I've got the Power (PDF)!
Updated January 04, 2022
I've got the Power (PDF)!
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
Power PDF Advanced
Overall Satisfaction with Kofax Power PDF (formerly Nuance)
We serve as representatives for multiple equipment manufacturers. Our daily efforts include receiving and sending marketing information, preparing some technical documents (submittals) for pump, mixer and blower projects, and order placement/project management. With two employees and two other active independent contractors, we don't have a large budget. I had used a prior version of the program for years, and when my wife and I took the lead on operations, I purchased up to date versions of the program for all four of us -- even though I was not obligated to provide the software to the independent sales contractors. It was important to me to ensure that everyone on the team had a copy of the program. The primary uses issues it address for us include:
- Providing a PDF solution that includes the ability to edit documents.
- Providing a platform for electronic signatures for legal and accounting documents.
- Providing a way to create static copies of documents where format is preserved.
- Power PDF allows us to set up multiple electronic signatures with unique passwords and settings.
- Power PDF has a good Document Assembly view (similar to slide sorter in Microsoft PowerPoint) that enables the user to inspect the order of pages, insert, delete, and extract pages.
- Power PDF allows drop and drag insertion of PDF documents from file explorer or another window of Power PDF.
- Power PDF includes multiple options for reducing file size of the assembled PDF.
- It is not easy to insert images into a PDF.
- It would be helpful to have a document review interface that allowed checkmarks as an annotation. (Have to use a custom loaded stamp.)
- We appreciate the opportunity to purchase our PDF program rather than paying a monthly fee.
- The document assembly and importing process saves us time -- because it is simple and it converts the DOC/PPT files automatically.
- The price point was a good match for our small business and made deployment to the whole team possible.
Generally speaking, Power PDF is simple to use. As I've commented elsewhere, the document assembly view and process is super easy -- as is importing and converting Microsoft Office documents. Drag and drop for file insertion makes our job easy. Improvements from earlier versions have also improved the formatting process for text and annotations. The newer versions (after Kofax purchased the software) eliminated a click or two in that process and improved menus -- bringing them more inline with the ribbon approach of other software platforms.
When we were evaluating PDF programs nearly a decade ago, we compared the Adobe Acrobat program against Nuance PDF. Price was the primary differentiator. In 2020 when we were once again evaluating PDF software, we found there was an even wider price gap between Power PDF and the Adobe offering. Adobe's suite allowed more functionality, but we didn't need that functionality. We certainly didn't want the additional cost. We were able to purchase Power PDF and deploy for the whole team -- eliminating most compatibility and support issues.
Do you think Tungsten Power PDF delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Tungsten Power PDF's feature set?
Yes
Did Tungsten Power PDF live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Tungsten Power PDF go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Tungsten Power PDF again?
Yes
Document Assembly is key to saving us time and producing the technical documents that are required for submittals to customers. Conversion of Office documents into PDF and insertion directly into an existing PDF is important to our workflow. We also appreciate the ability to electronically sign documents and add security.
Using Kofax Power PDF (formerly Nuance)
3 - The main functions include:
1. Sales -- preparation of quotations and proposal documents.
2. Technical Support -- preparation of submittal and operations instructions manuals.
3. Accounting/Order Fullfillment -- purchase orders, invoices, other communication during order fulfillment
We sell and commission water and wastewater treatment equipment. We typically have sales/marketing interactions with Engineering Consultants, Operations Staff (end users), Equipment Manufacturers and Contractors.
1. Sales -- preparation of quotations and proposal documents.
2. Technical Support -- preparation of submittal and operations instructions manuals.
3. Accounting/Order Fullfillment -- purchase orders, invoices, other communication during order fulfillment
We sell and commission water and wastewater treatment equipment. We typically have sales/marketing interactions with Engineering Consultants, Operations Staff (end users), Equipment Manufacturers and Contractors.
1 - There are only 4 of us in the company, so technical support falls to me alone. Generally speaking though, I don't have to provide much support unless a staff member is trying a new function within the program. (An example might be: "I'm trying to setup signatures or digital signatures, please help!".
- Combing Office and PDF documents into single PDFs for transmittal
- Annotation of existing PDFs (technical information covering multiple models)
- Digital signature and comment for orders and agreements
- Locking documents for security purposes
- Massive PDF documents with Technical Info, including Bookmarking
- Starting to explore preparation of Asset Management plans. These would incorporate multiple types of files/scans