Oracle Aconex

Aconex is the best tool I have found for managing documents and mail on medium to large projects.

Pros:

I greatly appreciate Aconex's flexibility to adapt to policies and procedures you may already have. It does not force you into one way of doing things but at the same time doesn't require significant up-front configuration to get started. I also like that Aconex is always improving and adding significant and useful new features often.

Cons:

The only real con I have is one that can be managed but would be nice to have tighter controls on. Aconex does not offer the ability to restrict the permisison to change the document status (approved, approved as noted, rejected, dfrat, etc.) when superceding with a new version. By default it uses the previous version status for the new version status and if you forget to select a new status you could end up with the draft of the next revision of the document showing as approved in the document register. If you use workflows to approve your documents you can always go back and verify if a document was actually approved by the proper people but to do that requires a few extra mouse clicks.

Very Good, but could be better

Comments: Fast and very intuitive user experience (if the fields are designed properly by the docuement control team in your enterprise)

Pros:

Fast access. Very easy way to look for the documents. Easy to upload new documents. Secure and safe information. 24 hours a day working.

Cons:

Improve the module of reviewing documents, it must be without Java, because Java is too slow and have many troubles, maybe you can do the same as you did in the multi upload module. The team that supports our projects must be people who really worked on real projects all over the world, maybe you need to include some Document Controllers that used Aconex for a long time, and includes they in your company. Most of the people in the support team actually didn't know how a real project work using Aconex.

Beware projects that use this tool, it is incredibly inefficient and redundant.

Comments: Terrible.

Pros:

Not much. I would note to potential users that this may make sense for slow paced projects with full staffs of documental control teams that have hundreds of hours in their budgets for document control.

Cons:

The fact that the metadata is so redundant while at the same time unintuitive. If the software was smart enough to extract metadata from a file number or name that would make sense, but it isn't, so everything must be slowly added in triplicate.

Easy to use and great functionality.

Comments: Aconex helps us work on a global scale with many clients

Pros:

Provides a global platform that allows many user to work together. Easy to add new files to the system. All mail is kept in the Mail module and it can't be erased, so you can't lose any correspondence. Easy to create workflow templates. Easy to run reports on workflows and RFI's. No size limit on the files. It functions like it was advertised and more.

Cons:

Have to use the mail form titles that Aconex has pre-loaded into the system. Sometimes can get confused when working in the backend of the system where you might need to make a change.

Provided easy access to design documentation for review and keeping track of record.

Comments: Benefits are many as described earlier. Be able to have a process flow of all projects saving time, reducing cost, be able to identify issues and commenting of design documentation.

Pros:

Be able to retrieve documentation easily and support from Aconex is great. It also offered process flow in project delivery which is clear to project teams. The email like within the software is easy to understand for all users and if that person knows how to send an email he or she knows Aconex.

Cons:

Cannot think of any. However, the cost of the software might be a little pricey. One improvement that I would like to see with the software is a better tagging routine that is able to tagged files and become searchable. Currently searches are still very rudimentary. The BIM viewver tab should also could be improved adding more features to it or better still have a full feature BIM viewer and could reconize RVT as well as Bently 3D files without having to convert to IFCs.

Successfully configured and implemented Aconex on several large programs.

Pros:

It is the solid single-point-of-truth for large, complex programs. It integrates information flow (correspondence), documents, packaged deliverables, cost, field inspections and BIM together very well. It span from bid/tender phase all the way through design, construction, test/commissioning and close-out. If implemented properly with industry best practice processes, it can significantly reduce risk on large, complex programs, especially those with multiple contract and technical interfaces.

Cons:

Some of the administration features are somewhat cumbersome on implementations with a large number of users, especially at the organizational administration level. As with any software implementation, training and institutionalization is one of the hardest and most important aspects to be successful. There are a few features (like RFI closeout) that make it a little more difficult to institutionalize such that report data remains in tact.

The Effective Solution for Project Sheduling.

Comments: The process reports creation is quick and very useful and the tracking of various projects transactions and expense is very effective.
Workflow and task management and also safety management using Oracle Aconex is excellent and productive.

Pros:

Oracle Aconex delivers the best project management experience and incredible resource planning and accurate project budgets and estimates. It allows easy sharing of Engineering and Construction documents and other files across multiple project Engineers. Ability to monitor employees activities, effective time and cost management product and easy to start using.

Cons:

This Oracle management product has all easy features and easy to set but the training to those new to Oracle Aconex can take some time.

