Ran Construction Administration for multiple projects over multiple years with this.

The construction administration and project management tools were amazing. I've since moved to a firm that doesn't use Newforma, I desperately miss all the features that made my life easier, and I try to get them to move up to it daily.

Pros

Being able to instantly track just about anything in the CA process of a project at the touch of a button, being able to find any email (and attachment) that was ever written by anyone in your organization about a project, and being able to print out tailored reports easily and quickly.

Cons

There was a bit of a learning curve while initially adopting the program, and we did a lot of ASI's. The nature of ASI's are fluid, their topics, numbering and scope sometimes change, some are written up then not needed, Newforma didn't have a lot of flexibility to handle these types of changes.

Very powerful organization and collaboration tool

Project team (internal and external) Collaboration

Pros

All modules add efficiency to my daily work. I'd highly recommend it for any project-based work or delivery. Easily file emails (which are visible to other project team members/managers), track RFIs, submittal, reports, other project documents from one interface.

Cons

Can be a resource (memory) hog sometimes, slow to open sometimes. Newforma Viewer is slower than other PDF softwares, so I don't use it.

Newforma

Pros

This is a great tool to use for all phases of a project. Document Control is one of the most used and desired tool within my company

Cons

There are so many different ways to do so many different things. Also there is a double log-in that is confusing and cumbersome for all users.Too many apps available.

It's a wonderful document management software

There is a clear path for all of the documents for any given project.

Pros

Ease of use, intuitive UI and comprehensive customer support. As long as the software is managed, it is pretty bulletproof.

Cons

When users do not utilize all of the functionality. There are so many functions that make the flow of documents so seamless.

An extremely valuable program with potential to be great with an update to fix current problems.

Pros

This program is extremely valuable in the Architecture industry. In an age where everything needs to be documented for legal purposes Newforma makes it painless.

Cons

Newforma however is often buggy and slow to fix problems if ever, especially involving their Microsoft Outlook integration.

Construction administration made difficult

Pros

+Notifications regarding submittal and RFIs and drawings are easy to send through Newformas web based software

Cons

-I use this as an engineer getting sent items from architecture firms. It's really how they set it up. An annoying feature is having to log in to download files. I want to be able to download files directly from an email; most architects don't use Newforma that way
-when transmitting files, Newforma let's you include some text. When trying to paste text into the text box, code language will show up on the email transmission. That looks unprofessional.

Project managment and distribution center

Excellent for storage and organization, has room for improvements on day to day file usage and markups

Pros

Single source for all project information including contacts, emails, file transfers, and continuing project management from design through construction

Cons

Viewer and loading times can be tedious, especially when used to other viewers. Email searches can be difficult

Good for tracking

Pros

I gained a new appreciation for Newforma after spending a week trying to track submittals and RFIs without it. I like the meticulousness that it enforces.

Cons

In general, I find the interface to be extremely clunky and unintuitive to use.

Good product

So far it's been great, relatively easy to use. Has a lot of good features. Newforma had great integration with my email and project files.

Great Project Management tool for Architects and Engineers Has come a long way throughout the years

Pros

Newforma has a number of nice tools. From Email management, to be able to view drawings (3D or 2D), and they also have a Construction solution called Newforma Project Center that gives you ability to management your submittals, RFI, etc.

Cons

The Cons for this is probably it's pricing structure. It also could give itself a new interface update, sometimes it is a little difficult to navigate through everything.

Very unfriendly toward outside users

We are using this for a data center job because our architect uses it.

Pros

Tracking ability and export ability for tracking purposes.

Cons

If you do not have a license, you are relegated to the web based client which is very glitchy and does not have user friendly sorting features.

Too Much Effort

Overall a good software to use but does require some effort to set up.

Pros

Easily save emails and attach links to emails.

Cons

Searching for files is not always intutive and different versions of files are available for editing rather than only the latest version.

Share Mass Quantities of Information with Ease

Pros

Being able to share mass quantities of information all in one place and with an unlimited number of people. Access to project information is all in one place.

Cons

The interface is a bit boring and cumbersome. It could be more visually appealing and user friendly.

Newforma

Pros

Creates a simple file management system for collaborating companies.

Cons

Sending files can be slow at times, but not a major slow down.

More info

We are a Canadian construction company looking for an integrated solution