Simple Series

I purchased CSG's package in January 2013 and have been working to implement it in my remodeling business. What led me to this package was that I desired a way to have my client/job information flow from the prospect phase all the way through the warranty phase and was frustrated with Quickbooks for not working like a contractor works (estimating, job cost tracking, change orders!)

In my previous job, I worked a lot with American Contractor, and though it was clunky and archaic at times, I got used to being able to handle all aspects of a job from one program. CSG offered this capability at a price that a small contractor can afford.

CSG is built on the Microsoft Access database platform. Databases can be confusing, but they are highly customizable and provide much better information flow and reporting than Excel. CSG has built the database interface to be pretty straightforward as far as data entry, estimating, accounting, and project management (don't expect all the pretty icons and windows you are used to seeing in QB - this is a workhorse pickup, not a flashy sports car).

Make no mistake, this package has a large learning and implementation curve. I am 6 months in, and am just scratching the surface as far as having it fully implemented. The estimating program, for example, may require a good amount of time to update the processes and pricing to better accommodate the way you estimate. Same with the accounting program. If you don't have an accountant to help get you set up, I would recommend it (unless you have a great chart of accounts that works for you).

However, the support team is very friendly and helpful. Terry handles the estimating and sales-builder and he is a former contractor and puts the program through the rings to ensure it works for contractors. Robyn is my support for the accounting side and she is very knowledgeable and is great at taking you through the program step-by-step.

This is a large investment and commitment! If you don't want to make a serious change in your business don't do it! However, if you are planning for the future and want more control, more accurate accounting and reporting, and a "flowing" business system then by all means talk to CSG.

We are very happy with Customer support and his team. All our questions and needs were always taken care of in a timely fashion. We would highly recommend doing the training to fully implement all the software has to offer as with any new tool in your business

Vorteile

Fully integrated construction management software
Take off Plus saves us a huge amount of time estimating and generating proposals
Sales builder Plus helps us track prospects through job completion with an automated CRM - Our CRM was non existent until we started with SBP
JAP Plus generates our payroll and helps us stay on top of our jobs with job costing reports

Nachteile

Learning curve but that's to be expected with any new software. Occasional bugs but taken care of quickly