Smarter Estimating, Stronger Margins: How Digital Tools are Transforming Cost Planning
This industry paper highlights best practices in cost estimating and explains how construction software can drive efficiency, improve accuracy and help to deliver better project outcomes. It includes practical tips and advice for estimators. It highlights case studies from businesses that have adopted new digital tools and processes, significantly improving their workflows, alongside some of the external drivers that are having an impact on estimators, such as the Procurement Act 2023 and the acceleration of AI.
As the authors of this industry paper, Bluebeam would like to keep in touch with you. By downloading this industry paper, you agree to grant permission for the CIOB to share your name and email address with Bluebeam.
The content contained within this industry paper is the intellectual property of Bluebeam and does not represent the views of the CIOB. While the information has been verified to the best of our ability, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. Should you have any questions regarding this industry paper, please contact [email protected]
- Improving workflows through automation
- Integrating software tools to improve accuracy and efficiency, from bidding through to project delivery
- Working in the cloud to drive collaboration with stakeholders
- Training, upskilling and reskilling the workforce
- Utilising AI within estimating
Bluebeam, Inc. has made desktop, mobile and cloud-based solutions for paperless workflows that leverage PDF to improve project communication and streamline processes across the entire project lifecycle. Trusted by over 3 million individuals in more than 160 countries, Bluebeam’s solutions advance the way technical professionals work, manage and collaborate on projects digitally.
Dan Gerrella, Chart.PR, FCIPR (on behalf of Bluebeam) is a chartered public relations professional and technical author, writing on topics such as corporate reputation, community engagement, innovation in construction and crisis and issues management.
This article appears on the CIOB Academy site as Technical publication "Smarter Estimating, Stronger Margins: How Digital Tools are Transforming Cost Planning" dated 5 September, 2025.
--CIOB
Featured articles and news
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”