Newforma Project Center

Overview

Newforma Project Center is on-premise project information management software for architecture, engineering, construction and owner/operator teams. It is best suited to firms that need project records and email gathered across existing systems, with the server-based setup in place to support that work.

Its strongest case is a shared, searchable project view paired with document control and optional contract workflows. The trade-off is a firm connection requirement: Project Center clients do not work without an active connection to a Project Center Server.

Key features

Searchable project records

Project Center brings data and email from connected applications, platforms and storage locations into a central project view. Teams can search project information, and project emails can be made searchable across the team. That is useful where decisions depend on finding correspondence and records across multiple systems; the value depends on the relevant tools being connected.

Document and contract control

Document control covers issuing packages, managing revisions and tracking status. Drawing versioning and transmittals are also supported, making the product relevant to teams that need a controlled document trail rather than a general-purpose file store. The Contract Management Edition adds automated workflows for RFIs, submittals and change orders, while the Standard Edition does not include those contract-management features.

Connectors and field coordination

Project Center Connectors exchange project information with existing tools and bring it into the central view. Integrations include Autodesk ACC, BIM 360, Revit, Navisworks, Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, Procore, ConstructEx, Bluebeam Studio, Bentley ProjectWise, VisiSpecs, NBS Chorus, Rapport3 and CMap. This breadth can help firms retain established systems while improving access to project information, but connector needs should guide edition choice.

The product is intended to connect office and field teams and reduce communication delays, construction errors and rework. Communication between Project Center Servers and Info Exchange is encrypted with digital certificates. These strengths do not remove the practical constraint that clients need an active server connection.

Pricing

Project Center is paid software with custom pricing; all three editions have custom pricing.

• Standard Edition: Includes file and email management, search, document control, action items, project teams, and Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, Bentley ProjectWise and other ERP connectors. It is the fit for teams focused on shared project information and document workflows without the added contract-management or enterprise connector package.
• Contract Management Edition: Includes all Standard features, plus RFIs and submittals, contract management and field management. It suits teams that need those contract and field workflows built into the same project environment.
• Enterprise Edition: Includes all Standard and Contract Management features, plus Autodesk ACC, BIM 360, Revit and Navisworks data connectors; Procore, ConstructEx and Autodesk BIM 360 workflow connectors; and a Bluebeam Studio connector. It is the broadest fit for firms relying on that mix of design and construction systems.

Because pricing is custom, buyers will need a quote to compare editions against their connector and workflow requirements.

Platforms

Project Center is available for Android, iOS, web and Windows. Its clients require an active connection to a Project Center Server, so this is not a fit for teams that need clients to keep working while disconnected. Newforma mobile apps are free to download from the iOS App Store and Google Play, but Project Center customers need Tenth Edition or higher to use them. Each mobile app can be used on one project at a time at no charge; other projects require an applicable subscription unless unlimited access is provided. Offline mobile access is supported.

Who it's for

Project Center is aimed at architecture, engineering, construction and owner/operator firms that need searchable project correspondence, controlled documents and connected workflows across existing project systems. It is a stronger fit for organizations with a Project Center Server and a clear need for its edition-specific connectors or contract administration than for teams seeking an independently usable client or a low-cost entry plan.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Search spans project information and team email, helping keep decisions grounded in records across connected systems.
• Pro: Document control includes packages, revisions, status, drawing versioning and transmittals; higher editions add RFI, submittal and contract workflows.
• Pro: A wide connector roster can centralize information without requiring firms to abandon their existing tools.
• Con: Every client needs an active Project Center Server connection, limiting disconnected use.
• Con: Mobile use beyond one project per app at no charge depends on an applicable subscription or unlimited access.
• Con: Custom pricing makes edition costs harder to compare before requesting a quote.

Alternatives

For a broader shortlist, see Construction Document Management Software.

• Dalux is worth considering for teams that want a free punch-list tool with unlimited tasks and up to three active projects or buildings under its free-use terms; it also offers a free trial.
• Asite offers paid per-user plans, including Asite 3D Repo starting at from $50 (priced on request) and Common Data Environment starting at from $70 (priced on request), so it may suit buyers comparing priced alternatives.
• Autodesk Docs is another paid option with Android, iOS and web support.
• PlanRadar may suit a small team looking for a paid plan with a free trial; its Basic plan is $32 a month, per user, with a one-user maximum.
• Oracle Aconex is another paid option available on Android, iOS and web.
• InEight offers paid per-user options, including Compliance & Completions NOW at $55 a month and Document NOW at $73 a month.
• Thinkproject uses custom quotes tailored to business requirements, making it a relevant alternative for buyers comparing quote-based software.
• ProjectTeam.com offers a free Contributor plan for invited project access, shared forms and files, with access depending on a Subscriber.

Verdict

Choose Newforma Project Center if your architecture, engineering, construction or owner/operator firm needs searchable project email, disciplined document control and connectors that bring existing systems into one project view. Its edition structure gives teams a route from core document work to contract administration and broader connectors. Look elsewhere if active server connectivity or subscription terms for additional mobile projects do not suit the way your team works.