A No-Nonsense Review of BuildOps: Features, Pricing, Alternatives, and More!

BuildOps promises to streamline operations for commercial contractors, but is it worth the investment?

In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into BuildOps, covering its features, ease of use, pricing, and how it compares to other software. We’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and whether it’s the right fit for your business.

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What Is BuildOps?

BuildOps was founded in 2018 by Alok Chanani, Steve Chew, and Neeraj Mittal as an all-in-one software platform designed specifically for commercial contractors.

The company’s mission is to provide technology solutions that help professionals manage and maintain critical infrastructures like hospitals, power plants, and large commercial buildings. 

Instead of offering a generic field service platform, BuildOps focuses entirely on the unique needs of commercial specialty contractors.

BuildOps Overview

Unlike many competitors that cater primarily to residential contractors, BuildOps is built for the commercial sector, providing tools for lead generation, project planning, budgeting, and equipment maintenance.

This specialization allows businesses to manage everything from dispatching technicians to tracking job profitability without juggling multiple software solutions.

By integrating all these functions into one platform, BuildOps helps commercial contractors streamline operations. Here’s a quick look at some of its core features: 

• Scheduling & Dispatching – Efficiently manage workforce assignments and job schedules.
• Time Tracking – Accurately monitor labor hours and streamline payroll processes.
• CRM+ – Enhance customer relationship management and sales processes.
• Reporting & Analytics – Gain insights into business performance with real-time data.
• Fleet Management – Oversee vehicle fleets with GPS tracking and maintenance alerts.

Sign-Up and Onboarding

Signing up for BuildOps isn’t as simple as clicking a “Start Free Trial” button and exploring the platform on your own. Instead, the process requires contacting sales, booking a demo, and going through multiple onboarding sessions. 

While this approach ensures new users get hands-on guidance, it also means there’s no easy way to test the software before committing. 

Once inside, onboarding can feel overwhelming. BuildOps is packed with features, and while that’s great for companies needing a robust solution, the learning curve can be steep. 

Some users mentioned struggling with the platform’s terminology, requiring frequent assistance from BuildOps’ support team.

Others found the initial setup process clunky, with some features needing workarounds to function properly. In some cases, businesses even had to adjust their internal workflows to fit BuildOps rather than the other way around.

Another common concern is the time and effort required for implementation. Many users reported their transition to BuildOps was anything but smooth, often requiring weeks (or even months) of training sessions. 

That being said, BuildOps does provide a dedicated customer success team to assist with onboarding, and some users appreciated having regular check-ins to help them navigate the platform.

However, if you’re looking for a plug-and-play solution that works right out of the box, BuildOps may not be the best fit.

The initial investment of time and effort is significant, and businesses that don’t have the patience to go through an involved setup process may find the transition frustrating.

The Web App Experience

Navigating the BuildOps web application, I found its intuitive design to be a significant advantage. The interface is logically organized into clear sections, making it easy for users to access various modules without unnecessary complexity. 

The system’s filtering options and search tools also help staff retrieve data efficiently, reducing the time spent navigating menus. 

Performance-wise, the BuildOps web app runs smoothly with minimal lag. Pages and modules load quickly, allowing dispatchers and office staff to manage time-sensitive tasks without delay. 

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Data entry workflows are optimized to reduce unnecessary clicks, making it easier to add job details or line items without jumping through multiple screens. 

For core administrative functions like scheduling, reporting, and exporting data, BuildOps provides a solid feature set. The drag-and-drop calendar and dispatch board make job assignments simple. 

However, reporting gets mixed feedback.

While BuildOps can generate reports on nearly any data point, some users find customizing reports a bit clunky. Certain advanced features also require a learning curve, which may slow down onboarding for those unfamiliar with project management software.

Overall, BuildOps delivers a well-designed, efficient web experience that helps commercial contractors streamline their workflow.

The Mobile Experience

The BuildOps mobile app enables technicians to view assigned work orders, update statuses, record time, and add job details with ease.

