docu tools vs. CENDAS – An Objective Comparison for Construction Site Teams
If you're looking for an alternative to CENDAS for construction site documentation, you've come to the right place.
Both docu tools and CENDAS support construction site teams with digital documentation and task management—but they take different product approaches. This article objectively describes the key differences so you can decide for yourself which tool better suits your needs.
What is CENDAS?
According to its website, CENDAS describes itself as “construction software that pitches in” and, by its own account, was developed by tradespeople for tradespeople. The platform covers all phases of a construction project: preparation, execution, and management—including task and defect management, photo documentation, a construction log, inspection management, and change orders.
According to its website, CENDAS is aimed at the following target groups: installers, construction supervisors, project managers, planners/drafters, managing directors, as well as architects and general contractors. The software is used by trades businesses in various fields—electrical, HVAC, fire protection, roofing, wood construction, and others.
Source: cendas.net, May 2026
What is docu tools?
docu tools focuses on a clearly defined area of the construction process: defect management, task management, and photographic documentation during the construction phase.
For current pricing information, we recommend visiting the respective providers' websites directly: cendas.net/preise
Five Differences in Detail
CENDAS offers features that docu tools does not offer:
- Draw and mark directly on the plan
- Document Management
- specification of services
CENDAS is well-suited for craft businesses and contractors who want to manage not only documentation and defect management but also work planning, construction logs, and change order management all on a single platform.
CENDAS
Plan Management CENDAS offers plan management with a review function, the ability to draw directly on plans, plan comparison, and AI-powered automated task creation from PDF plans (available with the Automate+ add-on). Tasks can be prepared as early as the planning phase.- Task Assignment
In CENDAS, tasks can be assigned to individual people. The Check license allows technicians to check off tasks, add comments, and attach photos.
Report Templates: CENDAS offers reports and logs, a construction diary, and export functions.- 360° Photo Documentation
360° photos are not listed as a supported feature on the CENDAS website. - Multilingualism
According to its website, CENDAS is primarily aimed at the German-speaking market. The software is available in German and English. - Source: cendas.net, May 2026
documentation tools
's Plan Management docu tools focus on the use of plans during the construction phase. Plans are organized in a clear folder structure. New revisions can be imported even if the plan size changes slightly—without moving any pins. Multi-page PDFs are automatically split during import. You can switch to older plan versions at any time.- Assigning Tasks in
In docu tools, you can assign tasks to individual users, external contacts without docu tools access, or entire teams. docu tools distinguishes between pins (markers on the map) and tasks: A pin can contain multiple tasks, which helps maintain a clear overview of complex locations on the map. - Report Templates
docu tools uses Word and Excel templates for reports. Placeholders allow you to precisely define which data appears where in the report—including logos, headers, footers, and tables of contents. Over the past ten years, we have developed more than 300 placeholders in collaboration with our customers. Report templates can be customized directly in Word and then uploaded to docu tools. - 360° Photo Documentation
docu tools supports full 360° photos that can be viewed directly within the pin, starting with the Combo package. A pin can be used solely for photo documentation without having to create a task with an assigned person and due date. - Multilingual Support
docu tools is available in 21 languages. The Help Center has been translated into 8 languages, and support is provided in all of these languages. For companies with multilingual teams or projects outside the DACH region, this is a significant difference.
License View
- Target Audience
, Installers, Subcontractors, Clients - Price (annual)
Free (unlimited users) - View Plans & Tasks
License Check
- Target Audience
, Installers, and Subcontractors - Price (annual)
€9 per user per month - View Plans & Tasks
- Check off tasks, add comments, upload photos
Work License
- Target Audience
, Lead Technicians, and Construction Managers - Price (annual)
€39 per user per month - View Plans & Tasks
- Check off tasks, add comments, upload photos
- Create Tasks & Manage Defects
License Manage*
- Target Audience
, Lead Technicians, and Construction Managers - Price (annual)
€79 per user per month - View Plans & Tasks
- Check off tasks, add comments, upload photos
- Create Tasks & Manage Defects
- Create Projects, Reports, AI Assistant
* A Manage license is required for the account holder.
Source: cendas.net/prices, May 2025
The CENDAS Licensing Model
CENDAS offers four tiered licensing options. According to its pricing page, the View license is free for an unlimited number of users. Active roles are subject to a fee. A Manage license is required for the account holder.
docu tools takes a different approach: Project participants who simply complete tasks (e.g., installers or subcontractors) are included free of charge in all packages. The Combo package, which includes all core features, costs €69 per user per year.
Note: Prices, content, and restrictions are subject to change. The information provided by the respective providers is authoritative. All information is provided without guarantee.
Which tool is best suited for whom?
CENDAS
According to its website, CENDAS is aimed at craft businesses and contractors in various industries—ranging from electrical and HVAC to fire protection and roofing, as well as wood construction and general contracting. The focus is on companies that want to digitally map all phases of a construction project—preparation, execution, and management.
Source: cendas.net, May 2026
documentation tools
docu tools is designed for construction site teams whose primary responsibilities include documentation, defect tracking, and task coordination during the construction phase:
- Construction Managers and Supervising Engineers
- General Contractors and Subcontractors
- Specialty Trades (Building Services, Fire Protection, etc.)
- Teams with multilingual employees
- Companies with requirements for VOB-compliant documentation
Conclusion
CENDAS and docu tools take different approaches. CENDAS is a comprehensive construction software solution for trades businesses that covers all phases of a construction project—from work planning to project management. docu tools focuses on the core functions of construction site documentation: defect management, task coordination, and photo documentation during the construction phase.
Which tool is a better fit for your team depends on your specific needs and workflows.
If CENDAS releases an update or this article becomes outdated as a result, please feel free to contact us—we'll update it.
*According to publicly available information from CENDAS, as of May 2026.
Prices, features, and restrictions are subject to change.
The information provided by the respective providers is authoritative. All information is provided without warranty.