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Pros
I especially appreciate all the extended features, particularly the ability to control user access to specific jobs, folders, files, and more.
When choosing a document management system 12d Synergy clearly stood out as the best in the market for the engineering industry. We would highly recommend.
The ability to check out files/folders and work off line is great for me when I need to work away from an internet connection.
I have been using 12d Synergy with very large data sets and its speed and stability is excellent. The user interface makes it very clear who has what checked out.
Cons
Lack of detailed analytical data available on users, projects accessed etc.
Many bugs with V3 crashes due to SQL being full (company IT associated) but still an issue. Lost productivity due to the crashes.
Somewhat unstable at times. It feels "rough" using it.
Even then, the updates almost never go straight forward. One personal thing I hate is that 12d Synergy always opens on the same screen/location and it doesn't set to the screen I close it on.
Showing Most Helpful
Showing 25 of 29 reviews
"Synergy for Synergy"
Overall: Been able to go back to any version of a document without the need to resort to troubling an external IT consultant is a great advantage. Having 12d Model projects managed with 12d Synergy really simplifies things too.
Pros: The simplicity of the interface, yet the features underneath the hood.
Cons: There nothing to really dislike about the software. If something breaks or is not there, the developer is happy to consider the feature or fix the issue.
"Made us mobile!"
Overall: our workforce is now w truly global. I can work from home or I can work from Fiji
Pros: Enables users work from anywhere, well, anywhere with a web connection. Works with folders of files. User friendly and uncluttered interface manages bandwidth very well. Puts files in the SAME folder each time
Cons: does not yet have zipped downloads. We move files of several GB (aerial imagery & BIM models) around at times and if users are sloppy with their housekeeping it can hurt colleagues who may be on a very slow web connection - but really this is a user issue and the development team are looking into adding this as a feature
"12d Synergy review from Dunedin"
Overall: Version control of files and 12d projects over three separate offices has been improved dramatically. We will utilise further features as we get use to the software over time.
Pros: I find that being able to customise the software to your own specific needs is great. We are fairly new users of 12d Synergy however we have found a lot of improvement in file management, particularly with being able to roll back to a previous version. I also like the mapping feature in V4, and hope that this evolves with the software.
Cons: I personally find some of the menus very tedious and clunky. I have found the amount of bugs in certain versions frustrating, we are always having to update the software. Even then, the updates almost never go straight forward. One personal thing I hate is that 12d Synergy always opens on the same screen/location and it doesn't set to the screen I close it on. Having to download another program just to force it to open where I want it to is frustrating. Other simple things like having to click on column headers to order the files all the time, there should be a default for this for each user.
"12d Synergy #1 CDE "
Overall: We (our team) love what 12d synergy has done for our data management issues. Could never go back to using 12d off our server, 12d synergy all the way..
Pros: Better management of our data Team is more productive and efficient Simple interface/easy to use helped with flexible working arrangements
Cons: Limited Integration with other software. eg. open roads / Revit
"12d Synergy on large projects"
Overall: I have been using 12d Synergy with very large data sets and its speed and stability is excellent. The user interface makes it very clear who has what checked out.
Pros: The ability to manage and collaborate projects designed in 12d Model is not currently possible by any other collaboration package. It is very smart with synchronising data and minimises how much data you need to transfer. The first time that you open/checkout a file you you have to download the whole file - but subsequent checkins and checkouts, the transfer is extremely quick as 12d Synergy is only up/downloading the changes rather than the whole file. The ability to check out files/folders and work off line is great for me when I need to work away from an internet connection.
Cons: Having to host the server hardware requires support from the IT department, but in terms of day-to-day use, I have not found any major issues.
"12d Synergy. One of the most significant pieces of software in our office"
Overall: It has exceeded my expectations - cant see us working without it now. The support is good and fast and the support crew are friendly and knowledgeable.
Pros: Easy filing of emails. They automatically go into the project. Easy check in and check out of documents. Clear to see who has a file checked out. All documents in one place. Great search facility. Integrates well with the office back up and because files sit on the server as well as on the client computer there are duplicates that can serve as back up in many cases if needed (that's saved our bacon once!).
