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The AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community (TAP) serves as a resource for AIA members, the profession, and the public in the deployment of computer technology in the practice of architecture. TAP leaders monitor the development of computer technology and its impact on architecture practice and the entire building life cycle, including design, construction, facility management, and retirement or reuse.

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project management software for a small firm

  • 1.  project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-11-2020 01:34 PM
    I am looking for the best project management software for a small firm (principal plus drafter). Would that be Microsoft Project since I have MS Office 365? I would have to pay for the Project $10 or $30 per month subscription, depending if the Reports and desktop interface are worth paying 3x the basic subscription price.

    ------------------------------
    Micah Smith AIA
    Architect
    MS Architecture
    San Luis Obispo CA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-14-2020 06:11 PM
    You should checkout Project Libre. Similar to MS Project but open source. 
    Scott M B Gustafson              Architect 



    AIA | LEED AP | NCARB | MAA | MSA

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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-14-2020 06:18 PM
    Thank you, I will look up Project Libre now!

    Micah

    ------------------------------
    Micah Smith AIA
    Architect
    MS Architecture
    San Luis Obispo CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-15-2020 06:05 PM
    Micah, I use a free product I found, I think it's made by one of the Universities called GanttProject it's easy to use and works like Project, I am not sure if it will do what you need but it is worth a go. Here is the link https://www.ganttproject.biz/

    You can also Link to MS Project and Ganttproject from a Sketchup Model using PlusDesignBuild, here is a Youtube video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPzgTLycdOY&list=PLNRcN-A1tOEyyWrpuaqKO_Oco9aHcOTKw&index=2&t=1s

    ------------------------------
    Andrew Dwight
    Designer/BIM manager AAD Build
    BDM RubySketch
    Sydney Australia
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-14-2020 07:29 PM
    Harvest

    We have found this to be quite effective and easy to use.

    ------------------------------
    Jodi van der Wiel AIA
    Design Director
    Vocon
    Brecksville OH
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-15-2020 02:29 AM
    Thank you Jodi, Looking at Harvest, I'm disappointed it does not integrate with Quickbooks Desktop. However Harvest does look interesting so I will look into it. 

    The job progress tracking function peaks my interest most from what I've seen so far.
    --
    Sincerely,
    Micah D. Smith, AIA
    Architect

          MS|A
    Office: 805-242-6022
    Mobile: 805-704-7118
    micah@msmith-arch.com
    msmith-arch.com
    1022 Mill Street, Suite D
    San Luis Obispo, CA 93401



    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-16-2020 05:25 PM
    My office recently started using Asana. It was pretty easy to convert from our paper/pencil and excel spreadsheet methodology to this software. There is a free version but we opted for a subscription that's about $800/yr for 4 people.  We're really happy with it so far.

    ------------------------------
    Heather Susemihl AIA
    Partner
    McCall Design and Planning Inc.
    Mccall ID
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-15-2020 12:39 PM
    Also voting for Harvest - we hardly tap all of its abilities, but it has helped us greatly in the project cost accounting area.

    Get a look at Wrike. We started down the road with it but decided it took too much in input time compared to value of output - but I really liked it. This is the trouble with most project management tools. They are either telling you what you already know, or you spend your time in the tool rather than producing value for your clients, which a small firm just can't afford. Your billable time is much more important than the cost of the tool. If you find a tool that costs $150.00 per month but allows you to bill two more hours a month in your practice, you are money ahead!

    I don't know why people use MS Project for multiple project management for architectural projects. I have never had the impression that it was made to input and present that kind of information in an efficient way.

    ------------------------------
    Philip Kabza AIA
    Principal
    SpecGuy Specifications Consultants
    Mount Dora FL
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-15-2020 06:05 PM
    Thank you Philip, good to hear some consensus forming, and project cost accounting would be a plus for me as well. Good point about paying for software, it it saves time. I've been debating getting into Bluebeam Revu for cost reasons. I get exhausted with all of the subscriptions these days. 

    Do you use Quickbooks desktop pro or web or other bookkeeping software? 

