e4clicks Project Estimator vs. Service Fusion

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

Service Fusion is a fantastic application for any business conducting fieldwork. Any instance in which you need to schedule and route agents for services (ie onsite repair services, contractors, construction, project management firms). Additionally, it could be applied to field sales representatives. As Service Fusion does have a CRM function, a structured sales organization could apply the features to track and follow up on lead generation and/or sales visits!

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

• GPS Integration for routing agents/technicians to job sites.
• Reporting, especially post-ticket completion.
• Customer Management - containing all pertinent files and information for a given customer.

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

• Integrations with 3rd Party Applications - especially CRM.
• Access permissions are complicated and somewhat unnecessary.

Incentivized

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

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

• Postive ROI.
• Streamlined scheduling process for field service calls.
• Reporting has generated a traceable trail for long-term customers, to help better serve their needs.

Incentivized