The Modern Front End for Databuild

Tired of waiting for a Databuild upgrade? DBx BOQ gives you a powerful, modern interface that sits directly on top of your existing Databuild SQL Server databases. No migration, no disruption — just a better experience.

Free download | Windows 10+ | Works with your existing Databuild database

Free
No licence fee
~120 MB
Download size
Windows 10+
64-bit required

How DBx BOQ Works with Databuild

Your data stays exactly where it is

Your Databuild SQL Server

DBx BOQ connects directly to your existing system database (e.g. CROWNESYS) and job databases (e.g. CROWNEJOB). Your catalogues, suppliers, jobs, and BOQ data are read and written in real-time. Nothing is copied or migrated.

DBx BOQ Desktop

A modern Windows application built with Vue 3 and AG Grid. Runs alongside Databuild — changes in either app are immediately visible in the other. No sync required, no migration, no downtime.

Optional Cloud Integrations

Add cloud features when you're ready: Google Drive & OneDrive document storage, Gmail email integration, zzTakeoff quantity takeoff, and more. Your SQL Server data stays on your local network.

Built for Databuild Professionals

Everything you need to manage Bills of Quantities, procurement, and claims

01

Modern BOQ Editor

A high-performance spreadsheet interface powered by AG Grid. Edit quantities, descriptions, and prices with the speed of a desktop application. Enter mathematical formulas directly in quantity fields — no more switching to a calculator.

  • Formula support: 10*2.5, sqrt(144), PI*r^2
  • Cost centre navigation panel with budget indicators
  • Recipe explosion into sub-items
  • Drag-and-drop item reassignment
  • Excel quantity import templates
DBx BOQ Desktop - AG Grid powered BOQ editor showing bill items with quantities, rates and totals
02

zzTakeoff Integration

Direct integration with zzTakeoff quantity takeoff software. Send BOQ items to zzTakeoff with one click, perform your measurements on the plans, and receive the quantities back into your bill. No manual data entry between systems.

  • One-click item transfer to zzTakeoff
  • Bi-directional data flow
  • Real-time connection status
  • Project and page selection
  • Batch item transfer support
DBx BOQ Desktop - BOQ overview with zzTakeoff integration panel
03

Purchase Order Generation

Generate professional purchase orders directly from your BOQ items. Choose from multiple PDF templates, customise with your company branding, and email directly to suppliers via Gmail integration.

  • One-click PO generation from BOQ
  • Classic, Modern & Detailed PDF templates
  • Gmail email integration with OAuth 2.0
  • Batch PO creation for multiple suppliers
  • Supplier assignment per cost centre
DBx BOQ Desktop - Purchase orders list showing order status, suppliers and amounts
04

Claims & Contract Management

Complete progress claims with retention, cost-plus billing, and contract variations. Every transaction has a full audit trail. Track receipts, match payments, and keep your financials accurate.

  • Progress claims with retention tracking
  • Cost-plus contract billing
  • Contract variation orders
  • Complete audit trail on all transactions
  • Payment receipt tracking and matching
DBx BOQ Desktop - Progress claims management with claim history and payment tracking
05

Catalogue & Pricing

Browse and manage your full Databuild price catalogue. Maintain multiple price levels (Estimating, Regional, Sales), track supplier-specific pricing, and manage recipes with their ingredient breakdowns.

  • Multi-level pricing (Estimate, Regional, Sales)
  • Supplier-specific price tracking
  • Recipe ingredient management
  • Price history with effective dates
  • Bulk price change operations
DBx BOQ Desktop - Catalogue browser showing multiple price levels and supplier pricing
06

Document Management

Integrate with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive for cloud document storage. Auto-organise files by company, job, and category. Generate documents from templates with job data auto-populated.

  • Google Drive & Shared Drive support
  • OneDrive & SharePoint integration
  • Google Docs & Word template generation
  • Auto-organised folder structure
  • Batch upload of reports and POs
DBx BOQ Desktop - Document management with Google Drive and OneDrive cloud storage integration
07

Project Management

Built-in project management tools to keep your construction projects on track. Visualise timelines with Gantt charts, manage workflows on Kanban boards, and track tasks with reusable templates.

  • Gantt chart timeline view
  • Kanban board workflow
  • Calendar schedule view
  • Reusable task templates
  • Integrated communications panel
DBx BOQ Desktop - Project management dashboard with Gantt chart and task tracking
08

Reports & Analytics

Professional reports in PDF and Excel formats. Generate BOQ summaries, detailed estimates, specification reports, job costing analyses, and budget forecasts. Save report preferences for recurring use.

