Onware

Comentarios: The use of this software package eliminates duplication of parallel document tracking that previously occurred with conventional documentation processing. This tracking process is now updated in real time as a function of the database software.

Puntos a favor: We utilize and access this software during Construction Progress Meetings from applicable sites. Having the software accessible with real time updates and universal web access through site infrastructure is invaluable.

Contras: I find it inconvienient to not be able to see/print all the linked documents, without having to drill down into the various documents and print hard copies or create a compiled PDF. We have identified this shortcoming to the software in the past, and were advised that this function would be added in future updates. Hopefully, the next update will include this requested function.

Puntos a favor: Documents stored in one location and tracking of each document is barred none the best reason for Onware. The favorites buttons are useful. Customizing our own forms is amazing! Although this doesn't pertain to software, Onware help support is excellent.

Contras: Main menu in v9, in my opinion, is not helpful anymore, I find it confusing. I preferred the previous straightforward main menu that captured my 'to do list'. I dislike the viewer screen and not having the capability to copy text from a previously issued document. New users have a difficult time setting up their account and I'm not familiar with the steps they require to go through therefore I cannot assist them. Many non-internal Onware users are just waiting for an excuse not to use Onware.

Comentarios: There are many more features within this program that my colleagues, consultants (Engineers of many disciplines) do not like that there is no room to express it's pitfall. This program was created by those I believe working at the University of Alberta, who in my opinion do not have the full depth of the contract administration process. The program they have created is a small window of what they understand in the construction and architectural industry.

Puntos a favor: That it is a cloud-based program that you can log in to online.

Contras: The linked documents is an annoying features in that if you pdf a document such as a quote or change order, it shows up on the document as "attachments" which are not attached to the pdf document. The link is very sensitive, if you hover near the link a new window opens up.
RFI: If you are a contract administrator, sometimes you are not always notified via email when a consultant has responded. But before that, the notification does not indicate if the RFI has been sent to the consultant for review or not. The worst is if you pdf the entire RFI with the responses for your files, it can be an unneccsarily 2+ pages long because of poor formatting features from the developer. This features applies to shop drawings as well.
Change Notices: has field boxes to write out in to generate forms. However this is not always a good idea as contract administrators have our forms with the legal description and fine print. So in turn we have to attach our own forms on top of copy and pasting the verbiage in the field boxes. This creates double the work and when all pdf'd together, creates more paperwork for the contractor and client.
Email notifications: serve little information as to what the notification is in regards to.
Submittals: The use of the word "Conforms as Noted" is not a widely used term in the construction industry. Typically it is Reviewed as Noted, Reviewed, Revise and Resubmit, Rejected, Not Reviewed, Information only, Records only - most of these terms are not used.

Puntos a favor: Keeps everything under one roof. Can send large files in one issuances compared to through email. Works best if contractors use it as well.

Contras: Contractors are not willing to change from their system to ours. Makes us have to enter the things we receive from them as they won't do it. When returning submittals back when they are revise and resubmit, we keep them open to keep a record of upcoming revisions we should be getting. Although it just says open in Onware and counts against us as not done yet even though we are waiting on a revision from the contractor. A button for return and aviating a revision would be nice as we only have issue or return.

Comentarios: As a large design, it provides a secure file/data storage system, that is auditable and accessible from anywhere.

Puntos a favor: The ease of sending out communications is less time consuming then the standard paper/ email work route. Having the ability to produce reports out of each module is very helpful. Having all contract administration documentation stored in one location and being accessible online, from anywhere, is very helpful.

Contras: It can be difficult to persuade contractors and other consultants to use the program, as they usually have their own software they are using. An interface with 'other' common management software would be a great asset. Better utube learning videos would be helpful. More intuitive interface/documentation would be helpful. Ability to customize report outputs would be helpful.