Primavera Suretrak Software Review: University of Louisiana

Categories: Project Management, Scheduling and Resourcing, Primavera Software

User Review

Bobby Ensminger
4

Company University of Louisiana at Monroe
Web http://www.ulm.edu
Experience 25 years
Tools Used Management Computer Controls Inc. (MC²); Primavera SureTrak
Overall User Rating 4.3
Views 1049
Votes 4

Review Summary

As part of its School of Construction syllabus, the University of Louisiana at Monroe uses Primavera's SureTrak to teach the next generation of its construction project management professionals. "In our undergraduate construction management program, I use SureTrak in my classes to teach students project-management skills. Students must know computerized project-management skills to work in today's construction industry," said Bobby Ensminger, a teacher at the university.

Since businesses use a variety of construction project management tools, the School of Construction focuses on the language and approach of this task, and spends little time on the program's intricacies and special features. "The tools are great for record-keeping, making presentations and so forth," Ensminger added. "We're trying to expose them to a program, recognizing that whatever company they go to work for is going to have its own program. If you know how to navigate on one, it won't take a lot of training."

Ensminger rated SureTrak a 9 out of 10.

Full Review

How long have you been using this tool?: 

I have been using Primavera SureTrak for six years.

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

 

The ULM School of Construction was founded in 1966 and is committed to being the premier institution of construction education in the State of Louisiana. Our mission is to provide the construction industry and related fields with highly trained and motivated graduates who are prepared for a professional career through specialized managerial, financial and technical course work. The program was accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) in 1976 and continues to maintain its accreditation.

I prepare students to work on commercial building construction projects.

Where did you obtain it?: 

Primavera donated it to the university.

How much did you pay?: 

Primavera donated it at no cost to the university.

How are you using this product?: 

Our program is an undergraduate program in construction project management and I use SureTrak in my classes to teach students project-management skills.

Why did you pick this product?: 

It was already in place when I arrived.

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

It was already in place when I arrived.

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

It required that I became more computer literate, and I had to devote more hours per day to utilizing the tools.

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

Students must know computerized project management skills to work in today's construction industry. I was in the construction industry and had it in the construction industry prior to coming here.

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

There was no time saved, and money savings are difficult to measure. The tools are great for record-keeping, making presentations, and so forth. We're trying to expose them to a program, recognizing whatever company they go to work for is going to have its own program. If you know how to navigate on one, it won't take a lot of training.

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

It was very easy for me, and my students, to learn.

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

Not applicable, since it was free to the university.

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

I'd take away some of the bells and whistles and focus on more basic scheduling and estimating. It does a lot of things, and a lot of the things are beyond the scope of what we need to teach these students — and a lot are even beyond the scope of what you really need in the construction industry. What we see is students start hitting buttons they shouldn't.

Are there features that you don't use?: 

There are many features which have little or no application to common construction use, but they may be utilized on occasion.

Who would you recommend use this tool?: 

Any company in search of a construction scheduling or estimating program that is easy to learn and easy to understand could benefit from SureTrak.

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

They only need a moderate amount. These students are typically very computer literate, so it doesn't take them much time to navigate through scheduling.

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

Yes, formal training is needed.

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

Yes, and they were very helpful. Years ago, when I first started working with it and needed tech support it was readily available.

How would you rate the user documentation? : 

N/A

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

Yes, if they make it available to universities at no cost.

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

9

Vendor

Dexter Chaney

Price Quote Free Demo

Company Overview

Seattle-based Dexter + Chaney Inc. specializes in construction accounting and construction project management software. The company was founded in 1981 and provides its software to clients throughout the United States. Dexter + Chaney has developed an integrated construction management software package called Spectrum Construction Software.

9700 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA

Web: dexterchaney.com

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