Cons: Cant create a new word/excel document and have it save direct into Synergy. You need to save it on your computer first and transfer it into Synergy. There have been a few set up issued, but they have all been resolved well.
"Great program that is always bettering itself"
Overall: Making the switch from your typical windows explorer to Synergy wasn't without it's teething problems, and there are still some features I'm sure we're not using to their full potential. There is a lot of setup involved, but the more you put in, the more you get out of it, and it's already streamlining a lot of our processes and saving us time in the long run.
Pros: Brilliant for keeping track of work flow and data sharing. If something doesn't work the way you want it to, or you think there's a feature that should be included, ask and you shall receive has been our experience. Customer service is amazing. Interface, especially in the latest version, is user friendly. Saves a lot of time once set up properly.
Cons: Can be a little glitchy, but granted, that can also do with the server/cpus running it. The back end/setup side of things can be quite tedious.
"12d Synergy from a Job Managers Perspective"
Overall: I've had a positive experience with 12d Synergy and would recommend it to other job and project managers.
Pros: 12d Synergy provides great document, CAD, version and email management. It results in everything being in the same place and available to all the necessary users. The email management is very useful. Being able to see all emails relating to a project regardless of who sent and received those emails, makes management easier. Version control and file history provides peace of mind that nothing can be deleted.
Cons: The check in and check out features can be slow at times if the projects are large.
"Data management done right"
Overall: Synergy allows our design team to works from anywhere in the world with a internet connection. Before synergy we had users copying whole projects data back and forwards across von connections. Synergy has saved us countless hours.
Pros: The software allows users to access their data from anywhere with the greatest of ease. It allows 12d model projects to be worked on from remote locations with the speed of a local network. I couldn’t imaging working without it
Cons: Correct implementation with over 100 users becomes difficult. IT staff and Synergy administrators need to be constantly monitoring the database to ensure it runs correctly.
"Colloboration"
Overall: Overall experience is very positive. I only have good things to say about [SENSITIVE CONTENT HIDDEN] and the 12dS team.
Pros: 12dS has been easy to scale up as we identify parts of our business that can benefit from features of this product. Combined with scaling our team up geographically, the ease that accompanied the installation of the FRS to assist our remote users is refreshing. The support is very helpful and responsive to issues when encountered and are easy to deal with.
Cons: Like 12dM, the UI may take time to get used to for some users.
"Standout Document Management System"
Overall: When choosing a document management system 12d Synergy clearly stood out as the best in the market for the engineering industry. We would highly recommend.
Pros: Compatibility with most applications through managed folders. Working with remote offices has always been difficult, however 12d Synergy has solved this while maintaining the speed of a local network. Integrated workflows and tasks allow our project managers to keep track of job progress. Email filing is fast and efficient, and with 12d Synergy's search function we're able to find what we're looking for without wasting time. Works well hosted in a cloud server. Publishing and Issuing files to clients, and being able to track files leaving the office. Excellent support, and the development team are open to feature requests. Supplied training documents and videos help with new staff members.
Cons: Limited integration with REVIT, otherwise no cons.
"Working with Folders"
Overall: Setting up shared networks on new projects always took time and effort. With 12d synergy, a shared environment is usually available from day one and files are stored in a way that works with the software programs I use.
Pros: Nowadays, very few projects I work on have network servers and files need to be shared and saved to cloud based servers. 12d Synergy is the only program I have used that allows me to check in and check out folders. I don't need to zip folders into a single file like with other cloud based document systems. It is a huge step forward and allows me to work with folders and files the way I want.
Cons: I haven't explored all synergy can do. The bit I use, I love.
"12d Model Management and more"
Overall: 12d Synergy gives us the ability to work share across the different geographical regions and offices, providing greater flexibility for delivering projects.
Pros: The ability to manage 12d model projects in an easy to use document management system. 12d Synergy allows users to review the history of 12d model projects and being able to roll back if necessary is very important when managing large data sets.
