In the search for the “right” construction management software, there are multiple functions to consider to ensure the solution you implement fits the unique needs of your construction business. This article will provide a detailed summary of “must-have” features to consider in the evaluation process and outline the alternatives available to Fieldwire. 

Continue scrolling to explore the world of construction management and discover how it can unlock efficiency, productivity, and success for your construction business.

If you are considering Fieldwire vs Procore for your business, check-out article where we describe the advantages and disadvantages of Procore.

Key Considerations while Looking for Fieldwire Alternatives

Understanding the Construction Software Landscape: 

When evaluating a construction software solution, it is important to consider the “must-have” features that every construction company needs. Here are the “must-have” features when considering an alternative to Fieldwire. 

• Document Control Workflows – the primary efficiency construction management software provides is automating repetitive processes and tasks. Document management workflows ensure your Punchlist, RFI, Change Order, and Submittal processes are organised and automated to save project managers time. 
• Easy access for external stakeholders – the platform you choose needs to be seamless for your subcontractors, consultants, and architects to interact with, otherwise, your platform becomes an island for project information. 
• Project Tracking – daily visibility into project progress, activity, and delays is vital to ensuring projects stay on time and on budget. The software you select needs to collect and display project data in a simple and digestible format. Garbage in, garbage out.     
• Mobile Accessibility – A great mobile app allows users to access project information and communicate with team members from anywhere, enabling real-time information and collaboration. 
• Integration Capabilities – whether it’s integrations with accounting software or file storage systems, workflow efficiency and data consistency are key to a construction management system.
• Pricing – the price of construction management software needs to equal the value delivered to the users. It is paramount to select software that aligns with their pricing model with the value your team derives from utilizing the platform.

Advantages of Fieldwire:

• Task Management Focus – Fieldwire is particularly known for its robust task management capabilities. It offers features such as task assignment, tracking, and status updates, which are especially useful for coordinating work in the field.
• Plan Viewing and Markup –  Fieldwire provides advanced plan viewing and markup tools that allow users to view construction plans, and add markups, annotations, and comments directly on drawings.
• Simplicity and Ease of Use – Fieldwire is often praised for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design. The platform is designed to be easy to navigate and use, making it accessible to construction professionals with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Mobile Accessibility – Fieldwire offers a robust mobile app that allows users to access project information, communicate with team members, and manage tasks from anywhere, even in offline mode.
• Real-Time Collaboration – Fieldwire facilitates real-time collaboration among project teams, subcontractors, and stakeholders.
• Issue Tracking and Resolution – Fieldwire includes features for tracking and resolving issues, such as punch lists, defects, and discrepancies. Users can create, assign, and track issues in real time, ensuring timely resolution and minimizing delays on the project.

Disadvantages of Fieldwire:

• Limited Feature Set –  Fieldwire offers a narrower range of features compared to alternatives, particularly in areas such as project management, document control, and integration capabilities. This could limit its suitability for construction projects or companies with complex needs.
• Cost-Effectiveness for Companies: While Fieldwire may offer cost-effective pricing options for smaller construction companies or projects, it may not provide the same level of value for larger companies or projects with more extensive requirements. SiteMax’s pricing structure and features may be better suited to the needs of larger organizations.
• Customization Options – Fieldwire offers fewer customization options compared to SiteMax, limiting the ability to tailor the software to specific project workflows and requirements. This could impact the flexibility and adaptability of the platform for users with unique project processes and needs.
• Integration Capabilities – Fieldwire’s integration ecosystem is more limited compared to alternative platforms, which could affect its ability to seamlessly connect with other construction software tools commonly used in the industry. This may result in challenges with data transfer and workflow integration for users relying on multiple software platforms.
• Limited Project Management Workflow Functionality: Alternatives to Fieldwire may offer more advanced project management functionality, including features such as budget tracking, resource allocation, and advanced reporting capabilities.
• Learning Curve: While Fieldwire is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, some users may still find it challenging to learn and navigate, especially if they are transitioning from another construction management software platform.
• Target Market – Fieldwire is targeted towards field management and coordination, while alternatives to Fieldwire offer a broader range of features catering to various aspects of construction project management. Users with specific needs in areas such as document control, scheduling, and safety management may find alternatives to Fieldwire more comprehensive for their requirements.

How Much Does Fieldwire Cost?

