Sage CRM

Comments: Overall it is a good software for grouping related tasks together. It is easy to generate RFIs, keep track of Submittals and tailor logs and reports for viewing and distribution. What I'd like to see done is a way to import csv files from excel as well as make the cells "mimic" Microsoft Excel capabilities. That is, if I am repeating similar tasks in a log, I can pull down cells withtout having to do it manually. Although the software gives the professional and organized appeal, it lacks in some areas of work efficiency/ productivity.

Pros: Professional look of items printed and organizational capabilities

Cons: It needs to be able to upload csv files. It can be time consuming to do a drawing log that has 500 sheets with some sheets that have repeated names and dates... a simple excel formula would solve this. When creating RFIs, it is difficult sometimes to view the body of texts, the text window can't be widened to shrink unnecessary or not used options. Users should have the ability to use their cursor/mouse to adjust the text box to whatever size they desire

Comments: Overall I like the software but there are definitely areas where it could be improved.

Pros: I have been using Timberline/Sage for almost 25 years now. I have watched it go from DOS based to Windows based. This is excellent software for construction companies as it handles everything from AP to GL to JC and PR. It is pretty easy to use and I like that you can connect it to Microsoft Access and be able to get any info out of it that you want if there isn't already a canned report.

Cons: There are areas such as billing that could definitely be improved upon. I'm not that crazy about the contracts module because it doesn't give you subtotals and it doesn't allow you to put change orders separately which most GC's require that we do so I have to resort to Excel spreadsheets to do their billing form and then input it into Sage for accounting purposes.

Comments: It was a great learning for us that comparison of the software before purchasing is an important aspect.

Pros: The in-built business processes are good and very basic to deploy in the initial stages

Cons: Well a long list I have for this section:
1. Pathetic customer support
2. Less competent product knowledge to "customer support specialist"
3. Not user friendly software
4. Lot of technical backed problems

Comments: Once the set up is complete, the software will allow you to keep track of all business operations. When we used it, there were some issues and Sage allowed us to break the contract. I would definitely consider the Cloud based software today because it went through many upgrades and changes since I used it for my business.

Pros: The organization of client information and the projects that offshoot from the clients. This software has many functions and features, and is great for a business with many employees and many branches. Keeping track of incoming and outgoing projects, inventory, sales, reports for tax purposes etc.

Cons: I found it overwhelming to integrate with our type of service business. The set up was very lengthy and difficult. In addition the main reason for us to use it was to keep track of invoices, sales with clients, and to process payments online. We had trouble processing payments. Overall, it was hard for us to use all the features and rely on it to be more productive. Also, there was a 2 year contract to use the software, which we could not keep because we were not able to process payments.

Comments: It is a great software for keeping accurate notes and communication regarding clients. I have personally been tracking 100's of clients for 7 years inside this system.

Pros: The customization of the layout allows for easily managed client data and prospective clients. It is great for leaving notes for the whole sales staff to review and understand what was discussed.

Cons: The biggest problem with it is continuous functionality. When you have database errors it can be a nightmare. The software wont launch correct. The database gets corrupted and needs to be restored.