Features like attaching notes, photos, videos, and audio recordings directly to work orders allow for comprehensive documentation without the hassle of paperwork. ​

The app also boasts an offline capability, which means it will continue to work even in areas with poor connectivity. Technicians can continue capturing data without interruption, and the app syncs automatically once a connection is restored. 

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Work order management provides all necessary job details, including customer information, service history, and notes from the office, ensuring technicians are well-prepared for each task.

Additionally, the app leverages Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, which makes it easy for technicians to capture equipment data by photographing unit data plates, which the app then processes to extract relevant information. 

However, some users have reported limitations in mobile app functionality compared to the desktop version.

Field supervisors, for instance, may find it challenging to manage schedules or access detailed job histories solely through the mobile app, necessitating the use of a computer for more advanced administrative tasks.

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BuildOps Key Features

Scheduling & Dispatching

BuildOps’ scheduling and dispatching feature offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, simplifying the process of assigning jobs to technicians. This design allows dispatchers to swiftly adjust schedules, accommodating both emergency services and long-term projects. 

The system’s ability to display technician availability and skill sets ensures that the most qualified individual is assigned to each task. 

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BuildOps’ dispatch board also comes with a week-view option, which aids in projecting workloads and planning. This perspective provides dispatchers with a comprehensive understanding of upcoming assignments, facilitating better resource management.

However, it seems BuildOps’ scheduling functionality is primarily designed for desktop use, making it challenging for field managers to modify schedules via mobile devices. This constraint can hinder supervisors who need to adjust assignments while on the move.

Furthermore, integrating subcontractors into the scheduling system requires workarounds, such as creating non-billable events or dummy projects, which can complicate the scheduling process. ​

Time Tracking

BuildOps’ time tracking feature provides a structured way for commercial contractors to monitor labor hours. 

Technicians log their hours through the mobile app, where they can clock in and out, record breaks, and submit timesheets digitally. This eliminates paper-based time tracking and standardizes the process across teams.

BuildOps’ time tracking is equipped with a GPS-based verification.

When a technician clocks in or out, the app geotags their location, confirming that billed work is being completed on-site. This not only prevents falsified time entries but also provides clients with added confidence in billing accuracy. 

BuildOps’ system also records timestamps for key events such as job start and finish times, travel between locations, and breaks, giving managers a clear timeline of daily activities.

While BuildOps includes basic mileage tracking through its fleet scheduling and dispatch tools, it lacks automated real-time GPS mileage capture. Users must manually log mileage, as the system does not track distance automatically, calculate fuel efficiency in real-time, or provide start-to-finish route logs. 

Although BuildOps does offer fuel usage tracking, cost analysis, and driver performance monitoring, businesses needing precise, automated mileage tracking for reimbursements or job costing may find it insufficient.

Companies that require detailed mileage reports may need to supplement BuildOps with a dedicated mileage-tracking solution.

CRM+

BuildOps’ CRM+ is designed to help commercial contractors streamline their sales processes, providing tools that enhance reporting, proposal creation, and estimating. 

One of its strongest features is its sales reporting tools, which allow businesses to track sales plans versus actual performance. Reports like Sales and Quote & Activity Plans, sales funnel insights, maintenance base reporting, and manpower planning reports give sales teams a clear picture of their pipeline. 

Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) in real time helps managers identify strengths and weaknesses within their team, making it easier to intervene when necessary.

The proposal creation tool simplifies the process of generating professional, consistent proposals. Standardized terms and conditions ensure legal and compliance consistency, while a customizable scope of work allows for flexibility when tailoring proposals to specific projects. 

Estimating is another area where CRM+ aims to reduce friction in the sales cycle.

The advanced estimating tool ensures pricing remains standardized while allowing for real-time adjustments. It also integrates with survey tools and simplifies the approval process, making it easier for teams to move from estimate to contract without unnecessary delays.

Reporting & Analytics

BuildOps’ reporting and analytics feature offers a comprehensive suite designed to provide actionable insights into various aspects of a business’s operations. 

