Sage 300 Construction Reviews

“costly setup and security concerns

Pros

Customer support is something I found this software does exceptionally well which matters since we end up relying on it quite a bit. I also liked how strong it is for creating estimates and managing quotes, thanks to its unlimited customization options. On top of that, the built-in accounting features and financial reporting add great value to the overall suite.

Cons

Biggest downside is how expensive it is, both to buy initially and to keep the license going over time. It also takes a lot of effort to get started with and isn't very user-friendly unless you go through repeated annual training. On top of that, it runs as remote software rather than a web-based platform or local installation which means your data is being accessed from a completely separate computer and that raises some real security concerns.

“all-in-one project visibility

Pros

For me, having financials, job costing and project details all tied together in one system was the biggest advantage. It saved us a lot of time and significantly reduced mistakes compared to managing everything across separate tools.

Cons

Part I liked least was the interface which can feel a little outdated and isn't instantly simple. New users usually need some training before they feel completely comfortable getting around the system.

“Great reporting once learned

Pros

In my experience, once you get used to its quirks, the software becomes fairly easy to use. It works really well when you know your way around it and I found the reporting to be quite great overall.

Cons

Interface isn't very simple and feels outdated. I also really dislike how inconsistent the CRE modules are something as basic as list views should be uniform across all of them, for example.

“excellent value and support

Pros

From what we've seen, the suite is very easy to use and the automation features help speed up our processes considerably. We also felt it delivers strong value for the price and the customer support team has been great to work with.

Cons

The part that could use some improvement is report creation. The reports themselves turn out very well but whenever you need something specific, you usually have to reach out to support for help.

“fast offline tabular processing

Pros

I noticed that it handled information very quickly and returned it in a highly tabular format which was extremely useful for us. Another advantage I appreciated is that it didn't require an internet connection to function.

Cons

Customizing reports was pretty challenging and combining or linking data across modules was difficult. There were also plenty of chances for things to fall out of sync with the general ledger.

“powerful reporting insights

Pros

Over the past six months, we've seen the reporting tools bring significant value to our company. We can analyze and monitor nearly anything we need which has been a major benefit for our team.

Cons

If I had to point out one downside, it would be that the platform feels a little dated. That said it works well with the other software we rely on so it hasn't been a big enough concern to make us consider switching.

“flexible reports and customization

Pros

We found that it adapts well to different needs and I appreciate the wide range of reporting options available to set up.

Cons

There's definitely a learning curve when it comes to building reports and getting comfortable with the software.

“better navigation and customization

Pros

After switching from Viewpoint, we found this system much simpler to work with. I especially liked how easy the interface is and how much easier it is to customize documents and contracts.

Cons

Getting everything set up with our standard documents took a little time but even that process ended up being easier than with the system we used before.

“gets better every year

Pros

Right from the start, I found the software very user-friendly. We began using it years ago when it was still new in the construction industry and even then, it outperformed our previous program. Over time, we've seen it continue to improve and become even better.

Cons

Initial setup process was not quite as convenient as I expected it to be. That said the reports are very strong, although customizing certain items especially rails in our case, can be a bit limited. We usually end up running several reports to pull the numbers we need anyway.

“Simple and user-friendly tool

Pros

In my experience, everything feels convenient and I found it very easy to understand and use.

Cons

Only downside is that I need a VPN to access it.

“powerful features but steep learning curve

Pros

I found the software to be highly comprehensive and the customization options are extensive enough to meet a variety of needs.

Cons

It is too complicated to get started on your own and you really have to pay for additional support before you can actually use it properly. The FAQs are not enough to help you manage by yourself.

“simple to use yet limited

Pros

From my perspective, it's quite easy to use and I appreciate the broad range of email generation options it offers.

Cons

This tool requires a remote desktop connection in order to work which is a drawback I think.

“Versatile multi-department fit

Pros

For our company, having one system that multiple departments can rely on, from payroll to estimating, has been a major advantage. We also experienced a very smooth rollout and training process which made adoption much easier. I found the Info Assistant module especially useful since it allows us to run reports across any module without tying up another license.

Cons

Tracking down the exact inquiry or report you need can be a little challenging at times. The inquiry printouts also feel outdated and look like something produced on a typewriter from the 80s. On top of that, having a cloud-based version would make the software even better.

“Efficient reporting options

Pros

We have access to plenty of functions for pulling a wide range of reports and I find it easy to check specific numbers when needed.

