Project Management Blog | Aldoa

The Complete Guide to Geotechnical & CMT Software: Why Firms Choose Aldoa

Written by Aldoa | Oct 3, 2025 4:11:27 PM

Introduction

The world of geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing (CMT) is evolving rapidly. Firms today face higher client expectations, stricter regulatory standards, and tighter project timelines. In this environment, the right software isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

For years, legacy tools like Bentley gINT and spreadsheets were the industry standard. But in 2025, firms are looking for faster, cloud-based solutions that can unify field data collection, lab management, and reporting into one platform.

That’s why more firms are switching to Aldoa, a cloud-based, customizable software solution built for geotechnical and CMT workflows. With Aldoa, firms achieve:

  • Seamless field-to-lab integration.

  • ASTM/AASHTO-compliant reporting in minutes, not days.

  • Financial visibility that improves profitability.

  • Proven cost savings—up to $200,000 annually in some cases.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about geotechnical & CMT software, compare top competitors, and show why Aldoa stands out as the modern choice.

What is Geotechnical & CMT Software?

At its core, geotechnical and CMT software helps engineering firms and laboratories manage the entire lifecycle of project data. That includes:

  1. Field Data Collection

    • Density testing, compaction, moisture content, borehole logging, and more.

    • Transition away from paper forms to digital workflows.

  2. Lab Testing & Analysis

    • Moisture content (ASTM D2216), compressive strength (ASTM C39), flexural strength (ASTM C78), and many more.

    • Standardized test management ensures quality and compliance.

  3. Data Management & Compliance

    • Secure cloud storage, version control, and alignment with ASTM/ACI standards.

  4. Report Generation

    • Automatic formatting of field logs, test reports, and summaries.

    • Client-ready deliverables at the click of a button.

  5. Business & Finance

    • Job costing, billing, and performance tracking.

    • Firms gain visibility into profitability project by project.

The right software brings all of these functions under one roof.

The Cost of Inefficiency in Engineering & Testing Firms

Too many firms still rely on a patchwork of spreadsheets, paper forms, and legacy software. This creates hidden costs:

  • Time lost in manual data entry.

  • Errors from transcription and duplicated effort.

  • Slow report turnaround, frustrating clients.

  • Missed revenue opportunities due to billing delays.

  • Low visibility into financial performance.

Over time, these inefficiencies can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. That’s exactly what Maakil Group, a construction materials testing firm, discovered before switching to Aldoa.

Aldoa’s Solutions: Built for Geotechnical & CMT

Aldoa was designed to eliminate inefficiencies and create one connected platform.

  • Field Data Collection

    • Browser-based forms (accessible on any device).

    • No app installation required.

    • Works even with limited connectivity.

  • Lab Management (LIMS for CMT)

    • Track test samples end-to-end.

    • Standardize workflows.

    • Ensure ASTM/ACI compliance.

  • Automated Report Generation

    • Templates aligned with ASTM/ACI standards.

    • Generate reports instantly.

    • Reduce client turnaround from days to hours.

  • Billing & Financial Visibility

    • Real-time job costing.

    • Integrated billing workflows.

    • Profitability insights across projects.

  • Custom Forms & Workflows

    • Fully configurable to your firm’s needs.

    • Fast turnaround for adjustments.

  • Responsive Support

    • High-touch service.

    • Engineering-focused staff who understand your needs.

Case Study: Maakil Group
Maakil Group, operating in Ohio and Michigan, struggled with inefficiencies using legacy tools. Their vendor provided unresponsive support, leaving field staff with cumbersome workflows. After switching to Aldoa, Maakil Group:

  • Streamlined field and lab workflows.

  • Automated billing and reporting.

  • Gained real-time financial visibility.

  • Saved over $200,000 annually.

“Switching to Aldoa helped us cut inefficiencies, improve response times, and save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.”
— Bernard J. Prenger, Maakil Group

Competitor Comparison: Aldoa vs. gINT vs. MetaField vs. Agile Frameworks

Choosing the right software means weighing your options. Here’s how Aldoa stacks up against the competition:

Feature / Platform Aldoa (Cloud-based) Bentley gINT Agile Frameworks
Deployment ✅ Cloud-based ❌ Desktop (on-premise) ✅ Cloud-based
Mobile Field App ⚠️ Browser-based ❌ No ✅ Native mobile app
Custom Forms & Templates ✅ Fully customizable ⚠️ Limited flexibility ⚠️ Moderate
ASTM/AASHTO Reports ✅ Built-in, automated ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Lab Workflow (LIMS-style) ✅ Yes ⚠️ Basic functionality ✅ Yes
Billing & Financial Visibility ✅ Integrated, real-time ❌ None ⚠️ Limited
Support & Responsiveness ✅ High-touch, fast ⚠️ Mixed reviews ⚠️ Slower
Annual Cost Savings ✅ Proven $200K+ ❌ Not emphasized ❌ Not emphasized

Competitor Deep Dive

Bentley gINT

  • Pros: Long-standing tool, trusted for borehole logging.

  • Cons: Desktop-based, limited customization, high IT overhead.

  • Best for: Firms locked into legacy workflows.


Agile Frameworks

  • Pros: Compliance features, cloud-based.

  • Cons: Complexity, less responsive support, limited customization.

  • Best for: Large firms with dedicated IT teams.

Aldoa

  • Pros: Cloud-native, customizable, streamlined workflows, financial integration, responsive support.

  • Cons: No native mobile app yet (browser-based works on all devices).

  • Best for: Geotechnical & CMT firms seeking ROI and simplicity.

Why Firms Choose Aldoa

Firms are making the switch to Aldoa because:

  • It’s cloud-native and modern.

  • It unifies field, lab, and financials.

  • It offers flexibility and customization.

  • It delivers responsive support.

  • It proves real cost savings.

FAQs: Geotechnical & CMT Software

Q: What’s the difference between Aldoa and gINT?
A: gINT is a legacy desktop tool, while Aldoa is cloud-native, customizable, and integrates lab + financial workflows.

Q: Does Aldoa replace a LIMS?
A: Yes — Aldoa includes lab management features tailored for CMT workflows.

Q: Can Aldoa handle ASTM standards?
A: Absolutely. Aldoa generates ASTM/AASHTO-compliant reports automatically.

Q: What if we need form changes?
A: Aldoa’s team is highly responsive, with turnaround times measured in days, not months.

Q: Is there a mobile app?
A: Not yet. Aldoa currently offers browser-based field forms accessible on any device.

Conclusion: Aldoa is the Modern Choice

Geotechnical and CMT firms no longer need to settle for outdated desktop tools or costly, rigid cloud competitors. With Aldoa, you get:

  • Streamlined workflows across field and lab.

  • Automated reporting that saves days of effort.

  • Integrated financial insights that boost profitability.

  • Proven ROI, with firms like Maakil Group saving $200K annually.

Ready to see Aldoa in action? Request a Demo Today