Submittal Exchange vs Procore

Overview

Submittal Exchange, developed by Oracle, is a cloud-based construction management solution that focuses primarily on document management, particularly for submittals and RFIs. Known for its user-friendly interface and streamlined approach, Submittal Exchange excels in facilitating the review, exchange, and archiving of construction documents.

Procore, on the other hand, is a comprehensive construction management platform that offers a wide range of tools covering various aspects of project management, quality and safety, construction financials, and field productivity. Procore aims to be an all-in-one solution, connecting all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Features

Submittal Exchange

Submittal Exchange offers a focused set of features designed to streamline document management in construction projects:

• Document management: Efficient organization and storage of project documents
• Submittal tracking: Comprehensive tools for managing and tracking submittal processes
• RFI management: Streamlined handling of Requests for Information
• Secure file sharing: Safe and controlled sharing of sensitive project documents
• Automated reminders: System-generated notifications to keep project timelines on track

Procore

Procore provides a more extensive suite of features, covering various aspects of construction project management:

• Project management: Tools for scheduling, task management, and resource allocation
• Document management: Robust system for organizing and tracking project documents
• Drawing management: Features for handling and updating project drawings and blueprints
• RFI and submittal tracking: Comprehensive tools for managing these critical processes
• Daily logs: Easy-to-use system for recording and tracking daily project activities
• Punch lists: Digital tools for creating and managing punch lists
• Bidding tools: Features to streamline the bidding process
• Financial management: Tools for budget tracking, forecasting, and change order management

Feature Comparison

When comparing Submittal Exchange and Procore, several key areas highlight the differences between these two platforms:

Document Management

Submittal Exchange excels in its focused approach to document management, particularly for submittals and RFIs. The platform is designed to make the process of exchanging, reviewing, and archiving construction documents as smooth as possible. Its streamlined interface allows users to quickly find and access the documents they need.

Procore offers robust document management as part of its broader suite of tools. It includes features for managing drawings, specifications, and other project documents, all integrated with its other project management functions. While comprehensive, some users may find the breadth of features initially overwhelming.

Project Management

Submittal Exchange is primarily focused on document management and doesn't offer comprehensive project management tools. Its strength lies in its specialized approach to handling submittals and RFIs efficiently.

Procore provides a full suite of project management features, including scheduling, task management, and resource allocation. This makes it a more versatile solution for managing all aspects of a construction project, from planning to execution and closeout.

Financial Management

Submittal Exchange doesn't offer built-in financial management tools, maintaining its focus on document management and communication.

Procore includes financial management features such as budget tracking, forecasting, and change order management. This integration of financial tools with project management features can provide a more holistic view of project health and performance.

Collaboration and Ease of Use

Both Submittal Exchange and Procore facilitate collaboration, but in different ways:

Submittal Exchange focuses on document-centric collaboration, allowing team members to review and comment on submittals and RFIs efficiently. Users praise its intuitive interface and ease of navigation, making it simple to find and work with project documents.

Procore offers broader collaboration tools, including in-app messaging, task assignments, and shared calendars. While generally considered user-friendly, some users note that its extensive feature set can initially feel overwhelming, particularly for those new to construction management software.

Mobile Accessibility and Integration

In today's mobile-first world, the ability to access project information on-the-go is crucial. Both platforms offer mobile solutions, but with varying degrees of functionality:

Submittal Exchange offers mobile access, though detailed information about its mobile app functionality is limited. The platform does provide integration capabilities, allowing it to work with other construction management tools.

Procore provides robust mobile apps for both iOS and Android, enabling users to access project information and perform tasks on-the-go. However, some users have reported issues with the Android app, including crashes and limited functionality compared to the desktop version. Procore boasts over 500 integrations and apps in its marketplace, allowing users to connect Procore with a wide range of other tools and systems they may already be using.

Pricing and Customer Support

Pricing is a significant factor in choosing between these platforms:

• Submittal Exchange pricing information is not readily available, but it's described as more expensive to implement than Procore.
• Procore offers custom pricing based on the construction volume of the company. For organizations running $3M or less in construction volume each year, pricing starts around $4,500 annually.

Both platforms offer customer support, but user experiences vary:

• Submittal Exchange is noted for having a great support team, with users appreciating the responsiveness and helpfulness of the customer support staff.
• Procore receives mixed reviews for its customer support. While some users praise the 24/7 support and high customer satisfaction rates, others report issues with response times and problem resolution.

Conclusion

Choosing between Submittal Exchange and Procore depends on your specific needs and resources. If you're primarily looking for a focused, user-friendly solution for managing submittals and RFIs, Submittal Exchange may be the better choice. If you need a comprehensive construction management platform that covers everything from document management to financial tracking, Procore might be more suitable.

Both platforms have their strengths and are well-regarded in the industry. Consider factors such as the size of your projects, your budget, the specific features you need, and your team's technical expertise when making your decision. It's also recommended to take advantage of any free trials or demos offered by these platforms to get a firsthand experience before committing.

Remember, the best software is the one that fits your specific workflows and helps your team work more efficiently. Take the time to assess your needs carefully and choose the solution that will best support your construction projects.