Forecasting and CVR
Planyard: Real-time CVR updates automatically as costs are approved.
Archdesk: Customisable dashboards and reports once configured.
Archdesk vs Planyard (UK & Ireland)
This page compares Planyard with Archdesk for UK and Ireland construction teams. It highlights implementation complexity, reporting depth, UK-specific workflows like valuations, retentions and CIS, and pricing transparency.
On this page
- Reviews at a glance
- Quick summary
- Side-by-side comparison
- Why UK teams pick Planyard
- Why UK teams pick Archdesk
- Feature matrix (UK view)
- Implementation timelines
- Who should choose what
- Pricing & packages
- FAQ and sources
Reviews at a glance
Public ratings from Capterra UK and user feedback summaries.
| Programme | Rating | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Planyard (Capterra UK) | 4.6 / 5.0 |  Praised for ease of use, valuations and retentions, and clean Xero/Sage sync. |
| Archdesk (Capterra UK) | 4.5 / 5.0 |  All-in-one ERP power but noted for complexity and training needs. |
Quick summary
- Planyard. Lightweight, focused cost control software built for UK workflows — valuations, retentions and CIS. Integrates cleanly with Xero, Sage or QuickBooks, transparent pricing, and rapid rollout.
- Archdesk. A full ERP-style construction platform covering estimating, project management and accounting. Flexible but more complex to implement and maintain.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Planyard | Archdesk |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation complexity | Days to pilot, no IT project needed |
Weeks to months, configuration and training required |
| Ease of use | Intuitive for QS, PM, and commercial managers |
Powerful but can feel complex for non-technical users |
| Reporting and forecasting | Live CVR and cashflow forecasting built in |
Custom dashboards possible but require setup |
| UK commercial workflows | Native valuations, retentions, CIS and approvals |
Supports these with configuration; not pre-set for JCT |
| Accounting fit | Connects to Xero, Sage and QuickBooks (CIS compatible) | Built-in finance module or one-way sync to Xero/QuickBooks |
| Pricing transparency | Public per-user GBP pricing and free trial |
By quote; starts around £690/month for small teams |
| Best for | UK contractors and developers needing fast, clear cost control | Enterprises seeking an all-in-one ERP-style system |
Why UK teams pick Planyard
- Fast rollout. Import your budget and start within days.
- Built for UK contracts. Handles valuations, retentions and CIS together with your accounting system.
- Accurate forecasting. Live CVR and cashflow built in without spreadsheets.
- Transparent pricing. Public per-user plans with no hidden setup costs.
- Integrates easily. Works alongside Xero, Sage or QuickBooks; no need to replace your ledger.
Why UK teams pick Archdesk
- End-to-end management. Covers estimating, scheduling, procurement, accounting, and reporting in one system.
- Configurable workflows. Can mirror your company’s processes with tailored modules and permissions.
- Unified data. Combines operational and financial information into a single platform.
- Scalable for enterprise. Multi-company and multi-currency support built in.
Feature comparison (UK view)
Key features and UK-specific capabilities compared.
Valuations and retentions
Planyard: Handles client and subcontractor valuations, certificates and retentions automatically.
Archdesk: Supports retentions and billing rules via finance module; setup needed for UK-style certificates.
Upload your project budget and follow the financial progress in real-time
No credit card required. No sales or IT support needed.
Purchase orders and approvals
Planyard: Multi-step approvals linked to budget; syncs approved costs to accounting.
Archdesk: Deep procurement module with approval workflows; more complex initial setup.
Implementation timelines
| Product | Typical duration | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Planyard | A few days to a week |
|
| Archdesk | Weeks to months |
|
What UK buyers say
UK reviewers describe Archdesk as powerful but heavy to roll out, requiring user training and data setup. Some note limited Xero integration accuracy. Planyard users highlight quick onboarding and visibility of valuations, retentions, and CVR without spreadsheets.
Who should choose what
- Choose Planyard if you want a fast, easy rollout, accurate cost control, and UK-specific workflows that connect directly to Xero, Sage, or QuickBooks.
- Choose Archdesk if you are ready for a larger ERP-style implementation and need a single system covering finance and operations.
Pricing and packages
Planyard lists transparent GBP pricing and a free trial. Archdesk pricing is by quote and starts around £690/month for small teams.
USD
EUR
GBP
AUD
CAD
Estimating
$52
€49
£40
$82
$74
/ month / project manager
Cost estimating
Essential
$105
€99
£82
$166
$149
/ month / project manager
$43
€40
£33
$49
$60
Usually selected for: site engineers, clients, estimators or auditors.
for supporting staff
Perfect for support roles or stakeholders—gain access to essential project features and view key financial data without full platform permissions, enabling users to stay informed and contribute without hands-on tasks.Usually selected for: site engineers, clients, estimators or auditors.
Estimating and budget control
- Everything in Estimating
- Track budgets and actual spend
- Manage purchase invoices automatically
- Reuse active project cost data for estimating
- Sync invoices to Xero and QuickBooks
Professional
$158
€149
£123
$250
$225
/ month / project manager
$43
€40
£33
$49
$60
Usually selected for: site engineers, clients, estimators or auditors.
for supporting staff
Perfect for support roles or stakeholders—gain access to essential project features and view key financial data without full platform permissions, enabling users to stay informed and contribute without hands-on tasks.Usually selected for: site engineers, clients, estimators or auditors.
Estimating, cost control and purchase orders management
- Everything in Essential
- Issue and manage purchase orders
- Track committed cost on the budget
- Forecast project profitability in real-time
- Create cashflow forecasts
- Manage client contracts and progress reports
Ultimate
$210
€199
£164
$333
$300
/ month / project manager
$43
€40
£33
$49
$60
Usually selected for: site engineers, clients, estimators or auditors.
for supporting staff
Perfect for support roles or stakeholders—gain access to essential project features and view key financial data without full platform permissions, enabling users to stay informed and contribute without hands-on tasks.Usually selected for: site engineers, clients, estimators or auditors.
Full functionality
- Everything in Professional
- Automate subcontractor and vendor quoting
- Track subcontracts and progress
- Manage subcontractor change orders
- Collect subcontractor payment applications
In one paragraph
Planyard is the straightforward, UK-ready choice for valuations, retentions and CIS with quick setup and transparent pricing. Archdesk is a configurable all-in-one system that can centralise project and financial data, but it takes longer to implement and requires more training.
Sources and last updated: Capterra UK reviews, Archdesk and Planyard product pages, pricing and integration listings. Last reviewed 6 November 2025.