Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tally - ERP and estimating software tailored for low-voltage contractors handling building automation, security, and fire alarm systems.
- 2#2: ConEst IntelliBid - Database-driven electrical estimating software with automated takeoffs ideal for building automation projects.
- 3#3: Trimble AccuBid - Cloud-based electrical estimating solution providing precise material and labor costs for automation systems.
- 4#4: PataBid Quantify - AI-powered estimating for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing including building controls and automation.
- 5#5: Success Estimator X - Comprehensive electrical estimating tool with assemblies for building automation and low-voltage work.
- 6#6: TurboBid - User-friendly electrical estimating software for contractors bidding on automation installations.
- 7#7: Groundplan - Mobile electrical estimating app with digital takeoffs suited for building automation bids.
- 8#8: ProEst - Cloud-based construction estimating platform supporting electrical and automation project bids.
- 9#9: Stack - Digital takeoff and estimating software adaptable for building automation cost analysis.
- 10#10: PlanSwift - On-screen takeoff and estimating tool for accurate building automation quantity takeoffs.
Tools were chosen based on their ability to deliver automation-specific accuracy, facilitate streamlined takeoffs, adapt to varying contractor needs (from small firms to enterprise operations), and balance user-friendliness with technical robustness, ensuring reliability and value.
Comparison Table
Finding the right building automation estimating software is key to efficient project planning, and this comparison table evaluates top tools like Tally, ConEst IntelliBid, Trimble AccuBid, PataBid Quantify, Success Estimator X, and more. Readers will learn how each tool’s features, accuracy, and usability align with不同的 estimating workflows, helping them select the best fit for their specific automation project needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tally ERP and estimating software tailored for low-voltage contractors handling building automation, security, and fire alarm systems. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | ConEst IntelliBid Database-driven electrical estimating software with automated takeoffs ideal for building automation projects. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Trimble AccuBid Cloud-based electrical estimating solution providing precise material and labor costs for automation systems. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | PataBid Quantify AI-powered estimating for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing including building controls and automation. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Success Estimator X Comprehensive electrical estimating tool with assemblies for building automation and low-voltage work. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | TurboBid User-friendly electrical estimating software for contractors bidding on automation installations. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Groundplan Mobile electrical estimating app with digital takeoffs suited for building automation bids. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 6.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | ProEst Cloud-based construction estimating platform supporting electrical and automation project bids. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Stack Digital takeoff and estimating software adaptable for building automation cost analysis. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | PlanSwift On-screen takeoff and estimating tool for accurate building automation quantity takeoffs. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
ERP and estimating software tailored for low-voltage contractors handling building automation, security, and fire alarm systems.
Database-driven electrical estimating software with automated takeoffs ideal for building automation projects.
Cloud-based electrical estimating solution providing precise material and labor costs for automation systems.
AI-powered estimating for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing including building controls and automation.
Comprehensive electrical estimating tool with assemblies for building automation and low-voltage work.
User-friendly electrical estimating software for contractors bidding on automation installations.
Mobile electrical estimating app with digital takeoffs suited for building automation bids.
Cloud-based construction estimating platform supporting electrical and automation project bids.
Digital takeoff and estimating software adaptable for building automation cost analysis.
On-screen takeoff and estimating tool for accurate building automation quantity takeoffs.
Tally
enterpriseERP and estimating software tailored for low-voltage contractors handling building automation, security, and fire alarm systems.
The intelligent Pre-Award Assemblies Database that automatically assembles complete BAS control systems, wiring, and devices based on simple takeoff selections
Tally by Tally Systems is a leading estimating software tailored for electrical, low-voltage, and building automation system (BAS) contractors. It enables digital takeoffs from PDFs and CAD files, leverages a massive pre-built database of assemblies for rapid and accurate material and labor costing, and generates professional bid documents. The software streamlines the entire estimating process, from quantity takeoff to change orders and job costing integration.
