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MICROSOFT PROJECT REVIEW: SUNCOR ENERGY (1 of 2)

It may not have the horsepower of Primavera, but Microsoft project management software gets the job done for small and midsize project-management applications. Its performance however, is not due to the program's complexity. Its ease of use and familiar interface make learning the solution simple for most basic computer users.

That, at least, is the experience of Darren Cyr, who is involved in process-related projects at Suncor Energy, a Calgary, Alberta-based oil and gas company. "It is a user-friendly, popular scheduling tool that is very useful on small to midsize projects that have less sophisticated requirements than larger projects," he said. "Primavera is usually selected instead of Microsoft Project on major projects that I have worked on, but Microsoft Project is easier for more novice users and for simpler project scheduling."

Cyr further explained that Microsoft Project's seamless integration with other Microsoft applications, such as Word and Excel, facilitates the software training and the vendor's product documentation is helpful for even the most novice computer user.

Cyr gave Microsoft Project management software a 7 out of 10 rating.

What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?
 
How long have you been using this tool?
 
Where did you obtain it?
 
How much did you pay?
 
How are you using this product?
 
Why did you pick this product?
 
Did you look at other tools on the market before picking this one? What was it you didn't like about them (or made    this product better)?
 
Comparing the way you work now with the way you worked before you bought this tool, what has changed?
 
Can you give us an example of a job where this tool really made a difference?
 
Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this    tool?
 
What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?
 
Do you think it's a fair value for the price you paid?
 
What would you change about the product if you could?
 
Are there features that you don't use? Why not?
 
Who would you recommend use this tool?
 
How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?
 
Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?
 
Have you ever called the company's support lines and asked for help? What was your experience like?
 
How would you rate the user documentation? Is it helpful?
 
When the next version of this software comes out, will you upgrade to it?
 
Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool?

What kinds of construction projects do you mostly work on?
In 1967, Suncor pioneered commercial development of the oil sands. Since then, Suncor has grown to become a major North American energy producer and marketer. I am involved in process-related projects, typically involving building construction to support process improvements, additions and expansions.

Suncor has been using Microsoft Project management software for about 10 years.

The companies I work for typically have large IT departments that look after the software purchase and installation. Most of our software would have been purchased directly from the developers.

How much did you pay?
I do not know.

How are you using this product?
Although I am currently not using Microsoft Project in major projects, I have used the software as a scheduling tool on smaller projects.

It is a user-friendly, popular construction scheduling tool that is very useful on small to midsize projects that have less sophisticated requirements than larger projects.

Primavera is usually selected instead of Microsoft Project on major projects that I have worked on. Primavera is much more capable of integrating very large and complicated resource-loaded schedules, but Microsoft Project is easy for more novice users and simpler project scheduling.

We now have standardized construction project scheduling throughout the company.

We used Microsoft Project management software to develop, communicate and track a project that included a new rail spur, building expansion and process equipment installation. Microsoft Project's scheduling allowed the critical path to be identified and monitored to ensure the project came in on schedule.

Can you estimate how much time or money you saved or other measurable benefits your firm realized using this tool?
I cannot quantify the savings, but Microsoft Project saves project and operations costs by allowing the schedule to be understood, tracked and controlled. After all, late projects cost money!

What are the best features (for your business) in this tool?
Microsoft Project management software is ideal for small to midsize companies.

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

Nothing really. For the price it does a great job. The changes it could make would require it move to large-tier construction project management software, which is not a focus of Microsoft Project.

Are there features that you don't use? Why not?
No. We use it all.

Who would you recommend use this tool?
Microsoft Project management software would be appropriate for planners, schedulers and project managers.

How much computer experience do you think someone needs to use this tool effectively?
Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office is enough to start using this application.

Did it take much training (or studying) to learn to use this tool?
No, and the manual and online support are fine to learn on the job.

Have you ever called the company's support lines and asked for help? What was your experience like?
No, I have not called them.

It is very good.

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

Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool?
7