A very common question among contractors is whether Presto or CYPE is enough or whether they need a construction ERP. The answer depends on what you want to manage: just the estimate, the whole project or the entire company.

In this article we compare the three approaches from the point of view of business management, not just estimating.

If you want to compare tools for drafting estimates, read Presto vs CYPE Arquímedes vs BIM 2.0.

What each type of software covers

Presto

A program specialized in estimating, quantity takeoff, progress certifications, scheduling and project cost control. Widely used in the technical office and the estimating department.

Covers: estimate, quantities, certifications, scheduling and project cost control.

Usually handled by other systems: accounting, treasury, payroll, purchasing with a full approval workflow, CRM and warehouse.

CYPE (Arquímedes and the CYPE ecosystem)

A suite of technical software for architecture and engineering: structural and MEP calculation, Open BIM modeling and, with Arquímedes, estimates, quantities, specifications and certifications.

Covers: design and calculation, project documentation, estimates and certifications.

Does not cover: the business management of a construction company.

Construction ERP

A business management system with industry-specific functionality. For example, BIM 2.0 for Odoo.

Covers: estimates, purchasing, warehouse, subcontractors, construction contracts, timesheets, attendance, equipment, certifications, invoicing, job-cost (analytic) accounting, treasury, CRM and HR.

May require add-ons: structural calculation or technical project drafting (which is not its purpose).

The key question: what happens after the estimate?

For an architecture firm, the work largely ends with the design and its estimate. For a contractor, the estimate is only the beginning:

  1. The project is awarded.
  2. Subcontractors are hired and materials are purchased.
  3. Hours, equipment and consumption are recorded.
  4. The client is billed through certifications and suppliers are paid.
  5. The margin is controlled.
  6. Everything is booked in accounting.

If you use only Presto or CYPE, steps 2 to 6 are handled with other tools (Excel, accounting software, email). Every jump between tools means copying data, losing time and risking errors.

Comparison by management area

Estimating

  • Presto: excellent.
  • CYPE Arquímedes: excellent, especially at the design stage.
  • Construction ERP: complete, with BC3 import from the programs above.

Purchasing and procurement

  • Presto / CYPE: limited or nonexistent functionality.
  • ERP: requests from the site, bid comparison, purchase orders, delivery notes and invoices linked to the estimate.

Subcontractors

  • Presto: subcontractor comparisons and certifications.
  • CYPE: not its focus.
  • ERP: contracts, certifications, retentions, documentation and payments. See how to manage subcontractors.

Certifications and invoicing

  • Presto / Arquímedes: full certification; the invoice is issued in another system.
  • ERP: certification and invoice in the same workflow, with automatic accounting entries. See how to prepare a progress certification.

Cost control

  • Presto: project cost control using the data entered or imported into it.
  • CYPE: not its focus.
  • ERP: actual cost captured automatically from purchases, timesheets and invoices; earned value and margin in real time. See how to control project costs.

Accounting and finance

  • Presto / CYPE: not their focus.
  • ERP: yes, with job-cost (analytic) accounting per project.

BIM

Three common scenarios

Scenario 1: Architecture or engineering firm

You need to design, calculate and estimate. CYPE (or Presto for the estimate) is the natural choice. A generic ERP for the firm's invoicing may be enough.

Scenario 2: Contractor with an established estimating department

The team masters Presto or Arquímedes and does not want to change. The best option is to combine:

  • Estimate in Presto or Arquímedes.
  • Export to BC3 (the Spanish FIEBDC-3 exchange format for construction budgets).
  • Import into the construction ERP to manage purchasing, site work, certifications and accounting.

This respects the technical team's habits and gains financial control. Learn how in what a BC3 file is.

Scenario 3: Small or mid-sized contractor or developer that wants a single system

The most efficient choice is a construction ERP that also does estimating. With BIM 2.0 for Odoo, the estimate, the project and the company share data from day one.

How to decide

Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Do I build projects or only design them?
  2. How many different tools do I use today to manage a project?
  3. How long does it take me to know a project's real margin?
  4. How much time does the back office lose copying site data?
  5. Is my technical team willing to change estimating software?

If you build projects and it takes weeks to know the real margin, you need an ERP. If your technical team does not want to change, combine their program with the ERP through BC3.

More options in the 10 best ERPs for construction companies and the 10 best construction project management software.

Frequently asked questions

Is Presto an ERP?

No. Presto is a program specialized in estimating, quantities, certifications and project control. For full business management it is integrated with an ERP.

Is CYPE suitable for running a construction company?

CYPE is geared toward the design, calculation and documentation of projects. To run a construction company you will need an ERP.

Can I connect Presto with Odoo?

Yes, by exporting to BC3 and importing into BIM 2.0, or through custom integrations.

Conclusion

Presto and CYPE are excellent tools in their own field, but they do not replace an ERP when it comes to running a construction company. The most efficient combination depends on your profile: a technical program plus an ERP through BC3, or a construction ERP that covers everything, such as BIM 2.0 for Odoo.

👉 Try importing a BC3 from Presto or Arquímedes in the BIM 2.0 demo or talk to us.