See It in Action
Partnership Announcement
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors Signs Enterprise Partnership with ProjectMark
ZOOM
Apr 25, 2024
10:30 AM (PT)
Read More

ProjectMark vs Unanet: Which is Better?

Choosing the right project management and CRM platform is essential in project-driven industries like construction, engineering, and government contracting.

Two popular options, ProjectMark and Unanet, serve organizations with unique needs, but each offers different strengths.

So, which platform is right for your business?

In this article, we’ll dive into the core differences between ProjectMark and Unanet, comparing their features, usability, and industry focus to help you decide.

Whether you're a construction firm looking for a CRM that understands your sector or a project-based organization seeking a flexible ERP solution, this guide will provide the insights you need to make an informed choice.

What Are the Core Differences Between ProjectMark and Unanet?

While both ProjectMark and Unanet are designed for project-based industries, each platform has its own strengths based on the industries it serves and the tools it provides.

ProjectMark is purpose-built for the construction industry. It offers specialized CRM and project management tools for general contractors, subcontractors, and AEC professionals.

In contrast, Unanet provides a broader ERP and CRM solution for various project-driven organizations, including government contractors and professional services firms.

Here, we’ll explore the key differences between ProjectMark and Unanet to help you determine which platform aligns best with your company’s needs.

Overview of ProjectMark’s Construction-Focused Features

ProjectMark is uniquely designed to address the specific needs of the construction industry.

Its tools are optimized for managing project opportunities, tracking bids, and generating proposals, all of which are critical for developing the construction business.

The platform’s centralized dashboard provides a clear view of current opportunities, helping teams stay organized and make data-driven decisions.

ProjectMark’s AI assistant, Bolt, further enhances productivity by assisting with task management. It allows users to quickly update information and focus on high-value tasks.

Overview of Unanet’s Project Management and ERP Capabilities

Unanet offers an integrated ERP and CRM solution for project-based industries, such as government contracting, engineering, and professional services.

With robust ERP functionalities, Unanet supports the entire project lifecycle, from planning and execution to compliance and financial management.

Unanet’s focus on ERP makes it especially valuable for organizations that require detailed tracking of financial metrics, compliance with government standards, and end-to-end project management capabilities.

This broader approach allows Unanet to serve a variety of industries, although it may lack some of the construction-specific features that ProjectMark offers.

Industry-Specific Design and User Interface

ProjectMark’s user interface is designed for construction professionals, featuring terminology and workflows familiar to AEC users.

This construction-specific design makes it easier for teams to adopt and use the platform without extensive training.

By contrast, Unanet has a more generalized user interface that supports project-driven industries but may not feel as tailored to construction workflows.

However, Unanet’s interface is user-friendly and designed to facilitate efficient project and financial management across various sectors.

Compliance and Security Features

Unanet provides advanced compliance features tailored to government contractors, including DCAA (Defense Contract Audit Agency) compliance.

These features are essential for firms that must meet strict federal standards, such as government contractors and professional services firms.

ProjectMark, while designed for AEC, does not have the same level of federal compliance tools as Unanet.

Instead, ProjectMark focuses on general data security and compliance features relevant to construction firms, providing essential security without the added complexity required in highly regulated industries.

User Support and Satisfaction Ratings

Both ProjectMark and Unanet receive positive user feedback, but customer satisfaction varies by industry focus.

ProjectMark is often praised for its construction-specific approach and ease of use, which makes it ideal for AEC firms.

In contrast, Unanet has high satisfaction ratings among users in government contracting and professional services, especially for its ERP and compliance functionalities.

These ratings reflect the strengths of each platform in serving their target audiences, with ProjectMark being a top choice for construction and Unanet excelling in more regulated, project-based environments.

How Do ProjectMark and Unanet Handle Opportunity and Proposal Management?

Opportunity and proposal management are critical in project-based industries, where winning bids and securing contracts drive business growth.

