Microsoft Project Software Review: PNM
User Review
ArmandoCordova
Review Summary
Simpler can be better, especially for organizations with routine projects that do not require the sophistication of expensive construction project management software. That was the case for the Public Service Co. of New Mexico, which uses Microsoft Project management software to monitor its electric and gas transmission and distribution projects.
"We did look at utilizing Primavera products, but, for electric and gas transmission and distribution (T&D) projects, we could not justify the cost of going with its software when considering the low complexity of our T&D projects," said Armando Cordova, manager of construction project management at the utility company. "However, the generation side of our business does use Primavera for outage scheduling."
"Our projects are typically not that complex. Therefore we needed a simple [construction] scheduling tool vs. a high-powered one," Cordova said, adding that even people new to the world of scheduling can learn Microsoft Project management software in two days of training. Meanwhile, those who are proficient in this technique can generally pick up on the software through usage and trial and error.
In addition, Cordova said, Project's integration with other Microsoft solutions makes it both user friendly and efficient.
Cordova gave Microsoft Project management software a rating of 8 out of 10.
Full Review
I have been using Microsoft Project management software for more than 20 years.
Public Service Co. of New Mexico is a utility company that does electric and gas capital projects for distribution and transmission.
The company bought it directly from Microsoft.
I do not know. Our IT department purchased it.
I use it for the scheduling of gas projects of more than $250,000 and electric projects of more than $1 million.
Our projects are typically not that complex therefore we needed a simple construction scheduling tool instead of a high-powered one. In addition, the capability to interface between Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel worked for our needs.
We did look at utilizing Primavera products, but, for electric and gas transmission and distribution (T&D) projects, we could not justify the cost of going with Primavera software when considering the low complexity of our T&D projects. However, the generation side of our business does use Primavera software for outage scheduling.
Not much.
For many of our T&D projects, the ability to provide external stakeholders with quick and simple project summary schedules at the beginning of a project, as well as simply monthly progress report, is useful.
We have saved two ways -- in the cost of Primavera software vs. Microsoft Project management software and in the costs of training associated with having to educate someone on Primavera vs. Microsoft Project.
For us, it's the simplicity in use for project summary reports and monthly progress reporting, as well as the ability to interface to Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Access.
Definitely.
I would provide it with some of the simple bells and whistles that Primavera SureTrak used to have.
We don't use many of the canned cost reports in Microsoft Project. We transfer information to Microsoft Excel for monthly reporting and Microsoft Access for project archiving.
It's good for any company that has projects that are typically low in complexity or for routine projects.
You need to know the Microsoft Office suite so you can interface between applications.
A two-day training class was sufficient for personnel without prior experience of any construction scheduling tools. For those with prior scheduling experience, a half-day or one day of self-tinkering with the product was adequate.
It's very rare that we ever call the support line, but when we have they have provided great support with a staff that's knowledgeable in construction scheduling principles as well as the product.
I don't use really use it.
Since our company has many users of this product, our IT department will upgrade it over several business units.
8, for our purposes.
Company Overview
BuildIT Systems was founded in 2000 by "stressed-out contractors" who sought a better way to organize and share key construction scheduling information. The company's Web-based system, called BuildIT, is now used by contractors throughout North America, as well as their subcontractors, suppliers and clients.
Toll Free: 866-585-5050
Web: builditsystems.com
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