8 Reasons Why AEC firms Move from Deltek to aec360
If you're using Deltek Vision, you have a decision to make: Do you re-platform again to a new release of the same, tired software with the same shortcomings? Or are you seeking a new and better solution that can help propel your business forward?
This crossroad is about more than just upgrading your software; it's a strategic choice that could redefine your operational efficiencies and ability to drive future growth. In this blog post, we delve into the eight most compelling reasons why AEC firms are opting for Microsoft Dynamics 365 and aec360 over Deltek, highlighting how this choice is reshaping their approach to business technology:
- 1
aec360 is the industry's only end-to-end solution that delivers the best of both worlds: an AEC-specific industry solution AND a best-in-class business application and cloud platform
Meeting your complex project management needs shouldn't mean losing other functionality. Unfortunately, AEC firms have historically had to make a choice between niche industry-specific solutions and best-in-class ERP and CRM technology. That is one of the significant differences between Deltek and aec360 - from finance and project management to HR to marketing and business development, aec360 delivers best-in-class enterprise-level ERP and CRM solutions, which can help your firm drive automation, optimize efficiency levels, and facilitate improved collaboration and across your business.
- 2
aec360 is designed for operations and seller/doer teams, not only for finance
Old solutions like Deltek have low user adoption because they feel more like accounting software. Users embrace aec360 as it was designed with Operations and Seller/Doer teams in mind. The tight integration between managing pursuits in CRM and planning and executing projects in ERP provides the most efficient environment for those who bring in work and also deliver it. In 2023, SPI Research reported that firms that invest in that type of integration have a larger pipeline, win a higher percentage of projects, and generate more revenue per employee.
- 3
aec360 increases user adoption with Microsoft integration (including Excel!)
Built on the Microsoft platform, aec360 offers what Deltek can't: full integration with the Microsoft applications your teams use every day —including Outlook, Excel, Power Platform, and more. Letting your employees interact with the software they are most familiar with increases their ability to adopt processes and procedures that are essential to running your firm. And because we know that architects and engineers love Excel, the latest generation of aec360 looks and acts like Excel while using controlled data and integrating processes from across your business.
- 4
Directly embedded in Teams, aec360 promotes collaboration
The key to successful project delivery is collaboration. Unlike Deltek, aec360 can be directly embedded in Teams, making collaboration seamless. At the click of a button in aec360, your pursuit teams and project teams can easily spin up a Teams site, making it easy to manage files, notes, meeting transcripts and recordings, and more. Furthermore, aec360 allows users to access many ERP features without leaving Teams, such as updating their project plans or filling out their timesheets.
- 5
With Microsoft Power Platform, aec360 can be easily tailored to fit the way you work
Although you’re in the same industry, each AEC firm is unique. This uniqueness is often the ‘secret sauce’ behind the firm’s success, so no firm should be forced to abandon it to fit into an ERP solution. However, customizing Deltek to support your specific needs is expensive, complicated, and requires a consultant. With Microsoft’s Power Platform embedded directly in aec360, low/no-code tools are there for fast, easy, and cost-effective system tailoring, often possible to execute by using your own staff.
- 6
Microsoft Al and bots incorporated in aec360 eliminate redundant tasks and increase efficiency
Unlike Deltek, aec360 takes advantage of Microsoft's continued investment and development in Al and Machine Learning. Advanced technologies are incorporated into your aec360 ERP solution as they become available from Microsoft. Because this technology is naturally embedded into the aec360 platform, we have a head start delivering these advanced, powerful solutions to our clients. For instance, Microsoft Copilot, which is now integrated in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and continues to roll out new AI features to drive increased productivity, improved accuracy, enhanced data insights, and better decision-making.
- 7
aec360 clients benefit from Microsoft's investment in R&D and professional services
Microsoft invests $28B each year in R&D, which is many multiples of Deltek’s total annual revenue. With aec360, your business platform evolves along with Microsoft, keeping it up-to-date and evergreen. This helps organizations stay up to date with technology and ensures that the platform will evolve to meet the needs of all businesses.
- 8
With aec360, you'll never have to re-platform again
aec360 is not a "new" system sitting on an old platform. Purpose-built for AEC firms on the Microsoft cloud and enhanced as Microsoft technology evolves, aec360 is truly future-proof. By leveraging Microsoft’s ongoing development, aec360 clients gain an ERP system that remains state-of-the-art. aec360 clients never have to wait and play “technology catch-up.”
The transition from Deltek to aec360 marks a significant step forward for AEC firms looking to modernize their business systems, enhance their operational efficiency levels, and future-proof their technology infrastructure. As we've seen, aec360 offers a comprehensive, industry-specific solution that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's powerful suite of tools. From fostering better collaboration and user adoption to leveraging AI for increased efficiency, aec360 stands out as the choice for firms aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry landscape. Embracing aec360 is not just about upgrading a system; it's about transforming the way AEC firms operate, innovate, and grow in an increasingly digital world.
Deltek Migration Webinar: Why AEC Firms are Migrating to aec360
Register for our webinar on Wednesday, February 7, to learn more and get a preview of how aec360 can improve your business.