Onware Reviews

“necessary evil

Pros

The management and staff are genuinely top-notch.

Cons

The advertisement was meant to make the application more sensible.

“Administrative Assistant

Pros

I find navigating the system very amazing, and the software effectively tracks and generates reports on documentation status.

Cons

Sometimes, I find the software sluggish. When I get an error message, I often need to contact Onware Support instead of fixing it myself.

“Onware Review

Pros

Onware is remarkably easy and incredibly beneficial for managing all types of documents efficiently. It simplifies the document management process, making it easy to keep track of, organize, and access important files. This system streamlines document handling, ensuring that everything is well-managed and easily retrievable whenever needed.

Cons

I'd like the option to assign RFIs and Submittals to specific disciplines or people. When revising Changes or SIs, I'd love to copy the original text and attachments, reducing the need for copying and pasting.

“First time user review

Pros

Our team used Onware on a project worth over $500M, handling the change management, RFI, and submittal processes. The software was easy to pick up and could be tailored to our project's specifics.

Cons

The submittals module doesn't feel as smooth and intuitive as the other modules I use.

“Great

Pros

It's simple to use, promotes transparency, and connects the project team effectively.

Cons

I'd like to mark up documents without downloading them to my PC and then re-uploading. This is just a possible improvement, though, no real cons.

“Onware Review

Pros

The organization of project documents is clear, timelines for tasks are evident, and outstanding items are easily tracked.

Cons

It's hard to navigate and not very customizable. The "package" feature is limited to certain document types. The Progress Claim process is cumbersome, especially when contractors prefer to input by monthly progress rather than the updated project amount. Terminology can be confusing, and the next steps aren't always clear. Each document type looks different, and I can't customize visible columns or settings by project. It would be nice to have more visual differentiation and to clear off action items.

“Dialog OnWar

Pros

I appreciate that it serves as a database for all current and past projects, making it a fantastic tool.

Cons

Some clients struggle to get used to it, and the reporting could be improved.

“Onware Review - no more searching!

Pros

The software provides a clear workflow with excellent document control features like date stamps. The interface is quite intuitive, and the document linking is fantastic, no more searching for pieces!

Cons

The software was adapted to our needs, but it introduced bugs and workarounds until the next software release, which could take months. We sometimes need technical support, but there's a time difference between us and the support team.

“Construction documentation management

Pros

There's no need to format forms; you just fill in the fields, and Onware generates the forms.

Cons

When writing minutes, the new task button and Select an Action field stay at the top. It'd be great if they moved down the page as tasks are added.

“A software program that many Engineers and Architects dislike

Pros

I like that it's a cloud-based program accessible online.

Cons

The linked documents feature is frustrating. When you PDF a document, it shows "attachments" that aren't actually attached. The link is too sensitive and opens a new window if you hover near it. Contract administrators sometimes aren't notified when consultants respond to RFIs, and the notifications lack details. PDF formatting is poor, resulting in unnecessarily long documents. Change Notices have fields for text, but we often need to attach our own forms, creating extra work.

“Aids in managing documentation and tasks. Helps speed up the process of Change Management.

Pros

Document control is efficient with task assignments and a central location for all contact information, including auditing and reporting.

Cons

Not all contractors, owners, or consultants use Onware, leading to more administrative work. Setting up email subscriptions can be challenging.

“At times I get frustrated due to "bugs" but overall I like using Onware.

Pros

I admire Onware's efficiency and how easily you can link documents from start to finish.

Cons

I dislike the multiple steps to sign in to Onware. Some reports lack sufficient information, like the Changes Report missing prices. Change Orders with multiple PCNs are not grouped together, so I spend time sorting them out.

“Accurate and reliable information and processes.

Pros

Onware is easy to use and accessible within WiFi range. As an administrator, I can view other project user groups and determine the status of processes on-site and live. Report generation for financial and reason code reports is straightforward.