Cons

Interface isn't very user-friendly and it takes some time to get comfortable with how everything works.

“Helpful purchasing but frustrating logins

Pros

I find it really useful to have vendors and purchases organized in one place especially since that's the part I rely on most for handling purchasing.

Cons

Login issue is the problem. If I leave my computer on instead of shutting it down before I go home, the system kicks me out when I try to log in the next day and I have to fully restart my computer. Everyone else I work with runs into the same problem too.

“flexible modules yet dated performance

Pros

From an accounting perspective, I found it handled most of our needs and it was just as capable as a payroll management system. One of the stronger aspects we noticed about 300 CRE is the level of third-party support available, with plenty of add-on tools for document control, time tracking and reporting. We were also able to customize it quite a bit to fit our business needs. I appreciated that most modules support CSV imports which made moving data between systems much easier especially when working with backup documents.

Cons

Our users' biggest frustration was the system speed. No matter what server hardware we used some reports and processes still took several minutes to complete and even after trying multiple recommendations from customer support, the issue never really got better. Over time, despite the annual updates, the 300 CRE version started to feel more and more outdated, with a UI and overall design approach that seemed stuck in the early 2000s. Pulling information out of the system can also be very challenging since the built-in export options are limited and working with the ODBC drivers is difficult even for technical users. On top of that, configuring 300 CRE to behave like a proper client-server application is complicated and the update process usually meant our IT team had to spend an entire evening updating both the server and every workstation individually. Accessing it from outside the company intranet is difficult as well.

“Tool that really delivers!!

Pros

As an extension of the IT accounting software, I found this tool creates excellent synchronization between accounting, invoicing and project management. It keeps everything connected the way it should and makes the overall workflow much more effective.

Cons

To really get the most out of it, the software needs to be updated regularly.

“Simple and practical daily use

Pros

With proper training and regular use, I noticed the system feels simple and becomes quite simple to work with over time.

Cons

It is a bit expensive compared with other open-source programs and people over 50 would benefit from more training.

“full project control

Pros

For me, being able to handle a project from beginning to end within one system is a major advantage.

Cons

The software is pretty strict about how information has to be entered. It doesn't always feel as user-friendly as other programs I've used before and fixing or changing entries can be frustrating.

“really handy and reliable

Pros

From my experience, the features in this software have been very helpful and I find it both practical and easy to use.

Cons

I honestly don't have much to complain about, it's just excellent.

“user-friendly and simple to correct

Pros

In my experience, the platform feels very user-friendly and I can fix mistakes easily without much hassle.

Cons

It could still be improved when it comes to finding answers to different questions more quickly.

“job costing that keeps me organized

Pros

Most of my work revolves around job cost and accounts receivable and I rely heavily on these areas. I find setting up a job very easy and it helps me stay on top of every expense tied to a project. We can quickly access a job through job cost, enter invoices, add direct costs and keep everything moving smoothly.

Cons

I really enjoy working with it but I have run into one frustrating issue. We only have one user at a time so if I'm in job cost entering direct costs and someone else tries to log in without realizing I'm already in there, it disrupts the system and I lose the work I was entering. Then I have to clear it out and start over from scratch.

“strong tools for project control

Pros

I've seen it perform very well for project management, as it connects easily with financial systems and helps generate reports that can identify issues before they become bigger problems.

Cons

Downside is that it takes a long time to learn because the features are quite complex and the price is also on the high side.

“packed with construction tools

Pros

From what I've used, it includes nearly every feature you would expect in a construction ERP system.

Cons

User interface isn't especially good and one wrong click can easily cause mistakes.

“helpful batch invoicing workflow

Pros

I find batch invoicing works very efficiently especially with the ability to create multiple batches and update them as needed to keep the GL balanced each month.

Cons

Reporting feels convoluted and fixing an invoice after it's been uploaded is a difficult process to reverse.

“User-friendly and accessible interface

Pros

In my experience, the platform is simple to use, easy to handle and the interface feels very accessible and manageable.

Cons

The downside is that the software can freeze and access gets lost very quickly with even the slightest connection issue. Even when the internet is still available, it tends to disconnect and bug out.

“Strong accounting features overall

Pros

From an accounting perspective, I find both general and analytical accounting to be valuable and worthwhile.

Cons

Nothing really stands out as a flaw, everything works very well, though it does take some initial learning to fully master.

