Overview
Newforma, founded in 2004, offers project information management (PIM) solutions primarily focused on architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms. Its flagship product, Newforma Project Center, aims to streamline project delivery processes and improve collaboration among project teams.
Procore, established in 2002, has grown to become one of the leading comprehensive construction management platforms. It caters to a broad range of construction sectors, including commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure projects. Procore offers robust features for project management, quality & safety, financials, and more.
Key Features Comparison
Project Management
Both platforms offer project management capabilities, but with different focuses:
Newforma:
- Tailored for AEC firms
- Strong focus on document management and information organization
- Integrated email management
- Action item tracking and to-do lists
Procore:
- Comprehensive project management for various construction sectors
- Robust scheduling tools with Gantt charts
- Advanced task management and workflow tools
- Resource management capabilities
Procore's project management features are more extensive and better suited for managing complex construction projects across different sectors, while Newforma excels in organizing project information and communications.
Document Management
Both platforms offer strong document management capabilities:
Newforma:
- Centralized file storage and sharing
- Advanced search capabilities across all project documents
- Automated version control
- Integration with email systems for easy filing
Procore:
- Comprehensive document management across all project types
- Version control and approval workflows
- Powerful search capabilities
- Integration with cloud storage platforms
While both platforms offer solid document management, Newforma's strengths in email integration and advanced search capabilities may give it an edge for firms heavily reliant on email communication.
Management
This is an area where Procore has a clear advantage:
Newforma:
- Limited built-in financial management tools
- Relies on integrations for advanced financial features
Procore:
- Comprehensive budget management
- Cost forecasting and projections
- Contract and change order management
- Integration with multiple accounting systems
Procore's financial management capabilities are more extensive, catering to the complex financial needs of construction projects.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Newforma:
- Interface designed for AEC professionals
- May have a steeper learning curve for some users
- Powerful search capabilities make information retrieval easier
Procore:
- More intuitive interface with a modern design
- Generally considered easier to adopt, especially for field teams
- Mobile-friendly design for on-site use
Procore is often praised for its user-friendly interface, while Newforma's interface may require more time to master but offers powerful search and organization tools.
Mobile Apps
Both Newforma and Procore offer mobile apps.
Newforma:
- Mobile app for basic project information access
- Limited functionality compared to desktop version
Procore:
- Comprehensive mobile app with access to most Procore features
- Offline capability for field work
- Advanced photo and document management on mobile
Procore's mobile app is more robust and better suited for on-site use, which is crucial for many construction projects.
Pricing
Pricing can vary based on company size and specific needs, but here's a general comparison:
Newforma:
- Pricing starts at around $5,000 per license
- May be more cost-effective for smaller AEC firms
Procore:
- Custom pricing based on annual construction volume
- Generally more expensive, especially for larger companies
- Can be cost-prohibitive for smaller firms
Newforma tends to be more affordable for smaller AEC firms, while Procore's pricing model can lead to higher costs but may offer more value for large enterprises managing multiple complex projects.
Customer Support and Training
Newforma:
- Customer support available Monday – Friday, 8AM to 8PM EST
- Online knowledge base and training resources
Procore:
- 24/7 phone and email support
- Extensive online training and certification programs
- Large user community for peer support
Procore offers more comprehensive support options, including round-the-clock assistance, which can be crucial for construction projects with tight deadlines.
Integration Capabilities
Newforma:
- Strong integration with common AEC software
- Limited third-party integrations compared to Procore
Procore:
- Extensive integration marketplace with 300+ apps
- Connects with major accounting, ERP, and project management tools
- Open API for custom integrations
Procore offers significantly more integration options, allowing it to connect with a wider range of construction and business software.
Industry Focus
Newforma:
- Primarily focused on architecture, engineering, and construction firms
- Specializes in project information management for AEC projects
Procore:
- Broad focus across commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure construction
- Comprehensive tools for all aspects of construction project management
Newforma is often a better fit for AEC firms focused on design and engineering, while Procore is geared more towards general contractors and construction companies managing diverse projects.
Conclusion
Both Newforma and Procore offer powerful tools for managing construction projects, but they cater to somewhat different needs:
Newforma excels in:
- Project information management for AEC firms
- Email integration and document organization
- Advanced search capabilities across project data
Procore stands out for:
- Comprehensive construction project management
- Robust financial and document management tools
- Extensive mobile capabilities for field use
- Wide range of integrations with other construction software
For architecture and engineering firms primarily focused on managing project information and communications, Newforma may be the better choice. Its strengths in email integration and powerful search capabilities can significantly improve information management and retrieval.
Procore, on the other hand, is better suited for construction companies managing complex projects across various sectors. Its comprehensive feature set, including strong financial management and mobile capabilities, provides the tools needed to manage every aspect of construction projects, from bidding through completion.
Ultimately, the choice between Newforma and Procore will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the types of projects you typically manage. Consider factors like your team's technical expertise, the importance of mobile access, and your plans for future growth when evaluating these solutions. Both platforms offer demos or trials, so it's worth getting hands-on experience before making a final decision.
Sources: [1] https://support.procore.com/references/contact-support [2] https://www.procore.com/pricing [3] https://www.newforma.com/newforma-konekt/ [4] https://www.techrepublic.com/article/procore-review/ [5] https://www.softwaresuggest.com/newforma [6] https://projectcenter.help.newforma.com/learning/tip-and-tricks/customer_support/ [7] https://support.procore.com/getting-started-with-procore/navigate-procores-support-site [8] https://www.itqlick.com/compare/procore/newforma-project-center [9] https://www.itqlick.com/newforma-project-center/pricing
