Overview
Salesforce was founded in 1999 and has grown to become the world's leading CRM platform. While not exclusively focused on construction, Salesforce offers industry-specific solutions, including one for construction and real estate.
Whereas, Procore was founded in 2002 and has focused solely on developing software for the construction industry since its inception. The company went public in 2021 and has become one of the most popular construction management platforms.
Key Features
While both platforms offer features for the construction industry, their core functionalities differ significantly:
Salesforce Key Features:
- Customer Relationship Management
- Lead Management
- Opportunity Tracking
- Sales Pipeline Monitoring
- Marketing Automation
- Analytics and Reporting
- Partner Communities
- Field Service Management
- Contract Management
Procore Key Features:
- Project Management
- Document Management
- Quality & Safety Management
- Field Productivity
- Design Coordination
- Bidding
- Financial Management
- RFI and Submittal Management
- Drawing Management
- Daily Logs
Salesforce excels in managing customer relationships, sales processes, and marketing efforts, while Procore focuses on the day-to-day management of construction projects.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Salesforce's interface is highly customizable but can be complex due to its extensive feature set. It may require more training for users to become proficient, especially for those new to CRM systems.
Procore is known for its clean, modern interface that's specifically designed for construction professionals. Users frequently praise its intuitive design and ease of use, particularly for field teams.
Pricing
Salesforce uses a per-user, per-month pricing model. Prices can range from $25 to $300+ per user per month, depending on the features and level of support required. Custom pricing is available for enterprise-level solutions.
Procore's pricing is based on the annual construction volume managed through the platform, rather than per-user. While they don't publicly disclose pricing, sources estimate costs starting around $667 per month for project management features alone.
For both platforms, you'll need to contact sales for an accurate quote tailored to your specific requirements.
Target Users
Salesforce caters to a wide range of industries, including construction. It's particularly well-suited for:
- Construction firms focusing on sales and customer relationship management
- Companies needing robust marketing automation
- Businesses requiring extensive customization and integration capabilities
Procore is specifically designed for the construction industry. It's ideal for:
- General contractors
- Specialty contractors
- Construction managers
- Project owners and developers
Procore is particularly strong for those who prioritize project management and field team collaboration.
Mobile Capabilities
Salesforce offers robust mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to access customer data, manage leads, and track sales opportunities on-the-go.
Procore's mobile app is highly regarded in the construction industry. It provides access to nearly all desktop features, including RFIs, submittals, drawings, and more. It offers offline functionality, which is crucial for construction sites with limited connectivity.
Integration Capabilities
Salesforce boasts an extensive ecosystem of third-party integrations through its AppExchange marketplace. This includes some construction-specific integrations, but the platform's strength lies in its ability to integrate with a wide range of business software.
Procore offers a marketplace with over 300 integrations, many of which are specifically designed for the construction industry. This includes integrations with popular construction software like Sage, Quickbooks, and various estimating tools.
Customer Support
Salesforce offers various levels of support, from basic online resources to premium 24/7 support with rapid response times. The quality of support can vary depending on the plan chosen.
Procore is known for its excellent customer support, offering 24/7 phone and email assistance. They also provide extensive online training resources, webinars, and a user community. Many users cite Procore's customer support as a key advantage.
Customization and Scalability
Salesforce is highly customizable and scalable, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. Its robust development platform allows for extensive customization to meet specific business needs.
While Procore offers customization options, it's not as flexible as Salesforce. However, its purpose-built nature means it requires less customization out-of-the-box for construction-specific needs.
Reporting and Analytics
Salesforce offers powerful reporting and analytics tools, including AI-powered insights through its Einstein Analytics platform. These tools can provide deep insights into sales performance, customer behavior, and more.
Procore's reporting capabilities are tailored to construction needs, offering insights into project performance, budget tracking, and productivity metrics. While robust, they may not be as advanced as Salesforce's analytics offerings for general business intelligence.
Conclusion
Choosing between Salesforce and Procore ultimately depends on your specific business needs:
Salesforce may be the better choice if:
- Your primary focus is on improving sales processes and customer relationships
- You need robust marketing automation capabilities
- You require extensive customization and integration with a wide range of business software
- You're looking for advanced analytics and AI-powered insights
Procore might be the better fit if:
- Your main priority is managing construction projects efficiently
- You need strong field team collaboration tools
- You want software specifically designed for the construction industry
- You prioritize ease of use for construction professionals
Many construction companies find value in using both platforms: Salesforce for CRM and sales management, and Procore for project management. If budget allows, this combination can provide a comprehensive solution covering all aspects of a construction business.
Remember that implementing any new software requires careful planning and change management. Whichever platform you choose, be prepared to invest time in training and setup to fully leverage its capabilities and improve your construction business processes.
Sources: [1] https://www.itechcloudsolution.com/blogs/salesforce-for-construction/ [2] https://www.itransition.com/crm/salesforce/construction [3] https://smartbridge.com/salesforce/salesforce-for-construction/ [4] https://www.jibble.io/construction-software-reviews/procore [5] https://www.salesforce.com/engineering-construction-real-estate/construction-software/?bc=DB [6] https://www.techrepublic.com/article/procore-review/ [7] https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/procore-profile/vs/salesforce/ [8] https://constructioncoverage.com/construction-project-management-software [9] https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/procore-profile/reviews/ [10] https://www.procore.com/jobsite/understanding-procores-pricing-model
