Relatics Reviews

“Structure your as-built documentation

Pros

Relatics offers a lot of configuration options, allowing me to tailor it precisely to my needs. The detailed access controls let me decide who can edit which fields. It supports various file types like Office formats, PDF, XML, and HTML, among others. I can integrate Relatics with other apps using an API, and the app gets updated frequently.

Cons

We need to plan application updates meticulously since they also update the database structure, especially when there's a lot of data or the structure has been altered. A skilled administrator is essential because maintaining the product is somewhat intricate , there's a management studio, IIS setup, and packages that need importing.

“Relatics linked the project and the organization. The Gotthard Base Tunnel project with Relatics

Pros

The high adaptability of Relatics enables a gradual development and expansion of the database. This means I can implement additional project areas step-by-step within the database model. It helps in accommodating specific project characteristics and information needs, which boosts user acceptance and overall project integration. Moreover, Relatics's flexibility lets me adjust to changing project requirements and conditions.

Cons

Any negative experiences and drawbacks have been noted by us through Relatics' efforts to ensure continuous development and improvement.

“The flexibility gives the oportunities

Pros

One major benefit of using Relatics is that I can easily model and adapt it to fit our Systems Engineering processes rather than having to adjust our processes to fit the tool. I find the interface intuitive, and being web-based is a huge plus because it allows us to collaborate on the same project from different offices.

Cons

Getting the information from Relatics onto paper requires some manual work or investment in additional tools.

“Relatics as a tool to control complex (infrastructural) projects

Pros

It's EASY to use and adapt to project-specific preferences. The knowledge base and support are included, making it even more accessible.

Cons

No complaints, just a bit of patience needed for employees who have never worked this way before.

“Great software for structuring your information

Pros

This software is extremely versatile. When we bought it, we planned to use it mainly for Systems Engineering, but now we're expanding its use to include a document control system. We keep discovering more applications for it. Being web-based is also very handy for both internal and external collaboration.

Cons

This is not out-of-the-box software; you need to define the information formats and their relationships before using it. Its flexibility and versatility mean you must carefully plan the data structure before configuring it. Overall, once configured to your needs, the software is straightforward to use and offers powerful capabilities.

“Relatics can link anything to everything

Pros

Relatics can adapt to any process or information flow and integrate with existing systems and data seamlessly. The setup and implementation process helps me understand how things work and how processes and information connect. It's web-based (cloud) and doesn't require a local installation, so I can use it on any web-enabled device, which is fantastic.

Cons

Like all software systems, implementation requires getting used to a specific way of working, thinking, and using new software. Once you adapt, the system is very powerful. Initially, getting people to use a new system might be challenging. While the user interface is quite comprehensible, some aspects might confuse first-time users. Most of these issues can be resolved during implementation and template setup. Depending on the settings, the licensing might be a bit expensive.

“Platform to quickly create an information network of any kind

Pros

The software is quick to implement. After just a few hours, I can start building my information network. It's accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Configuration is straightforward and doesn't require advanced programming skills. I can develop my own network of elements, relations, and properties to fit my company's or project's needs. We've successfully used Relatics for various project solutions in the construction sector, including issue management, requirements management, work breakdown structures, contract management, and change management.

Cons

The freedom and ease of modifying the information structure can also be seen as a risk. A solution in Relatics doesn't fix bad management. It's not really suited for managing process flows; it can be implemented but lacks smart notification options. It's not an option for document management; it can store documents but has no version history or file editing options, so new versions must be manually uploaded.

“Relatics helps us to manage (project)information in a structured way.

Pros

Configuring it is EASY. With standard templates and layouts, I can set up a new project quickly and easily. Relatics works for both small and large projects. When configured correctly, accessing information is straightforward. It supports Systems Engineering and allows me to set fields and menu items to be editable or read-only based on user roles. It supports web services (both Relatics and external) and imports XML and XLS(X) files. I can configure my own exports (XML, HTML, Word, PDF, XLS(X)), and Relatics APIs are available for custom screen layouts. Their helpdesk is responsive, and they offer courses at every level. New developments, like tablet and smartphone use, are constantly being implemented. Layout adjustments are easy and instantly visible to end-users (which can also be a downside).

Cons

Because Relatics is so versatile, it can become cluttered for the administrator. End users need proper instruction since the working method differs from what they're used to. Layout adjustments are immediately visible to end users, which can also be an advantage. Adjusting the Relatics model after some time of use can be a lot of work. If you don't want to use the standard layout, creating your own can be time-consuming.

“Use of Relatics Software in Engineering Projects

Pros

For Semmtech, the main advantage is that Relatics is built on semantic technology. This robust and flexible foundation allows me to model almost anything. Since we have clients across various sectors with diverse needs and challenges, this flexibility is essential for offering different applications while maintaining the same modeling strategy.

Cons

The only downside so far is that the software could expand its dedicated functionalities, like for calculations or data exchange. We believe Relatics will include more dedicated functionalities in the future now that the focus is on product life cycle management.