One notable aspect is the ability to generate reports from every field within the platform, allowing for detailed analysis of metrics such as the number of quotes issued, close rates, top-performing sales representatives, and customer profitability that combines repairs and maintenance. 

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Meanwhile, the platform’s custom dashboards present a high-level overview of the business. They highlight the most profitable customers and jobs, as well as the most productive technicians, aiding in the identification of operational trends. 

For instance, dispatchers can quickly assign the best technicians for each job type, while service managers can monitor technician performance across various metrics. 

While the depth and breadth of reporting capabilities are impressive, the extensive range of options can initially be overwhelming. Building the exact view desired may require time and familiarity with the system, as there is a vast amount of information available.

Fleet Management

BuildOps’ Fleet Management feature helps commercial contractors track and manage their vehicle fleets with real-time GPS monitoring.

It integrates directly with the dispatch board, allowing managers to see where technicians are in real time. This makes job assignments more efficient, ensuring the right technician is sent to the right job based on location and skill set. 

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The system includes GPS-enabled time tracking, which automatically prompts technicians to clock in and out when they arrive or leave a job site. Managers get a clearer picture of labor costs without relying on self-reported hours. 

BuildOps’ fleet tracking also ensures vehicles are being used appropriately, preventing unauthorized trips or personal use during work hours.

BuildOps also includes safety monitoring tools that help businesses reduce liability and promote responsible driving habits.

The app can track behaviors like hard braking and aggressive acceleration, giving managers the ability to review driving habits and coach employees on safer practices.

Integrating Other Business Apps with BuildOps

BuildOps provides basic integration capabilities, but its list of native integrations is limited compared to other construction management apps. 

BuildOps primarily connects with financial and payroll tools, such as QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, and NetSuite, allowing businesses to sync invoices, job costs, and timesheets. 

While this is useful for financial tracking, it falls short for companies that rely on a broader range of software, such as project management, inventory tracking, or CRM tools.

Unlike some competitors that offer seamless, plug-and-play integrations across multiple categories, BuildOps requires API workarounds or middleware solutions for connecting with non-financial apps. 

Businesses that need automated payroll processing will also find that BuildOps doesn’t directly integrate with major payroll providers like ADP or Paychex—it only allows timesheet exports. 

If your business depends on a fully connected tech stack beyond just workforce and accounting software, BuildOps may require extra effort to bridge those gaps.

BuildOps Might be a Good Fit for You If…

BuildOps is designed for commercial contractors who need an all-in-one platform to manage field operations efficiently. It might be a great fit if:

• You need real-time job tracking and detailed reporting to improve workflow visibility and decision-making.
• You want a user-friendly platform that simplifies daily operations (after initial training).
• You value responsive customer support that helps resolve issues quickly.
• You need an offline-capable mobile app so technicians can log work without internet access.

You Might Not Want to Use BuildOps If…

While BuildOps offers strong features for commercial contractors, some limitations may not work for every business. If any of the following apply to you, you might want to consider other alternatives:

• You prefer a free trial to test the software before committing.
• You need upfront pricing instead of requesting a custom quote.
• You want a minimal learning curve, rather than requiring training to get started.
• You rely on mobile scheduling adjustments, which can be difficult on the app.
• You need automated GPS mileage tracking for accurate reimbursements and job costing.
• You need out-of-the-box integrations beyond payroll and finance.

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BuildOps Cost/Pricing

BuildOps does not publicly list its pricing on its website, meaning businesses must contact the company directly for a quote. 

Pricing is typically customized based on factors such as the number of users, the features required, and the scale of the business. This model ensures that companies only pay for what they need but can make it difficult to compare costs upfront with other software solutions.

Because pricing details aren’t available, potential customers should inquire about any setup fees, implementation costs, or additional charges for integrations. Some businesses may need extra support for data migration or API access to connect BuildOps with other systems. 

Without transparent pricing, it’s essential to ask for a detailed breakdown to avoid unexpected costs.

BuildOps Reviews

Most users agree that BuildOps makes running a field service business easier with real-time tracking and a solid set of features. Once you get past the initial learning curve, the interface is pretty smooth, and the customer support team gets a lot of love for being quick to help. 

