| Fri, 08/19/2011 - 2:09pm | |
| Bryan Brown | We are currently looking into the possibility of switching softwares for our Civil Construction Company. We have over 100+ employees and are looking for an all inclusive software including accounting and job costing, equipment, project management, etc. Any suggestions and reasons for the suggestions would be appreciated. |
| Thu, 08/25/2011 - 4:00pm | #1 |
| Vincent Persiani | I just got access to all those valuable comments. I have been searching for a dream. I have spoken to ecms, Explorer, Penta and Coins along with countless other software vendors. It is very difficult to get all the features one needs when you are an international contractor but don't do $500m a year. Software can be pricie and it seems that foreign currency along with preparing books and records in foreign currency to be consolidated into parent is very difficult to find. Not to mention foreign language.... I got real close with 3 of the 4 options noted above, but seems Coins is my current vendor (Coins TI) and will probably go to Coins OA- Open Architecture---scary since not aware of any up and running successfully in US....Comments?????????????????Any Coins OA users out there???? |
| Thu, 08/25/2011 - 3:50pm | #2 |
| Vincent Persiani | Hi Bryan, My Name is Vini Persiani. I am CFO of Civil Construction Company - same as you. Can we talk? My number is 305-371-5228 x103 Thanks. |
| Tue, 08/23/2011 - 10:08am | #3 |
| Andy Chirch | The software mentioned so far (Dexter & Chaney, Viewpoint, and StreetSmarts) is all good and is all capable of delivering top-notch reporting and information. (We're a Heavy/Highway contractor with ~130 headcount) Your A/R, A/P, Payroll, and Project Management staff are the ones who will make this succeed or fail. Find a way to get their input and buyin early and often in the process. Upper management needs to be on board as well, and communicate this buyin to the rank & file folks who will actually be doing the hard work of a conversion. This is one aspect that I THOUGHT I had addressed. We certainly spent time explaining the change to everyone. In hindsight, I would have gone about it differently. In short, you're looking at short term pain (probably a lot of it) in exchange for long term gain (hopefully a LOT of that too). Happy to share more details as needed. We are happy with the provider we chose, but as I said, if you implement well, any of these will likely be a huge step forward for you. Cheers, 513.321.7774 |
| Mon, 08/22/2011 - 5:59pm | #4 |
| Peter Lowry | Viewpoint is one provider you should look into; we are a commercial GC that uses VP and really like it, but 60% of VP's customers are civil/heavy highway contractors. The software has modules for job cost, payroll, equipment mngt, etc., all fully integrated into accounting. Brent Keunzi is a good person to start with at VP if you are interested 971.255.4801. Good luck. |
| Mon, 08/22/2011 - 3:38pm | #5 |
| Ann Sims | Bryan, Maxwell Systems' StreetSmarts software is a heavy/highway-specific solution that you should also consider. I would be happy to discuss the software's features/functionality with you and can be reached through my profile. |
| Mon, 08/22/2011 - 12:14pm | #6 |
| Kevin Halme | Bryan, I agree with Vicki. We have been with Viewpoint for 4 years. I also think it would be good to consider Dexter & Cheney and one other in a 3-way comparison to ensure you find the best software for your needs. You may want to read the following links: http://cfma.org/tags/construction-software/viewpoint-penta-or-cmic and http://cfma.org/forums/softwarehardware/looking-new-software-all-accounting-and-job-costing-including-aia. Some of the all inclusive software programs can be very intensive and may not be the best fit for smaller contractors that do not have a tech-savvy finance department. We are smaller than you and Viewpoint has worked for us, but we are fairly up-to-date on technology. If you want to discuss Viewpoint, you can call me. My phone number is listed on my profile. Kevin |
| Mon, 08/22/2011 - 11:27am | #7 |
| Stephanie Hannah | Viewpoint is worth the investment if you plan on utilizing its numerous functions. I work for a civil contractor and we implemented the software in April 2009. I am very impressed with everything that it can do. If you are serious about it, consider attending the user conference in October in Portland to learn more about the modules. Software is no good without a responsive support team. Their tech support department is very efficient and knowledgeable. |
| Mon, 08/22/2011 - 9:37am | #8 |
| Jerry Helms | Dexter + Chaney would also be a good option for you to review. Their product is currently ranked very highly by CFMA in terms of overall functionality and is considered a leader in the heavy civil and highway space. |
| Mon, 08/22/2011 - 5:55am | #9 |
| Vicki Yonke | Might look at Viewpoint Construction Software. Strong Equipment Management module, plus fully integrated Project Management module. Our company has been using the product for 7 years and have been impressed with Viewpoint's commitment to keeping pace with the ever changing requirements of construction. |