While both ProjectMark and Unanet offer tools for managing opportunities, ProjectMark’s features are tailored specifically for the construction industry, while Unanet provides broader capabilities for various project-based sectors.

Here’s how each platform handles opportunity and proposal management.

ProjectMark’s Proposal and Bid Tracking Capabilities

ProjectMark is designed with construction firms in mind, making it easy to track bids, proposals, and project opportunities all in one place.

The platform’s proposal generation tool allows users to integrate company assets, project histories, and team resumes to create professional RFP responses.

With ProjectMark, users can also track the status of each bid and receive reminders for follow-ups, helping teams stay organized and proactive in their pursuit of new projects.

This construction-focused approach streamlines bid tracking, ensuring no opportunity slips through the cracks.

Unanet’s Approach to Opportunity Management

Unanet offers a more generalized approach to opportunity management designed for diverse project-based industries, including government contracting, engineering, and professional services.

The platform supports end-to-end project lifecycle management, making it easy to track opportunities from the initial proposal stage to project completion and financial reporting.

While Unanet’s opportunity management tools are not as construction-specific as ProjectMark’s, they provide robust capabilities for managing projects across various sectors.

Unanet's integrated approach can be a valuable asset for firms that need a single solution for both CRM and ERP.

Collaboration Tools for Proposal Development

ProjectMark includes built-in collaboration tools that allow team members to collaborate on proposals, ensuring alignment throughout development.

This collaborative environment is particularly valuable in construction, where multiple stakeholders may need to contribute to a bid.

Unanet also offers collaboration features, which are geared toward a broader audience and may require more customization to fit construction-specific workflows.

ProjectMark’s construction-focused tools make it easier for AEC professionals to collaborate effectively without extensive setup.

Win-Loss Analysis and Reporting

ProjectMark provides win-loss reporting to help construction firms evaluate their bid performance over time.

By analyzing successful and unsuccessful bids, teams can refine their strategies and focus on high-potential opportunities.

Unanet also offers reporting capabilities, but its analytics are more centered on project financials and compliance, which can be useful for firms in regulated industries.

For AEC firms focused on improving bid success rates, ProjectMark’s win-loss analysis offers targeted insights specific to construction business development.

Ease of Use in Proposal Creation

ProjectMark’s proposal creation tool is designed for ease of use, allowing construction firms to quickly generate professional RFP responses with minimal manual setup.

The platform’s templates and project-specific data integration make producing consistent, high-quality proposals easy.

Unanet also allows users to create proposals, but the process may not be as streamlined for construction needs, as the platform’s templates are geared toward a wider range of industries.

For construction teams looking to simplify the proposal creation process, ProjectMark provides a more intuitive, construction-centered experience.

Which Platform Offers Better Reporting and Analytics for Project Performance?

Effective reporting and analytics are essential for project-based firms that track project progress, evaluate performance, and make data-driven decisions.

While both ProjectMark and Unanet offer reporting capabilities, each platform approaches analytics differently based on its target audience.

ProjectMark’s analytics are designed to support construction firms, focusing on bid success rates and project tracking. Unanet provides a broader set of reporting tools geared toward project financials and compliance.

Here’s how the two platforms compare in terms of reporting and analytics.

ProjectMark’s Reporting and Analytics for AEC Firms

ProjectMark offers reporting tools specifically designed for AEC professionals, helping them analyze bid performance, track project status, and monitor pipeline progress.

The platform provides insights into win rates, which can help construction firms refine their bidding strategies over time.

ProjectMark’s analytics focus on data that construction teams find valuable, such as the likelihood of winning a bid or the success of specific project types.

By delivering industry-specific insights, ProjectMark enables construction firms to make informed decisions and target high-potential opportunities.

Unanet’s Advanced Reporting Capabilities

Unanet offers robust reporting and analytics for a range of project-based industries, including government contracting, engineering, and professional services.

