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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
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.





















