Shapespark vs. Chief Architect

Newforma is a leading project information management software suite designed to transform collaboration and communication in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner/operator (AECO) sectors. With products like Newforma Konekt, Project Center, and Constructex, the platform delivers powerful tools for BIM coordination, centralized document management, and efficient submittal workflows. Newforma Konekt’s innovative 2D/3D viewer enables users to quickly unify and explore multiple IFC project models, significantly enhancing BIM collaboration and construction efficiency. By integrating email directly into the project management environment, Newforma ensures streamlined communication, increased accountability, and reduced risk of litigation. The platform supports both cloud-hosted and on-premise deployments, giving firms flexibility in data management and security. Millions of users across thousands of projects rely on Newforma to manage billions of emails, file transfers, and submittals with robust audit trails and dispute resolution capabilities. Customer feedback emphasizes dramatic reductions in response times, cost savings, and workflow efficiencies, with some processes shortened from weeks to hours. Newforma’s comprehensive connectors and integrations enable seamless data unification across applications, simplifying complex project environments. The platform’s strong focus on information governance and risk management helps firms mitigate legal exposure while improving overall project outcomes. Ultimately, Newforma empowers AECO professionals to deliver projects faster, safer, and with greater confidence.

Houzz Pro stands out as a premier construction management platform tailored for residential contractors and designers. It offers a comprehensive solution that addresses the complete customer journey, encompassing marketing, customer relationship management, and a variety of functionalities like estimates, takeoffs, 3D floor plans, project management, selections, online invoicing, payments, QuickBooks integration, and a client portal. By initiating a free trial, users can discover why so many professionals rely on Houzz Pro to enhance and oversee their operations. With pricing beginning at $149 per month, it provides valuable tools suitable for businesses of any scale, ensuring they can thrive in a competitive market.

ACTCAD is an excellent tool for creating professional drawings tailored for various fields such as architecture, structural and civil engineering, mechanical design, electrical schematics, interior design, and tool and machine design. This professional-grade CAD software supports both 2D drafting and 3D modeling while utilizing dwg and dxf file formats, making it one of the most cost-effective options available. As a native dwg/dxf software, ActCAD is ideal for a wide range of drafting and modeling projects and has garnered the trust of over 30,000 users across more than 103 countries for over a decade. Its interface and command structure closely resemble those of other well-known CAD tools, allowing existing CAD users to transition without any learning curve while saving up to 80% on costs. ActCAD provides flexible licensing options, including single-user licenses, and offers unlimited free email technical support to all users. Additionally, it allows for full customization and the development of programs using a free API toolkit, supporting popular programming languages such as Lisp, DCL, .NET, and C++. Beyond standard commands, ActCAD includes a variety of productivity-enhancing features like a PDF to CAD converter, extensive block libraries, an image to CAD converter, and the ability to manage point sets between CAD and Excel, making it a versatile choice for professionals seeking efficiency in their design projects. With its comprehensive set of tools and user-friendly interface, ActCAD proves to be an indispensable asset for anyone involved in technical design work.

PLEXXIS serves as a comprehensive solution for subcontractors by integrating project management, accounting, estimating, takeoff, and mobile applications within a unified technological framework. Furthermore, Plexxis ensures that all implementation and support services are handled entirely in-house, while also offering straightforward agreements designed to safeguard subcontractors from several issues. These include unfair subscription practices, where vendors lack transparency regarding total onboarding costs and may misrepresent offerings without providing reasonable cancellation options. Additionally, they combat cloud cuffing, a tactic where vendors demand fees before clients are operational and may hold client data hostage to extract further payments. The platform also addresses smoke stacking, which occurs when vendors exaggerate the integration capabilities of their tools, and overages, where clients receive vague service rates and non-binding estimates that lead to unexpected change orders. Overall, Plexxis prioritizes the needs of subcontractors by promoting clarity and fairness in their agreements and services.

InEight is purpose-built project controls software that helps capital construction teams plan smarter, build with confidence, and deliver predictable outcomes. The platform connects cost, schedule, scope, and field data in real time, giving teams a single source of truth from pre-construction through turnover. Trusted by 850+ companies managing more than $1 trillion in global capital projects, InEight enables organizations to improve forecasting accuracy, streamline collaboration, reduce rework, and optimize project performance. Industries served include infrastructure, energy and renewables, mining, water, transportation, and industrial construction.

