e4clicks Project Estimator vs. Mattermost

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

Overall, Mattermost is a great option for teams looking for an enterprise-grade solution. It's easy to set up and use, has plenty of integrations, and offers advanced security features. While it may not be the right choice for everyone, there are certainly some compelling reasons why you might want to give this project management tool a try.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

• We collaborate as a team with great efficiency and ease, we solve any problem or need together through the Mattermost chat.
• Communication is made regardless of the distance where my colleagues are, it is very fast and does not slow down the progress of our work.
• We can create many channels and be more efficient, we enhance the internal productivity of each department.

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 of the features in paid plans could be free, however, they have much offered in free plan (self-hosted)
• The Desktop App we use on windows has some bugs, like when Mattermost is down and comes back up, the app needs restart

Incentivized

Mattermost works perfectly within our company as a way to communicate seamlessly. I have had no issues with the product and continue to use it often while on and off site. The mobile app allows me to continue to communicate with my team even when I don't have my laptop with me.

Incentivized

It's an extremely easy to use software, and I would recommend it to every company that is growing. I think they could improve their notification system, as it gets a little spammy sometimes and important notifications get lost. Also needs to improve the number of private chats that you are allowed to create.

Incentivized

We have not had to contact support for Mattermost ever. All that we have needed has been available in the documentation or website. One of our DevOps team members set it up in a couple of hours. The whole team was using Mattermost that same day. No support needed.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

Before Mattermost, we used Stride first, and then Slack as our communication platform. Stride got discontinued so it is not comparable, but Slack got very costly for us, with basically the same features as Mattermost - a matter of fact, the "reply" feature is surprisingly non-existent on Slack (you can reply by opening a different thread, but that is hard to follow in most cases), and not only exists in Mattermost but very straightforward. We have considered using Discord too, but then chose Mattermost for its open-source nature, and the possibility of running our very own self-hosted servers, with total control.

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

• Very high performing data migration functions and easy to navigate.
• Creating analytics on multiple big data is a very simple and reliable report with multiple benefits.
• Collaboration is effective, and easy project documentation.
• Lead generation is excellent and easy on access control management.

Incentivized