e4clicks Project Estimator vs. ZilicusPM

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

ZilicusPM is suited for any business that has difficulty managing and keeping track of office related work as well as project management. Its an efficient way to manage just about anything necessary. It is well-suited for our office, as structural/civil engineers - we are able to keep track of our projects as well as office/human resources related work.

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

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• ZilicusPM is great for an office regarding meetings and site visits. It's hard to keep track manually of where everyone is at. By sharing our calendars through ZilicusPM, we are able to access where someone is within a few seconds!! It is very convenient and less of a hassle.
• This a great tool to use to manage all documents that enter in and out of our office for certain projects. It is hard to keep track of everything through our office, so this programs helps us manage things very efficiently.
• This is great for prioritizing! I know many people in our office have an issue to do so. With the Project Issue Management feature, we are able to do this more effectively without causing any stress to our employees!

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 only thing I would suggest that needs room for improvement is that you should break down Zilicus PM into different sectors. What I mean by this is that you branch off this program into different areas of expertise like accounting, engineering, etc. Every business is managed differently, so other options should be provided to accommodate each field.
• Other than that, I am very pleased with this program. It was WELL worth the investment. Saving a lot of time and money spent per worker by using this!
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WinEst uses much the same database (RS Means/Gordion type) and has a similar interface. It is a bit cheaper.

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We have used Microsoft Project for years. We loved it until we found ZilicusPM. ZilicusPM is more efficient and directive in our field. Microsoft Project does not provide as many features as ZilicusPM does. I am extremely grateful for having found ZilicusPM. It was recommended to us by an architectural firm that swore by this software.

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

• A positive impact that ZilicusPM has made is we are able to work more efficiently and prioritize what needs to be sent out, what invoices need to be sent out to clients, where are project engineers at certain time of day, etc.
• We also have a higher ROI. I am able to manage what invoices need to be sent out without having to track people down for a summary of the work , which is extremely time consuming. I am able to get more invoices out while returning a higher investment for the company.
• A negative impact it has made is we had to hire someone to manage this software entirely. It is very time-consuming for myself to manage and make sure everything is entered in correctly. We hired someone who is familiar with ZilicusPM and is able to certify all work.

Incentivized