HCSS vs. Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management

Our operation uses several pieces of what we call specialty equipment (not used every day on every job). The foreman when finished will give a location of where this equipment is left, this many times can be very vague and lead to a lowboy driver trying to block around to find the piece or driving down a street he cannot get turned around in. With the GPS devices, the driver can pinpoint exactly where the unit is and if he has room to turn around at that location.

Incentivized

This program is well suited for online database management for construction-related fields and their contract management. It has many features which allow for reporting, issuance of changes, applications for payment and HB, and related construction-related documentation for both client and user. It also allows one to print and review in PDF any required documentation needed as per contracts.

Incentivized

• #1 is support! HCSS is by far the best software support of any product we have ever used. Unlike most software companies HCSS utilizes their support calls to help upgrade their software. When you here them tell you that they will write down a particular issue you come across during a support call if they can't help you then and there they will research and get an answer to you extremely fast. If the software will not do it, you can bet there is a good chance it will be on the list of enhancements you will see come out in the near future.
• Estimating software is very extensive. Their software is capable of handling the smallest estimate all the way to the largest joint venture estimate. It has advanced features that make it extremely useful for analyzing job materials, subcontractors etc.
• HeavyJob is an extremely useful tool for the field to keep the office up to date with job costs. Everything is at the Foreman's fingertips on Tablets to allow the information from the field to get uploaded to HeavyJob manager which then can export to accounting. We are also able to give our Foreman the ability to deal with the Daily and weekly safety needs (Tailgate Meetings, incident Investigation, observations etc.) right on the Tablets thru HeavyJob.

• Critical Path Methodology will identify potential issues in on time completion if activities move.
• A resources loaded schedule can accurately forecast % complete and staffing requirements.
• Coding allows easy group, sort, and filtering when reporting to certain business units out of the same file.

Incentivized

• All their apps are on mobile devices. Although there is not a clear company policy on Android versus iPhone. Updates for features lag behind on Android. Some apps are exclusive to one platform making it hard to fully interconnect all programs.

• 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

As mentioned, user interface appears messy and complicated at initial onset. Training is necessary but becomes easy to maneuver through after solid daily use.

Incentivized

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

Incentivized

The people at HCSS who I interact with, whether it is a support technician, product manager, or the HCSS President, Mike Rydin, are as passionate at making construction management for heavy civil contractors a valuable experience as I am. They want to get us emphatic, project management addicted people in to tell them why their product is not working, and work with us to design the software to work for us. HCSS is good for the heavy civil contractor; it is going to help us to manage our projects with precision, accuracy, and accountability.

It is critical to select the right team to take to HCSS for implementation. They take very good care of you and your team and listen to all of your concerns. During implantation we often discuss wants and needs with VPs and Officers as they pass through to check on our progress.

We researched other software companies but none provided the depth of support and knowledge that HCSS brought to the table. HCSS is also always growing and listening to its customers. Customer support seems to remain the backbone of the company that is always striving to grow with the industry.

I did not select Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management. It was an inherent application. Having used other applications, compared to those, Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management is a far superior tool for portfolio management. However, in the span of the last 10 years, there are newer, perhaps better products available. Oracle Primavera Portfolio Management does still manage to get the job done, but its time in the sun is fading.

Incentivized

• The biggest ROI for us was the ease of adoption by field personnel.

Incentivized

• P6 has had measurable ROI in the fact that projects can be completed on schedule or sooner using it.
• P6 it presents data date stamps, which are used to share with clients during the project for the progress of the schedule.
• P6 may have a high level of entry to use for the smaller project, which can be a hindrance to use.

Incentivized