The platform includes real-time dashboards that track project performance, financial metrics, and resource allocation, giving managers a comprehensive view of each project’s health.

Unanet’s reporting features are particularly valuable for firms that must monitor compliance and financial data, such as government contractors, who must meet strict regulatory requirements.

For companies requiring in-depth financial and compliance reporting, Unanet’s ERP-driven analytics offer a level of detail beyond basic CRM capabilities.

Customizability of Reports

Both ProjectMark and Unanet allow users to customize reports, but the level of customization differs between the two platforms.

ProjectMark provides pre-built templates and reports tailored to the construction industry. These allow users to adjust key metrics and focus on data relevant to AEC.

Unanet, on the other hand, offers a more extensive range of customization options for users who need to build complex, industry-specific reports.

Unanet’s flexibility makes it a good fit for firms that require highly detailed reports, although the setup may be more complex for users without specialized reporting needs.

Data-Driven Decision-Making for Bids and Proposals

ProjectMark’s reporting tools are designed to support data-driven decision-making in the bidding process.

By analyzing win-loss data and tracking bid performance, ProjectMark helps construction teams focus on high-potential projects and refine their strategies.

While offering data insights, Unanet takes a broader approach by providing project performance analytics for various industries.

For firms focused on improving bidding outcomes, ProjectMark’s construction-specific analytics may offer more actionable insights than Unanet’s general project metrics.

Tracking Financial Metrics and Project Budgets

Unanet excels in financial tracking and budget management, with ERP features that allow firms to monitor project costs, profitability, and resource allocation.

These capabilities make Unanet especially valuable for project-driven organizations that need to maintain tight financial control, particularly in government contracting and engineering.

While offering basic financial insights, ProjectMark does not focus as heavily on budget management. Its primary strengths lie in CRM and bid tracking for construction firms.

For AEC professionals prioritizing client relationship management over financial tracking, ProjectMark’s features align more with their needs.

How Do ProjectMark and Unanet Compare in Supporting Team Collaboration and Communication?

Effective collaboration and communication are essential to keep teams aligned and projects on track in the construction and project-based industries.

ProjectMark and Unanet each provide tools to facilitate teamwork, but they cater to different collaboration needs.

ProjectMark focuses on supporting AEC professionals in collaborative proposal and project management, while Unanet offers broader communication tools suited for diverse project-based industries.

Here’s how each platform compares regarding supporting team collaboration and communication.

Real-Time Collaboration Features

ProjectMark enables real-time collaboration within a construction-focused CRM environment, allowing team members to collaborate on bids, proposals, and client information.

This feature helps ensure that everyone involved in a project can access the most up-to-date information, reducing the chances of miscommunication.

Unanet supports real-time collaboration, particularly within its project management and ERP modules.

However, Unanet’s collaborative tools are broader and not specifically tailored to the construction industry, which may require more customization for AEC teams.

Document and Data Sharing Capabilities

With ProjectMark, AEC teams can store and share project-related documents, proposals, and client information in a centralized platform.

This centralization makes it easy for team members to access important documents without needing external file-sharing tools, streamlining workflow and reducing administrative tasks.

Unanet also offers document-sharing capabilities, especially for tracking project files and compliance-related documents.

However, Unanet’s document management is designed for various industries and may not be as focused on the proposal and bid-specific documents essential to construction firms.

Notifications and Task Assignments

ProjectMark provides task assignment and notification features that inform team members of key deadlines, follow-ups, and project updates.

These reminders ensure everyone stays aligned, helping teams manage timelines and avoid missed opportunities.

Unanet also offers task management and notification tools within a more comprehensive project management framework.

Unanet’s notification system can be highly effective for industries where detailed task tracking is critical, though it may feel less specialized for construction workflows compared to ProjectMark.

Managing Version Control and Access

ProjectMark’s centralized platform helps eliminate version control issues by allowing team members to work on the same documents and data in real-time.

This feature is particularly valuable in construction, where multiple team members may need to access and update bid or proposal information.

