PataBid vs. Accubid Classic: Electrical Estimating Software Workflow Comparison

What is Accubid electrical software?

Accubid is a software suite by Trimble used for electrical and mechanical estimating in the construction industry. It provides tools for creating detailed and accurate cost estimates for construction projects with two main versions: Accubid Classic (desktop-based) and Accubid Anywhere (cloud-based).

• Database: Over 40,000 items and 9,500 assemblies

• Integration: Links with Trimble LiveCount and TRA-SER pricing

• Collaboration: Trimble Connect for team communication

• Functionality: Dynamic takeoffs and multi-level breakdowns

If you're an electrical contractor trying to figure out how to bid construction jobs more efficiently, the tools you choose can make all the difference. The right contractor bidding software can make a significant impact on your estimating success. In Part 2 of our comparison between Accubid Classic and PataBid Quantify, we're diving deeper into how the estimating process actually works on each platform.

This is your step-by-step guide to estimating electrical work using two of the industry's top electrical estimating software platforms: Trimble Accubid Classic and PataBid Quantify.

Understanding Accubid Electrical Software Versions

Trimble Accubid Classic

• Functionality: Desktop-based comprehensive estimating solution with dynamic takeoffs, multi-level breakdowns, and instant bid summaries

• Database: Large material database with over 40,000 items and 9,500 assemblies

• Integration: Links to Trimble LiveCount for graphical takeoff and TRA-SER for pricing

• Collaboration: Integrates with Trimble Connect for improved information sharing

• Access: Requires USB HASP key (dongle) for local computer access

Trimble Accubid Anywhere

• Functionality: Cloud-based solution with estimating, AI-powered automated takeoff, and change management

• Accessibility: Access from anywhere with internet connection

• Subscription: All-in-one subscription model

• Integration: APIs for workflow integration and document management

  
  

Step-by-Step Workflow Comparison: Accubid vs PataBid

1. Drawing Upload and File Management

Accubid Classic Workflow:

Users must open LiveCount separately and manually import PDF drawings, creating a fragmented workflow. File management is handled across several disconnected tools: Accubid Classic, LiveCount, TRA-SER, and ChangeOrder Pro—which can increase complexity and risk of error during the estimating process.

PataBid Quantify Workflow:

With PataBid Quantify, users upload drawings directly into the cloud-based estimating interface, streamlining the process from the start. All bid documents, markups, and revisions are stored in one centralized location with unlimited digital storage. The platform consolidates the functionality of Accubid Classic, LiveCount, TRA-SER, and ChangeOrder Pro into a single, unified electrical estimating software platform.

2. Performing Electrical Takeoff

Accubid Classic Process:

Electrical takeoff must be performed manually within LiveCount, and quantities are then sent back to the main estimate in Accubid Classic—as long as the link between the two platforms is maintained without disconnection.

PataBid Quantify Process:

Quantify offers built-in graphical takeoff, enhanced with optional AI automation. Estimators can select a symbol once, and Quantify will automatically count all matching items across the drawing with an accuracy rate of 80%. This significantly reduces manual data entry and accelerates electrical takeoff by 40% or more.

3. Applying Labor and Material Pricing

Accubid Classic Pricing:

Material pricing relies on a TRA-SER subscription, and quotes often need to be entered manually. The platform does not support real-time supplier pricing, which can delay or complicate the estimating process.

PataBid Quantify Pricing:

Quantify is integrated with major national suppliers like Gescan and City Electric Supply for real-time material pricing. Estimators can compare prices, stage orders by phase, and avoid late-hour quote issues. Labor rates are pre-loaded and fully customizable for greater flexibility.

4. Building Assemblies and Item Libraries

Accubid Classic Libraries:

Although the software includes a comprehensive MEP items database with over 40,000 items and 9,500 assemblies, it does not include modern items that electrical contractors use on everyday projects. Creating or updating custom assemblies must be done manually without AI-assisted tools.

PataBid Quantify Libraries:

Quantify includes a robust database of over 60,000 electrical and mechanical items, including modern technologies like EV chargers, solar components, LED fixtures, and fire protection equipment. Users can easily clone or customize assemblies, and the database is actively maintained and expanded by the PataBid team. Quantify uses AI technology to assist in automated assembly creation.

5. Estimate Summaries and Proposal Generation

Accubid Classic Reports:

While the platform can generate detailed estimate summaries and reports, the formatting must be done manually, and templates are not customizable.

