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Timberline vs Procore

Written by Courtney Fuller | Sep 6, 2024 4:13:21 PM

Overview 

Timberline, now rebranded as Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (CRE), has been a staple in the construction industry for decades. It's known for its robust accounting and job costing capabilities, making it a favorite among construction financial managers.

Procore, founded in 2002, has grown to become one of the leading cloud-based construction management platforms. It offers a wide range of products covering project management, quality & safety, financial management, and more, aiming to be an all-in-one solution for construction teams.

Key Features Comparison

Accounting and Financial Management

Timberline:

  • Comprehensive construction-specific accounting tools
  • Advanced job costing capabilities
  • Integrated payroll and human resources management
  • Robust financial reporting

Procore:

  • Project financials and budget management
  • Cost forecasting and projections
  • Contract and change order management
  • Integration with multiple accounting systems, including Sage 300 CRE

Timberline has a clear advantage in construction-specific accounting features, while Procore offers strong financial management tools that integrate well with external accounting systems.

Project Management

Timberline:

  • Basic project management capabilities
  • Document management
  • Job scheduling tools

Procore:

  • Comprehensive project management across various construction sectors
  • Robust scheduling tools with Gantt charts
  • Advanced task management and workflow tools
  • Resource management capabilities

Procore offers more extensive project management features, particularly for managing complex, large-scale projects.

Document Management

Timberline:

  • Document storage and sharing
  • Version control

Procore:

  • Centralized document storage and sharing
  • Version control and approval workflows
  • Powerful search capabilities across all project documents
  • Integration with cloud storage platforms

While both platforms offer document management, Procore's capabilities are more extensive and better suited for managing the large volume of documents typically associated with construction projects.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Timberline:

  • Traditional interface design
  • May have a steeper learning curve for some users
  • Focused on accounting and financial management workflows

Procore:

  • Modern, intuitive interface
  • 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 Timberline's interface may require more time to master but offers powerful accounting tools.

Mobile Capabilities

Timberline:

  • Limited mobile functionality
  • Primarily designed for desktop use

Procore:

  • Comprehensive mobile app with access to most Procore features
  • Offline capability for field work
  • Advanced photo and document management on mobile

Procore has a significant edge in mobile capabilities, which is crucial for on-site use and real-time updates.

Pricing

Pricing can vary based on company size and specific needs:

Timberline:

  • Typically requires a significant upfront investment
  • Annual maintenance fees
  • May be more cost-effective for companies heavily focused on accounting

Procore:

  • Custom pricing based on annual construction volume
  • Generally more expensive than Timberline, especially for larger companies
  • Can be cost-prohibitive for smaller firms

Timberline may be more affordable for companies primarily focused on accounting and financial management, while Procore's pricing model can lead to higher costs but may offer more value for companies needing comprehensive project management tools.

Integration Capabilities

Timberline:

  • Strong integration with other Sage products
  • 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.

Customer Support and Training

Timberline:

  • Extensive training resources due to its long history in the industry
  • Support available through Sage and authorized partners

Procore:

  • 24/7 phone and email support
  • Extensive online training and certification programs
  • Large user community for peer support

Both companies offer solid support options, but Procore's larger size allows for more extensive training resources and round-the-clock support.

Industry Focus and Scalability

Timberline:

  • Primarily focused on construction accounting and financial management
  • Well-suited for small to large construction companies
  • May struggle to meet complex project management needs

Procore:

  • Broad focus across commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure construction
  • Designed for businesses of all sizes, from small contractors to large enterprises
  • Highly scalable for companies managing multiple large projects

Timberline is often a better fit for companies primarily focused on accounting and financial management, while Procore is geared more towards businesses needing comprehensive project management tools across various construction sectors.

Conclusion

Both Timberline (Sage 300 CRE) and Procore offer powerful tools for construction management, but they cater to somewhat different needs:

Timberline excels in:

  • Construction-specific accounting and financial management
  • Job costing and payroll
  • Integration with other Sage products
  • Long-standing reputation in the industry

Procore stands out for:

  • Comprehensive project management across various construction sectors
  • Advanced mobile capabilities for field use
  • Extensive integration options
  • User-friendly interface and ease of adoption

For companies primarily focused on improving their accounting and financial management processes, Timberline may be the better choice. Its construction-specific accounting features and integrated job costing make it well-suited for businesses that prioritize financial accuracy and reporting.

Procore, on the other hand, is better suited for companies looking for a comprehensive project management solution that can handle all aspects of construction projects, from bidding through completion. Its robust mobile capabilities, extensive integrations, and user-friendly interface make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes, particularly those managing complex projects across multiple sites.

Ultimately, the choice between Timberline and Procore will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the complexity of your projects. Consider factors like the size of your organization, the types of projects you typically manage, your need for mobile access, and your plans for integrating with other software tools when evaluating these solutions.

It's worth noting that many construction companies choose to use both Timberline and Procore together, leveraging Timberline's strong accounting capabilities alongside Procore's project management tools. This integration can provide a comprehensive solution that addresses both financial management and project execution needs.

Remember that both platforms offer demos or trials, so it's worth getting hands-on experience before making a final decision. By carefully weighing these factors and aligning them with your business goals, you can choose the construction management software that will best support your company's success in the competitive construction industry.

Sources: [1] https://proest.com/construction/process/what-is-procore/ [2] https://softwarefinder.com/construction/procore-software/reviews [3] https://constructioncoverage.com/construction-project-management-software [4] https://www.sage.com/en-us/sage-construction/ [5] https://www.techrepublic.com/article/procore-review/ [6] https://www.trustradius.com/products/procore/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons [7] https://www.kerrconsulting.com/procore-vs-sage-300-construction-real-estate