Fieldwire has a per-user pricing model that offers multiple plans based on the module access required for the company. See the full details here.

How does the construction industry rate Fieldwire?

Fieldwire G2 Rating – 4.5/5

Programs Similar to Fieldwire 

While Fieldwire is a great construction management software and has served the construction industry for the past decade, it’s not an ideal fit for all companies and that is why it’s important to highlight Fieldwire alternatives.  

What is SiteMax? 

SiteMax is a construction management software designed to streamline project workflows, improve communication, and connect field and office personnel within construction companies.

SiteMax is considered the Fieldwire alternative for construction companies looking for a more comprehensive construction management platform to manage their projects, with modules such as Change Orders, Submittal Workflow tracking, Punch list Tracking, Custom Sub-trade workflows, and Tool & Equipment management.    

Advantages of SiteMax:

• Comprehensive Feature Set – SiteMax offers a wide range of features covering various aspects of construction project management, including project management, document control, communication, scheduling, safety management, and integration with other construction software tools. This comprehensive feature set makes SiteMax suitable for managing all aspects of construction projects from start to finish.
• Scalability – SiteMax is designed to accommodate projects of all sizes, from small renovations to large-scale developments. Its scalability makes it suitable for construction companies experiencing growth or handling projects with varying complexities and requirements.
• Customization Options – SiteMax provides robust customization options, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific project workflows and requirements. This flexibility enables users to adapt SiteMax to their unique project needs, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
• Custom Form Builder – SiteMax offers a customer form builder for any team to create, edit, and publish custom checklists, daily reports, and inspections. The custom form builder empowers you to configure SiteMax to your processes and requirements. 
• Focus on Safety Management – SiteMax places a strong emphasis on safety management, offering features for tracking incidents, managing safety protocols, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This focus on safety helps to improve overall project safety and reduce liability for construction companies.
• Customer Support – SiteMax provides personalized and responsive customer support, including training resources, online tutorials, and dedicated account management. Users have access to dedicated support representatives who can address their specific needs and challenges promptly, enhancing the overall user experience.
• Mobile Functionality – SiteMax offers a robust mobile app that allows users to access project information, communicate with team members, and manage tasks from anywhere, even in offline mode. The mobile app’s functionality enhances real-time collaboration and decision-making for field teams working on construction sites.

Disadvantages of SiteMax:

• In-depth Drawing Features: SiteMax has a less extensive feature set when it comes to drawing management. SiteMax focuses on the full construction management process and streamlining the full document management processes involved. In doing this, SiteMax does not provide the depth of BIM modeling in the drawing management module. 
• Market Presence: Fieldwire has established a strong market presence and is widely recognized as a leading construction management software solution. SiteMax was founded 10 years ago in Canada and has steadily grown to manage 150,000+ projects in 5 different countries. 
• Integration Ecosystem: While SiteMax offers integration capabilities, it may have a smaller ecosystem of third-party integrations compared to Fieldwire. This could limit the ability to seamlessly connect with other software tools commonly used in the construction industry.

How much does SiteMax cost?

• SiteMax is transparent about the pricing model we use so that construction companies know exactly the value they are getting from the software. 
• SiteMax uses a per-user pricing model that includes 3 price tiers of users ranging from free collaborators to admin users. 
• For more information on pricing plans, here is the full breakdown: SiteMax Pricing Page 

Rating:

SiteMax G2 rating – 4.4/5

SiteMax vs Fieldwire Feature Comparison

Why SiteMax is one of the best alternative to Fieldwire 

Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t.

With SiteMax you’ll actually use all the modules you pay for. Our customers are people looking for a streamlined, feature-rich Construction Management Software. We don’t believe in paying for features you won’t touch.

Easy to Learn and Easier to Use

Switching to a mobile Construction Software is meant to simplify your processes. Time should be spent getting your tasks done, not figuring out the technology. SiteMax is user friendly and easy to implement across your team.

Pricing Plans That Make Sense

At SiteMax we won’t ask for your financials. Pricing is user-based and never revenue- based. SiteMax has a plan that’s right for everyone and will work with you to ensure you get exactly what you need from your solution – and nothing more.

Our conclusion:

SiteMax is a Fieldwire alternative that offers a complete platform for any size construction company that is easy to implement, quick to adopt, and powerful to use.