What McCormick Systems does

McCormick Systems, LLC is a privately held US software company that develops, markets, and supports estimating and digital takeoff software for the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) construction trades. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with a second training facility in Strongsville, Ohio, McCormick has operated continuously for over 45 years serving contractors across the United States and Canada. The company's flagship platform combines digital takeoff, trade-specific material and labor databases (including 55,000+ electrical items, 25,000+ electrical assemblies, 40,000+ plumbing items, and 20,000+ plumbing assemblies), preloaded NECA/MCAA/PHCC labor units, patented Auto Home Run cable-routing technology, and change-order management into a single cloud-deployable system with multi-user collaboration.

The product portfolio is organized by trade: Electrical Estimating (including residential, commercial, industrial, low and high voltage, plus a dedicated Transmission & Distribution module), Plumbing Estimating, Mechanical Estimating (HVAC, boilers, fire suppression, sprinklers), and Automated Building Systems for low-voltage/security/fire-alarm. Design Estimating Pro is the add-on module for built-in digital takeoff. The platform integrates via secure API with FOUNDATION construction accounting software, reflecting its 2021 acquisition by Foundation Software and positioning within a broader construction software portfolio that includes HQSuite, Payroll4Construction, Estimating Edge, and WorkMax.

McCormick operates a direct sales motion with regional sales managers, inside sales representatives, and a demo-driven acquisition process. Revenue is generated through software licensing and subscriptions. The company has ongoing AI development, with 2026 planned launches for computer vision-based AI Blueprint and Auto-Count symbol detection, generative AI for multi-page blueprint interpretation, and NLP-based chatbots for accounting and HR support. Industry recognition includes NECA Show Stopper (2025), CE Top Tech (2025 and 2026), multiple Software Advice Best Customer Support awards (2026), and Capterra/Software Advice/GetApp category leader positions. Paul Wheaton serves as President per company management data.

Name

McCormick Systems

Legal name

McCormick Systems, LLC

Website

https://mccormicksys.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

McCormick Systems provides cloud-based estimating and digital takeoff software for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing contractors across the US and Canada, combining trade-specific databases, patented cable-routing technology, and integration with FOUNDATION accounting since its 2021 acquisition by Foundation Software.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Estimating Software

NAICS

Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Automation Software (SCADA, HMI, MES, Historian) (IMAHAHAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Process & Batch Control Software (Recipe Management, ISA-88) (IMAGABAH)

Keywords

• Construction estimating software
• MEP estimating software
• Electrical estimating software
• Plumbing estimating software
• Mechanical estimating software

Headquarters

HQ city

Chandler

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software Licensing/Subscription: McCormick generates revenue through software licensing, likely as annual or multi-year subscriptions for their estimating and takeoff software. The software is provided as a cloud-based solution with options for on-premises deployment.

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

McCormick Systems develops and supports cloud-based construction estimating and digital takeoff software for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) contractors. The platform combines an integrated digital takeoff tool, trade-specific material and labor databases, assembly-based estimating, change order management, and professional bid proposal generation in a single system, sold as a subscription/license to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, transmission & distribution, and low-voltage/building automation contractors across the US and Canada.

