UDA ConstructionSuite Erfahrungen

Great product

Kommentare: I am pleased with the program, it has given us a more professional look and organizes our estimates in a concise format.

Vorteile:

The fact that it stops me from making mistakes. I had several painful experiences using other software and spreadsheets.

Nachteile:

Having to do takeoffs with another software package like Plan Swift. The estimate should be archived even if deleted, mistakes happen.

UDA Construction Suite works extremely well 99% of the time

Kommentare: Like any system that has the level of functionality that Construction Suite has there are always going to be occasional "niggles". Customer Support are always extremely polite & professional and today, when I called a couple of times to discuss some minor and one not so minor issue customer, rep was extremely helpful and contrary to what is often the case with support these days, she actually took the time to listen and understand the issues & then helped to resolve every one of them in a timely manner. The most serious of these issues was actually a limitation of QuickBooks and not a Construction Suite issue but all the same this was given the same level of attention and resolved quickly. It makes life so much easier when speaking to someone who genuinely understands the product and is not just reading off a customer service script. UDA provides a fast track to feed issues directly to their development staff. We have been using Construction Suite for several years now and although obviously, it is not a software solution built just for us, it often feels as if it is as it is so versatile. Technology is a huge aspect of our company and a big selling feature to our clients. We could not do what we do without it. I would have rated ease of use as 5 stars; the only reason for giving it 4 is that due to the level of functionality it can take some time to grow in to and learn how best to use the functionality ... but if it were very very easy to use that would probably man a much lower score for features & functionality. I give it a 4 for features as one can always want more.

Vorteile:

Reliability (up time) and functionality are extremely important as well as mirroring how we do business in terms of our estimating & scheduling model.

Nachteile:

Some times the built in application used for creating proposals and other documents can be a bit tricky ... it's kind of like Microsoft Word but the formatting can be a little buggy at times (or perhaps fairer to say a little more prone to user error).

They make big promises, and fall flat on their face.

Kommentare: They might tell you that these things work, but, after spending MONTHS with UDA, I found out that these problems are deal breakers. Within their customer service department, the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. They do not use a structure such as Zendesk that so many other great companies use. Even though I was paying for priority support, there were often days going by where I could not get a call or email back to assist me with a support request or provide a tutorial on how to do something. Had I not paid extra for support, this would be acceptable. But when paying for "TotalCare" priority support, there are times when the software had me stuck, and I was stuck for a day at a time waiting for an answer. Sometimes no answer ever arrived. I hope this helps someone avoid the pain I went through!

Vorteile:

The beautiful user interface. It looks good. Their videos are professional. But, BEWARE: When you start using it, you'll be unpleasantly surprised... buyer beware!

Nachteile:

It does not do what it promises to, and there are dozens of annoying quirks. If your decision hasn't been made, let me say: DON'T DO IT! I made a serious mistake when I bought UDA. While they have a beautiful user interface, there are some serious flaws under the hood. Some are major things, and some are very minor annoyances that will drive you nuts. "You mean, I can't do THAT with UDA, but I can do it with any other basic software out there?" was a common comment running through my head. Some examples. 1. Their spell checker creates a squiggly line to tell you that you have a misspelled word, but, doens't allow you to correct it. 2. The spell checker lets you add custom words to a dictionary, but, it can only use one dictionary at a time to check spelling. So the default dictionary gets used, and your custom words still show up as being spelled wrong! 3. You can't select-copy addresses, in order to paste them somewhere else. 4. Using duplexing on my printer doesn't work right. It works for every other software I own, but not in UDA. 5. There is a bug in the WIP date range that doesn't pull accurate data. 6. "Options" in the estimate show only cost, not margin. So if you show your customer that report, you are revealing cost info, not selling price!! 7. You can't import a PDF into bid notes, even though the premise of UDA is to try to make it a single repository for all your information.

