e4clicks Project Estimator vs. Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management

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

The scenarios based on my experience where Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management is well suited and the primary reason for using it is that most current decision-making processes do not effectively analyze and well use the data needed to link among the strategic objectives and the implementation plans so Primavera solutions can help on that by combining the best-practice work control processes and the suitable evaluation metrics with the possibility to store and analyze all the relevant data and information hence Primavera Portfolio Management helps to achieve the strategic goals and deliver the best value.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

• CAC authentication is required in my arena, and OPPM can work in conjunction with a secondary application to allow for this added layer of security.
• Allows for security/permissions by customizable roles via user types and user groups. This keeps users in check with only certain abilities to edit or read, etc...
• All kinds of abilities to build custom reports, as well as built in. Export formats include: CSV, Excel, PPT, Word. Customers like reports, and OPPM does a good job at its offerings.
• Visual aids such as charts and graphs offer some eye appeal. This is useful for presentations, for depicting data.
• Has the ability to offer document storage via attachment. Attaching supporting documents is a must with portfolio management.

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

• P6 is not as intuitive as other scheduling software. It usually requires someone who is trained in the program to use it exclusively.
• P6 can have multiple versions of the baseline schedule. This is not intuitive like saving a file, which usually leads to confusion.
• P6 is very costly for smaller companies to afford.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

Oracle is better laid out and has more functionality as well as end-user flow. The login process, billing, and construction management features are easy to find, easy to use, and helpful. The limitations on Quickbooks restrict users from the ability to view and bill full contracts if broken down, to track and show % complete. Procore is confusing.

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

• P6 is critical to the execution of all of our projects. Without it we would have less control of our projects.
• One of our key business objectives is to deliver projects on time or ahead of schedule. P6 supports us in this goal and allows our superintendents to manage complicated construction projects.

Incentivized