Product overview

McCormick Systems offers a unified construction estimating and bidding platform specifically designed for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) contractors. The core product, McCormick Estimating Software, provides an all-in-one solution combining digital takeoff (via Design Estimating Pro), trade-specific material databases, labor unit calculations, and change order management. The platform includes specialized software modules for Electrical Estimating (55,000+ items, 25,000 assemblies, NECA labor units), Plumbing Estimating (40,000+ items, 20,000 assemblies, MCAA/PHCC units), Mechanical Estimating (for boilers, fire suppression, sprinklers), Transmission & Distribution Estimating (high-voltage projects), and Automated Building Systems/Low Voltage Estimating (security, fire alarm, structured cabling). The system integrates with FOUNDATION accounting software via secure API and is part of the Foundation Software product portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• McCormick Estimating Software The primary construction estimating and takeoff platform for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors, providing digital takeoff, material and labor pricing databases, assembly-based estimating, end-to-end calculations, change order management, and professional bid proposal generation in a single system.
• Design Estimating Pro Built-in digital takeoff tool that provides advanced auto-count technology, precise measuring and counting tools, overlay comparison for tracking revisions, custom symbols and tools, and cloud reporting, enabling design-build and takeoff in one integrated system for MEP contractors.
• Electrical Estimating Software Trade-specific estimating solution with a database of over 55,000 items and 25,000 prebuilt assemblies, patented Auto Home Run feature for automated cable routing, auto-count functionality, three levels of NECA labor units, and support for residential, commercial, industrial, low voltage, and high voltage electrical projects in the USA and Canada.
• Plumbing Estimating Software Cloud-based plumbing estimating solution with over 40,000 items and 20,000 prebuilt assemblies covering fixtures, ProPress, CPVC, Uponor, and other pipe systems. Includes built-in digital takeoff, MCAA and PHCC labor units, and real-time pricing from supply houses.
• Mechanical Estimating Software Estimating solution for mechanical contractors covering boiler systems, fire suppression, fire sprinklers, closed-circuit systems, and more. Features pre-built assemblies for equipment hookups like pumps, boilers, and chillers, with a pre-loaded database of material costs and labor units.
• Transmission & Distribution Estimating Software Estimating solution for electrical transmission and distribution contractors with a specialized high-voltage database and labor units for substation, overhead, and underground projects. Supports design-build workflows for wind turbines through high-voltage infrastructure.
• Automated Building Systems (ABS) Estimating Software Low voltage estimating software integrating security, fire alarm, and structured cable estimating. Features a specialized database for CCTV, fiber optics, and fire alarm systems, with patented Auto Home Run technology for automated cable routing and measurement.
• AI Blueprint and Auto-Count AI-driven computer vision capability added to McCormick's estimating software that automatically detects and counts electrical symbols (outlets, fixtures, switches) on digital blueprints and (in phase two) interprets complex multi-page blueprints to extract project data, automating labor-intensive takeoff work for electrical estimators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50% faster estimating compared to manual methods
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability5 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Foundation SoftwareflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Parent company acquisition in 2021. McCormick is now part of Foundation Software portfolio, combining estimating software with construction accounting solutions. Enables data integration between McCormick estimating and FOUNDATION accounting software through secure API.
• NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic industry partnership. NECA convention presence with booth. Association logo displayed on McCormick marketing materials. Collaborative relationship for industry visibility and member access.
• IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry association partnership for electrical contractors. Association logo featured on McCormick website and marketing materials.
• MCAA (Mechanical Contractors Association of America)coreTechnology or IntegrationLabor unit standards partnership. MCAA preloaded labor units included in McCormick mechanical database. Association logo displayed on website.
• PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)coreTechnology or IntegrationLabor unit standards partnership. PHCC preloaded labor units and assemblies available in McCormick plumbing database. Association logo displayed.
• BICSIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry association for information and communications technology. Logo displayed on McCormick partnerships page.
• ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrade association partnership. Logo displayed on partnerships page.
• HQSuiteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Foundation Software portfolio. Construction apps platform connecting field and office with products for project management, safety, HR, and reporting.
• Payroll4ConstructionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Foundation Software portfolio. Payroll solution built for construction industry with certified payroll, union tracking, and direct deposit capabilities.
• Estimating EdgeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Foundation Software portfolio. Roofing and interior trades estimating software for concrete, fireproofing, and finishing trades.
• WorkMaxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of Foundation Software portfolio. Field time tracking solution with GPS, facial recognition, and biometric verification.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• PlanSwift (by ConstructConnect): PlanSwift is digital takeoff and estimating software widely used by trade contractors. It overlaps directly with McCormick's Design Estimating Pro onscreen takeoff workflow and competes for the same specialty contractor buyer.
• Bluebeam (Nemetschek Group): Bluebeam Revu is a widely deployed digital takeoff and markup tool in construction, frequently used alongside estimating workflows. It competes with McCormick's takeoff capabilities and is often part of the same preconstruction tech stack.
• QuoteSoft: QuoteSoft offers estimating solutions for plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, and electrical contractors. It appears on McCormick's own comparison page as a competing estimating platform for the same MEP customer base.
• Stack Estimating (Takeoff Live): Stack Estimating provides takeoff and estimating software for construction contractors, including trade-specific functionality. It competes directly with McCormick in the digital takeoff and estimating category.
• ConEst: ConEst is a direct competitor in construction estimating software for electrical and MEP contractors, explicitly listed on McCormick's own service comparison page. It targets the same buyer (specialty trade contractors) with takeoff and estimating functionality.
• FastPipe: FastPipe provides estimating and project management software specifically for mechanical and plumbing contractors. It is named on McCormick's comparison page and competes head-on in the same plumbing/mechanical trade verticals.

Broad incumbents

• Procore Technologies: Procore is a broad construction management platform that has been expanding into preconstruction and estimating. It is listed on McCormick's own service comparison page and represents a much larger incumbent moving into McCormick's core estimating category.
• Autodesk Construction Cloud: Autodesk provides BIM, design, and construction tools that increasingly extend into preconstruction and takeoff workflows. It is a current integration partner of McCormick's and a broad incumbent that can shape takeoff standards in the industry.
• Trimble Construction: Trimble offers a broad construction technology suite including estimating, takeoff, and project management tools. While not MEP-specialized, it serves many of the same general contractors and is a credible adjacent incumbent in the estimating category.

Others

• Foundation Software: Foundation Software is the parent company of McCormick Systems and provides construction accounting software (FOUNDATION). It is the strategic acquirer and integration partner rather than a direct competitor, but is closely tied to McCormick's go-to-market and product roadmap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@McCormickSystemsInc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about McCormick Systems