BQE CORE, what an architect needs but doesn't desire
April 19, 2022
BQE CORE, what an architect needs but doesn't desire
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
BQE Core
Overall Satisfaction with BQE Core
We're a small firm that varies in size and BQE CORE allows the flexibility to expand and contract and provide our staff the tools to manage their workflow, work within budgeted fees and time allocation, and track milestones and progress of project delivery. While many simply clock in, they don't monitor their progress and CORE provides a daily snapshot of time management and meeting project schedules, while I was the principal of design can do more of that…design! We came over from ArchiOffice to CORE and while we lost a bit in prepopulating transmittal, memo, and other related templates with project information for a client, consultant, and contractor coordination, it has been somewhat balanced out by no longer maintaining the server and software with the CORE being a cloud-based platform and providing a very useful mobile app.
- Tracks individual staff time and resource allocation to stay on budget.
- Provides up to the minute fee and budget tracking.
- Almost infinitely customizable with a dashboard to bring it all into a single digestible view for a holistic oversight.
- Historical project data has been invaluable for preparing fee proposals and performance for future projects.
- Simplification of structure and features (customization); sometimes it's too much of a good thing.
- The mobile app could be more closely aligned with the web platform (not all items, features are available, and not as easy to navigate and view data).
- Dashboard widgets could be more interactive. Ex: Aged Receivables should allow bringing up a summary window of past-due project billings and invoices as opposed to simply showing days aged that it already shows on the side and with matching color.
- CORE provides a tiered subscription that suits a small firm (1-5) or sole proprietorship, makes it a great value, and provides the key tools to run an architecture practice.
- While highly customizable using "rules", some of the terminology and description is not as intuitive (sometimes it appears the opposite of what you want to do to get it to do the desired).
- CORE has a friendly interface and is pleasing to the eye that allows for quick recognization of how to interact with it and not get overwhelmed.
Monograph is the most closely similar platform that would be favorable as it has a better GUI and UX with simpler flexibility for customization on a per-project, per design phase basis, for example, utilizing simple radio buttons and drop-down selections. This can be readily seen in the Project Planner window where it is widget-like and staffing, hourly rates, etc. can be quickly updated, revised, or customized in one location and see the immediate results of the changes. If we didn't have over 15 years invested into the data from ArchiOffice/CORE to move over we would change. OR, it would be nice if CORE simplified its platform and learn from Monograph.
Do you think BQE CORE delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with BQE CORE's feature set?
Yes
Did BQE CORE live up to sales and marketing promises?
No
Did implementation of BQE CORE go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy BQE CORE again?
No