e4clicks Project Estimator vs. Lytho Workflow

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

It's a flexible program that can be molded to fit most businesses. It's geared towards agencies but we've been able to use it successfully as an in-house solution. It's pretty intuitive for the most part and is easy for new hires or clients to get up and running pretty quickly.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

• Project requests - can be tailored to fit your exact needs
• Project management - can assign tasks, track time, etc.
• Proofing - robust proofing environment that's easy for clients to learn

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

• Some areas are rather clunky and repetitive when it comes to project management, like editing a template once applied.
• Once a review is live, it's very difficult to edit the reviewers unless a current tier is active.
• Pretty expensive compared to the competition.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

By consolidating the requests, project management, and proofing without features we didn't need like invoicing it was an easy fit for us. We were able to quickly develop a comprehensive workflow and the gains to efficiency were immediate. Pricing was competitive (at least at the time) and the implementation was very good as well.

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

• Consolidation of project requests has been extremely helpful.
• The improvement of campus-wide communication is hard to put a price on.
• Our team knows what is due and when at all times. We're saving a lot of time previously spent in meetings.

Incentivized