Updated Review

Kommentare: Now that we've used Construction Suite for about six months, I wanted to share our experience and explain why I consider it a five star program. We are a small remodeling and cabinet company that specializes in highly individualized projects, with almost all of our design work done in-house. We originally set out to find a replacement for our Excel estimating spreadsheet and to move our scheduling off of a wall calendar. What we've wound up with is an entirely new way of running the business side of things, with all of our contracts and documents, customer management, and job costing being done through Construction Suite now as well as estimating and scheduling. As the owner, I was not expecting to change how I tracked customers (Zoho CRM) or handled job costing (Quickbooks Contractor) but I couldn't be happier now with handling all that information in one place. It has been an easy transition out of our old systems and into Construction Suite by taking things one process at a time; for example we moved estimating over, then contracts and scheduling, etc. and we're now about 90% transitioned. In the other programs we evaluated, I found they seemed to be geared towards general contractors that rely heavily on subcontractors, leaving the estimating side of things with no more utility than our old spreadsheets. Construction Suite's estimating allows us to break down costs into as much or as little detail as we need, and communicate with Quickbooks to track actual cost vs. estimated costs at whatever level of detail we need. For example, we may enter flooring for a project as one item ( a subcontractor's quote) and in the same estimate break down costs for a kitchen island down to each hinge and drawer guide, all in the same estimate. This has been a game changer for us and has cut estimating time down by at least half. Most of all, I can compare each line in the estimate to the actual cost imported from Quickbooks, and know down to the line item if we've made or lost money. If you've tried job costing in Quickbooks, I've felt your pain and I'm here to say there's a better way. There are many more positive things I could elaborate on but I don't want to turn this into a novel, so here's the gist of it: Programs like this can be intimidating, but Construction Suite can be approached as a collection of smaller programs with tiny learning curves. You can treat it as a contacts list to start, then master the calendar, and so on. This worked well for me. Call them. Buy TotalCare and you'll get your money's worth in advice from people who know their stuff. Overall this has been the best single feature of Construction Suite. Good luck with your search, Mike Jungers, Owner New World Contracting

Vorteile:

Depth. For almost every phone call to tech support, there has been a feature already in the program that does what I need. Not that it's a hard program to learn, I've just found it's faster and much more pleasant to call them and let them teach me. Top notch customer service! A bunch more pros, but a small one that I really enjoy is it's pleasant to look at. Well done design team.

Nachteile:

I have had a few cons, such as using assemblies in an estimate, but the version 8 update has addressed literally every small complaint I've had.

I made a user error that resulted in my need for help.

Kommentare: Better cost controls for more accurate pricing of our products

Vorteile:

The ease of use and great support that UDA offers. We are a small home building company 25 to 35 homes per year. UDA is the right tool for our size of company.

Nachteile:

With a production office in KY (UDA) and a central accounting office in WI (QuickBooks) it causes issues and extra steps that when a PO is created in QuickBooks for a job that PO can longer be seen in KY with UDA only in WI with QuickBooks open

Great Construction Management Software

Vorteile:

We use this software on a daily basis and pass all communications with our project teams and client through it. The Mobile App enhancements have made the program much more usable by various users levels of people which increases the accuracy of the information presented.

Nachteile:

Mobile app is great but we need to be able to modify schedules easily and add users through the mobile app.

great customer service from Katy to move UDA to another computer

Vorteile:

Quickbooks integration is great and it is a good overall software. Would like the cost to be less but is a decent value for the price.

Nachteile:

not online and online product is not as robust. does not integrate to QuickBooks and is missing some other necessary features for us

Katy Caswell was very prompt and informative to help in my question

Vorteile:

the unlimited storage of files, the ability to archive files, and easily re activate them, and the app that can be used on smart devices......

Nachteile:

it needs to have an online accessibility to edit files and see changes promptly without having to re upload something

Taylor Pruitt is ALWAYS quick to support our calls & emails. No matter how big or small the question

Kommentare: The end goal is to take advantage of the online user interface with our clients. That is what we desperately need to improve our communications and expectations with our customer experiences.

Vorteile:

The availability for live support as well as the ability to watch online videos for training on "our" time. Overall fairly easy to figure out. Does more things than I can even comprehend at this beginning stage, but very excited to learn and utilize.

Nachteile:

I have heard the estimating piece isn't as perfect as our team would like for it to be. But I don't handle that piece of the business so I can't offer any feedback on it.

Synchronizing issues

Kommentare: Had a good discussion today about a possible issue when exporting and importing a project, reviewed concerns and a possible issue with synchronizing. Good conversation and I felt that UDA truly cared.

Vorteile:

Alpha databases, integration with COL

Nachteile:

COL has been clumsy but it getting much easier to use and a little less confusing

The Value Quotient

Kommentare: Overall, the software is satisfatory. However, it would be unfair to say that it was just satisfatory when I have yet to explore all of the potential value that it may have. But thus far, I have been pleased.

Vorteile:

The technical support, namely [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN], who spent hours helping me retrieve my data. People Like [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] is what make a product valuable because without technical help when problems arise could actually be the downfall of a company's value in the eyes of consumers, regardless of its purpose. Though the software may be the greatest thing on the planet, it would be nothing without the personal experience of consumers from the company that satisfies the consumer who may have a negative expereince with the product. People like [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] sustain the value of companies like yours. I owe my sincere and loyal graditute to [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] and because of him, Construction Suite 10 may or may not be the best, but it's people like him that makes that irrelavant.

