration, feature availability, credit card requirements, etc.).
- Subscription flexibility (contracts, required durations, etc.).
- Ease of cancellation or pausing subscriptions.
- Customer perceptions (online product reviews).
- Website (a minor consideration, but great companies tend to have great websites).
Any questions about our scoring system? Have any suggestions on how we could make it even better? Click here to send us your feedback – we’d love to hear from you!
Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is a set of tools and technologies used to create and manage digital representations of physical buildings and infrastructure. BIM software allows users to generate intelligent 3D models containing detailed information about a project’s design, construction, and operations.
The main features and benefits of BIM software include:
- Creating 3D parametric models with intelligent objects that contain data about their properties, relationships, and behaviors
- Facilitating collaboration between different disciplines by providing a shared model and data environment
- Enabling clash detection to identify and resolve conflicts between building systems early in the design process
- Extracting accurate quantities and cost estimates directly from the model
- Simulating construction sequencing and logistics with 4D and 5D modeling
- Providing data to support building operations and maintenance over the asset’s lifecycle
BIM (Building Information Modeling) software in construction refers to a set of tools and technologies used to create and manage digital representations of physical buildings and infrastructure projects.
BIM software allows users to generate intelligent 3D models containing detailed information about a project’s design, construction, and operations.
Some key features and benefits of BIM software in construction include:
- Creating 3D Parametric Models: BIM software enables the creation of 3D models with intelligent objects that contain data about their properties, relationships, and behaviors.
- Facilitating Collaboration: BIM provides a shared model and data environment that facilitates collaboration between different disciplines involved in a construction project.
- Enabling Clash Detection: BIM software allows for identifying and resolving conflicts between building systems early in the design process through clash detection.
- Extracting Quantities and Cost Estimates: Accurate quantities and cost estimates can be directly extracted from the BIM model.
- Simulating Construction Sequencing: 4D and 5D modeling in BIM software enables simulating construction sequencing and logistics.
- Supporting Operations and Maintenance: The data contained in BIM models can support building operations and maintenance over the asset’s lifecycle.
Here are the key steps to effectively use BIM (Building Information Modeling) software:
a. Understand the BIM Process
BIM is a collaborative workflow that involves creating and managing digital representations of a building project’s physical and functional characteristics. It goes beyond using 3D modeling software—it’s a process that integrates data and information throughout the entire project lifecycle.
b. Learn the Fundamentals of BIM Software
The most popular BIM software platforms include Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, Bentley Systems, and Trimble. Familiarize yourself with the key features and capabilities of your chosen BIM software, such as:
- 3D parametric modeling
- Clash detection
- Quantity takeoff and cost estimation
- 4D construction sequencing
- 5D cost management
- Data management for operations and maintenance
c. Develop Technical Skills
To effectively use BIM software, you need a combination of technical skills, including:
- 3D modeling and drafting
- Parametric design and family creation
- Rendering and visualization
- Coordination and clash detection
- Data management and exchange formats
- Integration with other software like CAD, analysis, and project management tools
- d. Understand the Information Workflows
BIM relies on a shared data environment where information is created, managed and exchanged between all project stakeholders. Learn how to:
- Create and maintain a common data environment (CDE)
- Establish information requirements and standards
- Manage data security and access permissions
- Integrate data from multiple sources and disciplines
e. Collaborate with the Project Team
BIM is a collaborative process that requires effective communication and coordination between architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. Develop skills in:
- Facilitating BIM workshops and meetings
- Establishing roles, responsibilities, and workflows
- Coordinating with other disciplines and trades
- Resolving conflicts and issues through the model
- Providing training and support to the project team
By mastering these key aspects of the BIM process and software, you’ll be able to effectively leverage BIM to improve the quality, efficiency, and outcomes of your construction projects.
There is no single “best” BIM software, as the most suitable option depends on each project’s and organization’s specific needs and requirements. However, the article above reviews some of the most popular and widely used BIM software.
When choosing BIM software, factors such as the project’s scale, the level of collaboration required, compatibility with existing workflows, and the specific features needed for the project’s requirements must be considered.
Investing in BIM training and understanding the fundamentals of BIM processes can also help professionals maximize these powerful tools and improve project outcomes in the construction industry.
