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RIB CostX is an all-in-one 2D and 3D/BIM takeoff and estimating software designed to enhance speed and accuracy in project cost estimation. It features industry-leading takeoff capabilities, live-linked workbooks that update in real-time, and professional report production tailored to diverse regional, industry, and project-specific requirements. With its user-friendly interface, RIB CostX ensures you can price projects accurately and efficiently at every stage, making it an essential tool for streamlining your workflow.
Provider
RIB Software
Located In
Germany
Foundation
1961
Open API
Yes
Deployment
On-Premise Windows, Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based
Training
In Person, Documentation, Webinars, Videos, Live Online
Support
Phone Support, Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base
RIB CostX is perfect for quantity surveyors, estimators, contractors or those part of a construction firm looking to streamline takeoff and estimation.
Content Source: RIB CostX
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RIB CostX Reviews
Pros
It has great functionality and provides accurate take-offs. The PDF functions are a bliss and simplifies the process considerably as well as saving time.
Excellent customer support and follow up to ensure the best service is provided and maintained to resolve any issues found or queried.
Ability to have open drawings in more screens. Ability to quickly update the building templates with ease.
After care in terms of technical support for the product has been superb, which is vital when adopting such software as your mainstay for measuring or estimating.
Cons
The performance is usually delayed when you have to switch to another dimension group to see up to where we measured already.
Problems include operating over a centralised server, once down affects everyone.
Lack of ability to complete cut and fill exercises. The only real downside is the inability to handle drawings in batches and without having to load them individually to edit their properties.
Requested training and was made feel incompetent. Had the software for 24hr and request a refund and was declined.
"Excellent QS tool for direct take off, estimating and producing schedules/bills of quantities."
Overall: We moved to digital taking off initially and a windows GUI from an old terminal window based system. The ability to view, section and walk round 3D models and have BIM extraction capabilities is most advantageous.
Pros: We moved to CostX completely as a QS practice a number of years ago and we find it a very powerful tool in producing all levels of estimates, bills/schedules of quantities and builders quants etc. It's the best software we've seen for a number of years and for the future with it's BIM capabilities also. With customised branded report formats available allow us to provide consistently high quality presentation documents. Staff were quick to pick up the basics of operation and quickly progress their skills in taking off and scheduling digitally. Regular updates from user feature requests and continually developing and improving the CostX software. Excellent customer support and follow up to ensure the best service is provided and maintained to resolve any issues found or queried.
Cons: Lack of ability to complete cut and fill exercises The only real downside is the inability to handle drawings in batches and without having to load them individually to edit their properties. We understand that this is a registered client feature request under review for development and greatly look forward to its implementation.
Vendor Response
"Drank the koolaid, would drink again"
Overall: 100% positive, probably one of the best pieces of software that I work with bar none. Over the years there have been evolutions in the supporting software - the database back end changes for example - but there is a steady path of improvement and it's exciting with each release to see what has been renewal introduced.
Pros: It's flexible for the real world. You can work with a photo of a set of plans, a home drawn image exported, full PDF plan sets from arch/structure designers, DWFX/BIM imports from architects. On the measurement side, it's totally flexible in that regard. On the costing side, CostX has a strong Excel-inspired methodology which is quickly understood by anyone with a spreadsheet background. Excellent software, can't say enough good about it.
Cons: I think some of the product offerings between full blown CostX down to the pared down Excel version get a bit confusing from the outside looking in. There is probably room to promote contractors who help with implementation or promote those services if RIB directly can provide that. As with a blank Excel spreadsheet (or a database in general), the ability to customize and develop can be overwhelming to most.
Vendor Response
"Convenient for taking off and pricing"
Pros: It helps to automate creation of Bills of Quantity or Pricing Section after taking off or measurement stage. Shorten the process by alot and increase a QS productivity.
Cons: Price slightly on the high side. If they could lower to a personal user affordability level then the retail user might increase.
Vendor Response
"Highly Efficient and User-Friendly Estimating Software"
Overall: My overall experience with RIB CostX has been very positive. It has proven to be an invaluable tool for our estimating processes, providing a user-friendly and efficient platform that integrates seamlessly with our design tools. The software's capabilities have enhanced our workflow and allowed us to deliver more accurate and timely estimates. Despite a few minor issues with support, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, making CostX a top choice for estimating software.
Pros: What I liked most about RIB CostX is its speed and accuracy in estimating and quantity surveying. The software's integration with Revit and BIM data has greatly streamlined our processes at Ausco Modular, enhancing both efficiency and precision in our estimates and bills of materials. Features such as Dimension Groups with Audit Links offer flexible measurement and ensure accuracy, while Model Maps and Workbooks improve data extraction and breakdowns. The intuitive design, similar to Excel, makes it easy for teams to use and collaborate effectively.
Cons: One area for improvement is the need for more robust customer support and troubleshooting resources. Compared to my experience with Exactal, where I had a personal connection with the development and support teams, the current RIB tech support feels less personal. I feel like more of a number in the queue now, and quicker, more personalised support would enhance the overall experience.
Vendor Response
"Senior Management Review - Ahmed Elhalouty"
Pros: Tracking measurement is good in CostX. However, it should be more easier than doing it in workbook
Cons: We Can't make sure that everything is measured as there are no layers function
Vendor Response
