Reimagining Construction Estimating with Connected Data, Teams, and Workflows
Being an estimator is arguably one of the most stressful jobs in construction. If you’re an estimator, not only do you face strict timelines, fierce competition, and constantly fluctuating material prices, but you’re also multitasking between multiple projects.
On top of that, there’s immense pressure on the job. The work that estimators do is crucial for winning business and is essential for staying profitable when they do win work.
We ask a lot from construction estimating teams, and the frustrating reality is that most of the tools and workflows they have aren’t doing estimators any favors. We’re referring to the spreadsheets, clunky software, and siloed point solutions that lead to disconnects and limited visibility across teams.
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Why construction estimating is fragmented
Why is estimating so disconnected today? Let’s talk about it.
Disconnected workflows
Many construction estimators use various systems for takeoff and estimating. Teams rely on solutions from multiple vendors, forcing users to stitch data together to extract value. These manual processes not only consume extra time but also introduce chaos, uncertainty, and errors—ultimately leading to data and numbers that can’t always be trusted. Further compounding the issue, many estimating solutions in use today are still desktop-based, which further causes workflow fragmentation.
Manual and time-consuming tasks
Because teams still use disparate tools, they often resort to copying and pasting quantities as takeoff changes, which can result in errors within an estimate.
Let’s say you’re juggling multiple tools for 2D and 3D takeoffs, and you have to manually transfer quantities into your estimating system. This type of workflow can lead to errors, delays, and risks.
Not to mention the fact that you end up spending time on repetitive tasks instead of high-value activities.
Lack of collaboration
Some of the tools that estimators use today—particularly desktop software and spreadsheets—hinder collaboration. They tie people to their computers and can leave teams out of sync.
Removing the silos from estimating once and for all
Ending the fragmentation of estimation starts with one word: connection. By unifying data, documents, teams, and workflows in one system, estimators can deliver faster, more accurate bids with confidence. Here’s what that looks like in action.
Centralized data and collaboration
Instead of various tools that don’t talk to each other, opt for a single source of truth for documents, takeoff, and estimating data for the entire project lifecycle. That way, information seamlessly flows from takeoff to estimating, and then onto project management after the project is awarded, so all stakeholders are kept in the loop.
Connected 2D and 3D takeoff
Every project is different. Some rely heavily on 2D drawings, while others are model-driven. An integrated 2D and 3D takeoff experience helps ensure your estimates reflect the latest quantities to generate winning proposals.
Connecting 2D and 3D takeoffs bridges the gap between drawings and models, making estimators’ lives easier.
Customization and flexibility
Just because you’re using one tightly integrated solution doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice adaptability and control. After all, every organization has its own way of organizing data.
When you have the flexibility to use multiple classification systems (CSI MasterFormat, Uniformat, Phase, Bid Item, etc.) you can ensure estimates align with how your team and clients expect to see information. It also makes it easier to compare estimates across projects and maintain consistency over time.
At the same time, estimators need tools that empower them to adjust to change quickly. From fluctuating material prices to design and scope revisions, they can stay agile and keep estimates accurate.
The future of estimating is here with Autodesk Estimate
All the above benefits can be achieved by leveling up with Autodesk Estimate, a new integrated on the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC).
Doing so gives firms a clear competitive edge—and the data backs this up.
Firms that embrace digital tools and integrate their workflows achieve stronger results and higher win rates. According to Autodesk’s 2025 State of Design & Make: Spotlight on Construction report, the correlation between higher digital maturity and increased bid win rate is significant—digital leaders (those who are automating and connecting their workflows) are 19% more likely than emerging firms and 37% more likely than beginner companies to have a win rate above 60%.
At Autodesk, we recognize that estimating often remains the least automated, connected, and digitized part of construction. Our goal is to empower every user to become a digital leader capable of achieving new levels of efficiency.
That’s why we are thrilled to launch Autodesk Estimate, a cloud-based estimating solution that connects 2D and 3D takeoffs to costs, materials, and labor calculations. Autodesk Estimate enables teams to produce more accurate estimates and proposals within a single, powerful solution.
How Autodesk Estimate Benefits Teams
Autodesk Estimate takes your workflows to the next level by bringing together estimating documents, teams, and tools.
Centralized user and document management
The preconstruction experience within ACC connects document management, takeoffs, and estimating into a single environment so teams can work faster, smarter, and with fewer mistakes. And because it’s part of ACC, you benefit from centralized administration and user management.
There’s one source of truth for all your preconstruction workflows, and they’re all organized, accessible, and connected across teams.
The outcome? Less time chasing documents, more confidence in your data, and a more competitive bidding process from the start.
Comprehensive 2D and 3D takeoff capabilities
With Autodesk Estimate, estimators can connect both 2D and 3D takeoffs to calculate costs in one connected environment. No more manual merges, juggling spreadsheets, or switching between disconnected tools.
Teams keep takeoffs in the same system, which helps cut down on errors, manual entries, and reduces duplicate work. And because it’s cloud-based, everyone has access to the latest quantification data, anytime – anywhere. The outcome is clearer collaboration, faster estimates, and proposals that win more business.
Customization and control in estimating
Adapting to changes quickly without losing control is a constant requirement in construction. Autodesk Estimate helps teams achieve this with:
Customizable classification systems
Autodesk Estimate supports various data organization structures such as Uniformat, MasterFormat, or custom formats. As such, teams can structure their estimates in the way that best fits their projects and workflows.
