When Heery International Inc. took on simultaneous construction projects in Brunswick, Ga., and Artesia, N.M , the firm knew it needed an online collaboration solution to keep the two sites on track, on budget and on time. Before beginning the projects, Heery investigated its construction software options and selected Constructware's Web-based project management software.

"At the time it was the only online application service provider (ASP) available. We wanted an ASP because of all the locations everyone was situated in," said Don Green, executive associate at Atlanta-based Heery. "We looked at Prolog, eBuilder and Primavera Expedition. Prolog and Expedition were not Web-based applications at the time, and eBuilder did not provide a robust menu of modules."

Although the return on investment was difficult to quantify, Green credited Constructware's online depository for improved project documentation, paper-free processing and accountability, all of which simplified and sped up the construction project.

"Theoretically, if you can process paperwork without physically producing paper -- through printing, mailing, faxing, and so on -- and keep it in a central depository for all team members to access, it would have to save you time and money and increase accuracy," he noted.

David Varner, a construction manager in Heery's Charleston, S.C. office, agreed. His office is using Constructware to create and track the reams of paperwork associated with its school building clients.

"I now have better standardization of forms, as well as automatic tracking of all documentation and communications related to a project I am working on," Varner said. "I find the server-based storage, which allows for easier user access and updated records, and the automatic tracking features particularly useful."

Green rated Constructware a perfect 10 out of 10. Varner, meanwhile, rated the product a 7 out of 10. He said he'd like Constructware to simplify the upload process for large files and ease up file-management restrictions.