e4clicks Project Estimator vs. Oracle Primavera Submittal Exchange

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

[Oracle Primavera Submittal Exchange] is very easy to train new users on it and have everyone on the same page. The daily reminder emails can be a pain but if there are documents needed from a trade it is a great way to remind the the it is in their ball of court to act accordingly and get the documents uploaded because there might be other trades waiting on them.

Incentivized

• 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 easy to navigate the site and find what you are looking for.
• They have a great support team.
• It is easy to remind different trades via notification of there are documents or submittals needed for them.

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 daily reminder emails can quickly keep filling up your inbox.
• I can't think of anything else because it is very easy to use.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

Procore is a bit more expensive but I think it brings more to the table.

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

• It has allowed us to manage our submittals better and get the back in a timely manner to schedule projects accordingly and keep the flow going.
• It can be a little time consuming to get the project data entered but if done right, it is worth it.

Incentivized