The software also enables cost library setup at the account level, helping teams maintain consistency across all projects. This centralized approach supports standardized estimating practices, promotes data accuracy, and enhances collaboration by ensuring everyone is working from the same reliable cost data.
Centralized cost library
Another crucial thing to centralize when estimating? Your costs. Autodesk Estimate centralizes cost data by offering a repository where teams can input and manage labor rates—including standard, union, and prevailing wage rates—as well as equipment and material costs. This capability allows you to adjust as market conditions change and keep the most up-to-date pricing information handy to all team members. Having centralized cost updates also reduces outdated and inconsistent pricing data. Teams can rest easy knowing that they’re working with information they can trust. This, in turn, helps them bid with confidence and not leave money on the table.
Managing changes with transparency and control
Successful collaboration is rooted in transparency, and this is something that Autodesk Estimate really excels at. The software offers real-time tracking and notifications for changes in connected takeoff quantities, ensuring that estimates are always current.
Estimators have complete control over line items and can update costs for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractors directly within the estimate table.
Plus, finding and accessing the necessary estimating information is a breeze, thanks to powerful sorting and filtering options that allow teams to view and analyze estimates in a way that works best for them.
Accelerating proposal creation
Autodesk Estimate doesn’t just help you work smarter; it enables you to come up with accurate estimates faster.
Because your estimating tools and data are integrated, teams benefit from the seamless transition from takeoff to proposal without sacrificing precision. They can generate detailed, data-backed proposals using the latest quantification data and standardized pricing from the cost library.
Additionally, reports can be easily exported and shared, maintaining visibility across the team and enabling faster responses to opportunities.
What our customers are saying about Autodesk Estimate
Autodesk Estimate is officially available today—but our journey began long before launch. Through our alpha and beta programs, we’ve been gathering early insights from industry professionals who helped shape the product. So, what are our customers’ first impressions?
“I’m excited to see Autodesk take a truly holistic view of the construction process — not treating design, preconstruction, and construction as separate silos, but as interconnected phases within a unified lifecycle. Autodesk Estimate is a key part of that transformation — it helps bridge the gap between design intent and construction reality, bringing greater clarity, collaboration, and confidence to early project decisions.” – Brian Alama | Virtual Design and Preconstruction Specialist, Jacobsen
“We’ve been using ProEst for a couple of years and our preconstruction team is excited to see Autodesk Estimate taking shape within the ACC environment. Integrating preconstruction directly into the ACC environment will elevate collaboration and unlock true data reuse across our projects.
“Working alongside Autodesk’s product development and preconstruction strategy teams has shown how invested they are in building Autodesk Estimate to reflect real industry workflows. Our feedback is genuinely heard, and that makes all the difference.” – Ariel Castillo | Director of Innovation, Miller Davis
“Autodesk’s collaborative product development approach, especially with Autodesk Estimate, shows a clear commitment to solving the AEC industry’s toughest challenges. By prioritizing data flow across all project phases, they’re eliminating data dead ends and enabling comprehensive tracking that is poised to transform how we plan and build. Their preconstruction tools are intuitive and evolving fast. Once the full suite of connected workflows is complete, preconstruction teams will be able to deliver a level of certainty that is uncommon in our industry.”- Preston T. Robinson | Director of Preconstruction, Haskell
“At Chandos, we’re thrilled to harness the power of Autodesk Build and roll out Autodesk Cost Management while eagerly anticipating the full integration of the Autodesk preconstruction solutions. The potential to streamline our entire project lifecycle from pursuit, estimating, and bidding all the way through buyout, change management, and forecasting is game-changing. We’re proud to collaborate with Autodesk, sharing our insights and feedback as they shape the preconstruction experience, especially Autodesk Estimate, that’s central to our success.” – Shawn Gardener | Business Solutions Director, Chandos Construction
“Being part of the Autodesk Estimate beta has been a meaningful experience for Copachisa. As the only general contractor from Mexico in the program, we’ve welcomed the chance to share our peers’ perspective. The way bidding, contracting, and cost control are handled in Mexico is distinct from other markets, and this collaboration has helped bring visibility to those differences while shaping a solution that reflects our reality. It’s been a true partnership, and we’re excited to keep moving the industry forward together.” – Rosa Linda Vazquez | Head of VDC, Copachisa Constructora
“Piloting Autodesk Estimate has given us the opportunity to contribute real-world insights to a team that listens, adapts, and values industry expertise. Autodesk’s commitment to a connected design-to-estimate workflow aligns with Fortis’ Pioneering values and vision for smarter, more integrated project delivery.” – Dustin Gianotti | Construction Technologist, Fortis Construction, Inc.
Ready to unlock new levels of efficiency for estimating?
Estimators deserve better than fragmented workflows, spreadsheets, and tools. Autodesk Estimate helps your team collaborate in real time, stay on top of cost changes, and deliver proposals that win.
The future of estimating is connected—and you can access it today.
Autodesk Estimate is a powerful new addition to our preconstruction solutions portfolio. If you’re ready to take your preconstruction strategy to the next level, explore our complete Preconstruction Bundle and discover how Autodesk solutions can accelerate your takeoff, bid management, prequalification, and document management workflows.
By Jeff Gerardi