Pros
- Vast database of over 100,000 pre-built assemblies specific to BAS and low-voltage systems for lightning-fast estimating
- Powerful digital takeoff tools with auto-counting and area/perimeter calculations from plans
- Seamless integration with job costing, accounting, and project management for end-to-end workflow
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Primarily desktop-based with limited native mobile functionality
- Higher upfront cost compared to basic estimating tools
Best For
Mid-to-large BAS and electrical contractors handling complex commercial projects who need precise, database-driven estimates to win bids.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $4,995 for base estimating module, with add-ons and annual maintenance at 18-20%; subscription options available from $295/user/month.
ConEst IntelliBid
specializedDatabase-driven electrical estimating software with automated takeoffs ideal for building automation projects.
Conditional Assemblies that dynamically adjust labor, materials, and costs based on project variables like voltage or system complexity
ConEst IntelliBid is a robust digital takeoff and estimating software primarily tailored for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors, enabling precise cost calculations through pre-built assemblies and labor factoring. It supports building automation estimating by allowing customization of databases for controls, wiring, sensors, and integration components, streamlining bid preparation from takeoff to final proposal. The cloud-based platform facilitates collaboration and integrates with accounting systems for efficient project management.
Pros
- Extensive library of pre-built assemblies adaptable for BAS components like controllers and actuators
- Lightning-fast digital takeoff with point-and-click accuracy
- Advanced labor and material factoring with conditional logic for precise bids
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to depth of features
- High initial cost and subscription model may deter small firms
- Requires customization for niche BAS integrations beyond electrical/mechanical defaults
Best For
Mid-to-large electrical and mechanical contractors handling complex building automation projects who prioritize accuracy and speed in competitive bidding.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at around $5,000-$10,000 per user, with tiered enterprise plans including training and support.
Trimble AccuBid
enterpriseCloud-based electrical estimating solution providing precise material and labor costs for automation systems.
Patented Labor Factor system that dynamically adjusts labor units based on job variables like height, congestion, and fixture type for highly accurate BAS estimates
Trimble AccuBid is a robust estimating software primarily designed for electrical contractors, with strong capabilities for building automation systems (BAS) through its extensive database of low-voltage components, controllers, sensors, and wiring assemblies. It enables detailed digital takeoffs, labor and material costing, and bid generation, supporting accurate estimates for HVAC controls, lighting, and security integrations. The software integrates with Trimble's ecosystem for enhanced project management and real-time collaboration.
Pros
- Extensive pre-built database and customizable assemblies for BAS components
- Advanced Labor Factor system for precise labor adjustments
- Seamless integration with Trimble Connect and digital takeoff tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- Primarily electrical-focused, requiring customization for pure BAS
- High upfront and ongoing costs
Best For
Electrical contractors and low-voltage integrators estimating complex building automation projects alongside traditional electrical work.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual licenses start around $6,000-$10,000 plus 18-20% annual maintenance fees, or subscription options via AccuBid Anywhere.
PataBid Quantify
specializedAI-powered estimating for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing including building controls and automation.
Proprietary MEPA (Most Efficient Path of Installation) labor units derived from real field data for unmatched accuracy in BAS labor costing
PataBid Quantify is a cloud-based estimating software tailored for low voltage contractors, including building automation systems (BAS), fire alarms, and security. It enables digital takeoff from PDFs and CAD files, leverages a database of over 30,000 items and assemblies with proprietary MEPA labor units for accurate costing, and generates professional proposals. The platform emphasizes speed and precision in bid preparation for BAS projects involving controls, HVAC integration, and related low voltage work.
Pros
- Extensive industry-specific database with MEPA labor units for precise BAS estimating
- Fast digital takeoff and real-time pricing updates
- Seamless proposal generation and cloud collaboration
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited native integrations with BAS design tools like Revit
- Higher cost for small firms with infrequent use
Best For
Mid-sized low voltage and BAS contractors needing accurate, database-driven estimates for complex projects.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$150/user/month, scales with users and features; custom quotes for enterprises.
