Sage 100 Contractor vs. Viewpoint Vista

Sage 100 Contractor is well suited for independent contractors (IC's) that want to learn a software that can be an end-to end solution. From estimates all the way to reporting, Sage 100 Contractor will provide the IC's with everything they need. There is however a learning curve and the person operating the software needs to be well versed in how each component operates and connects to the overall financial picture.

Incentivized

The company has made a commitment to the use of the Vista products and continue to move forward trying to implement more with the Vista HR Management. From timekeeping to onboarding in the near future we strive to look for better ways to utilize the products for our accounting and payroll purposes.

Incentivized

• Job Cost Summary's are automatically updated and the user can drill down into the costs which is very helpful.
• Committed Cost Reports are very helpful in forecasting where our jobs will end up.
• The customization allows you to manipulate reporting and other features to suit your needs.

Incentivized

• Being on a Microsoft SQL platform enables easier development and integration with 3rd party software.
• It has a very flexible User Defined fields and tables system to allow customizing to the user's needs without breaking standard features.
• Security management is very granular.

• Some of the tax calculations, payroll steps had to be sorted out
• System glitches - sometimes boots you out of the system

Incentivized

• Their payroll module is terribly slow and very clunky.
• Job costing parameters are very strict and limited.
• Each module interface has too many forms and screens.
• There is too much flexibility regarding where to put information into the system. There isn't one place to do anything, which creates confusion for staff.

Incentivized

The cost of Sage 100 Contractor software is relatively inexpensive compared to some higher-priced options like Foundation and Microsoft Dynamics GP. But more importantly, the cost of implementing new software is costly. Implementation costs include testing and training. There are also risks involved with switching software such as missing data after conversion. Plus, there are always some unknown downsides to switching that are not apparent until the switch is made such as perceived capabilities that really don't exist. For these reasons, we will likely stay with Sage 100 Contractor for a long time. If we grow (say double) in size, we would consider other options.

Incentivized

It is extremely customizable and tracks so many complicated costs very well, more-so than other construction software programs out there that we've used in the past. It is also not an easy program to use for those even slightly not comfortable with a computer. The help sections/knowledge base could be better organized and updated more. It is a very powerful software program for our business and we rely on it hugely to see how our projects are running in real-time.

Incentivized

In the end there are tons of other products that are much better. Time cards don't work, we needed an external software to track this for employees. Estimation is cumbersome, we just used Excel. Payroll was ok, but didn't do employee taxes correctly when they make a certain amount for some reason. Overall, it's a bad product.

Incentivized

I think that Vista's is an easy program to use very user friendly with lots of help features to allow the user to fix an issue without having to put a support call into Vista. The reporting and exporting capability's are strong.

Incentivized

Only issue is when there is an upgrade - it takes several times to get back logged in. Otherwise no issues with getting on to the program. We are set up on lap top or on the remote desk top. Works 90% of the time

No issue downloading the reports - I do find sometimes it is easier to export and save than it is to print to a pdf. Options on the different reports not consistent. You can print a couple projects on the JC Contract Status Report - but you have to do each project for the JC Cost by contract item - when neither one is a drill down - not a big deal

If we ever have issues with Sage 100, the live chat is an awesome tool. However, most of our live chat inquiries are not because of the issues we have, but more for us to better understand how we are supposed to use the software. Sometimes we ask ourselves "what if we" and if we need guidance, the live chat will provide us with the answers or resources to figure out what we need. They always follow up to ensure the problems we encounter have been fixed. If our issue is an indicator of an upgrade that could be made, Sage 100 C offers a way to submit the idea for review and improvement of the software.

Incentivized

Support has deteriorated greatly than what it was years ago when we joined. We always used to get a call back same day and within an hour or so for critical issues. Sometimes now it's no response or very delayed. Knowledge of the support team is also lacking. Many issues we figure out workarounds ourselves instead of calling

I was not part of the in person training. I am assuming the training went well - but I did all my training through viewpoint academy.

Excellent training! They keep you on track to insure your implementation is going as planned. There are ample ways to receive additional training and training can be provided by position type. If you put on the effort, the training is there.

The trainer Viewpoint sent did not understand the processes, he only knew where the modules were located. He had no understanding of the actual process itself.

Incentivized

Sage 100 Contractor is the best value with powerful features that we are happy with. It doesn't have everything we need but it does have the ability to add custom features that keep us running smoothly.

Incentivized

I personally have not used another ERP system other than Viewpoint Vista. I am sure there are others out there, but from listening to my managers experiences before Great Basin Industrial implemented Viewpoint, the other options were less superior to what Viewpoint offers. I think if you are looking for an ERP system in the construction industry, then Viewpoint is the way to go

Incentivized

For a small business - this program is well used in the accounting and operations. The two different work plans are set up for success. Alot of the programs we do not use - but like the reports that are generated - one disadvantage if you do not know crystal reports you cannot edit your form to meet your needs so there is a lot of printing different several forms to get all the information you need.

• It's had mostly a positive impact - solutions to my problems with accounting integrity.
• Solutions for happier employees because they have portable time sheets. This makes me happier because I've made it work so I have less to do.
• I can quickly report on any project with a combination of software.

Incentivized

• Not sure I can speak to this as the company moved to Viewpoint before I began here. I think it is helpful for the Project Management and Superintendent staff to easily review how specific job items went, which we do in the PM contract drilldown analysis

Incentivized