“Versatile tools for every task

Pros

Depending on the task, I can choose from multiple features which makes the software feel flexible and useful for different types of work.

Cons

It would be better if contract documents and invoices were stored together in one place, along with reports that can be generated when needed.

“project delivery that shines

Pros

Working in construction and real estate, I've found this system helps keep projects on schedule and makes it easier for us to deliver strong results.

Cons

There's not much to complain about, though they could maybe lower the price a bit so it's more accessible to a wider range of users.

“reliable job costing support

Pros

From my experience, 100 Contractor provides great job costing tools which are extremely helpful for employment costing. I've seen how it helps both my client and me track budgets against actual expenses which is essential in construction.

Cons

Moving data over from the previous software and getting everything implemented came with plenty of glitches but the support team was consistently available and ready to help whenever we needed them.

“powerful accounting and payroll tools

Pros

What we've appreciated most is being able to manage the company's accounting directly within the software, along with payroll. Although it is somewhat expensive, I feel the cost is justified given the range of features it offers.

Cons

It's quite a complex software so it can be difficult to use at first and may take some time to get comfortable with it. It should also offer a wider variety of report types.

“Great fit for many businesses

Pros

In my view, it's a reliable choice for companies that prefer a low-risk option and I like how it can be tailored to meet a wide variety of business needs.

Cons

Implementation is slow and expensive. It's also complicated to use and reaching support can be difficult if you don't have a reliable partner. The business model feels quite traditional.

“Practical all-in-one business solution

Pros

Compared to other tools like IT Integrale, I find this software much more user-friendly. The integration of accounting and payroll makes daily tasks more practical and I've found it handles both accounting workflows and project management processes efficiently. I also appreciate the estimating tools which allow us to prepare quotes and client proposals quickly.

Cons

From a security standpoint, I really don't like the user creation process. When logged in as an administrator, all credentials can be viewed in plain text which is a serious concern. Also even though IT 100 Contractor includes a wide range of features some businesses may still have very specific needs that the software doesn't fully cover. Customizing it to match unique business requirements can be difficult.

“frustrating mismatch for construction workflows

Pros

Honestly there isn't anything about this platform that I can say I appreciated and I didn't really find any standout positives while using it.

Cons

This platform felt built around an extremely narrow and outdated view of construction contracting and management. It doesn't line up with industry standards or common methodologies at all especially in the government sector. The whole thing comes across like the developer took shortcuts in the SQL database design instead of fully thinking through the many business-process variations that come with real construction management. Every module's interface pushes you into the developer's limited method which really highlights their lack of experience and weak understanding of how construction management actually works. Even the most basic tasks take way too many disconnected steps across far too many screens and it creates constant mental friction. You may end up trying to invent workarounds just to function and then realize those do not solve the problem either. Something as simple as entering a contact's company title becomes ridiculous when you discover you are forced to choose from a dropdown that can only be modified in the Contact Management Settings module. It's absurd and that same poor design shows up throughout every module. The standard reports are underwhelming and the custom reporting tools feel like a throwback to old SQL and Access-style report builders. The Excel import tools are not worth the trouble either. On top of needing to downgrade files to 97/03 format, you have to rely on their canned spreadsheets and still go through a bunch of manual steps afterward to finish the entries. I could keep listing issues but nearly every part of the platform is built this way.

“versatile reporting and module builder

Pros

I found getting started with this program very easy, as it doesn't require any special expertise. It makes it simple for me to create functions and modules with Crystal Reports and I can build new modules quickly and conveniently. Tasks like inventory management, job postings, invoice design and printing and batch management are all much easier for me to handle with it.

Cons

It would be even better if it included an API for integration with SIMEM plant and Marcantonini plant databases since that would add a very valuable feature.

“Works well with basic software skills

Pros

This tool really helps me manage business operations efficiently especially since I'm comfortable with using software and understand the basics.

Cons

Its weak point is that it can run slowly on computers with low RAM capacity.

“reliable building platform

Pros

A dependable building software backed by an excellent, highly capable support team and I found it stands out as one of the leading solutions in the construction software market. Its moderate level of complexity when integrating with third-party applications makes it a strong option for businesses that already have well-established master data and clearly defined construction standards.

Cons

If capacity planning is not assessed properly, the total cost of ownership can become quite expensive. Getting administrators and staff trained through its University helps you get the most value from the investment. Custom features also require careful attention and guidance from experienced advisors.

