PIM
VS
Learn how we compare to DeltekPIM and how we would support your to move to Total Synergy.
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Total Synergy is a project management platform built specifically for architecture and engineering firms.
While Deltek PIM focuses primarily on project information and document control, Total Synergy connects project management, resourcing, financial visibility and reporting in one system while still allowing you to keep your existing accounting platform such as Xero, MYOB or Sage.
For practices looking for stronger operational visibility without moving to a full ERP environment, Total Synergy provides a purpose-built alternative.
Project Management
Access a central hub to manage projects from start to finish
Resourcing
Resource and manage your team for better productivity
Timesheets
Record and monitor time spent on tasks
Invoicing
Generate and manage client invoices seamlessly
Revenue Forecasting
Predict and plan future revenue streams accurately
Reporting & Dashboards
Visualise project data for informed decision-making
CRM
Manage project opportunities
HR
Manage leave and skills
Insights
Advanced pre-built reports for deeper business insights
Premium API
Integrate seamlessly with other software
Unified Workspaces
Document Control
Email Management
Integrations
You’ll be supported by a dedicated onboarding consultant from day one. Most firms complete implementation within 45 days.
Your account executive will take you through the platform.
Your account executive will share the commercial details and confirm the right package for your firm.
Meet your onboarding consultant, so you can ask any questions you may have about migrating data or onboarding.
If you’d like to take Total Synergy for a test run before you buy, we can offer you a test environment.
Collect essential information for customisation.
Learn how to configure financial settings and import your staff and contacts.
Upload projects, enter key details, and configure project settings.
Set up cost centers, financial structures, and import project financials.
Create project plans, budgets, and fee proposals.
Set up timesheet tracking and learn how to manage project costs.
Track project financials, review budget vs. actuals, and learn how to invoice.
Review reporting, templates, and integrate Synergy with your accounting tools.
Customise training sessions for different user roles and ensure a smooth transition.
Congrats! You’re ready to start using Total Synergy.
At this point you can ask your Consultant any final questions regarding upload spreadsheets, configuration and invoicing processes in Synergy.
You’ll be supported by a dedicated onboarding consultant from day one. Most firms complete implementation within 45 days.
EVALUATION
Demonstration
Your account executive will take you through the platform.
Commericals
Your account executive will share the commercial details and confirm the right package for your firm.
Consult
Meet your onboarding consultant, so you can ask any questions you may have about migrating data or onboarding.
Agreement
Signed, sealed & delivered the contract. Time to start onboarding!
LAYING THE FOUNDATION
Meet the Team
Collect essential information for customisation.
Staff & Contacts
Learn how to configure financial settings and import your staff and contacts.
Projects
Upload projects, enter key details, and configure project settings.
Financials
Set up cost centers, financial structures, and import project financials.
Project Creation
Create project plans, budgets, and fee proposals.
TRAINING
Project Costs & Timesheets
Set up timesheet tracking and learn how to manage project costs.
Invoicing
Track project financials, review budget vs. actuals, and learn how to invoice.
Workflows & Documents
Review reporting, templates, and integrate Synergy with your accounting tools.
Team Training
Customise training sessions for different user roles and ensure a smooth transition.
Onboarding Complete!
You’re ready to start using Total Synergy.
Lab-works Architecture
Total Synergy + SynergyPIM
DeltekPIM
What it is
Practice management platform. Documents sit inside project records alongside budgets, WIP, invoicing, and resourcing.
Dedicated document control and compliance platform. No financial engine or project accounting.
Microsoft 365 integration
SynergyPIM creates a SharePoint site and Teams channel per project. Files sync bidirectionally. Teams work in familiar Microsoft tools.
Many firms run SharePoint alongside PIM for day-to-day work because the check-in/check-out model is too rigid for collaboration.
Working files
Files stored at project level. SharePoint integration supports real-time collaborative editing in native Microsoft apps.
Strong versioning and metadata. Can struggle with linked files (CAD assemblies, Adobe packages). Some teams store PDFs instead of working files.
Access and remote work
Cloud-native. Works in browser or Microsoft 365 apps. No VPN needed. SharePoint sync supports offline desktop access.
Traditionally on-premises with VPN requirements. Cloud hosting available but VPN friction is common for distributed teams.
Search and retrieval
Global search returns documents, invoices, contacts, and project data in one query. Results sit alongside project performance context.
Powerful document-centric search when metadata tagging is maintained. Effectiveness depends on filing discipline.
Connection to financials
Native. Documents, WIP, invoicing, resourcing, and forecasting all in one platform. No reconciliation across systems.
No financial engine. Requires a separate accounting or ERP system. Documents and project finances live in different tools.
System overhead
One platform. No separate document system to maintain, license, or train on.
Separate system requiring its own administration, licensing, and integration management.
Documents and emails are stored at the project level and are linked to budgets, invoices, and delivery activities.
Email management:
Document management:
Search: Global search finds documents, emails, invoices, and project data in one query.
Total Synergy features configurable components. Since it was designed specifically for architecture and engineering disciplines, it doesn’t demand the extensive customization often needed with Deltek and other ERP systems.
You can:
All fields are fully reportable, so configuration doesn’t limit visibility. Firms can first replicate workflows and then optimize gradually, lowering change risk.
Total Synergy is hosted in Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure, removing the need for:
Security, storage, and redundancy are handled within enterprise-grade Microsoft environments, meaning:
For firms currently funding cloud server rental, storage expansion, and backup replication, this typically simplifies the technical environment significantly.
Yes. Evaluation is designed to support due diligence before purchase.
This includes:
This approach ensures firms can validate fit before signing, reducing the risk of post-purchase regret.
Total Synergy typically uses a transparent per-user annual subscription model, with:
While Deltek PIM may appear cheaper due to (legacy perpetual licensing), firms are now losing core functionality, and we are hearing reports of 60-70% cost increases to move to Deltek VantagePoint.
What Total Synergy covers:
Hidden costs of fragmented systems:
Simplify Product Delivery
Reduce Project Risk
Win the Right Projects
Receive 24/7 Support
Produce Budgets & Quotes
Make budgeting and quoting easier, more accurate, and less stressful.
Manage Projects
Track Time
Track time effortlessly, stay on budget, and improve billing accuracy at every project phase.
Allocate Resources
Easily see who’s working on what, their availability, and how to best balance workloads.
Process Invoices
Get invoices out faster, reduce delays, and keep cash flowing with clear project finances.
Track Finances
Make budgeting and quoting easier, more accurate, and less stressful.
Decide with Data
Make smarter decisions with real-time dashboards and reports.
Forecast Revenue
Gain crystal-clear visibility into your future revenue, project profitability, and resource needs.
Apply Document Control
Centralize your project information for seamless collaboration, better control, and fewer headaches.