  • PDF & Excel export
  • BOQ summary & detailed estimates
  • Specification reports for tendering
  • Job costing & variance analysis
  • Budget forecast reports
DBx BOQ Desktop - Report generation with PDF and Excel export options

Everything You Need in One Application

Additional features that make DBx BOQ a complete construction management tool

Communications

Email via Gmail, SMS, WhatsApp, and phone call logging. Full communication timeline per contact, supplier, or job.

Contacts & Suppliers

Full CRM with ABN lookup, AUS Post address validation, supplier compliance tracking, and duplicate contact merging.

Dark Mode

Full dark theme support throughout the application. Easy on the eyes during long estimating sessions.

Offline Capable

Works without internet. Direct SQL Server connection means your data never leaves your local network unless you choose to use cloud integrations.

Auto Updates

Automatic update checks on startup. When a new version is available, install it with one click. Always running the latest features and fixes.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Power-user keyboard shortcuts throughout the application. Navigate cost centres, edit items, and manage your BOQ without touching the mouse.

Multi-Job Support

Switch between jobs instantly. All your projects are accessible from one interface with quick navigation between BOQ, orders, and claims.

Excel Import/Export

Import quantities from Excel templates. Export BOQ data, reports, and pricing to Excel for analysis, sharing, or integration with other tools.

Desktop or Cloud? Choose What Works for You

Both products are developed by Takeoff and Estimating. Use them separately or together.

Feature DBx BOQ Desktop T&E Cloud
Database Your SQL Server (Databuild) Cloud PostgreSQL
Internet Required No (offline capable) Yes
Installation Windows installer (~120 MB) None (browser-based)
Multi-user Single workstation Team collaboration
Data Location Your local network Secure cloud
Price Free Subscription
zzTakeoff Integrated Coming soon
Updates Auto-update Always latest

System Requirements

What you need to run DBx BOQ Desktop

Operating System

  • OS: Windows 10 or later
  • Architecture: 64-bit (x64)
  • RAM: 4 GB minimum
  • Display: 1280x720 minimum

Database

  • SQL Server: 2012 or later
  • System DB: Databuild system database
  • Job DB: Databuild job database(s)
  • Auth: SQL or Windows auth

Disk Space

  • Installer: ~120 MB download
  • Installed: ~200 MB
  • Data: Stored in SQL Server
  • Cache: Minimal local storage

Network

  • LAN: SQL Server must be accessible
  • Internet: Optional (for cloud features)
  • Ports: SQL Server default (1433)
  • Firewall: Allow SQL Server traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

DBx BOQ reads and writes data to your existing Databuild tables but does not alter the database schema. It works alongside Databuild — you can use both applications simultaneously. Changes made in either app are immediately visible in the other.

Yes, DBx BOQ Desktop is completely free to download and use with no time limits. We also offer T&E Cloud (subscription-based) for teams who want cloud-based collaboration, dashboards, and document management, but the desktop app is free forever.

No. DBx BOQ connects directly to your local SQL Server instance. Internet is only needed for optional cloud features like Google Drive integration, Gmail email sending, zzTakeoff, and automatic updates.

Absolutely. Both applications connect to the same SQL Server databases. You can have Databuild and DBx BOQ open simultaneously. Changes made in either application are immediately available in the other — no sync or refresh needed.

On first launch, enter your SQL Server name (e.g. DESKTOP-PC\SQLEXPRESS), your credentials, and select your system and job databases from the dropdown. DBx BOQ auto-detects available databases on the server. Setup takes less than a minute.

zzTakeoff is a quantity takeoff tool for measuring construction plans and drawings. DBx BOQ integrates directly — select items in your BOQ, send them to zzTakeoff for measurement, then receive the calculated quantities back into your bill. No manual re-entry required.

DBx BOQ checks for updates automatically on startup. When a new version is available, you'll see a notification with the option to download and install. Updates are downloaded from our secure release server and install in under a minute.

Ready to Modernise Your Databuild Workflow?

Download DBx BOQ free and start using it today. No licence fees, no time limits.

v1.2.0 Latest release
Download Free Windows Installer (~120 MB)

Questions? We're Here to Help

Call us on 1300 818 620 or get in touch for a personalised demo of DBx BOQ Desktop.