PataBid Quantify Reports:

Quantify allows for quick exports of proposals, bid summaries, and project breakdowns. It includes fully editable proposal templates, enabling contractors to quickly generate polished bid documents and save time before submission.

6. Handling Change Orders and Closeout

Accubid Classic Change Orders:

To manage change orders, users must purchase the ChangeOrder Pro module separately. Data from the original estimate must be manually re-entered, increasing workload and potential for error.

PataBid Quantify Change Orders:

The change order module is built into Quantify at no extra cost. Contractors can simply duplicate the original estimate, adjust the scope, and submit a revised bid within minutes. All change history is recorded for audit clarity and accountability.

7. Collaboration and Remote Access

Accubid Classic Access:

As a locally installed software, Accubid Classic ties all files to specific computers. It requires a USB HASP key (dongle) for access, limiting flexibility and remote collaboration. Integration with Trimble Connect provides some collaboration features.

PataBid Quantify Access:

Quantify is fully cloud-native, enabling estimators to collaborate in real-time, view drawings simultaneously, and share project access with stakeholders using pooled licensing. There's no dongle required—just a secure login from any connected device.

8. AI-Enabled Tools and Automation

Accubid Classic AI Features:

Accubid Classic does not include any AI-driven tools. All tasks, including takeoff, data entry, and analysis, must be completed manually. Accubid Anywhere offers some AI-powered automated takeoff capabilities.

PataBid Quantify AI Features:

As an AI electrical estimating software, Quantify offers several smart features to boost speed and accuracy. Its AI tools can automate graphical takeoff, extract data from tables to pre-populate assemblies, and includes risk analysis AI to help identify potential risk items hidden in project specifications. These features help contractors bid electrical work faster and more intelligently—reducing both errors and risk.

Key Benefits: Accubid vs PataBid for Electrical Contractors

Accubid Electrical Software Benefits:

• Accuracy: Detailed breakdowns and up-to-date pricing through TRA-SER integration

• Efficiency: Streamlined estimating process for faster bidding and improved productivity

• Collaboration: Trimble Connect facilitates team communication and project sharing

• Industry Standard: Widely adopted platform with extensive material database

• Integration: API capabilities for workflow integration (Accubid Anywhere)

PataBid Quantify Advantages:

• All-in-One Platform: No separate modules or additional licensing required

• AI Automation: 40% faster takeoff with 80% accuracy on automated counting

• Real-Time Pricing: Live supplier integration eliminates manual quote entry

• Cloud Accessibility: Work from anywhere without dongles or local installations

• Modern Database: 60,000+ items including latest technologies (EV, solar, LED)

  
  

Implementation and Pricing Considerations

Accubid Electrical Software Pricing Structure:

• Accubid Classic: Subscription-based with additional module costs

• TRA-SER Integration: Separate subscription for up-to-date pricing

• LiveCount Takeoff: Additional licensing for graphical takeoff

• ChangeOrder Pro: Separate module purchase required

PataBid Quantify Pricing:

• Single Subscription: All features included in one price

• Pooled Licensing: Multiple users under single account

• No Hidden Costs: Change orders, AI tools, and integrations included

• Free Trial: 14-day trial with full platform access

  
  

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Electrical Estimating Software

When it comes to choosing the best contractor bidding software, it's not just about features—it's about how those features improve your ability to estimate electrical work quickly, accurately, and profitably. Accubid electrical software (Classic) remains a solid choice for contractors who prefer desktop-based solutions and need extensive database coverage. The Trimble ecosystem provides robust integration options, though it often requires multiple subscriptions and modules for full functionality.

PataBid Quantify represents the next generation of electrical estimating software, combining AI tools, real-time supplier integrations, and full cloud access to streamline every step of your estimating process. Whether you're bidding solo or as part of a team, Quantify helps you de-risk your construction cost estimates and win more jobs.

For contractors looking to modernize their estimating workflow with AI-powered features and cloud accessibility, PataBid Quantify offers a comprehensive alternative to traditional Accubid electrical workflows.

Ready to Compare Electrical Estimating Software?

Start a free 2-week trial of PataBid Quantify and discover how to bid construction jobs with confidence using one powerful electrical estimating software platform.

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✓ Full platform access for 14 days

✓ AI takeoff and supplier pricing included

✓ Expert onboarding support provided

A screenshot of takeoff being completed in PataBid Quantify electrical estimating software

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