PRISM G2

1) Ability to slice and dice client data by various categories/attributes in over 200 built-in reports 2) Ability to export any user interface view to Excel and other formats for offline analysis 3) Variance Analysis (Cost Variance, Schedule Variance, CPI, SPI) at any level 4) Data security, down to the record level, via the OBS feature

I was a client of ARES at Abu Dhabi Airports between 2010 and 2014, after which I have joined them. As a client, the one thing I would have liked to change was the user interface complexity in some areas. However, this has completely been overcome with the introduction of ARES's PRISM G2 version 4.0 and all the subsequent versions that came out, since last year.

PRISM is a reliable cost management solution, that has been tested and proven in numerous programs worldwide. The system continues to expand with every new release, covering the evolving needs of clients in various industries. The system ensures reporting consistency, governance, data integrity, data security and a full audit trail.

I've worked with Primavera P6 for close to 10 years and the Cost Management piece was always what was missing. Developing a Cost Loaded Schedule and then trying to import actual costs from an ERP system was always a stretch. PRISM G2 marries the budget/estimate to the schedule through a Control Account that allows you to plan, track and report progress seamlessly. Costs, Hours, and Quantities are time phased and actuals can be pulled in using Excel or automated through PRISM INtegrator. PRISM G2 was built on Earned Value Management principles, so capturing the right information and being able to report it effectively is core to the software. PRISM G2 also has strong Change Management functionality for tracking trends, creating Change Orders, managing approvals, and applying the changes to the accounts. All around it is a powerful application that is relatively easy to pick up and run with.

The one thing I would change is its name recognition. For a product that originated in the 90s and all the awards they have won, I was surprised I hadn't run into it before. Glad I did, but it took me too long.

I continue to be impressed by PRISM G2. Working for the company, I see behind the scenes, too. The product owners and developers really seem to take the input of our clients seriously in the development process. Overall it is a solid Project Management tool that covers Cost Management, Invoicing, Contracts, Engineering Documents, Field Management, and Change Management. It's probably the best alternative you haven't heard about yet.