2012 Review of Sage Master Builder

When creating invoices, users can bill by job and phase and can quickly view a contract summary that shows change orders, percent billed, balance on contract and percent complete. With the Time and Materials billing function within the AR module, the contractor can easily generate invoices based upon overhead costs and desired markup. On customer invoices, the markup can be visible or not shown, depending upon preference.

Sage Master Builder includes a full-time audit trail that tracks all transactions and data entry tasks, logging user, date and time. An audit error utility and payroll audit function are also included. A year-end closing wizard assists with the year-end closing process. The system offers user-level access rights and user groups, with granular permission to specific features. The program also offers additional optional modules for inventory, project management, scheduling, document control, estimating and equipment management.

Construction/Contractor-Specific Features - 4.75 Stars

Sage Master Builder has a strong collection of production-focused modules and features designed to streamline construction management tasking. To start with the beginning of a new project business cycle, the system's estimating module helps to closely manage costs, and an add-on module, Sage Estimating, includes takeoff reports, parts pricing, assemblies, part/assembly classes, takeoffs, board footage and a parts database. As a result of this detailed management, the estimating feature helps create accurate cost projections that can be fully customized to each client or prospect, and that automatically uses the most up-to-date pricing from subcontractors, vendors and labor. When converting an estimate into a live project, users can easily create budgets, subcontracts and purchase orders. The system also offers integration with third-party planning and estimating programs.

Sage Master Builder's production-focused functions are centered around a impressive scheduling feature that helps optimize the use of resources and time, with project, subcontract, budget and milestone oversight easily viewed by foremen and management. It includes the ability to create task lists for vendors and subcontractors, and screens are automatically populated with data from the original estimate and change orders.

Project management tools include detailed job costing, with benchmarking of projects, subcontractor contracts and progress-based billing. Change order processing, including saving of customer approvals, is handled via easy-to-use screens that include project cost and billing changes. The system offers detailed customer management screens that include billing histories, payment details and access to certificates and additional customer information screens. Similar screens enable management of vendor data, with quick access to payables and purchase order functions. Subcontractor management utilities include budgeting and tracking of liability insurance certificates.

The built-in employee payroll functions include management tools that can track any number of deductions, multiple wages per employee, salary advances and bonuses. Inventory tools allow tracking individual parts and assemblies in multiple warehouse/yard locations. Purchasing capabilities include quick generation of purchase orders from estimates, and completion-based ordering. An equipment management feature also offers tracking and cost allocation to projects, while monitoring scheduled maintenance requirements.

Newly-enhanced dispatch options are focused on the dispatch board, which enables more effective management and communication with technicians in the field. It allows tracking of incoming calls, work orders and bills. The service management module offers color-coded prioritization of jobs and advance scheduling of technicians, with the ability to email service orders directly from within the program.

Reporting & Management Tools - 4.5 Stars