RSMeans data, from Gordian (Costworks) vs. Oracle Aconex

Again, CostWorks is very good at developing models of standard industry facilities/buildings, and it does this very accurately and efficiently. It is not a software that I would use to develop a very detailed line-item cost estimate that would possibly need several revisions to it over the course of the estimate deliverable cycle. And it would not be one I would use where the estimate needs to be broken down into phases or areas of construction. It just doesn't have these capabilities, and maybe it shouldn't. However, it is an excellent resource for running along side other estimating softwares in that its database of line-items is one of immense depth and as I stated before, I use it all the time in conjunction with my other client-specified softwares so that I can find line-items that those softwares just do not contain.

Incentivized

When it comes to budgeting and also tracking of budgeting, and project scheduling, I effectively recommend Oracle Aconex on that. Safety management and the compliance management processes are quite effective using this platform as well as the easy project activities reporting.

Incentivized

• CostWorks is very good at generating quick and valid estimates for standardized facilities such as office buildings, schools, etc. It allows you to validate other cost estimates at the UniFormat level when doing an estimate validation.
• CostWorks' database of detailed line-items is a very resourceful asset when it comes to finding a very specific line-item. Sometimes, when using Success or MII, I will have CostWorks open on the other screen so I can find an item that the other softwares just don't have and build it into the other software from the CostWorks entry.
• CostWorks does a very good job of generating reports that are both well-developed and have enough detail at the summary level to be able to sit with a client or a project manager and have them follow along and understand without being overwhelmed with detail and numbers.

Incentivized

• File Sharing - unlimited storage, version control and access control on a neutral host - Aconex is significantly superior to ftp, SharePoint or a contractor hosted platform in that once onboarded, each user organization has equal privileges and can in turn onboard any number of members within the respective organizations.
• Process and Workflow Management - while imperfect, Aconex offers the opportunity to customize process control and enforcement. Our team used these processes for RFI preparation and response, submittal tracking and other custom requirements.
• Neutrality - while mentioned, the neutral host places all project participants on a equal basis. Typically, non-neutral platforms favor in-house participants to the detriment of the project. Until shared, files are 100% private to the respective organizations.
• Mobile interface - good (not perfect) access to unlimited project file information from a mobile device.
• Audit trail - no more "I didn't get that document". File sharing and file opening is tracked by user. Transmittals are a matter of record and there's no 'delete' function.

Incentivized

• small project costs where labor is a bigger portion than materials on cost
• markup factors on governmental projects

Incentivized

• Oracle Aconex has no compliance management
• More so, equipment management and asset valuation is missing.
• The accounting integration lacks on Oracle Aconex.

Incentivized

I've never had the need to discuss CostWorks with a vendor.

Incentivized

CostWorks is much quicker than manually looking up costs and copying them to a spreadsheet.

Incentivized

Oracle Aconex has numerous tracking capabilities, from the licensing, the insurance part, among the budgetary or costs. More so, Oracle Aconex has the offline access, a form of back up, to ensure that all operations are meet on time. The program increases or improves the skills and the knowledge base of the employees.

Incentivized

• Good - it saves a lot of time on producing estimates

Incentivized

• Being able to communicate with a client for document submission.
• Client communication for mail that is traceable.
• Double handling of documents, as we have another internal document control program.

Incentivized