Building a tech stack with the right tools is key for any architect or design professional. It only makes sense to add a tool if you’re paying a fair price for features or functions that you’ll actually use, and that complement your other software and programs. Two construction administration tools, Part3 and TonicDM, offer great value for their price. But, what can they do, and which is a good fit for your needs? And who are they best for? Find out in this Part3 vs. TonicDM comparison.

Your introduction to Part3 and TonicDM

Before we start comparing these two software solutions, how about an introduction? It hardly seems fair to compare a software program without getting to know it first.

What is Part3?

Part3 is a software platform designed to help architects simplify their construction administration processes. It offers several tools and functions, including an AI submittal review tool, project reporting and analysis tools, field report functions, management of changes and instructions, quote reviews, and certificates for payment. It also helps architects centralize their project documents into one intuitive cloud-based management system to keep construction teams aligned. 

What is TonicDM?

TonicDM (the DM stands for document management) is a user-friendly email and document management tool designed for the AEC community. This program logs and centralizes important emails (with the user’s prompt, of course) and makes them available for the entire team to review. It also tracks important documents and helps encourage collaboration between design teams, project managers, and stakeholders on projects by integrating with popular email programs. 

Features & functions

Remember that a software program is only helpful if it actually, well, helps. Breaking down each platform’s features can play a huge role in deciding which is the best option for your needs.

Part3 features

• Submittal and RFI Management: Part3’s Submittal and RFI Management tools use AI to scan large documents, summarize them, and flag errors, but it goes beyond logging and tracking. Architects and engineers can also work on these packages with consultants from within the Part3 platform. When they’re ready, they can use Part3 to send them out, straight from the platform with no additional workflows.  

• Field Reporting: Part3’s Field Reporting function allows teams to create and build field reports from their mobile devices. Auto image orientation and drag-and-drop functionality make logging reports easier.

• Change Order Management: Part3 centralizes change orders, pricing documents, quotations, and payment certificates in one place for easy access. Contract values update automatically, and users can generate change documents, track approvals, and collaborate with consultants in real-time.

• Project Analytics: The Project Analytics function helps dreams keep projects and contractors on track, monitor project finances, and determine the source of any changes and their impacts on the project’s timeline and budget. 

TonicDM features

• Email Integration: TonicDM integrates with popular email providers, allowing users to file emails and their corresponding threads with one click for team review while improving transparency and accountability. 

• Document Management: Its flagstone feature, TonicDM’s document management tools enables project teams to store, organize, and access project documents from one centralized database. There are no size limits or additional fees for larger files.

• RFI and Submittal Tools: TonicDM’s construction administration tools also help keep RFIs and submittals organized. When these items are submitted, they’re automatically logged and filed. Architects can then take the submittal out of the platform to work on it in another program. 

Pros & cons

Both Part3 and TonicDM offer solutions designed to streamline workflows, improve communication, and simplify project documentation. However, each platform has unique strengths and limitations that may suit different project needs and team structures.

Below, we break down the pros and cons of Part3 and TonicDM to help you decide which tool aligns best with your firm's requirements.

Part3

Pros

• Features AI-powered submittal review tools

• User-friendly field-reporting tools available

• Project File Centre allows teams to centralize documents

• Procore integration with review and response functionality within Part3

• Comprehensive customer support options available

• Unlimited collaborators, storage, and support

Cons

• More expensive than simpler tools

TonicDM

Pros

• Simplified document management promotes collaboration

• Integrates with popular email service providers

• Quick, intuitive setup is ready in under 2 hours

• Unlimited free support, training, and live chat

• Integrates with Procore for tracking and logging

Cons

• Limited functionality beyond email and document management

Automation & AI capabilities

AI is making tidal waves in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, and many CA tools are harnessing it to streamline processes. 

Part3’s Submittal Assistant uses AI to scan submittal packages as soon as they’re submitted. It scans the documents and gives architects and engineers suggestions for their review. It also compares the submittals against the specs to find errors and highlight them for architects to address. It even offers suggestions for general contractors to ensure that submittal packages are completed in good time.

At the time of publishing this article, TonicDM does not use AI as part of its solutions and features.

Reporting & analytics

Part3 provides reporting and analytics functions that are important to CA teams. The software allows teams to quickly identify bottlenecks and the parties responsible for them. It can also help teams monitor the project’s financials and make sure changes, budgets, and pay applications are being reviewed efficiently. This software also allows architects to track how changes to the scope are impacting deadlines and budgets. 

TonicDM’s reporting functions are based on email usage, document usage, and recent communication rather than project data. For this reason, teams will want to integrate TonicDM into other project management tools that offer more in-depth reporting. 

Integrations

Part3 integrates with Procore which allows architects and engineers to review and respond to RFIs and submittals within Part3 while automatically syncing with Procore. This integration eliminates the need for constant document downloads and uploads and switching between tools. This in turn helps to improve workflows and reduce the volume of emails. Firms also maintain control over their data when operating through Part3 and its Procore integration by allowing firms to have ownership over their work and data.

TonicDM also integrates with Procore’s functions. It pulls data from Procore, such as RFIs, submittals, and other project information, storing and logging it within the TonicDM database. However, this integration may still require architects to download and upload documents as part of their workflow.

Customer support

Both Part3 and TonicDM offer customer support options for their clients to rely on when they have questions. 

Part3’s customer Support options include a blog, live training sessions, webinars, and more online resources. New customers also receive onboarding assistance to smooth the transition, as well as a dedicated support team to answer any questions. 

TonicDM’s functionality is more limited and may lead to fewer questions or issues. In fact, TonicDM states that setup takes less than two hours. But those who do need support can use the company’s live chat (which does connect to a live person) as well as unlimited free support and training. 

Pricing

Part3’s license costs $125 per month per license (if paid for annually), which includes unlimited projects, collaborators, and file storage. Training and onboarding assistance is available as well as dedicated support teams. 

TonicDM starts at $200 per user per year, which includes the cloud-based program, training, support, upgrades, integrations, data storage, and project collaborators. 

Which is right for you?

While both of these programs serve the same industry, they’re not absolute equals in functionality and aren’t geared toward the exact same needs. 

Part3 is a holistic solution for Architects, offering lots of functionality at a price that reflects the volume of features. It harnesses AI to simplify many CA functions like submittal review and tracking. Part3 also integrates with popular programs like Procore, allowing teams to expand these tech stacks and benefit from synergism. 

TonicDM is a viable option for CA teams looking to simply centralize their documentation and communication functions into one platform. These may be smaller firms or those who have older software that currently meets their needs beyond these two functions. It could also be a large, established firm that wants a more specialized focus on correspondence tracking. 

Weigh your needs when choosing Part3 vs. TonicDM

Ultimately, when choosing one of these programs to build out your tech stack, keep your own needs in mind. These programs are both excellent options for the right firms, but choosing the right tool that aligns with your firm’s needs is key to success and getting the true value out of the product you choose.

If you'd like to learn more about Part3, you can book a demo with one of our product specialists today.