e4clicks Project Estimator vs. GanttPRO

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

Projects are a lot easier to set up with GanttPRO than most tools that support a WBS, so although I've used GanttPRO for very simple projects, it's great for projects with complex WBS' and/or dynamic backlogs (using Agile methodologies). I've used it for long-running projects with multiple phases, where I needed to set up high-level plans for downstream phases (for budgeting) that got updated and modified based on outcomes from upstream phases.

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

Incentivized

• Ability to add sub-tasks and change the colour coding to help organise work that needs to be done
• The option to link different tasks together (task dependencies) which helps visualise what else needs to be done along side the current task
• Viewing the duration it may take and the progress chart to help quantify and visualise your progress

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

• GanttPRO doesn't allow to add a subtask to the subtask taking away customization and flexibility for different use cases
• GanttPRO extends the tasks to the date of the subtask, so if the task as a whole takes longer than the subtask then you need to state it as such
• GanttPRO doesn't let you assign the materials to the tasks

Incentivized

Intuitive interface, clean, and nice design. As an online app, the data can be viewed on Windows PCs, Macs, and tablets. It saves the data very quickly (depending on the Internet speed) as if it is a locally installed application. Training is minimal, plus there is an extensive range of learning videos and topics in the GanttPRO learning center.

Incentivized

The support for GanttPro is very good. I have no troubles reaching out for their customer support whenever I have questions, they respond almost instantly. I just hope that they will have live chat support for a real-time support experience on the user-end and can answer the questions in real-time.

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

Incentivized

GanttPRO is easy to use and just works. If you need to do something quickly or do a small project then GanttPro is a great tool to use. If you are managing a large project then I would consider using Microsoft Project even though it is a more substantial investment overtime.

Incentivized

• 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

• For class purposes, I would say that my project is running smoothly and I am able to keep my team on task.
• I like that you can blow up the Gantt chart and show everyone exactly where you are at with each task.

Incentivized