    --
    Sincerely,
    Micah D. Smith, AIA
    Architect

          MS|A
    Office: 805-242-6022
    Mobile: 805-704-7118
    micah@msmith-arch.com
    msmith-arch.com
    1022 Mill Street, Suite D
    San Luis Obispo, CA 93401



    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-15-2020 01:32 PM
    Monograph was designed by people trained as architects.

    ------------------------------
    Dawn Zuber, FAIA
    Owner
    Studio Z Architecture
    Plymouth, MI
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-15-2020 06:08 PM
    ArchiOffice is another solution, allowing project billing and time tracking.  Originally developed by an Architect, I believe.

    ------------------------------
    Michael Tulp AIA
    Story Construction
    Ames IA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-15-2020 06:29 PM
    I have heard of ArchiOffice, but last I checked it didn't integrate with Quickbooks Desktop pro, only the online version.

    I'll look at it again.


    --
    Sincerely,
    Micah D. Smith, AIA
    Architect

          MS|A
    Office: 805-242-6022
    Mobile: 805-704-7118
    micah@msmith-arch.com
    msmith-arch.com
    1022 Mill Street, Suite D
    San Luis Obispo, CA 93401



    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-16-2020 05:32 PM
    We used ArchiOffice for a while but it was not robust enough for the types of reporting we wanted to do.  We were convinced by the parent company of ArchiOffice (BQE) to go to their Core program which was supposed to be a step up.  Unfortunately Core is not far enough along in development to what we need either.  It has better reporting but you really need them to customize everything for you which involves a lot of cost.  We are looking at alternatives currently, Harvest is one I have heard of as well.  We have recently procured Salesforce so we are looking for something that speaks to that as well (so far they have recommended Sage).  Our intent would be to run timekeeping and invoicing  through one program but use Salesforce not only as CRM but also just project data that can connect with the other program to deliver all functionality that we need.

    TLDR: We have tried a few programs and have realized we need to use a few to get what we need.

    ------------------------------
    Jan Martin AIA
    Principal
    TWINSTEPS, INC.
    San Jose, CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-16-2020 05:41 PM
    What Salesforce product are you using and what is the cost? I like the CRM idea. And I"ll look at Sage...

    I need to be careful being a 2 person firm with getting bogged down in project management software, but do want to be effective and efficient with time.

    ------------------------------
    Micah Smith AIA
    Architect
    MS Architecture
    San Luis Obispo CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-16-2020 06:44 PM
    Anyone tried BigTime? It integrates with QB Desktop or Online. Seems robust. Might be a good option if not too expensive, which cost is something I'm looking into now.

    I wish these other architect-focused PM softwares integrated with QB Desktop, not just Online...

    ------------------------------
    Micah Smith AIA
    Architect
    MS Architecture
    San Luis Obispo CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-16-2020 03:21 AM
    Another Plus 1 for Monograph.io -

    Use the coupon code practiceinnovation to get one month free

    ------------------------------
    Evelyn Lee AIA
    Senior Workplace Experience Strategy
    Slack Technologies Inc
    Lafayette CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-17-2020 02:32 AM
    Our office was originally using excel, and wasting a bunch of time... We tried out Monday.com for a bit, however it's not great once you have more than a few projects, and everything needs to customized. We have currently landed on Zoho.com. It offers a lot of different integrations and many different reporting abilities. It also has a lot of other business management tools that seem like a good future investment. It works pretty well for us, but not necessarily built for architecture offices, it's a good all-around tool.

    ------------------------------
    Nicholas Voell-White Assoc. AIA
    Director of BIM Implementation
    AEC-Technologies
    Redondo Beach CA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: project management software for a small firm

    Posted 09-17-2020 05:27 PM
    I've been using ArchiOffice for about eight years now and it's been a wholly positive experience. As a sole practitioner I don't require the full range of tools and capabilities so a larger more complex practice may have a different perspective. But my practice does involve multiple project types and modalities and the platform supports everything I've asked of it. It's been particularly useful in managing the work I do as a full-time faculty member; for both teaching and research.

    ------------------------------
    Timothy Brown AIA
    Principal
    Tim Brown Architecture
    Six Mile SC
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    Original Message