Safe storage and access to project documentation from anywhere

Pros:

1- Fast upload and download of documents from anywhere in the world. 2- Peace of mind by ensuring that all project documentation is archived safely. 3- Regular update and development 4- In-house training to users

Cons:

When searching for a subject yields more than one page and I move from one page to another searching for a particular document, I would like to clearly see the current search page highlighted to enable me to go to the next or previous page without losing track.

Good software

Pros:

easy of finding information for any document or workflow I look for, zip download is easy too to download all files together.

Cons:

- The relation between documents and workflows is not practical, you should copy the link or text from documents and go to workflows to find information, there should be a way to do that automatically. - If I'm not in the workflow and want to download documents, there is no way except going to the original mail.

Aconex allows for consistent project coordination and communication to our contractor

Pros:

I really like the fact that the searchability and the document transmission tool that Aconex allows for. The fact that all communication through Aconex forms a permanent project record indefinitely

Cons:

Getting people to transition off of standard email to Aconex for our overall project communication tool. Team members are resistant to change and new tools.

Happy customer

Pros:

It was very easy to use and train my employees on .

Cons:

No issues happy customer likely ti recommend to others

All the project management tools you'll ever need in one convenient location

Comments: Oracle Aconex has eliminated the need for us to switch between many programs in order to manage projects effectively. Aconex helps us keep submission data up to date and easily locate the files we need. Aconex by Oracle Inc. Aside from saving time and money by eliminating the need for a plethora of paper forms, we've also seen an increase in the timeliness of responses to submissions from various project stakeholders. This has allowed us to stay ahead of schedule and avoid numerous delays that would have otherwise occurred due to slow approval processes.

Pros:

Construction projects can benefit from Oracle Aconex's ability to bring together project owners, consultants, prime contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders under a single platform that allows them to share and manage tasks and project documents effectively. This platform is ideal for managing construction projects. Oracle Aconex's direct link to Primavera makes it easy for me to view the authorized schedule and all submissions and records. I can also discuss updates with my coworkers. As for the RFI and delivery requests for works and materials, as well as the numerous old protocols involving all parties involved in the project, I enjoy how we minimize a lot of procedures and ensure quick approvals. Using Oracle Aconex, we can provide detailed data and manage project funds more effectively.

Cons:

One of the most frustrating aspects of working in a team is that you have to teach every new member because not everyone has the same ability to learn how to work effectively in a short period of time.

effective document management

Comments: Users in different locations can work together with this document management system and systematically exchange and upload documents.

Pros:

It enables you to classify documents very effectively and make them easier to find at any time. It enables specific users to open certain functions and provide everyone with access to the documents they need for their jobs. At the same time, when the necessary requests are created, the persons concerned must fulfill the duty that they should follow the relevant document.

Cons:

Users in different locations may have problems synchronizing due to the Internet problem. If the required permissions are not set correctly, users can access documents that are not authorized or related to them. This could create both mayhem and security vulnerabilityThis could create both mayhem and security vulnerabilityThis can create both chaos and security.

A recommended management tool for large scale construction projects

Comments: Keeping track of what happens in a major construction project where not only civil but other disciplines such as electrical and mechanical have to work together can be extremely difficult. This software has enabled everyone in this project to work with greater cohesion due to the ability to know what issues others are facing which makes problem solving much more efficient for the project as a whole.

Pros:

I am currently using this software in an immense construction project known as "Cinnamon Life" in Sri Lanka. The project consists of 6 buildings. The ability to easily access drawings, reports and other documents from various disciplines such as architectural, electrical or civil truly helps my work. Furthermore, the ability to track approvals of site inspections, reports and drawings is crucial to keep up to date with project progress.

Cons:

My biggest frustration comes from the rare occasion when the system crashes. This can be very disruptive especially if I am in the middle of completing a site inspection reply.

Working with Aconex has made my work to run smoothly without any hindrance

Comments: The software benefited me in simplifying my work and making sure that all the data is secured and available and easy to use.

Pros:

The most interesting or I like most in this software is the Search engine. Whatever you are finding in the software is very easy to get by only using a specific word related to the item to be searched.

Cons:

What I least like in Aconex is when you loose internet connection where you become stranded waiting or hold on what your are doing until the connection gets back. But this is common with all internet dependent software's.

Oracle Aconex: An Industry-Leading Project Management Tool

Comments: Oracle Aconex adequately fills our need for project management and communication between various disciplines from project start to close-out.

Pros:

+ Well organized layout of information. + Integrated mail system that allows for easy multi-discipline collaboration. + Easy to locate documents and mail with multiple search fields. + Multiple file upload tool speeds up transmittal process. + Central project repository (if multiple projects are facilitated through Aconex). + Keeps all issued documents off local hard drives and onto a central server.