Unanet also provides tools for managing version control, especially project-related documents and financial records.

However, because Unanet serves a wider range of industries, its version control features may require more customization to meet the specific needs of construction firms.

Internal Communication Tools

ProjectMark includes communication tools that allow users to comment directly on projects, bids, and proposals within the platform.

This in-platform communication keeps discussions organized and makes it easy to reference project-related conversations, ensuring all team members stay on the same page.

Unanet also supports communication but often relies on integrations with third-party tools for real-time messaging and in-depth collaboration.

For firms that need a fully integrated communication system, ProjectMark’s construction-focused approach may offer a more seamless experience for AEC teams.

What Are the Costs and Scalability Considerations for ProjectMark and Unanet?

When evaluating CRM and project management platforms, it's essential to consider both initial costs and how well each tool can scale as your business grows.

ProjectMark and Unanet offer different pricing models and scalability options that reflect their unique feature sets and target industries.

Here’s a breakdown of how ProjectMark and Unanet compare in terms of costs, scalability, and long-term value.

Initial Costs and Pricing Models

ProjectMark operates on a subscription-based model tailored specifically for construction firms looking for a dedicated CRM and bid management solution.

While this approach involves a recurring cost, it provides access to features designed to meet the specific needs of AEC professionals.

Unanet, on the other hand, also uses a subscription-based model, but its pricing reflects its comprehensive ERP capabilities in addition to CRM.

For organizations that require ERP functions, Unanet’s pricing can offer value, though due to its broader functionality, it may be higher than ProjectMark's.

Long-Term Value for AEC and Project-Based Firms

ProjectMark’s industry-specific features provide significant long-term value for construction firms by simplifying bid management, client relationship tracking, and project analytics.

Its CRM focus allows teams to save time and reduce manual processes, allowing them to focus on strategic growth rather than administrative tasks.

Unanet’s long-term value is particularly strong for companies requiring project and financial management capabilities, such as government contractors or engineering firms.

The platform’s ERP tools enable detailed tracking of project costs, compliance, and resources, making it a valuable asset for firms that need comprehensive project control.

Training and User Adoption

ProjectMark is designed with construction professionals in mind, making adopting AEC teams without extensive training easy.

Its construction-focused workflows and terminology are familiar to industry users, allowing for a smoother transition from general tools like Excel.

While Unanet is user-friendly, teams that need to fully utilize its advanced ERP and compliance features may require more training.

This additional training can be worthwhile for firms in regulated industries, though construction teams may find ProjectMark’s specialized focus easier to adopt.

Scalability for Growing Teams and Projects

ProjectMark is built to scale with the growth of construction firms, allowing multiple team members to manage many projects and clients without system slowdowns.

Its cloud-based infrastructure supports expanding teams and larger project portfolios, making it a good choice for firms that plan to scale their CRM needs over time.

Unanet also scales effectively, particularly for organizations that must handle complex financials, compliance tracking, and project data as they expand.

Unanet’s scalability across ERP and CRM functions provides flexibility for firms in diverse project-driven industries, though it may be more than what some construction firms require.

ROI Based on Industry-Specific Requirements

ProjectMark’s ROI is strongest for construction firms because it focuses on CRM and bid management functions tailored to AEC needs.

ProjectMark can deliver measurable efficiency gains for construction teams by reducing administrative overhead and enhancing bid tracking.

With its broader functionality, Unanet offers a high ROI for project-based firms that need ERP-level insights, such as tracking project budgets, managing compliance, and optimizing resource allocation.

While Unanet’s features are valuable, its ROI may be maximized by companies that can fully leverage its ERP capabilities rather than firms focused solely on CRM needs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using ProjectMark vs Unanet?

Both ProjectMark and Unanet offer valuable tools for project-based industries, but each platform comes with its own advantages and limitations.

For construction firms focused on CRM and bid management, ProjectMark’s construction-specific features may be the best fit.