Success Estimator X
specializedComprehensive electrical estimating tool with assemblies for building automation and low-voltage work.
Intelligent labor unit database with automatic adjustments for overhead, difficulty, and crew size, ensuring precise costing for electrical-heavy BAS installs
Success Estimator X is a comprehensive estimating software primarily designed for electrical contractors, offering digital takeoff tools, a vast database of items and assemblies, and automated labor calculations. It supports detailed cost estimating for wiring, controls, and low-voltage systems, making it adaptable for building automation projects involving HVAC controls, lighting, and security integrations. While not exclusively tailored for BAS, its robust electrical focus enables accurate bids for automation-related electrical work, with features for change orders and job costing.
Pros
- Extensive preloaded database of electrical items, assemblies, and labor units adaptable to BAS components
- Digital PDF takeoff and on-screen measuring for quick quantity extraction
- Automated labor factoring and productivity adjustments based on project variables
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and customization options
- Limited native support for specialized BAS protocols or integrations like BACnet
- Windows-only, lacking cloud or mobile accessibility
Best For
Electrical estimators and contractors handling building automation projects that involve significant low-voltage and control wiring.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $4,995 for base version, up to $12,000+ for advanced modules, plus ~20% annual maintenance fee.
TurboBid
otherUser-friendly electrical estimating software for contractors bidding on automation installations.
Assembly-based takeoff system that allows instant multiplication of counts across sheets for ultra-fast estimating
TurboBid is a cloud-based estimating and takeoff software primarily designed for electrical contractors, enabling digital plan takeoffs, material and labor calculations, and professional bid generation. For building automation estimating, it excels in handling low-voltage wiring, devices, and controls through customizable assemblies and databases, though it requires user setup for BAS-specific components like DDC panels or sensors. It streamlines workflows from blueprint analysis to client proposals, supporting collaboration and integrations with accounting tools.
Pros
- Rapid digital takeoff with drag-and-drop assemblies for efficient quantity calculations
- Customizable electrical and low-voltage databases adaptable to BAS components
- Cloud-based access with real-time collaboration and mobile support
Cons
- Lacks pre-built libraries for advanced BAS elements like BACnet controllers or programming labor
- Requires initial setup and training for non-electrical BAS workflows
- Higher pricing tier may not suit very small or infrequent estimators
Best For
Electrical contractors expanding into building automation projects who prioritize speed in takeoffs and bidding.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for Basic (limited features), $149/month for Pro (full takeoff and estimating), with annual discounts available.
Groundplan
specializedMobile electrical estimating app with digital takeoffs suited for building automation bids.
AI-driven floor plan recognition that converts hand-drawn sketches or scanned PDFs into editable, measurable digital plans in seconds
Groundplan is a cloud-based floor planning and takeoff software designed for quick digitization of 2D plans from PDFs, sketches, or DWGs, enabling measurements of areas, lengths, and counts for construction estimating. In the context of building automation estimating, it supports basic quantity takeoffs like room zoning areas, wiring run lengths, and fixture counts from floor plans. While efficient for surface and linear measurements, it falls short on specialized BAS features like device libraries or labor calculations. Its AI-driven plan recognition streamlines initial setup for estimators working with architectural drawings.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for rapid plan takeoff
- AI-powered auto-tracing of walls and rooms from sketches/PDFs
- Exports detailed room books and Excel-compatible reports
Cons
- Lacks building automation-specific device databases or point schedules
- Limited to 2D measurements; no 3D modeling or electrical calculations
- Reporting customization is basic compared to dedicated estimating tools
Best For
Building automation estimators focused on quick 2D quantity takeoffs from floor plans rather than complex system design or labor modeling.
Pricing
Starts at €59/user/month (Standard), €99/user/month (Pro), with enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial available.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud-based construction estimating platform supporting electrical and automation project bids.
