Can estimating software write my tender documents?

Estimating software is built around quantities, estimates and quotes. Ask the vendor if you also need method statements or mandatory bid forms.

Can tender software do takeoff?

Some products cover more than one job. ConstructConnect sells project search, takeoff and bid management. Bidligence does not do takeoff from drawings.

Is a BOQ the same as an estimate?

No. A BOQ lists the items and quantities the buyer wants priced. Your estimate is what the work will cost you. See what a bill of quantities is.

Which one should I buy first?

Buy for the step that loses you the most work. If you miss forms or deadlines, start with tender software. If measuring takes too long, start with estimating software.

Why do BOQ rates matter so much?

Under the World Bank's works document, you must fill in rates for all items (September 2025 edition, ITB 14). An item with no rate is treated as covered by your other rates. It is not paid separately.

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Answer · Choosing tender software

What is the difference between tender software and estimating software?

Estimating software such as STACK, PlanSwift or RIB CostX measures quantities and builds up cost. Tender software works on the whole bid: what the tender requires, whether to bid, the documents and the final check. Estimating gives you a price. Tender software helps turn that price into a complete bid.

These labels are not fixed, and some products cover both. Read what each product says it does.

Create your workspace Reviewed 01/11/26

How do the two compare?

The main difference is the starting point. An estimating tool starts from drawings. A tender tool starts from the tender pack and its rules.

Question	Estimating software	Tender software
Main job	Measure quantities and build up cost	Prepare and check the whole bid
Starts from	Drawings, plans and cost data	The tender pack and its rules
Main output	Quantities, an estimate and a quote	A requirements list, bid documents and a checklist
Main user	Estimator or quantity surveyor	Bid manager or contractor owner
The BOQ	Often builds the quantities	Often prices the bill the buyer issued
Named examples	STACK, PlanSwift, RIB CostX	Altura, Tendium, Bidligence

What does estimating software do?

It turns drawings into quantities, and quantities into cost. Choose it if you often measure work yourself.

Answer · Tender terms explainedBill of quantitiesA bill of quantities lists a tender's work items, units and estimated quantities. You enter the rates, and the priced bill becomes the basis for payment.Guide · EstimatingPricing a BOQBuild unit rates from labour, plant and materials, price the preliminaries, enter provisional sums as printed, add overheads and profit, then check the BOQ.Answer · Choosing tender softwareBest tender software

See a tender's BOQ priced

Create a free workspace and confirm your e-mail. Your welcome credits cover a tender's analysis, its Bid Score and a priced BOQ.

Create your workspace See pricing

What is the difference between tender software and estimating software?

How do the two compare?

What does estimating software do?

See a tender's BOQ priced

What does tender software do?

When does a contractor need both?

Where Bidligence fits

Questions

Sources

What is the difference between tender software and estimating software?

How do the two compare?

What does estimating software do?

Keep reading

See a tender's BOQ priced

What does tender software do?

When does a contractor need both?

Where Bidligence fits

Questions

Sources