e4clicks Project Estimator vs. iOFFICE by Eptura

If you are considering purchasing this (very expensive) software, there is a 100% chance you are doing so because you have been awarded a Government contract that dictates you use 4Clicks Project Estimator. There are plenty of easier to use estimating packages out in the world, but you can't use any of them if you have a contract that requires 4Clicks.

Incentivized

You can book multiple spaces for the day with one log in. IOffice is easy to use / I was trained by reading a few PowerPoint slides and could use it immediately. With Covid protocols in place it was important in be able to book space when needed since many of our offices were closed due to mitigation efforts

• The estimates it produces are simple and easy to follow. The formatting is good.
• The tech support provided is very attentive.

Incentivized

• It is very good at plotting out office seating.
• We also use it for mail and package logging and notification and tracking.
• It is very useful in creating seating charts and floor plans.

Incentivized

• The software feels 20 years old. It has not kept up with modern times, and practically functions like an old DOS program.
• Clunky interface, arcane commands.
• Even their training info focuses on hotkeys like this is 1995. Even though I am of an age to remember computers in 1995, the younger generations of managers/estimators are not. It is time to bring the software into the new century!

Incentivized

• The thing I would like to see is the ability to add the office or room dimensions and plot out seating such as in conference rooms.
• The version I have requires me to have to contact the company rep to make changes to the configuration in the software.

Incentivized

User-friendly and quick to catch on to.

Incentivized

WinEst uses much the same database (RS Means/Gordion type) and has a similar interface. It is a bit cheaper.

Incentivized

I was an end user and was not involved in the selection of the systems

• As stated before, if you are buying this software, it is because you have a contract forcing you to. While it does work, it is clunky, awkward, and very expensive.
• The price of the software and databases has always been high, but with the fairly recent acquisition of 4Clicks by Gordion (who also bought RS Means for their databases), there is literally no competition. Prices will continue to be very high, with no check on how high they can go.
• Again, can't fault 4Clicks tech support, as I think it is the best in the industry. They know their product and they respond to issues immediately. Considering what we spend a year for this product, however, you would expect nothing less.

Incentivized

• 100% of staff you needed to be in office were required to use iOffice
• Follow up surveys on iOffice use had a 95% positive response by users
• Once pilot was completed, over 350 staff completed training and used iOffice since 2021