OpenConstructionERP

Overview

OpenConstructionERP is a construction-focused platform for estimating, project management and project controls. It is best suited to construction teams that want to manage quantities, costs and delivery in one system, particularly those able to self-host. Its free, AGPL-3.0 edition is substantial, but some useful data, CAD/BIM conversion and support options carry separate costs.

Key features

Estimating and cost data

BOQs can be organized into hierarchical sections, positions, resources and assemblies, with automatic markups. Digital takeoff and labor and material costing support the work of building an estimate, while an assembly library helps structure repeatable work. The documentation covers 120,000+ cost items across 48 market editions, with 36 regional databases ready to import. That breadth is a strong starting point for estimating, though teams needing a specific regional cost database may need to buy it separately.

Design-file takeoff

Quantity extraction from RVT, IFC, DWG and DGN files is handled through DDC converters. This extends takeoff beyond manual entry, but the converter licence costs extra, so it is not part of a no-cost deployment.

Planning and project control

Scheduling combines Gantt planning with CPM, Earned Value Management, S-curve analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. That range makes the platform relevant to teams that need to track both schedules and project performance, rather than just produce bids. It also covers tendering, execution, quality management and financial control.

Collaboration and integration

The Common Data Environment documents ISO 19650 status workflows, revision management and role-based access controls, useful for teams coordinating controlled project information. A REST API supports integrations, automation and custom workflows; Excel, CSV and GAEB XML import and export are also documented. Accounting integrations are not included, which may be a drawback for teams expecting direct links to accounting software.

The maker says self-hosted project data remains on the customer's hardware and that the platform does not upload files or phone home. That is a meaningful option for organizations prioritizing data control. Community support comes through GitHub, documentation and the forum; paid licences describe email or priority support.

Pricing

The free Self-hosted plan costs nothing and includes the full platform, 120,000+ cost items, 190+ modules and community support under AGPL-3.0. It is the clearest fit for teams able to host and manage the software themselves. A free trial is also offered.

Paid options add specific capabilities or services rather than simply unlocking the core platform:

• CWICR cost database: €750, paid once, billed €750 one-time / region, for one region and 55,000+ priced items. Choose it when a regional priced database is worth the one-time cost.
• DDC cad2data converters: €1,800 a year, billed €1,800 per year, for RVT, IFC, DWG and DGN converters under a per-server or embedded SDK licence.
• Priority SLA: €1,200 a year, billed €1,200 per year, as an optional upgrade on top of maintenance.
• Commercial licence: €2,500, paid once, billed €2,500 one-time, for a single company and unlimited internal users. The first year of updates and support is included; after that, they cost 20% per year.
• Implementation: €3,000, paid once, billed from €3,000 one-time, for onboarding, data migration and training.
• White-label SaaS: €5,000, paid once, billed €5,000 one-time, for up to 10 paying organisations, with €1,500 per extra 10.
• Maintenance: custom pricing; billed 20% per year from year 2, with updates and standard support and the first year included.
• Hosted & licensed: custom pricing; contact the maker for managed hosting, private deployments and commercial licensing.

The free plan avoids licence fees but leaves hosting and support to the team. Converter, database, implementation and commercial terms can make a deployment more expensive; buyers should match each add-on to a concrete need.

Platforms

OpenConstructionERP is listed for API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web and Windows, and is described as a hybrid platform. Desktop downloads support Windows 10/11 64-bit, macOS 10.15+ on Apple Silicon, and 64-bit Linux. Teams should check those requirements before choosing a desktop setup.

Who it's for

The maker presents workflows for general contractors, specialist subcontractors and quantity surveying teams. It is a strong candidate for organizations that need estimating alongside scheduling, document control and project oversight, and that value self-hosting or an extensible API. It is less suitable for teams that require accounting integrations, or that want CAD/BIM conversion included in the free plan.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free self-hosted edition includes the full platform and a large cost-item library, making it unusually broad for teams prepared to operate it themselves.
• Pro: Estimating, takeoff, scheduling, project controls and ISO 19650-oriented document workflows address several stages of construction delivery in one platform.
• Pro: Self-hosting and a REST API give organizations control over project data and room for custom workflows.
• Con: CAD/BIM converters and regional cost data can add substantial fees to an otherwise free deployment.
• Con: Accounting integrations are not included, and community support is the free plan's support route.
• Con: Commercial use, implementation and managed hosting may require further paid licences or services.

Alternatives

For more options in this category, browse Construction Estimating Software.

• Bidwright is another free option for Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API and self-hosted use; its desktop app is single-user, and AI is disabled until you add your own key.
• Buildxact is worth considering for teams that prefer a web and mobile product with AI estimating, proposals and Home Depot material ordering in its free Go plan.
• Trimble Viewpoint Vista offers cloud-hosted and on-premises deployments with pricing by contacting sales.
• STACK may fit teams seeking a free takeoff option, though its free plan is capped at one active project per month, 300 plan pages, 50 measurements per project and one viewer seat.
• Trimble Quadri has a free read-only viewer for viewing, commenting and measuring distances and areas.
• HCSS uses custom quotes requiring company type and role.
• InEight has paid, month-to-month per-user options for individuals or small teams.
• ConstructConnect Bid Management is another paid option for bid management.

Verdict

Choose OpenConstructionERP if your construction team wants broad estimating and project-control capabilities, values self-hosting, and can manage the system or budget for targeted add-ons. The full free edition is its strongest reason to start here; look elsewhere if accounting integrations are essential or if you need CAD/BIM converters without an added annual licence.