New user, but quickly catching on
January 30, 2019

New user, but quickly catching on

Susan Adams | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with EMS Software

Organizational wide to reserve over 40 conference rooms and services such as catering, AV and Facilities. We have dispatched the Web App to all users and the Desktop version to Managers and more prolific Executive Assistants.

Pros

  • User templates
  • Catering options
  • Notifications
  • Managing multiple bookings

Cons

  • Easy configuration initially but when it's time for changes it would be helpful to be able to call on someone and not open a help ticket each time
  • Combine Desktop with Web App so both types of users have the same experience. It is difficult to train and update two populations
  • There are some limitations to configurations that I feel are difficult to negotiate such as the parameters
  • Still too new to tell the ROI.
  • Reports and queries are helpful but I have been receiving some not so good feedback from users stating there are too many clicks to make a reservation.
EMS has more functionality and easier reporting. I initially thought ongoing configuration would be easier but that is still yet to be seen. I don't appreciate the recent pricing EMS has implemented for expanded customer services or CS (in other words, different tiers for customer service and support).
Scalability is good but parameters can be tricky. It adapts well to my mid to small environment and I have heard how it adapts well to super large environments such as colleges and government entities. At EMS Live I was impressed with how folks at uber large organizations have made EMS work for them.
I won't say configurability is too limited because you can do a lot, but there are some things I would consider basic that I had to accomplish using a workaround, For example, I want to designate certain meetings a certain color so users can see at a glance the designation. This was not easily done. I had to create an event type which brought about other limitations.
I would also like the Web App to display the same meeting information as the Desktop. I believe users are more accustomed to a calendar type format for scheduling and this is not the case and you can change that.

May not be good right now for mobile app use. The Outlook plug-in is not as integrated as stated during the evaluation period. It still has some problems and can cause Outlook to crash. I have received feedback from my colleagues also stating the instability of the Outlook plug-in. It is great for making reservations and adding services through the use of templates.

It is not well suited for granting different access to different user populations.

Using EMS Software

500 - Administrative, Research, Managing services.
3 - Conference Services Manager, (2) Database Managers
  • Scheduling small and large meetings
  • Adding services such as catering, AV and Facilities
  • Hoteling or hot desks
  • Room Signage
  • Room Swapping or copying exact reservations and services
  • Managed Services Functions
  • Mobile App Integration
  • Vehicle and driver services
There has been a long and involved learning curve and investment so I think we will stick with and try to get the most from the software. I would like to see a more robust help/support service.

Evaluating EMS Software and Competitors

Yes - Meeting Planner which was acquired by EMS. Meeting Planner was sun-downed by EMS so I really had no choice. Meeting Planner never fully met the promised potential. They stopped supporting and/or investing in the software once acquired by EMS.
  • Price
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
The price was high but we received a significant discount since we were Meeting Planner customers. The usability seemed easy to me but I am finding that is not so for everyone.
I would spend more time talking about configuration and ongoing support.

Comments

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