Projectmates Software Review: Richard White Sons

Categories: Project Management, Scheduling and Resourcing

User Review

AdamGuild
5

Company Richard White Sons Inc.
Web http://www.rwsons.com
Tools Used Projectmates
Overall User Rating 5
Views 1521
Votes 3

Review Summary

Adam Guild has been using Projectmates ever since one of his clients, Crate & Barrel, required its general contractors to use that construction project management software. "I am glad that they did," said Guild, a senior project manager with Richard White Sons. "Immediately, I found the software to be very user friendly."

One key feature of Projectmates, as Guild put it, is "the way that the software was designed to centralize all communications (RFIs, Submittals, and so on) into a Web-based access point." Previously, hehad been exposed to applications such as Lotus Notes and Meridian Prolog. While those programs have strong points, Guild said that "their web-based access stinks and they are not easy to use."

Guild said he "highly recommend" Projectmates softwate: "The folks at Systemates designed Projectmates to address all the needs of a project manager, whether it's in construction or not."

Full Review

How long have you been using this tool?: 

Four years.

What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?: 

Both ground-up construction and complex interior renovations.

Where did you obtain it?: 

Originally from Crate & Barrel. I then used Projectmates with other clients and I received the software directly from Systemates.

How much did you pay?: 

It varies from project to project, but on average I pay $500 per month.

Why did you pick this product?: 

Projectmates is Web-based and its GUI is easy to follow. In addition, it centralized all project communications.

Did you look at other tools on the market before picking this one?: 

Yes. I did do a full study on other project management products on the market, and I just found that those applications seemed to be pieced together, not easy to use, and so on.

Before you bought this product, were you using a different one to do the same job? : 

Yes, I was using Lotus Notes.

How many people are using this software? : 

Depending upon the project, anywhere from 20 to 75 people use Projectmates.

Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed? : 

Thanks to Projectmates, I have improved time management and efficiency on communicating with architects, engineers, clients and subcontractors.

Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?: 

I used Projectmates on several other construction projects in the Boston area once the Crate & Barrel Homestore job was done. My clients include non-profits such as Project Hope and Rosie's Place and institutions such as Boston University.

Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this tool?: 

I would estimate that I have saved approximately two hours of project management  time per week over the last couple of years. To quantify this, two hours of time saved each week at $100/hour for the last four years comes out to $41,600 in savings.

What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?: 

Projectmates offers centralized communications. More importantly, it provides Web-based access for all users without the need for any special software. This is a big deal, because try having to explain to 50 people, "OK, in order to use this software, you need to load something onto your computer." Yikes.

Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?: 

Absolutely! See the numbers above.

What would you change about the product if you could?: 

I would like to see integration with major finance software packages such as Sage Timberline Office. Honestly, this functionality might be there, but I just have not had a chance to dive into it.

Are there features that you don't use?: 

We used all the modules to the max.

Who would you recommend use this tool?: 

I highly recommend Projectmates. I have already, and I will continue to recommend it.

How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?: 

Anyone who has used applications such Microsoft Windows Explorer and Adobe Reader (PDF files) can easily use this construction project management software.

Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?: 

No.

Have you ever called the company's support lines and asked for help?: 

Yes. The folks at Systemates are very helpful over the phone and, if there was an issue that we could not resolve over the call at that time, they always followed through on getting back to me.

How would you rate the user documentation? : 

Excellent -- but honestly the average user won't need the documentation. Plus, Systemates' web seminars are very informative, too.

When the next version of this software comes out, will you upgrade to it?: 

I don't have to, as Systemates automatically updates Projectmates. I always know that I am using the latest and greatest version.

Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool?: 

Without a doubt, a 10.

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