Alpharetta, Ga. January 13, 2004: Constructware has completed rollout of a powerful new summary reporting addition to its flagship Internet-based application. The toolset automatically mines project and program data and presents it in summary graphics, so that executives and others are quickly alerted to issue areas and can intervene before they become big problems.

The Dashboard toolset is significant in that it allows effective management by exception, helping users of all types cut through information clutter and act quickly on significant issues. The graphics-based toolset is a significant enhancement from Constructware's earlier Dashboard functionality, which was introduced in 1999.

Another differentiator of the Dashboard is its simplicity—the charts show up immediately upon log-in. "Dashboard was designed with executives in mind," says Scott Unger, Constructware chief executive. "We accept and understand that some executives don't care to learn to use Constructware—they just want the information. With Dashboard, you log into Constructware and the reports are right there front and center. With just a few mouse clicks you drill down to the actual documents."

"This is going to be very useful for Program Managers and Owners," says Debra Kunce, program director for Schmidt Associates, program manager on an $832-million, multi-year building program for the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). "I can look across multiple projects, see where there are outstanding issues and know where we should be asking questions. Maybe it's something minor, a person or company hasn't been filing reports, but either way you get to the bottom of it quickly."

Two of the reports Kunce finds particularly useful are "cost event aging" and "RFI aging." These reports break out unresolved cost items and RFIs based on how long they have been outstanding. "I like the graphic approach (color pie charts and bar charts) of the new Dashboard," she adds, "because you can see the problem areas quickly." Schmidt Associates has been using Constructware since early 2001 to manage the IPS program.

The Dashboard toolset is an extension of Constructware's centralized database approach, wherein data from multiple projects, programs or entire enterprise operations are contained in a central database. The Dashboard is a "push" technology that automatically delivers summary information to each user's desktop based on the report criteria they select. Dozens of reports are available, covering costs, schedule, and other indicators of project risk. By scanning the summary pie charts and bar charts, executives can instantly target trouble spots at the program or project level (cost and budget anomalies, schedule slippage and operations issues). They can then click on the graphics to drill down to actual project documentation with just a few mouse clicks.

There are more than 60 standard reports available in Dashboard, and more reports and additional functionality will be made available throughout 2004 and beyond.

Many software vendors still base their product offerings on outdated client-server technology, which typically uses separate databases for each project. This approach does not lend itself to centralized reporting, even within one's own company. While it is possible to roll up data across projects, the process is often cumbersome and prone to technical problems. Constructware's approach—Internet-based access to a central database—not only rolls up data across an enterprise, it also captures the correspondence and documentation input by other members of a project or program team. This centralized project record is available in real time to project participants—based on their level of information access and permissions. Thus, all members of the project team or program can benefit from access to their own selected summary information, as well as general project documentation and communications.

About Constructware® Based in Alpharetta, Ga., Constructware provides project management and collaboration solutions that enable companies in the construction industry to improve performance and minimize risk. Constructware's core solution is a hosted, Internet-based application that provides building professionals with enterprise-wide collaboration from design through project closeout. More information at www.constructware.com.