Cons

Frequent updates are good, but setting up passwords for new projects and users can be labor-intensive, especially for long-term projects.

“a platform for communication

Pros

It makes construction documentation traceable and maintains continuous communication on specific subjects.

Cons

Searching for information, like a project list, is difficult. The word editing function needs improvement, as it's slow and not efficient for site visit reports with both text and pictures.

“The new Onware has a few kinks, but overall is much sleeker and faster than the old one.

Pros

It's faster and looks better. Things are easier to find, and the descriptions of functions and buttons are improved. Having one centralized Onware for all products is convenient, instead of each company having their own version.

Cons

There's no option to edit history items in Submittals once sent, except for the clunky "View" option. The "Send" button in Submittals confuses people; it might be better as "Next" or "Proceed."

“We have been users of this software for the past 5 years, its ease of use is it's key selling point

Pros

We use this software during Construction Progress Meetings from various sites. Having real-time updates and universal web access through site infrastructure is invaluable.

Cons

It's inconvenient not being able to see or print all linked documents without drilling down into various ones. We reported this issue, and it was supposed to be fixed in future updates.

“Good training available if needed. Updates are rolled out with a small training session.

Pros

All project-related information is in one place, allowing all users simultaneous access. It can be accessed from an iPhone on site.

Cons

Errors sometimes occur without explanation or proposed fixes. When reviewing or commenting, you can't exit the screen until the program decides to.

“Learning the use of the modules was an issue as it was not always as intuitive as expected

Pros

Sending out communications is less time-consuming than traditional paper or email routes. The ability to produce reports from each module is very helpful, and having all contract administration documentation stored in one location and accessible online from anywhere is very convenient.

Cons

It can be hard to convince contractors and consultants to use the program as they have their own software. An interface with other common management software would be helpful, as would better YouTube learning videos and more intuitive documentation.

“Good, but could be better

Pros

It's quite easy to use, and I appreciate that if I'm unsure, I can consult the manual and figure it out easily.

Cons

I hate that project members don't have access to see who is on the project. Members should have more access, but the administrator has to add themselves to all projects to change settings, which is very inconvenient.

“Overall my experience is good.

Pros

Having documents stored in one location and tracking each document is the best reason to use Onware. The favorites buttons are useful, and customizing our own forms is amazing! Onware's support is also excellent.

Cons

The main menu in v9 is not helpful to me anymore; I preferred the previous straightforward one that captured my to-do list. I dislike the viewer screen and not being able to copy text from previous documents. New users struggle to set up their accounts, and I can't assist them. Many external users are looking for an excuse not to use Onware.

“I wouldn't conduct contract admin any other way. Onware makes the process easier in so many ways.

Pros

All parties can access the same information, streamlining communication and reducing the need for hard drive storage.

Cons

My experience with this product has been great. It streamlines documentation and communication records.

“Overall, great software for all documentation.

Pros

It's easy to learn and use, great for time tracking of all items, and the audit feature helps determine what happened to missing pieces. The customer assistance is awesome.

Cons

Contractors have too much access to documents not yet issued to them, causing confusion.

“My Construction Administrator uses mostly, I have a support role only as PM.

Pros

The new version has a better interface, making it easier to see various menus. Mostly, I am in an overall PM role and not CA.

Cons

Better compatibility with other Contract Management software like Procore would be nice. Logging in could be streamlined, and text editing should be easier, especially when cutting and pasting from Microsoft Word. The Submittals drop-down menu needs improvement as the words overlap.

“Overall experience is satisfactory

Pros

Customer support is excellent, and I've always received a response back. Overall, my experience is satisfactory.

Cons

Formatting can be glitchy when writing reports, especially with photos embedded in the text. It'd be helpful to allow strikethrough text to show up in PDF reports.

“My experience with the product has been very successful and satisfying for the work I do.

Pros

The convenience and speed with which I can switch from one document to another are great, and I also like the page layout.

Cons

I have to refresh the document I'm working on after saving before I can continue working on it.