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
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.