Cons: Lack of detailed analytical data available on users, projects accessed etc.
"Synergy Review"
Overall: The support is excellent, when problems are identified the team works to sort it out.
Pros: As Land Surveyors 12d Synergy has improved our efficiency due to the ability for us to manage project tasks. The features allow for assigning of tasks, automatic reminders, due dates, notes, easy linking of relevant files. It has greatly improved our productivity. Email management is a massive plus too
Cons: What do Inleast like about the software. Nothing.
"12d Synergy - Help Organise my Business"
Overall: Keeping track of what is required for all our jobs.
Pros: 12d Synergy efficiently allows me to create a new job based on the type of your. From our custom templates the basic tasks for the job are created along with most of the folders we will need to organize our files. The ease with which we can save files including emails.
Cons: I would like to be able to assign an approximate time to the tasks for planning purposes.
"12d Synergy Review"
Overall: All good! Is what I expect as a file management software. In V4, I believe all the features that needs to be there are there. It's time to focus on it being stable.
Pros: I like all the extended features especially being able to control user access to certain Jobs, Folders, Files, etc..
Cons: Somewhat unstable at times. It feels "rough" using it.
"Industry-tailored Document Management "
Pros: This software enables me to manage complex, long-running projects covering all aspects; emails, plans, tasks, inputs, etc.
Cons: As a constantly evoving and adapting piece of software, we occasionally find bugs. The support team both in NZ and Australia are quick to help and respond.
"Plenty of opportunities but needs work"
Overall: The program has provided leaps and bounds in terms of record keeping and consistency with jobs. If many of the bugs and frequent crashes/freezes were ironed out the program I would have very little to complain about.
Pros: The potential for very useful features including version rollbacks and email monitoring for unparalleled record keeping capabilities.
Cons: Using the program slows up everyday tasks such as searching for particular documents and drafting etc. There are plenty of bugs, some of which have been incredibly detrimental. They seem to be getting fixed along the way however each time several bugs are removed a new one seems to pop up.
"Civil Survey Perspective"
Overall: The support team is what has enhanced my overall experience
Pros: That it functions almost identical to Windows File Explorer
Cons: That it stores large amounts of data in hidden files consuming way too much space on the hard drive.
"Gret Software"
Pros: What initially drew us to 12d Synergy was the ability to manage cad files and the integration with CAD software. The more we got into it the more features were found that we could use. The support and willing to listen to improvements / change to the software is also excellent.
Cons: That is does not have a web version/ interface and IOS app yet.
"Collation of emails into 12d"
Overall: All emails are collated easily, all folders in same place not on one computer. Helpful staff.
Pros: Very easy to use, helpful backup and works!
Cons: Nothing really - I find it easy to use and the back help is great
"The only real option for data management for 12d Model."
Overall: Fantastic for working at home via VPN, overall has increased productivity and reduced error due to the elimination of duplicate projects and lost data.
Pros: It's the only real option for data management for 12d Model. Good start up training and support. Roll back feature and read only opening of projects.
Cons: User interface could be more intuitive. Incorporating some 'Wizards' for tasks would help.
"12D Synergy Review"
Pros: Easy to use and flexible to customize it - filing structures, attributes and workflows
Cons: Connection issues and small bugs... for example, sometimes some function like outlook doesn't work properly
"Most User Friendly and Reliable Document Management System"
Pros: -Ease of use -Great support team -Endless amount of features -12d model integration
Cons: -Can be somewhat unstable directly after new version releases but generally settles down after a few patches
"Work Anywhere with ease."
Overall: 12d support is excellent. All issues are resolved quickly and they are able to roll out patches or updates very quickly. Make sure that you keep clients and servers up to date.
Pros: 12d Synergy enabled us to use staff anywhere in the world without having to worry about server locations and internet links. Users can checkout a project and work on it offline anywhere.
Cons: The software works flawlessly with 12d however has had some issues with Autocad and the FRS. All issues have been resolved quickly and the product is fairly reliable now.