That said, some users wish there were more customization options, and a few have run into minor issues with the mobile app. 

If you’re curious about what others have to say, check out the detailed reviews below.

iOS user Roxy Commercial HVAC improved its operations using BuildOps, giving special mention to the software’s user-friendly interface and responsive support.

User-Friendly & Organized ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

We have been on the software for almost three months now and are already seeing efficiencies in our dispatching and communication workflows as well as invoicing speed. We needed a system that is reliable and can sustain our growth in the industry and friends, BuildOps is it (and the future). The app is user friendly and nicely maps out the job path for the tech so nothing is missed. The support BuildOps provides is excellent and perhaps my favorite thing… they are always requesting feedback and how to make the product better. We are very happy on our BuildOps journey thus far.

A frustrated Android user reported frequent bugs, forced reinstalls, lost job data, time card glitches, and lag issues which affected both their field and office staff.

⭐

It’s incredibly buggy. In one year, I’ve had to uninstall and reinstall at least 10 times. One time after 4 hours of adding assets from a job it lost them all. I spent four hours re-adding. The time card reverts back to years ago every time I open it since a recent update. It currently won’t let me add pics or write a job summary after two uninstalls and reinstalls. The office even complains because it’s so laggy from their computer. Garbage.

Although BuildOps helped Dallas C. streamline field service operations with its all-in-one platform, he wished for more customization options and a smoother learning curve.

BuildOps Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall: BuildOps has been an asset to our business, helping streamline field service operations and improve overall efficiency. It’s an all-in-one platform that simplifies scheduling, dispatching, project management, and reporting, making our day-to-day operations much smoother. The interface is user-friendly after training, and the support team is responsive and helpful. Overall, it has allowed us to better manage our technicians and workflows, resulting in enhanced productivity.

Pros: All-in-One Solution that combines scheduling, dispatching, job management, and reporting in a single platform. Ability to track jobs in real-time and offers insightful reports that help optimize business decisions.

Cons: Some aspects of the software could benefit from more customization options. While the platform is intuitive, there can be a slight learning curve for those not familiar with the system.

Our Score (and Why We Chose It)

When evaluating BuildOps, I considered several key factors to give you a clear picture of its performance:

Sign-Up and Onboarding: There’s no free trial, so businesses must contact sales, book a demo, and go through onboarding to get started. While this ensures proper setup, it also means there’s no way to explore the platform independently before committing.

Ease of Use: The interface is intuitive after training, but the learning curve can be steep for teams new to field service software. Once users get familiar, navigation becomes smoother for both office staff and field technicians.

Features and Functionality: BuildOps provides real-time tracking, scheduling, dispatching, and job management in a single platform. However, scheduling adjustments can be difficult on mobile, and the mileage tracking feature lacks automated GPS-based logging.

Customer Support: Many users highlight the customer support team as responsive and helpful. Whether during onboarding or troubleshooting, support representatives are generally quick to assist.

Value for Price: Pricing isn’t publicly listed, requiring businesses to request a quote. While many users find the software valuable, the lack of upfront pricing and free trial makes it harder to compare with alternatives.

Integrations: BuildOps syncs with QuickBooks for invoicing and financial tracking and offers an open API for custom connections. Businesses that need automated payroll or advanced mileage tracking may require additional third-party solutions.

Alternatives to BuildOps

​Exploring alternatives to BuildOps can help you find a field service management solution that aligns more closely with your business needs. 

Below is a comparison of BuildOps and five notable alternatives:​

Final Thoughts

While BuildOps offers an all-in-one solution for commercial contractors, it comes with a learning curve, limited customization, and a lack of transparent pricing.

If you need a more intuitive platform with extensive integrations and upfront pricing, there’s a better option.

Workyard is built for businesses that need precise job tracking, accurate payroll, and effortless team management, all in one easy-to-use platform. Unlike BuildOps, it’s simple to set up, scales with your business, and provides crystal-clear pricing from day one.

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