“payroll and estimates boost work

Pros

The standout parts of this software for me are the estimation calculations and payroll management and I find both features really useful. They help me make construction work faster and much simpler to handle.

Cons

One issue I've noticed is that future estimates are sometimes calculated incorrectly and don't always match up. Aside from that, everything else works well and feels good overall.

“practical for home and office

Pros

For construction and real estate work, I find it very practical to use both at home and in the office.

Cons

For construction and real estate, I haven't had any bad experience with it.

“efficient accounting companion

Pros

Using this accounting software has been very easy for me and I've found it works efficiently for what I need.

Cons

I haven't run into any issues with the software.

“Reliable suite and CRE performance

Pros

What really stands out to me is how reliable this software has been especially across the IT suite. We use it with CRE quite a lot as well and I've noticed it almost never gives us problems which is definitely not something I can say about IT 100.

Cons

From a security perspective, the user creation process is a concern. After logging in as an admin, you're able to see all credentials in plain text which I really don't like.

“strong reporting but dated feel

Pros

It comes with a wide range of options and after learning how the software works, I found using it becomes fairly easy. It does an excellent job with reporting and tracking projects from beginning to end.

Cons

Interface feels a bit outdated and performance can be slow from time to time.

“project tracking with clear financials

Pros

Keeping projects organized is easy with this software and I can rely on the financial reporting being accurate enough for everyone to see the full picture. It also helps me spot gaps and potential issues early which gives us time to fix them before they turn into real problems. On top of that, I find printing both cost-based and fixed-price invoices very convenient.

Cons

Pricing is on the higher side especially if you want access to all of the modules and that can be tough for smaller businesses to afford.

“Capable financial statement tools

Pros

Any AP errors are simple for me to fix, setting up new bank accounts in CM is easy and I find the GL Financial Statement Designer very complete.

Cons

AP Waiver Releases trail could be improved and in GL I'd really like the option to close a month on any day instead of only at the end of full periods so it would be easier to check financial statement progress during the month. I know the Year-to-Date Ledger is available but having a summary view would be much more helpful.

“Optimal financial visibility

Pros

Having visibility across every financial module has been a big plus for me. The Job Cost reports give me a great overall view of each project and I find the Accounts Payable side very user-friendly compared to other programs I've worked with.

Cons

Our team uses Procore Construction Software as well and it would make a huge difference if the integration fully extended across all financial tools especially for exporting data. Better movement of A/R billing and payment data along with A/P invoice and payment data would really improve how we manage projects from end to end.

“helpful reports and simple workflow

Pros

Navigating the software feels very user-friendly to me and I find it simple to use overall. The reporting feature is also something I really appreciate.

Cons

Correcting a mistake can be frustrating and the process tends to take longer than it should.

“quick transition from quickbooks

Pros

Coming from years of using QuickBooks, I found getting comfortable with this software didn't take long at all. The learning curve felt very manageable because a lot of it made sense to me right away.

Cons

Everything across the platform was easy to pick up and it connected really well with payroll along with the other parts of my work so I didn't run into any issues moving between tasks.

“valuable insights and stronger decisions

Pros

Having this in place has given us much better visibility into the business and I've gained useful insights that help us stay ahead instead of reacting late. Because of that, we've made better decisions, increased revenue and improved overall performance. I depend on it a lot for key information and reporting and I also find the support team approachable with plenty of knowledge available when needed.

Cons

The reporting side of this software is by far its weakest area. It really needs an update and should be much simpler to build and customize reports around a company's actual needs. We stopped using it after the first four months and ended up losing $30K and I'm now beginning litigation in an attempt to recover that money.

“Strong fit for rental and accounting

Pros

It has been a really great fit for our company and I've found it especially useful for handling our rental portfolio, tracking new construction projects and managing general ledger accounting all in one system.

Cons

Because the software is so powerful, getting new employees up to speed can take a while and there's definitely a learning curve during training.

“favorites tab and live financial updates

Pros

Being able to customize the favorites tab has been really useful for me, as it helps keep important tasks saved for quick reference. I also like how the document designer handles creating custom forms and invoices and I find the live project financial updates based on costs in the project management tool a big plus.

Cons

Account setup and configuring of billing costs in the system took a while. Once everything was in place, the live updates for costs and billing made the effort worthwhile. It definitely pays off to take the time to set it up properly from the start.