Nachteile:

The upgrades and appearance of improvements not yet realized

UDA their people are; Polite, but are only going to do what they want to do, once paid. their rules

Kommentare: None, it is always something, we do Project management, estimating and maybe the online version eradicated some of the difficulties, I would like to think

Vorteile:

Pros - Some versatility, Great looking interface, flexible, their trial is nice.

Nachteile:

Cons- Sluggish, service desk polite, but it is always the client that does not understand. They are always right and their adds reach a little more, than their software was Caple of preforming, I guess they were advertising their hopes & aspirations not their software’s capability. They are definitely money oriented and if you do not have a lease or annual subscription with them.... figure you will be out in the cold with them.

Kommentare: I'm a working project manager and have owned this program longer than I've used it. There was a learning curve. It can be hard to implement new methods when one is out of energy after working all day. When I started to take advantage of the tremendous power of Construction Suite, the results were amazing. I am not a fast typist, so any time I can avoid entering information is good. The Total Care team and the online support kept me on track as I learned how to customize the Estimating Module to my sequence of work. Once you get this program setup, estimating becomes vastly easier and less time consuming. When the estimate is ready, a few clicks lets you turn out a proposal that is totally customizable and looks like it came from a professional printer. That presentation makes a huge difference when you are sitting across the table from a potential client. As the job progresses, Quickbooks integration makes job costing reports that actually mean something available. Which means more accurate estimates next time. The Scheduling module has made it possible for me to accurately tell my customer how long their project will take. Delivering a project on time - even knowing how long it will take - is a recent concept for me.
When you can deliver a job on time and know where you are as you go along your value goes up exponentially. Now I'm learning to import data from drawings I've made in Envisioneer directly into the estimate. The thing I'm most impressed by is the UDA customer service and support. I've called in many times over the last few years and actually talked to the same person many times. They know their stuff and know how to communicate it to a person that is not an IT expert, and how to maintain patience even when it must be the seven hundredth time they've had to explain it. I could not be happier with a relationship.

Using this program

Kommentare: it is a very good program for the contracts that I need to stay protected in my business.

Vorteile:

the phone support I get if needed, I have never had a question that I could not get the right answer for to help me with Relearning the program

Nachteile:

That I have to print out my own manual for it, instead of getting a printed copy with it but I will be able to print out the areas I need to read a couple of times so that I understand it. Reading a paper copy of things is better for me than the on screen versions.

Kommentare: McCoy Building Resources is a construction management, consulting, and staffing entity. Through our home Improvement division, Legacy Renovations, we are presently servicing areas from NY to VA. With the help of investors, we are seeking to engage in high density residential development utilizing sustainable building methods and materials.
I had the opportunity to try out UDA many years ago as I sought to improve a previous employers professionalism and estimating. I observed the archaic methods he used to create estimates and write proposals. I thought about the time I was a member of the NYC Carpentry Union, and I recalled how professional the large scale companies operated. I observed scheduling and critical path diagrams, seeking to make my employer more detailed/professional.
I wanted to find out how the big players conducted business, so I googled construction management software and sampled a good number of them. I found UDA to be the most comprehensive and complete in all aspects of managing a construction company. I soon discovered why my boss was losing money and I recommended the program to him. I've since worked for a number of employers, and have informed all of my opinions on this fantastic software.
After completing my degree in Construction Management and forming my own business, I knew the only choice for me was UDA. I feel confident that in using UDA, I'll keep all the bases covered for contracts, proposals, estimates, scheduling, etc. What more can a contractor ask for?
My one con is the program appears to freeze at times. I have been so pleased I've accepted the minor drawback and chosen to ignore it. Perhaps I'll call in and ask; tech support so far has been fantastic.
Thank you UDA for helping me realize my dreams.

Overall very favorable. Easy to use, great functionality.

Vorteile:

Integrates well with Quickbooks. I like that everything... estimating, scheduling, proposals and contracts, are easy to use and linked saving precious time. The software support is excellent: all very friendly and knowledgeable staff who provide timely response to issues.

Nachteile:

Experienced some glitches, but issues have been resolved in a timely manner. Their software is better than most that I have tried.

The Best Software for Contractors

Kommentare: You need to try this software to truly evaluate its value. Don't take my word for it. See for yourself.

Vorteile:

It integrates with Quickbooks and provides a great way to track clients, provide estimates, and keep clients informed about the progress of the job.

Nachteile:

I don't know of any other than it offers so much customization that you need to really become familiar with all of the various options available to you.

