PataBid vs. Accubid Classic: Electrical Estimating Software Workflow Comparison

Intro: 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 1 of our comparison between Accubid Classic and PataBid Quantify, we explored the core differences in platform design, licensing, support, and data security. In Part 2, we're diving deeper: how does the estimating process actually work on each platform? This is your step-by-step guide to how to estimate electrical work using two of the industry's top electrical estimating software platforms: Accubid Classic and PataBid Quantify.

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

1. Drawing Upload and File Management

• Accubid Classic: 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: 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 Takeoff

• Accubid Classic: 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: 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: 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: 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 are fully customizable for greater flexibility.

  
  

4. Building Assemblies and Item Libraries

• Accubid Classic: Although the software includes a comprehensive MEP items database, it does not include modern items that electrical contractors are using on every day projects. Creating or updating custom assemblies must be done manually without the use of AI assisted tools.

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

• PataBid Quantify: Quantify allows one-click 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: 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: 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: As a locally installed software, Accubid Classic ties all files to specific computers. It requires a USB HASP key (often referred to as an Accubid dongle) for access, limiting flexibility and remote collaboration.

• PataBid Quantify: 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

• Accubid Classic: Accubid Classic does not include any AI-driven tools. All tasks, including takeoff, data entry, and analysis, must be completed manually.

• PataBid Quantify: 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 soon will include a new risk analysis AI to help identify potential risk items hidden in project specifications. These features help contractors to bid electrical work faster and more intelligently - reducing both errors and risk.

Conclusion: Smarter Bidding for Contractors 

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. 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.

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