GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel vs. Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management

Specific scenarios where GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is well suited include:

• Small to medium sized contractor who typically works on small to medium sized projects with limited complexity
• Contractors who value low prices over full functionality (this software application is very affordably priced)
• A new contractor or new contracting accounting / finance professional who would appreciate the specific limitations imposed by the software

Specific scenarios where GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is not well suited include:

• Larger contractors who think about and price projects in line with typical commercial design and construction
• Residential projects (the software is much better suited for commercial lease buildouts, for instance)
• A contractor whose finance department already uses full-suite accounting software

Incentivized

Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management is a utilitarian product of a yesteryear gone by. It's straightforward and to the point. It is well suited for a customer base who is not interested in frills, portability, or a multitude of OOTB ability. It's for those who like to restrict and manage all control over users, code in queries, functions, and create customized reports for end users. It does what it does very well however, just do not expect it to be pretty. It's a 2007 product, so curb your excitement. It does handle all aspects of portfolio management well; financials, budgeting, spend plans, contracts, projects, staffing, workflows, etc... however, it is not intuitive to navigate, and will require some training.

Incentivized

• Convenient estimating
• Streamlines the price quotation process
• Standard cost application
• Overhead calculation and pplication

Incentivized

• Primavera as a scheduling software can manage large project schedules regardless of complexity.
• P6 is powerful enough to identify the longest pathway to the completion of a project. This is also known as CPM.
• P6 can handle multiple scenarios and save them as a separate baseline schedule. This can be helpful for figuring theoretical sequences.

Incentivized

• Only CSI construction cost database data
• Only works with Microsoft Office (Excel)
• The online help system has limited functionality

Incentivized

• The software is high end with rich features, hence its rich price.
• There is room for improvement in their customer service.
• Oracle is doing its best in coming up with new features, and has a planned roadmap. It would be good if the enhancements are delivered faster.

Incentivized

Is easy to use but the the interface should be more nice and contemporary

Incentivized

GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is cheaper, easier to use, more streamlined and is easily installed and up and running. The flip side to the ease of use is the limited functionality, somewhat outdated cost bucketing profile and general lack of sophistication. The add-in also does not talk with full suite accounting software which requires additional reconciliations if used within a large organization.

Incentivized

Oracle is better laid out and has more functionality as well as end-user flow. The login process, billing, and construction management features are easy to find, easy to use, and helpful. The limitations on Quickbooks restrict users from the ability to view and bill full contracts if broken down, to track and show % complete. Procore is confusing.

Incentivized

• Allows us to quickly bid on small projects
• Allows us to pay less for accounting / finance professionals
• Allows us to standardize our cost structure

Incentivized

• P6 is critical to the execution of all of our projects. Without it we would have less control of our projects.
• One of our key business objectives is to deliver projects on time or ahead of schedule. P6 supports us in this goal and allows our superintendents to manage complicated construction projects.

Incentivized