Charlie’s Honest Review of Next Project

2025

Next Project is loaded with features designed specifically for the construction industry. Let’s have a look under the hood and see what it has to offer:

Project Management

Next Project offers a comprehensive project management suite designed to help bring efficiency to every stage of construction. Teams can create schedules, assign tasks, track progress, and manage RFIs, submittals, and daily reports in a single platform.

The software features Gantt charts, calendar views, and a work breakdown structure, making it easy to visualize project timelines and adjust schedules with a simple drag-and-drop interface.

Project managers can modify dependencies, reallocate resources, and respond to unexpected delays without disrupting overall workflow.

With real-time updates and mobile accessibility, site teams can track milestones, update task statuses, and communicate progress directly from the work site. Automated notifications ensure that everyone stays informed on deadlines and changes, eliminating the need for constant manual follow-ups.

Budgeting & Cost Control

Next Project includes financial tracking features that integrate with the accounting platform Xero.

The software provides real-time cost tracking, detailed expense logs, and automated approval workflows for change orders.

The budget forecasting tool uses historical data and predictive analytics to estimate cost overruns and provide insights for better financial planning.

Project managers and commercial teams can compare estimated versus actual costs at any point in a project, helping to minimize financial risks before they spiral out of control.

Document Management

The document control system centralizes project files, ensuring that teams have access to the latest versions of drawings, blueprints, and compliance documents. It includes automatic version updates, cloud-based storage, and search functionality to streamline access to critical project data.

Construction projects generate mountains of paperwork, and Next Project attempts to simplify the process with centralized document storage.

Teams can store, share, and manage all project-related documents, including blueprints, specifications, contracts, compliance records, and RFIs.

The system provides version control, preventing teams from working off outdated drawings – something that can lead to costly rework. Site managers can also set permissions for different team members, ensuring that sensitive financial documents or proprietary data are only accessible to authorized personnel.

A search function allows your builders to quickly locate specific documents, automated backup, and cloud storage eliminates the risk of losing critical files.

Resource Allocation

Next Project provides tools for assigning and tracking labor, materials, and equipment across multiple job sites. The platform allows project managers to monitor resource availability, adjust allocations in real-time, and watch out for overuse or underutilization.

Integrated inventory and procurement tracking ensures materials are available when needed, while workforce scheduling aligns labor resources with project timelines. Automated alerts and dashboards provide visibility into resource distribution, helping teams identify and resolve conflicts efficiently.

The system also includes forecasting tools that analyze past usage patterns to predict future demands, enabling proactive adjustments to prevent shortages or excess inventory.

Procurement

Next Project provides tools for managing purchase orders, tracking supplier deliveries, and overseeing subcontractor agreements. The system enables users to generate and approve purchase requests, ensuring that procurement aligns with project schedules and budget requirements.

The platform integrates with inventory management systems, allowing teams to monitor stock levels and automate reorder processes. Delivery tracking provides real-time updates on shipment status, while contract management tools store supplier agreements and compliance documents.

Automated cost tracking and approval workflows ensure that all procurement activities follow budgetary controls. The system also logs historical procurement data, enabling reporting and auditing for financial and operational oversight.

HSQE Management

Next Project provides tools for Health, Safety, Quality, and Environmental (HSQE) management, enabling teams to document compliance, conduct inspections, and track safety protocols in a centralized system.

The platform includes customizable checklists, incident reporting, and risk assessments to record and monitor safety procedures and quality standards. Audit and inspection tracking allows users to log findings, assign corrective actions, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Environmental management features enable teams to track waste management, emissions data, and sustainability metrics. Automated alerts and reporting dashboards provide real-time visibility into HSQE activities, ensuring that all standards and requirements are consistently met.

Unlike some of the Next Group’s other products such as Next Planning, Next Project’s pricing isn’t publicly listed (classic). You’ll need to book a demo to get a custom quote, but based on similar platforms, expect a tiered subscription model based on company size and features needed.

While some may find this frustrating, remember: that quality construction software isn’t cheap, but the right tool can save you money in the long run.

In construction, the right software can mean the difference between a smooth operation and a complete headache. Just like a well-balanced hammer becomes an extension of your hand, a reliable software tool can become your best friend in dealing with the chaos of construction.

I still have the same hammer I used as an apprentice, I can’t say the same about any construction software tools, however, here are some of Next Project’s features that make me think it could be a keeper:

Simple Yet Powerful Interface

After spending some time with Next Project, I think it strikes a solid balance between functionality and usability. Unlike some platforms that make you feel like you need a PhD in computer science just to log in, this one is quite sympathetic to us non-techy builders.

I like how intuitive the dashboard is – you can tell it was built specifically with construction in mind, unlike other products that feel like more general software that has a “construction” sticker thrown on it.

Like a good tool store, everything is clearly labeled. The menu is easy to navigate, and tools dovetail neatly into each other, so you don’t need to go searching to find what you’re looking for.

The icons and tooltips guide you through the essential functions, making it feel a bit less intimidating to get familiar with. No need to guess what goes where.

If you’re new to construction software, don’t worry – Next Project has step-by-step walkthroughs and tutorials to help you catch up fast. If you can use a smartphone without accidentally calling your mom instead of the site manager, you’ll be more than equipped to deal with Next Project without breaking a sweat.

You know that relief when an architect hands you clear, detailed drawings instead of a mess of lines that leave you guessing? That confidence that you’re in good hands until project completion? That’s what Next Project feels like.

Is it Drawing Revision C or D?

I strongly believe that having site and office teams work from the same live data can save so much unnecessary drama in construction. It’s like trying to build a house with two different sets of drawings – everyone’s working from a different version, and nothing lines up.

