Project Managment Software

Tonkadad

Can anybody recommend a reasonably priced project managment software.

I have been in business for 4 years doing remodeling (mostly residential) and have recently hired a RME (responsible managing employee) with a general contractor license.

I am going to start bidding on larger projects and am trying to get all of my ducks in a row.

Any suggestions?

Also I did a Google on contruction contracts and came across a bunch of options, anybody have any preferences.

thanks,

DamionR

Whatis your definition of "reasonably priced"?

tamsells

that you get trial versions before you buy. I have found out the hard way that you do not always get what you paid for with software.

Or you could use Web-based project management, that way all could use and have their own controlled login...example "projectinsight dot net" (sorry I'm new and it will not let me post links yet).

Just my 2 cents if it helps..




Tam

Tonkadad

Thanks, Tam I will check it out.

http://www.projectinsight.net/

Reasonably priced would be something that first of all works, if I buy a $200.00 laser and it is not accurate then to me the $1000.00 laser that is accurate and gets the job done is reasonably priced. But if the $200.00 laser worked as well as the $1000.00 laser then the $200.00 laser is reasonably priced.

Basically I will be working with my own crew and subs, there wiill be deadlines, delivery schedules, time/cost projecting,change orders, time tracking and then of course all of the things that I don't know about but will learn the hard way to keep track of.

thanks,

Danahy

I like QB's for the accounting, excel for the management side. I find that a simple bar graph looking time line (seconds to create) works the best. Subs/tasks down one side, dates across the other, but the amount of each sub in his coloured section...

Easy to adjust the actual versus your projected budget as it happens, also makes for really quick decisions on who can overlap, and when. Also can sum up your numbers along the way to see who's ahead or behind in either time or money... etc... etc...

excel rocks, always has...

Boogga

I'd say Microsoft Project. Easy to use, and easy to look at. Just a great package. I use it all the time. I don't know what it cost in the States though.

__________________

"It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees"

CertaChange

Prolog, best project management software period... Its even better than Timberline..

Tonkadad

After looking at the suggestions I have a question. What exactly is project managment software? Is it just a way to keep track of all of the associated documents and papers, contact info, time lines, etc....

I have noticed some are specifically for builders/contractors other seem to be more open ended to be used by anyone with a project to keep track of.

In one sentence, is it just a way to keep track and have logical access to all of the data associated with a project, wether that project be building a house or designing an airplane?

thanks,

voltamp

Try Expediation from Primavera. It's expensive, complete record tracking from billing, job costing, letters, subcontracts and BIC Ball in Court, who is holding the issue for tracking.

Bob Kovacs

In essence, yes. The big question really is, what are you looking for the software to do for you? Most of the construction-specific programs are major overkill for the average residential contractor (and even some small commercial contractors).

Bob

tamsells

they have to do it that way in order to meet what everybody wants.
You have some very good replies here too.
But remember, training others to use the software you have chosen will be an issue you need to consider. Also when can they use it.
Just my .02 worth....

DamionR

Here's my experience.... and this is some great advice to follow

If you are purchasing a pre-designed program - plan to adapt/change your business to the system.

if you are creating customer software that will adapt to your specific business... plan to have everything structured and plotted out. Every different situation. Not only when things go right, but what happens when they go wrong.

remember - garbage in, garbage out.

dirt diggler

aren't you worried about having an employee as the person responsible for the license of your co??


what if they leave mid-way through your project ... license leaves too, right?

bill02

hey, guys, newbie here.
UDA Technology has a free 30 day trial package for project management. This thing is big, but it covers everything for a new home plus scheduling. Now, if they will just keep letting me get the freebee over and over...

ultimatetouch

what about quickbooks job costing?

__________________
Ultimatetouch
Illinois Remodeling Company, Kitchen Remodeling Chicago, Room Additions Illinois

DamionR

Nah dirt....

Licensing allows access to the software. If a person leaves - it doesnt matter. Even if they do things to cause trouble - you can always get a new license. Trust me - you wont be hte only person to have this happen to them.

With custom software - ther is no license. You own everything.

C-low

I have recently started using "OpenProj", an open source project management program. I found it useful and easy to use. Being open source it doesn't cost anything.

I originally thought I would upgrade from there, but haven't found a reason too. It continues to meet our needs as we grow.

kpj5br

Just a little input from an IT guy - LOTS of software can be considered "PM software" - the titles are endless.

I recommend starting with a list of requirements you want the software to meet, a simple bullet list is fine, i.e.:

- Track tasks, predecessors/dependencies, milestones
- Track labor and materials costs
- Produce Gantt Charts, (insert your necessary reports here)
- etc. etc. etc.

Coming up with a list like this of what YOU really need helps you compare apples to apples of the different packages, and helps others in assisting you in finding a product...

zerolando

I would have to agree with the person who talked about Expedition from Primavera. That has to be one of the best solutions I've seen around.. But I think it might be out of the budget you might have allocated to purchasing a PM system.
MS Project , coupled with Project server is also not a bad scheduling/PM/collaboration tool. Compared to Primavera , its easier to use and to learn , especially that most PMs won't be using a lot of features Primavera has to offer.
I was interested in trying two other PM software , one called Foundation and the other one "American Contractor" but never got the chance.

At the time being this is what I personally use:
Quickbooks , contractor's edition for accounting.
MS Project/Primavera for scheduling/tracking...
Custom made Sheets for Lean Construction Management.
Revit Architecture for my Building Information Model and the Timeliner module from NavisWorks Jetstream to do Visual progress tracking and presentation.
hope this helped
good day