Elements XS Reviews

“Ideal solution for large businesses

Pros

Elements is a simple software that offers great flexibility in tracking the data you need. There are no rigid modules you have to adapt your processes and data to. The direct integration with your existing GIS system makes everything much simpler eliminating the need for an additional ETL process.

Cons

If you are planning to create custom reports on your own, then you will have to learn it first. However once you get comfortable, the options for customization are endless.

“Powerful but complex setup

Pros

There is a lot to like about this software. After using it for several years I now wish I had focused more on the out-of-the-box configuration instead of customizing workflows. Also the software works great on mobile devices and was specifically redesigned for this. The documentation has gotten better too and I hope more users start using the forums. Both the user interface and the admin side have a clean, user-friendly design. However the ability to customize adds some complexity which is common with any software. For Elements even creating simple workflows can be tricky at first because there are so many options. But over time we have learned to make the most of the more advanced features.

Cons

To avoid reinventing the wheel, Novotx chose a solution that relies on other products to get things done. It integrates with ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS.com and uses Geocortex Essentials, Reporting and Workflows for mapping and custom features. However this means the administrator has to visit multiple places to configure Elements as some tasks are here, others there and some elsewhere. The user interface could also use some improvement especially when things pop up across different browser tabs or replace what you're viewing. Customizing the user experience is also tricky because everything isn't in one place. The term type is used too much which can be confusing. Including examples in the documentation would help a lot. Lastly the admin side does not offer a way to document actions, reasons for setups or changes made, so this has to be done using external tools like Google Docs or Word.

“Excellent software to enhance efficiency and services

Pros

The features that have had the positive impact on us are Work Order Management, GIS Maps and Inventory Management. These have become integral to our daily business operations.

Cons

In my opinion the report function could be more intuitive. Also being able to export files to an xlsx format is essential for Provo Water Co. but it needs to be easier to manipulate.

“Customer care is fantastic

Pros

Elements XS team, the embedded GIS map and the filters are all great features. I am mentioning this because the value they provide is hard to sum up in just a few words. Overall they really enhance the experience.

Cons

Configuring XS4 Admin and Dynamic Data is a key feature that for now are missing. I hope they will add them soon.

“Our operations have been transformed now

Pros

It integrates seamlessly with other systems allowing field workers to actively use GIS, rather than just viewing it as a reference tool.

Cons

We did face some challenges in determining how to integrate with other systems.

“Excellent and easy with fantastic suppor

Pros

The system is super easy to use, the product is excellent and I love the customer service as they are outstanding.

Cons

I like everything about it.

“Good for field work and support improving

Pros

Being able to create work orders directly in the field is a fantastic feature.

Cons

There is a need to improve communication with customer service although things are starting to get better.

“customizable and aligns with our goals

Pros

Elements offers immense customization. Overall it is designed to align with our existing workflows and make them more efficient.

Cons

Due to COVID the timeline was stretched because of unexpected delays. While we would have liked the implementation to be finished sooner, we understand the situation and are happy with the final product.

“Still expanding and getting better

Pros

The ability to create custom forms specific to the tasks completed in various field applications is proven highly beneficial for us.

Cons

We are still in the process of learning and improving task form functionality for field applications, incorporating the GIS system and planning to expand the asset management section soon.

“Pioneering all-in-one platform

Pros

When we adopted the Elements platform back in 2018 we were ahead of the curve by integrating our billing, mapping, asset management and mobile work order systems into one platform. But its implementation team was there to assist throughout the entire process. Even now their tech team continues to support us, providing quick responses to any technical questions we have as we adapt to the platform's updates.

Cons

My main issue is that you cannot create a GPS feature directly within the Elements map. I work around this by using Esri field maps to create the feature and then attaching a work order. This is important for situations where an unplanned field event needs to be created. Also the tracking and following features in the field are noticeably slower compared to my Esri Field map apps.

“Trustworthy and effective solution

Pros

It is simple to use and integrates well with our other systems such as our mapping and billing systems.

Cons

I feel like it would be really helpful to have a visual indicator for tasks that need recurring maintenance. While you can look it up, having an icon like a wrench would make it much easier to spot at a glance.

“Highly customizable with strong GIS

Pros

Elements XS software is easy to use and highly customizable. Mapping open tasks is pretty helpful too. And I particularly like being able to update GIS feature attributes after tasks are completed like saving the last flush date or chlorine residual for a hydrant which can be accessed directly from the map. The custom workflows and forms let us adjust tasks to fit our specific needs.

Cons

While this is not really a downside since all software has a learning curve, creating custom workflows on your own can be a bit challenging. I mean we can train someone to do this and having an employee with some programming knowledge would help but it's not necessary for training.