Dynamic real-time pricing engine that pulls live vendor data to ensure bids reflect current market rates
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software designed to streamline the bidding process for trades like electrical, mechanical, and plumbing, making it adaptable for building automation projects involving controls, wiring, and HVAC systems. It features digital takeoff tools, real-time material and labor pricing, and customizable assemblies to generate accurate estimates quickly. The platform integrates with accounting software and offers mobile access for on-the-go bid management, though it requires setup for building automation-specific item libraries.
Pros
- Real-time pricing updates from integrated vendor databases for accurate material costs
- Digital takeoff and customizable assemblies speed up quantity takeoffs for complex BA systems
- Strong integrations with ERP and accounting tools like QuickBooks and Sage
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to advanced estimating software
- Lacks pre-built libraries tailored specifically to building automation protocols like BACnet
- Pricing is opaque and quote-based, often higher for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-sized building automation contractors who need scalable, customizable estimating for electrical and controls work but can invest time in setup.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $300-$600 per user/month or $5,000+ annually for basic plans, with custom enterprise tiers.
Stack
enterpriseDigital takeoff and estimating software adaptable for building automation cost analysis.
AI-powered Lightning Takeoff for sub-second measurements on PDFs and CAD
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction trades, including building automation, enabling rapid digital measurements from PDFs and CAD files. It automates quantity takeoffs, generates detailed estimates, and supports real-time team collaboration for accurate bidding on BAS projects involving controls, wiring, and HVAC integration. The platform integrates with tools like Procore and QuickBooks to streamline workflows from estimate to project handover.
Pros
- Lightning-fast AI-assisted takeoffs reduce manual work significantly
- Strong cloud collaboration for team-based estimating
- Seamless integrations with accounting and project management software
Cons
- Limited pre-built libraries for specialized BAS components
- Higher pricing may not suit solo estimators
- Occasional glitches with complex plan sets
Best For
Mid-sized building automation contractors needing quick, collaborative estimating for competitive bids.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month (billed annually); enterprise plans custom.
PlanSwift
specializedOn-screen takeoff and estimating tool for accurate building automation quantity takeoffs.
Rapid drag-and-drop assemblies that automatically calculate chained estimates for complex BAS wiring and device layouts
PlanSwift is a desktop-based on-screen takeoff and estimating software designed for construction professionals to perform digital measurements directly from PDF, CAD, or scanned plans. It excels in quantifying materials like conduit runs, devices, wiring, and panels, which can be adapted for building automation systems (BAS) estimating through custom assemblies and formulas. While versatile for various trades, it requires user-defined libraries for BAS-specific components such as controllers, sensors, and BACnet devices.
Pros
- Highly accurate point-and-click takeoffs for quantities like devices and linear runs
- Customizable assemblies and formulas for BAS cost estimating
- Seamless integration with Excel and accounting software like QuickBooks
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners and custom setup needed for BAS libraries
- Desktop-only (Windows), lacking cloud collaboration
- High upfront cost with annual maintenance fees
Best For
Experienced construction estimators handling BAS alongside other trades who prioritize precise digital takeoffs over specialized automation features.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$1,749 plus $649/year maintenance; subscription options available from ~$100/month.
Conclusion
Among the top building automation estimating tools, Tally, ConEst IntelliBid, and Trimble AccuBid emerge as standouts. Tally leads with its tailored focus on low-voltage contractors handling automation, security, and fire alarm systems, offering targeted efficiency. ConEst IntelliBid, with its database-driven approach and automated takeoffs, and Trimble AccuBid, boasting cloud-based precision in costs, provide strong alternatives for varied project needs. Each brings unique strengths, but Tally stands out as the top choice for those prioritizing specialized workflows.
Take the first step to elevate your estimating—try Tally today to unlock the streamlined, accurate process that sets it apart as the leading building automation tool.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
