Praesto AE’s professional services software solution was specifically designed by BaseBuilders with architecture and engineering firms in mind. It integrates with existing applications to reach optimal efficiency in administrative tasks, all of which leads to better revenues and client relations. It serves as a central repository for all vital business information and data while providing real-time access to managers and team members to everything they need for project execution.

It can also keep clients in the know about a project’s status through updates when milestones are achieved. It runs well on both Mac and Windows computers, and also functions on iOS devices. With a sleek, intuitive user interface and dashboards giving snapshot views of key metrics, users can also create and define values for as many Tracking Fields as needed to cover every aspect of a project. Notes entered on project sheets are both time-stamped and searchable. Praesto AE has all kinds of tracking features, from time-sheets to project hours, invoices to proposals, or vendors and consultants. Everything can be channeled into QuickBooks for accounting, billing, and payments. This is a server-based, not a web-based solution.

Pros

Here are some of the positive things users have to say about Praesto AE:

• A number of users were surprised at how quickly they were able to get the system up and running, often in six weeks or less, thanks in large part to the high quality of support and follow-up offered by BaseBuilders.
• Key for many users is how well the system integrates with QuickBooks for the financial side of things.
• Several users noted that they opted for unlimited technical support with the system and still considered it very affordable, even for relatively small firms.
• Users general say the software, once learned, is easy to use and that it’s laid out very logically.
• With a money-back trial period, users have plenty of opportunity to full evaluate if the system will meet their needs, and most end up taking the annual subscription.

Cons

The following are all the substantial negative comments users have made about Praesto AE:

• A few users noted that when complex problems arise, technical support isn’t always able to adequately address them. However, once any initial issues are resolved, the system seems to work very well.
• Others note that because dropping a user account involves being in touch with the developers, if your company has a lot of turnover, it can become onerous.
• If you don’t have a powerful server to host the software, plan on it running slowly. Quite a few users complained about slowness and occasional freeze-ups.
• Although most users find it relatively easy to use, just as many feel that it’s not as user-friendly or as intuitive as it should be.

Praesto AE clearly works really well for its users, but can be frustrating if the company doesn’t have a powerful server off which to run it.