Very nice and easy to use

Kommentare: Clients love the detail, although I have to export to excel to add columns and formulas to do payment applications so we can mantain the same format as the estimate.

Vorteile:

Detail that I can provide to my clients, sellection of variety of columns, facility to use, multitasking and sharing facilities

Nachteile:

That I can not make payments applications using the same detail, meaning been able to add colums with formulas

Mixed Review

Kommentare: As an estimate and proposal software, I think UDA does a good job gathering the data and creating a nice result to present the client. We really only use the software for that as the other parts we have found difficult to use and hard to accomplish all our needs.

Vorteile:

I like the crisp clean proposals I can offer my clients.

Nachteile:

I find the templates are hard to adjust and the UDA to QB communication is terrible.

Kommentare: I am the estimator for a mid-sized general contractor on Cape Cod. We have been doing anywhere from $8-$12 million dollars in business per year. When I first started with the company, I was working from excel sheets that I had developed over the years, and .pdfs from vendors and lumber yards etc for materials pricing. As I am sure we have all experienced at some point in our estimating careers, I found myself becoming more and more of an excel programmer than an estimator, and as the projects became more complex so did my estimates. It got to a certain point where the time spent reviewing the formulas in excel and checking for programming errors became so tedious that a change was needed. We spent the next couple of months reviewing many different estimating platforms, some of which I have used in the past and finally settled on UDA technologies. What a difference it has made in time savings for me (I get to go home on the weekends!) and increased accuracy in the estimates. The quick transfer of information into proposal form, and the endless customization options in that module, make for a great experience. I have been using the software now for almost a year, and while it is great and I wouldn't think for a second about going back to the old methods, I have found a few areas (all be them minor) that could use some improving. UDA Technologies has been receptive to my requests to work these additional functionalities into the software, the support team has been very helpful. They are just a phone call and remote log in away. Overall I am very happy with the UDA technologies estimating platform.

It was great took no time at all and i was able to get updated

Kommentare: Every part of our company management is all on one system from estimating to field management

Vorteile:

The 5 Column estimating is great I have been waiting for it since we purchased construction suite. And the scheduling software is super easy to use.

Nachteile:

The cons are that some of the features like the scheduling are hard to print or get setup to print on 24 x 36 inch paper.

Customer Services is amazing.

Kommentare: Love the product and support.

Vorteile:

They are very responsive and answered all of my questions. The software was upgraded and support walked me through everything that I needed and then some.

Nachteile:

I called a couple of times and it went to voicemail during business hours. It was not a big deal. They answered as soon as I called again.

Uda Intagration

Vorteile:

The endless possibility's to taylor it for individual needs of various trades. As an estimator for a high end custom home builder I deal with many different designers and trade people. So it is important not only to present the numbers in a clear and logical order, one must provide a clear and easy scope of work for the various elements that go into the proposal. This product allows me to accomplish this to projects of various sizes and scope of work. So as every estimate is individual. (not boiler plate). Many of the architects and clients have commented on this fact in the competitive bidding process.

Nachteile:

Some of the predefined templates that you can not customize for visual effects

Kommentare: I have a custom design build company. We do a range of work from light remodeling to ground up new construction. When I purchased ConstructionSuite I was using Excel spreadsheets and Quickbooks for my estimating and accounting solutions. I found that Quickbooks provided good accounting, but lacked in change order and job costing capabilities. There was lots of redundant data entry, my reporting was not very accurate, and the general look of my communications was not very professional. ConstructionSuite changed everything. It provides me with an estimating solution that is very accurate, eliminates redundant data entry, and integrates seamlessly with Quickbooks. Now my estimates, proposals, and contracts look professional, and my reporting is very good. ConstructionSuite is a great value. I evaluated many solutions prior to purchasing this one. The added value of ConstructionOnline really put it over the top though. It gives you a cloud based management system that you can push information to right from ConstructionSuite. With the permission based access, it is a invaluable part of my business. I give ConstructionSuite 5 stars mainly for it's customer support though. No matter what software you have, there is going to be an issue at some point. The people answering the phone (and they actually answer the phone!) are very knowledgeable, and if they can't fix the problem they get someone who can. I've been very impressed with the consistent great support I've received. It's exceeded my expectations.

Have worked with UDA for 7 years, great software!

Kommentare: estimating, integration with Quick Books and I will have in the next version integration with Drop Box.

Vorteile:

All inclusive, they listen to feedback and continually improve and upgrade. Tech support is awesome!!

Nachteile:

In some of the forms would like to be able to have the ability to be more creative in designing some forms.