On the other hand, Unanet’s comprehensive ERP capabilities make it ideal for a broader range of project-driven organizations with complex compliance and financial management needs.

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of each platform to help you decide which one aligns with your business goals.

Key Advantages of ProjectMark for Construction Firms

ProjectMark’s biggest strength is its focus on the construction industry, with CRM and bid tracking features tailored to AEC professionals.

The platform makes it easy to manage proposals, track opportunities, and centralize client data, which can improve efficiency and bid success rates.

ProjectMark’s user-friendly interface and construction-specific terminology allow for quick adoption among AEC teams, minimizing the need for extensive training.

The AI assistant, Bolt, also helps automate repetitive tasks, making it easier for teams to stay organized and focus on high-value activities.

Key Advantages of Unanet for Diverse Project-Based Firms

Unanet’s primary advantage is its all-in-one ERP and CRM solution, which covers the entire project lifecycle from planning to financial reporting.

The platform’s advanced compliance features are particularly beneficial for government contractors and professional services firms that need to meet strict regulatory standards.

Unanet’s financial tracking tools, including budget management and resource allocation, allow for detailed oversight of project costs, making it valuable for companies that handle complex project data.

With high user satisfaction ratings, Unanet is known for its robust customer support and effective implementation, especially for organizations that require ERP-level insights.

Limitations of ProjectMark for Generalized Project Management Needs

While ProjectMark excels in construction-specific CRM and bid management, it may not provide the full ERP functionality that some project-based firms require.

For organizations needing extensive financial tracking, compliance tools, or resource management, ProjectMark’s capabilities may feel limited.

Construction firms that handle highly complex financials might find Unanet’s more comprehensive ERP features a better fit for their needs.

Additionally, smaller firms with minimal CRM needs may find ProjectMark’s advanced features unnecessary, depending on their scale and project demands.

Limitations of Unanet for Construction-Specific Workflows

Unanet’s broad approach to project management means it is not specifically tailored for the construction industry, which may require additional customization for AEC workflows.

The platform’s proposal and bid tracking capabilities are not as specialized as ProjectMark’s, which could be a drawback for construction firms looking for industry-specific tools.

Unanet’s ERP focus may also introduce a learning curve for teams unfamiliar with financial and compliance-driven project management.

Construction teams may find ProjectMark’s more focused CRM tools easier to adopt, especially if they prioritize client relationship management and bid tracking over detailed financial insights.

When to Choose ProjectMark Over Unanet

If your firm is in the construction industry and you’re looking for a tool that excels in CRM, bid management, and client relationship tracking, ProjectMark is likely the better choice.

ProjectMark’s construction-focused features, intuitive interface, and streamlined proposal tools make it an ideal fit for AEC professionals seeking efficiency in client management and project tracking.

For firms that do not require extensive ERP functionalities, ProjectMark’s targeted CRM features can deliver strong value without the complexity of a full ERP system.

When to Choose Unanet Over ProjectMark

If your organization operates in a regulated industry, such as government contracting or engineering, and requires a comprehensive ERP solution with financial tracking and compliance support, Unanet may be the better fit.

Unanet’s end-to-end project lifecycle management, combined with its strong compliance tools, makes it a powerful choice for firms needing advanced project and financial oversight.

Companies that handle complex budgets and resource allocations across multiple projects will likely benefit from Unanet’s broader project management capabilities.

Streamline Your Operations With ProjectMark

Choosing the right CRM platform can make a significant impact on your construction firm’s productivity and success.

While Unanet provides a comprehensive ERP solution for various project-driven industries, ProjectMark stands out as a specialized tool designed specifically for the construction sector.

With powerful CRM features, streamlined proposal management, and intuitive tools tailored to AEC workflows, ProjectMark is built to help construction professionals manage bids, track client relationships, and win more projects.

Ready to take your construction operations to the next level? Get a demo here and discover how ProjectMark can transform your CRM experience.