ConstructionOnline - Avis

I am a new user of this kind of software. A few months ago I did not even know that something like this existed. It has opened a whole new world for me and I am blown away by what this software can do. We demo'ed a few competing products before making a choice and it was the wide range of features at the most competitive price that sold us on ConstructionOnline. I especially like the messaging feature which is basically an email system dedicated to one specific project.

There is nothing I really dislike about ConstructionOnline, there are just some features I do not use as they do not meet my needs as a commercial general contractor. For example, I do not use Estimating and Change Orders as they seem to be less robust than some of the other software products. These features seem to be geared more towards the residential market. However, I realize it is hard to be everything for everyone.

A feature, I think, that would be nice would be the ability to sign documents electronically. Maybe one can do it through Redline; if so, I have not been able to figure it out yet.

As a general contractor one has to collect submittal packages from vendors and subcontractors, review them, and then attach a separate sheet to the package, that contains your stamp of approval/comments/signature on it, before you forward the submittal package on to the architect/engineer for review. On this submittal sheet there is space for the different reviewers to add their stamps as well. It would be nice if ConstructionOnline could generate this submittal sheet that you can attach to submittal packages sent to you. Currently, I generate the submittal sheet in another project management program, print it, place my stamp on it, sign it, scan it back into my computer, upload it to a pdf editor, add it to the submittal package file, and then upload the combined file to ConstructionOnline. It would be nice if you could do it all in ConstructionOnline.

I like how we can display the projects on the Multi-Project Scheduling and Resource Tracking page. It allows us to easily see the workload and project progress.

I don't like the way the scheduling page works and we can't easily integrate it with MS Project. Updating the schedules can sometimes turn into a nightmare. Additionally, the way we input projects is not user-friendly in most cases, in my opinion.

I really love the accessibility of all your documentation for each project. Whether it's an estimate for the bank, contracts for the homeowner, or bids from sub-contractors, it's all right there.

I purchased Construction Suite in the past. I had gotten out of the game for a little bit pursuing some other projects. Now that I am building again, I wish there had been a little more loyalty for past customers now that it has gone to Construction online. The features are still the best that I have seen.

The customer service was responsive. They'd get back to you within minutes.

They sold me a bill of goods they could not deliver on and then kept a portion of my money even after they admitted that their software did not function in industry standard and required ways.

It is easy to learn and very helpful. When I call with questions, everyone is very helpful.

Using an additional app (socket) to connect to Quick Books

The usability of the platform. It is extremely user friendly and contains a lot of great features. I like being able to create custom templates for estimates so I do not have to re-create each estimate every time.

Sometimes when I am using UDA I have a hard time navigating the different options. I am fairly new to this platform so i am sure it will get better.

Its simple yet powerful in all aspects. I love the fact that you can modify anything to your liking.

only small details. I think the software like CO Drive need some small improvements

We like the scheduling and estimating components of the program the best. We can have all our resources in one place and easily communicate Schedules, Change orders and Proposals to Owners, Subcontractors and Suppliers.

I would like to see the Lead tracking be more like a CRM where you could email your contacts and schedule automated follow-ups.

CO has been a major success within our company in regard to organization and communication.

There are a lot of features that have proven to be a bit tricky to fully understand. Scheduling is an example. I have found it difficult to fully grasp the predecessors and start vs finish date shifting.

Construction online is a great product however the thing that has been most impressive over the years has been the customer service. They have always responded to my questions and concerns promptly and accurately via email, chat room or phone. They have always been responsive.

My only only con would be future price increases. I will look past that if the product and customer service continue to be there.

I love how user friendly Construction Online is! I love how the CO team is always available for help or training and I love how CO takes account the consumers suggestions and implements them into the software for an even easier time!

Sometimes it times me out and shuts down.

I loved how UDA intregrates All Submittals, COI and data in place. And has the ability to monitor their status live.

I really do not like the Daily logs. If I have 7 trades at our project. I have to create 7 different logs for the day to document the manpower I had on site.

The ability for all team members to be up to date on the project.

Tranferring information to Quickbook does not always work

The thing I appreciate the most about the software is how innovative and easy it is. Everything is straightforward, you have all of the things you could ever need from the preliminary phase of a project to the punch list when you’re almost at the completion of a project. Another key element is the option to produce an itemized list of materials directly from your material take off, which I have not seen before in any software and I’ve looked at plenty!

I don’t particularly dislike anything about the software. The only things that really comes to mind is the pricing and even with that, the elements you’re paying for is absolutely with it! So yes, they can be a tad bit pricey but it all pays off in the long run.

I like that it has a built in CRM where we can take advantage of our customer client base

It is not well known in the industry so we sometimes are not taken as seriously in the industry

I am a former UDA desktop user, and let me tell you how much the online version has helped me. It so much easier to navigate, It has a lot of new helpful options and my favorite part is the costumer service.. oh my god, they are so helpful and you can contact them so easily.

I have not found something that I do not like just yet.

Is easy to deploy in or out of the office, i can look at any documents or update any project anywhere i am.

the way the online page is set up gives me a little bit of trouble finding stuff sometimes.

Many features aid in the management of projects

There are several options or features that could help us but they are additional costs and we are already paying a lot for C.O. and we can't justify the additional cost.
Quickbooks integration is fair but causes some reporting issues that make job costing difficult.

i like how you can schedule jobs (upload xml files), keep an eye on multiple projects. use the site as an FTP site -send larger files to contractors and employees that email cant handle

unless you are a top tier subscriber there are a lot of features that are an add on. the site is laggy at times, especially when uploading big files

everything is great what i use on daily basis

There is nothing that i dislike about. as i said what ever i use is easy to use and does the work for me