Why are AEC Firms Choosing aec360 Over Deltek or BST? Here are 10 Very Good Reasons

Firms on BST or Deltek AEC ERP software have a choice to make: Re-platform their ERP system using the same software developer? Or is there a different, newer approach to their AEC ERP needs? We’ve talked to many firms currently using BST or Deltek who have recently decided to implement aec360 by HSO and Microsoft Dynamics 365 instead of re-platforming, and we’ve gathered a lengthy list of reasons why. Here are the 10 most popular responses from these firms.

#1: Firms using aec360 have the advantage with Microsoft’s $19B investment in R&D

Investing in Microsoft came up as the number one reason for choosing aec360 as their AEC ERP software, which is important to note. AEC firms using other ERP software understood the power of Microsoft’s $19B annual R&D budget and made the decision to move to Microsoft and aec360. Microsoft realized professional services is a major growth market and will continue to invest in solutions designed for the industry. Other AEC ERP software providers must write their own software and, consequently, have a slow pace of development. aec360 clients will benefit from Microsoft’s unmatched R&D effort.

#2: aec360 embedded directly into Teams Encourages collaboration

AEC firms are confident that teamwork on every project is a key to their success. Collaboration is essential. The second reason found to be most popular for firms to leave their current AEC ERP software is the lack of collaboration functionality. Microsoft Teams has developed into one of the most popular ways for firms to communicate and collaborate. Having an ERP system that works inside of Teams is a natural fit and has an astonishing impact on system adoption.

#3: Microsoft AI and BOTS eliminate redundant work

The intense reaction rate to this particular reason is a sign of the times. It’s apparent that AEC firms are insisting on this technology and the increased effectiveness and functionality it delivers. Their present software providers talk about being able to use AI and develop Bots. With Microsoft and aec360 AEC ERP software, it’s already there.

#4: aec360 is constructed with Operations in mind

Many firms have seen a low adoption rate with their AEC ERP software. What was meant to be a firmwide ERP solution has become an “accounting” system. Operations does not want to use the software! Firms that have implemented aec360 are focused on serving Project Managers and championing Operations.

#5: Microsoft Power Platform makes it easy to tailor aec360 to your unique needs

Every firm we spoke with acknowledged their need to tailor the system. Even though their current software was designed for an AEC firm, not everything was a custom fit. The main issue was the complexity of the tools required to make the system a firm specific, custom fit. aec360 takes advantage of Microsoft’s Power Platform – the low code/no code development tool that those AEC firms are needing.

#6: By incorporating Excel into any process, aec360 promotes user adoption

Most firms understand that in their organization, Excel is popular. Many of their employees prefer using Excel over most other applications, especially their AEC ERP software. For these users, aec360 doesn’t need to try to battle with that preference. Whether it’s input or output, most application areas in aec360 have direct links to Excel.

#7: aec360 integrates with other Microsoft investments seamlessly

When it comes to selection criteria, this was also important to our clients. The effortless and uniform integration that a Microsoft based solution provides was comforting in that it will ALWAYS work. Enhancements in one application area are carried over to other applications. All your Microsoft investments work together.

#8: aec360 is the industry’s only AEC ERP software that is truly end-to-end

Being fully connected is critical to all the firms we spoke with. Their current ERP vendors don’t necessarily address and deliver important applications areas the firm needs and expects. As a truly end-to-end system, aec360 is a more absolute AEC ERP software solution. Your firm requires a solid front-end marketing application to manage campaigns and lead generation activities, so we’ve incorporated that into aec360. AEC firms need to manage their talent, so aec360 also has full Human Resources application.

#9: aec360 delivers you the best of both worlds: an AEC focus and a tier 1, best-in-class ERP system

Our new clients recognized that they have complex project management needs., That did not mean that they wanted to give up ANY functionality when it came to their complex financial management requirements. aec360 applies the same financial management foundation as some of the world’s biggest AEC ERP software providers. If you require a sophisticated method to a financial requirement, Microsoft Dynamics 365 quite likely has a solution.

#10: aec360 is being continuously enhanced and improved, so you’ll never have to re-platform your AEC ERP software again

This reason was on the list of most firms we spoke with. They wanted to create a true cloud, evergreen software investment for their new AEC ERP software. That’s reasonable given what they’ve been through. They’ve decided that they won’t be pushed to a new platform down the road. Instead, they’ve “future proofed” their ERP investment with aec360 and Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Talk to HSO about future-proofing your AEC ERP software

If you currently use Deltek or BST, learn more about aec360 and then contact us for a demonstration of the difference you'll find with aec360 and why it's the most popular ERP software for AEC firms.

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