Geocadra vs Fulcrum
A modern alternative to Fulcrum for field data collection with true multi-client support and European-first design
TL;DR
Choose Geocadra over Fulcrum if you manage multiple clients, want per-seat pricing with free viewers, or need GDPR-compliant EU data hosting. Fulcrum is solid for single-client US teams.
Fulcrum is a capable platform used by many field teams, but it was designed for a different era and market. If you're a European contractor managing multiple clients, you'll quickly hit limitations: separate accounts per client, per-user pricing that charges for every viewer, and US-based data processing that complicates GDPR compliance. Geocadra was built specifically for multi-client contractors who need one platform to manage all their field work.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Geocadra | Fulcrum |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-client management | ||
| Unlimited users | ||
| GPS mapping | ||
| Custom forms | ||
| Photo attachments | ||
| Offline mode | ||
| Data export | ||
| GDPR compliant | Limited | |
| EU data hosting | ||
| Transparent pricing |
Why Teams Switch to Geocadra
Streamlined Multi-Client Management
While Fulcrum does support multiple organizations within an account, many contractors find the setup requires careful configuration to properly separate client data. The interface can feel complex when managing numerous clients, and switching between organization contexts adds friction to daily workflows. With Geocadra, multi-client management was a foundational design goal. One login gives you a unified view of all client projects with a purpose-built interface for contractors. Switch between clients with a single click while maintaining complete data separation. Set up client-specific branding so exports look professional, and configure granular permissions so team members see exactly what they need—nothing more, nothing less.
Per-Seat Pricing with Free Viewers
Fulcrum's per-user pricing at $39-52/user/month charges for everyone—including client viewers who just need read access. A contractor with 4 field workers and 6 client viewers could pay $400-500+ monthly. Geocadra charges per seat for team members who collect data, while client viewers are included free (up to 10 per seat on Pro plans, unlimited on Business). This means you only pay for productive seats, not for clients reviewing their own data.
European-First Design
GDPR compliance isn't just about where data is stored—it's about how your entire data processing chain is architected. Fulcrum's US-based infrastructure means your field data crosses the Atlantic, requiring Standard Contractual Clauses, data processing agreements, and careful documentation of transfer mechanisms. For contractors working with municipalities or public utilities, this creates procurement headaches and legal review cycles. Geocadra was built in Amsterdam with EU data residency as a foundational requirement, not an afterthought. Your data stays in EU data centers, processed by an EU company, under EU jurisdiction. When your clients ask about GDPR compliance, the answer is simple and straightforward.
European Support Hours
When your field team hits an issue at 9 AM in Berlin, waiting until US business hours for support means losing most of a workday. Critical project deadlines don't pause for timezone differences. Geocadra's support team operates on European hours, understands local market needs, and speaks your regulatory language. Whether it's a technical question or advice on meeting specific EU compliance requirements, you'll get responses when you need them—not eight hours later.
Common Frustrations
Based on user reviews and community feedback
Per-user fees add up quickly
At $39-52/user/month, scaling your team becomes expensive. A growing contractor adding seasonal workers or expanding to new clients faces multiplying license costs that eat into margins.
Managing multiple clients is awkward
Separate accounts mean separate logins, separate billing, and no unified dashboard. Project managers waste hours weekly just switching between client accounts to check progress and compile reports.
US-based data processing
Data stored in US data centers requires additional legal frameworks for GDPR compliance. For contractors working with European public sector clients, this creates procurement barriers and extended legal reviews.
US-timezone support
When issues arise during European business hours, you're often waiting until afternoon or the next day for responses. Critical field problems can stall entire teams.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose Geocadra if you...
- Manage multiple clients from one platform
- Want per-seat pricing with free client viewers
- Require GDPR-compliant EU data hosting
- Want European support during your business hours
Choose Fulcrum if you...
- Already heavily invested in Fulcrum workflows
- US-based with no EU compliance requirements
- Need specific Fulcrum integrations
Pricing Comparison
Fulcrum charges per-user, which adds up as your team grows. Here's how costs compare for a typical contractor.
Geocadra
From €49/seat/month
- Free viewers included
- 20% annual discount
- All features included
Fulcrum
From $39-52/user/month
- Per-user seat pricing
- Costs scale with team size
- Additional fees for premium features
Switching is Easy
Switching from Fulcrum to Geocadra is straightforward—our team has migrated dozens of Fulcrum customers and understands the data structures involved. Export your Fulcrum data as CSV or GeoJSON, and we'll map your form fields to Geocadra equivalents, preserving your data structure. All record data, GPS coordinates, timestamps, photos, and attachments transfer cleanly. Most migrations complete within 1-2 weeks. Learn more about our data import capabilities. Migration support is free for all new customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Geocadra better than Fulcrum?
It depends on your specific situation. Geocadra is the better choice for European contractors managing multiple clients who want predictable pricing and EU data hosting. The multi-client architecture alone saves hours of weekly administrative work. Fulcrum may be better if you're US-based, work exclusively with a single client, need specific Fulcrum integrations, and are already deeply invested in their ecosystem with established workflows and training.
Can I import my Fulcrum data into Geocadra?
Yes, and we make it easy. Export your Fulcrum data as CSV or GeoJSON, and our team will help you import it directly into Geocadra. We provide free migration support that includes field mapping to ensure your data structure is preserved, validation to catch any import issues, and verification to confirm no records were lost. Most migrations complete within 1-2 weeks.
How does Geocadra pricing compare to Fulcrum?
Geocadra charges per seat for data collectors, with client viewers included free. For a team of 4 collectors + 6 client viewers on Pro: Geocadra costs €396/month (4 × €99), viewers free. The same team on Fulcrum at $39-52/user/month would cost $390-520+ for all 10 users. The savings grow with more viewers. Save 20% more with annual billing.
Does Geocadra have all the features Fulcrum has?
Geocadra covers all core field data collection needs: custom forms with conditional logic, GPS mapping with high-accuracy support, photo and file attachments, robust offline mode, team management, and flexible data export. Fulcrum has some advanced features like workflow automation and specific enterprise integrations that may differ. We're happy to do a detailed feature comparison for your specific use case—contact us with your requirements and we'll give you an honest assessment.
Is Geocadra more GDPR-compliant than Fulcrum?
Geocadra was built in the EU with GDPR compliance as a core architectural requirement, not a bolt-on. Your data is hosted in EU data centers, processed by an EU company, under EU jurisdiction. This simplifies compliance significantly. Fulcrum is US-based, which means data transfers require Standard Contractual Clauses and additional legal frameworks. For contractors working with EU public sector clients, Geocadra's native EU compliance often eliminates procurement barriers entirely.
How long does it take to switch from Fulcrum?
Most teams are fully migrated and productive within 1-2 weeks. The actual data migration typically takes a few days. The rest is recreating your forms in Geocadra (which is often faster than the original Fulcrum setup) and getting your team familiar with the new interface. We provide free migration support and training resources to make the transition smooth.
Also Comparing?
Ready to upgrade from Fulcrum?
Get in touch—no commitment required. See how Geocadra can streamline your field data collection.