“Smart Informationmanagement

Pros

Relatics has been exceptionally helpful for our organization. It's powerful and effective for all our information management needs.

Cons

The software is easy to understand and works intuitively. However, you'll need some technical knowledge to use Relatics to its fullest potential. Configuring Relatics inevitably requires time and tuning.

“Use of Relatics for Systems Engineering

Pros

The system is flexible and robust. Being web-based makes it very easy to install and share. It has excellent features for defining roles and view permissions for different users. The interface for creating and editing views is intuitive and provides a clear overview of the application.

Cons

In 2008, the application for Systems Engineering in the Netherlands still needed to be developed; generating (complex) reports required a separate editor.

“Outstanding flexible software

Pros

Relatics is unique in its ability to configure high-end, flexible, and reliable software applications within hours rather than months. Integrating with other software or information sources is straightforward, allowing me to use Relatics as a single portal for information from various sources. As an information consultant, I support processes in engineering, inspection, and maintenance across infrastructure, building, shipbuilding, and environmental quality. In my projects, critical processes often change, and the need for rapid adaptation in information management is crucial. Relatics helps me stay aligned with the needs of the teams I work with. The support team is direct and open to improvement suggestions.

Cons

Basic versions of Relatics workspaces have a generic interface layout which is quite good but doesn't excel in modern look and feel. It's possible to use skins for a better look and feel, but configuring a skin takes some time. Although Relatics can configure many cool add-ons, using them reduces one of its main benefits: flexibility. For instance, it's possible to generate nicely laid-out reports, but configuring and maintaining them as the Relatics template develops requires constant attention.

“Flexible Webbased Information System (Custom Made)

Pros

Custom Made Great awareness of customer needs from consultants Good web-based interface Easy access for developers and users Easy to adjust in the future with new insights Easily accessible back office Various and good training programs (beginner to advanced) Online instructional videos Safe and reliable data storage Can be used for several aspects like Systems Engineering, Functional Specifying, Contract Management, Logistic Processes, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment, Human Resource Management, and Maintenance.

Cons

It can take a long time to understand the advantages of a good information system and to define an information model. Clients need a well-defined vision and strategy for managing information. They have to define their own information model, with help from Relatics consultants, of course. Be aware that clients must invest in themselves for a well-functioning information model. Clients need their own experienced and trained information employees who can communicate effectively with Relatics consultants. "Rubbish in" means "rubbish out."

“Early adaptor

Pros

Once the relational model is set up, it's very easy to use, flexible, and scalable. It's possible to adjust the model during a project to meet changing needs. We use it in a growing number of both Dutch and international projects. Over the years, we've found Relatics to be a reliable partner, always accommodating our modeling needs. As a multidisciplinary consulting and engineering firm, we've successfully applied Relatics to our infrastructure projects (highways, bridges, tunnels, light and heavy rail). We primarily use it for contract management (performance auditing) and requirements management (systems engineering).

Cons

It's advised to thoroughly think through the reports to be generated for your project. Programming the reports requires significant effort.

“Review Relatics

Pros

The software is very accessible if you understand information modeling. I appreciate that it's web-based and allows me to create various databases quickly and simply.

Cons

As an end user, you have to click a lot to get your information, but after a while, you get used to it.

“A review of Relatics

Pros

I really appreciate how easy it is to navigate the interface. The fact that it's web-based is a significant advantage, as it enables us to work together on the same project, even when we're in separate locations.

Cons

Some features are missing, like business rules. Speed can be an issue with large queries involving thousands of elements and many relationships. No easy workflow features are available.

“A flexible tool, what gives a clear vieuw over documents/ information and the relations between it.

Pros

It is easy to use (a two-day training is enough to start configuring and building your own database environment); - No programming skills required; - Relatively affordable; - Good support; - Free updates, and Relatics continues to develop the software.

Cons

Without a course, it's quite difficult to configure the tool well, but you can also have it configured by the Relatics team.

“Managing information for a complex contract

Pros

I always have access to my information everywhere. It can also serve as an additional layer over my documentation archive to add clarity without needing to archive documents twice. It's very flexible.

Cons

The downside of this tool is that you can do so much with it, you can easily get lost in all your ideas and create conflicts in the model. Changes in the model affect existing information, so prepare well before starting to record information.

“Relatics @Siemens

Pros

Great tool for managing information; - Reliable; - Adaptable; - Endless possibilities; - Many features; - Knowledgeable customer support.

Cons

An extensive manual is only available on their website; there's no PDF manual or book available. Basic Relatics training is highly recommended before starting with Relatics.

“Used relatics for requirements administration

Pros

The multi-user access is excellent, roles are easy to define, web access is simple, the working environment is robust, customer support is outstanding, and existing Relatics models are simple to expand and update.

Cons

Adaptations made by the vendor may be hard to adjust on your own.