Next Project gives me the confidence that it has the infrastructure to get everyone talking around the same table. No more duplicated efforts, no more chasing down missing drawing revisions, and no more arguing over which detail is the latest. I like that Next Project makes sure whether you’re on-site with a tablet or in the office at your desk, you’re always working with the most current information.

Real-time updates mean that when an RFI gets resolved or a change order is approved, everyone sees it instantly. It doesn’t get parked into a folder somewhere in the cloud out of site. It’s visible, it’s tracked, and everyone is notified.

This will no doubt cut out costly mistakes and miscommunication, making sure projects run smoother than a freshly polished concrete floor.

Customization That Makes Sense

Every construction business has its own rhythm. There are different details, different considerations, and different working styles, and I think Next Project gets that. They offer a range of customization options that actually make sense.

Trying to use software that doesn’t fit your workflow is like trying to put a timber screw into concrete. Not gonna work. But with Next Project, you can configure dashboards to highlight what matters most – whether that’s project progress, budget tracking, or those never-ending RFIs.

You can even tailor reports to focus on specific metrics, so decision-makers get the info they need without having to sift through a pile of irrelevant data (or more likely, not read it at all).

I like that Next Project doesn’t force you to stick to a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you need detailed financial breakdowns or just a quick glance at the project status, it lets you adjust things to match your team’s needs.

No software is without its challenges, and Next Project is no different. From the time it takes to master more advanced features, which can leave some users feeling overwhelmed, to the software’s reliance on a stable internet connection, which can hinder performance in areas with poor connectivity, some areas could use improvement.

Pricing Transparency (or Lack of it)

I’m getting tired of software companies hiding their pricing. It’s starting to become the new normal, which doesn’t sit well with me. Like the builder who doesn’t provide their clients with an itemized breakdown of costs in their invoice, you can’t help but feel suspicious.

How hard is it to publish the pricing structure, allowing us to make informed decisions without having to sit through a sales call – sorry I mean “demo call”?

Without any transparency, potential users are left in the dark and can’t make informed decisions. I don’t like that – especially when it forces you to waste time on unnecessary calls and demos just to find out if the software fits within your budget.

It’s like being told your dream home is in your price range, only to find out the floor finishes cost more than the whole budget.

I get that pricing can vary based on company size and specific needs, but even a general range would be helpful for businesses trying to evaluate their options efficiently without wasting time.

Offline Mode That Leaves You in the Dark

Next Project does offer some offline capabilities, but I think its functionality could use a serious upgrade. Wwhen you’re disconnected from the internet, it’s like trying to lay brick in the dark – you don’t know what you’ll find when the lights come back on!

For teams working in remote areas or spots with unreliable connectivity (most construction sites), this can be a real issue. Sure, it’s nice to have the option to work offline, but the current offline features don’t provide enough depth to keep things running smoothly when you’re cut off from the network.

A stronger offline mode with full access to key features would make the software far more adaptable, especially for teams with multiple site locations, that will have varying connectivity options.

Slow Customer Support Response

One of the biggest headaches with Next Project, in my opinion, and the opinion of other users, is the slow customer support response. When issues come up or you need help troubleshooting, you need to get the problem sorted straight away, not next week.

Unfortunately, the response times from the support team often feel like waiting for the apprentice to finish unloading the van – slow and frustrating. You’re left hanging, trying to keep things moving, while the clock’s ticking on your project.

I don’t buy into it, especially when teams are relying on the software to meet tight deadlines. I think software developers who overlook customer aftercare are missing the point. It’s no different from a builder promising a client the world during the bidding stage, and then come Monday no one is on site.

This lack of urgency can really slow things down and create unnecessary stress. A faster, more responsive support system would improve the user experience and add real value to the software. After all, no one wants to be stuck waiting for a reply when they’re already juggling a thousand things on-site.

But don’t just rely on my opinion. Let’s check out what others are saying:

Positive Feedback About Next Project

What Next Project users say they like:

• “Some features support project life especially for long project durations of a couple of years., such as for instance the “change request” TAB: even without a formal CR process in place, it is a useful logbook, thus provides a comprehensive trace of the most important adaptations made.” – Thomas (Source: Software Advice)
• “Next Project” is really easy to learn and to handle, because it is based on MS Excel. All necessary PM-methods are available. “Next Project“ used as a basis, makes multiproject management easy.” – Christoph (Source: Software Advice)
• “Very easy to use PM-Tool which follows the PM guidelines like the ones from IPMA. When you are familiar with MS-Excel- you don’t have to be a pro though- you can get down to the PM Basics without studying vast amounts of manuals.” – Christopher (Source: Capterra)
• “With our first very small project I was already very enthusiastic, because you have a very good overview in the tool and also the data transfer into the individual sheets works very simply.” – David (Source: GetApp)

Negative Feedback About Next Project

What Next Project users say they don’t like:

• “Agile features are missing in the base version and needs to licensed separately.” – Dominik (Source: Software Advice)
• “Company-specific project terms cannot be adapted in the standard version. Adjustments are possible but subject to a charge.” – Matthias (Source: Capterra)
• “The very flexible feature to assign custom resources in Admin mode and how to find them back when customizing the “Data” sheet was not so easy to understand in the very beginning, it requires some learning by doing, then works well. Similar experience with entering holidays in PERT over a longer period of several years.” – Thomas (Source: Capterra)
• “Handling of project changes. Unlicensed users have limited view functions.” – Felix (Source: Capterra)

What Are Autodesk Build’s Ratings From Review Sites?

As of February 2025:

• Software Advice: 4.7/5
• Capterra: 4.7/5
• GetApp: 4.7/5