Popl transforms the way professionals connect and grow their networks. Share your complete digital profile—including contact details, social platforms, booking links, and files—with a simple tap, scan, or shareable link. Optimized for conferences, sales meetings, and in-person events, Popl enables real-time lead capture with notes, tags, and instant CRM sync to tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, and thousands more. Organizations can oversee large-scale deployments with ease using Popl’s admin dashboard—customize digital cards, track performance, and onboard teams via Azure AD or CSV upload. From detailed analytics to automated follow-ups, Popl turns networking into a strategic growth engine. Upgrade how you connect. Start building smarter relationships with Popl.

SharpeSoft Estimator is a versatile cost estimation software available in both on-premise and cloud formats, tailored specifically for contractors and subcontractors within the construction sector. This innovative software enables users to streamline the bidding process, evaluate item quantities and prices from several subcontractors and suppliers, and maintain their contractor data, among other functionalities. Additionally, SharpeSoft offers comprehensive tools to facilitate the management of labor, equipment, subcontractor expenses, and bid oversight, enhancing overall project efficiency. Designed to cater to a wide array of sectors, its applications extend to heavy civil, highway and road construction, earthwork, pipeline projects, grading and excavation, and plant operations, ensuring it meets diverse industry needs effectively.

Epicor BisTrack stands out as a cutting-edge business management solution, specifically designed to cater to the distinct needs of the building materials industry, including lumberyards, construction suppliers, and distributors. Renowned for its comprehensive suite of tools, the software seamlessly integrates inventory management, purchasing, sales, and delivery functions within one user-friendly interface. Organizations can take advantage of its advanced reporting and analytics capabilities to enhance decision-making, optimize workflows, and elevate customer service standards. Additionally, the platform's robust mobile functionalities and effortless cloud deployment facilitate real-time collaboration, significantly boosting operational efficiency across teams. As companies adopt BisTrack, they can secure a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing market, enabling them to swiftly navigate new challenges and seize emerging opportunities. In essence, Epicor BisTrack is an indispensable resource for businesses aspiring to excel in the building materials sector, ensuring they remain resilient and forward-thinking in their strategies.

Introducing ShareMyToolbox - the ultimate tool tracking solution designed specifically for construction teams. Effortlessly manage your small tools and equipment with a platform that is fully compatible with both Apple and Android devices, allowing users to explore their company's tool inventory with ease. Quickly request tools and accept assignments through the simple process of barcode scanning, while also leveraging GPS coordinates captured during scans, which are clearly illustrated on an interactive map. This system is meticulously crafted for contractors, setting a new standard for user-friendliness. Begin your journey in tool tracking with these straightforward steps: Seamless Organization: Create a detailed inventory of your tools and equipment, forming a personalized cloud catalog of essential assets. Improved Visibility: Equip field personnel with immediate access to assess the company's extensive assets through our user-friendly mobile app. Foster Accountability: Enable field workers to efficiently manage tool transactions—such as check-ins, check-outs, and transfers—using the convenience of barcodes and QR codes, ensuring every asset is accounted for. Additionally, enhance your team's productivity by integrating ShareMyToolbox into your daily operations, making tool management a breeze.

Buildxact is an intuitive construction management software designed specifically for contractors, residential builders, and remodelers, facilitating seamless project management from start to finish. By utilizing this platform, users can transform their operations, managing everything from initial takeoffs to the final billing process with ease. With Buildxact, estimation processes are streamlined, allowing for quicker takeoffs and quotes, achieving speeds up to five times faster. Being a cloud-based solution means that you can easily set up and begin using it without delay. Say goodbye to cumbersome paper plans and spreadsheets! The digital takeoff feature enables users to scale plans and measure with just a few clicks, ensuring accuracy in material counts and measurements. Effortlessly transfer material quantities into your estimates using online tools and pricing that significantly outpace traditional methods. Furthermore, Buildxact offers estimates that clearly delineate materials, labor, and overhead costs for clients, resulting in polished quotes that help secure more contracts. Discover the advantages of Buildxact for yourself by signing up for a free trial today, and experience the ease of modern construction management firsthand!