Feature set and extensions
ZEP Operations already includes Travel Expense Management and automated invoicing; Resource Planning, Ticketing System and Terminal can be added as add-ons. PACS relies on modular extensions that allow a high degree of customization to cover specific requirements.
Time tracking, project time tracking
PACS is designed primarily for time tracking in project management. It records working hours and takes statutory break rules into account. However, working time tracking in PACS has to be purchased separately, while it is included in ZEP Operations. ZEP Operations provides a real-time overview of working hours and also offers a terminal for clocking in and out. These bookings can be linked directly to projects, which is not possible in PACS.
Project administration
Both solutions let you manage and analyze projects in detail and assign tasks and responsibilities. ZEP Operations, however, provides a more detailed overview of complex project structures thanks to its task structure, which can be extended as needed and where each task can be configured differently from the main project level.
Customer management
PACS lets you manage customer data and contacts. ZEP Operations goes a bit further and lets you assign key account managers to improve customer support even more.
Revenue & Costs
Both solutions let you store hourly and daily rates and manage international assignments. ZEP Operations, however, also offers internal cost rates for detailed profitability calculations as well as the option to store surcharges for special hours such as night work. PACS does not offer this functionality.
Proposals
Both systems let you create proposals with standardized processes and individual templates. ZEP Operations also automates project creation once a proposal is accepted, which reduces manual effort.
Invoicing
PACS and ZEP Operations both let you create and manage invoices, with ZEP Operations offering additional features such as sending invoices automatically and reminders for billable services. PACS does not offer these extended features.
Resource Planning
Both solutions offer features for resource planning, in ZEP Operations as an add-on, and for comparing planned with actual working hours.
Travel Expense Management
Travel expense management is integrated in both solutions, with ZEP Operations offering more comprehensive expense reports with country-specific rules and several receipt types.
Ticketing System
With the Ticketing System add-on, ZEP Operations lets you create project tickets and subtasks, assign hours and bill them, and collaborate internally and externally. These features are not available in PACS.
Locations & Departments
ZEP Operations maps complex company structures with locations and departments; subsidiaries with internal cost allocation are added with ZEP Business. PACS does not offer this flexibility.
Support
Both software providers offer personal support by phone and email. The focus is on fast, individual help.
Summary
ZEP Operations and PACS both offer extensive features for project management and time tracking, with ZEP Operations offering more extensive features in some areas such as project and working hours, resource planning, ticketing and attendance. ZEP Operations is particularly suitable for companies that manage complex project structures and want to run their project business and billing in one system.