Cons:

- Uploading files with the correct document properties manually can be a chore. - Limited view customization. It would be nice to see a mail item on the same page as the inbox. - You cannot right-click on the screen to open an item in a separate tab. - No constraints on document register standards to ensure all disciplines upload correctly. - Sharp learning curve for new users, requiring extensive training.

A Sophisicated Software

Comments: The software links globally between the corporate office and the regional office. The workflow is easier.

Pros:

Oracle is one of the international platforms which provides a web based applications. The Aconex Workflow function allows you to verify the document review hierarchy. The software provides a global platform that enables multiple users to collaborate. Adding new files to the system is simple. You will not lose any correspondence because all mail is saved in the Mail module and cannot be deleted. Workflow templates are simple to create. There is no file size limit.

Cons:

The cost of software is extremely high if compare to the local software.

Very useful tool, easy to use, easy implementation at the start

Comments: We achieve documentation management of all our projects.

Pros:

Easy to use, simple configuration of the projects, very intuitive , user-friendly, good manage of users

Cons:

Not enough Reportability to Bid module. Documents search tool seems to be hard at the start It needs continous use to full understanding

My experience in the document control field for oil and gas spans 12+ years.

Pros:

What I like most about this software is how easy it is to use. I also like the quality standards it offers with recording every change that is made within the system. The dashboard has all the relevant information needed to make your daily tasks easy to manage. I also enjoy having the ability to process documentation en masse with the bulk upload function. The drag and drop feature for uploading multiple files is also appealing. Utilizing this software for our document control functions and repository has been the best experience in all my document management software experience.

Cons:

I would like for org admins to have the capability to add their own projects into the software module. While I understand that to have the ease of use features on this software, it may be required for Aconex to create the projects in the module, it would be nice if org admins had that ability. But it has not been a real hindrance, since the projects were created fairly quickly once the request was made.

Initially had a hard time uploading drawings but we learned of bulk processing & it got better

Pros:

"My task" listing lets me see at a glance what I need to do especially those that are in a workflow.

Cons:

There are some very old tasks that cannot be closed especially when some addressees have left the project.

Oracle Aconex the Best EDMS

Comments: EDMS is great in big projects.

Pros:

Reliability and Validity. Easy Accessibility of your Documents, Drawings, etc.

Cons:

Improve the Background. Interfacing and the background of the EDMS.

Really easy to use, minimum training required and user-friendly.

Comments: Reduce document controller, reducing email communication with large files as well. Centralization for all document control management.

Pros:

Aconex is used by all entities involved for our project. This make document control management efficient and productive. The best thing about Aconex is the document register : unlimited size of files, easy access to previous version of a file, link to all transmittal used to exchange the file and, the search is powerful. Easy and fast to update files for all document register that have already received a file.

Cons:

Having to ask for a report of our distribution list, we should have this accessibility. The Insights should be editable by the project Management to represent what we should see.

Absolutely awful performance, glitches and errors

Comments: In recent months my experience has been extremely negative. Each day I experience issues regarding speed and errors when trying to do basic tasks like open a correspondence, or upload files. I really would like to use it more because it is a great platform for keeping track of open tasks and correspondence between consultants, but the speed and performance is suffocating.

Pros:

Good for tracking correspondence and open tasks.

Cons:

Terrible performance - seriously hinders productivity during the day. Uploading files, loading correspondences and workflows load at snails pace and always unpredictable.

We use Aconex on every major project in the office.

Comments: this software has allowed us to achieve better project outcomes by minimising the amount of admin required to track and file project correspondence and coordination.

Pros:

The ability to coordinate complex projects across multiple discipline is aided by the use of aconex. The accountability of each of the consultant team is critical in ensuring successful project delivery.

Cons:

The most painful process that Aconex has is its document register and performing bulk supersedes through from pre-tender issues to tender documentation.

Aconex is a great collaboration tool for workflow, document and correspondence management.

Comments: - Use from start to finish on the project
- Control of tendering module
- Clear document review process under the workflow module
- Mail correspondence can be controlled under mail types
- Continual document register automatically updated on document transmittal

Pros:

Users have the ability to create a project from the tender phase through the the completion of the project. There is the ability to create tenders, coordinate correspondence, share and store documentation, and defect management.

Cons:

Difficult in getting subcontractors to sign up for a user account. There are also issues for project administrators having the ability to remove temporary / users no longer involved in the project. The mobile app is difficult to use.