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Moving from Deltek Vision to Deltek VantagePoint—Expectation vs. Reality

What AEC firms expected from VantagePoint—and the reality of migration, user adoption, and system limitations. Is it time to explore a better ERP solution?

Is VantagePoint the Solution AEC Firms Were Hoping For?

For many AEC firms, moving from Deltek Vision to VantagePoint seemed like the logical next step—a chance to modernize their ERP system, resolve long-standing inefficiencies, and improve firm-wide operations. On paper, the transition appeared seamless: transfer the data over, adopt a new user interface, and enjoy a more advanced, connected system.

But some firms that have made the switch tell a different story.

Rather than delivering a transformed user experience, VantagePoint retains many of the same structural limitations that hindered Vision users. The result? Firms are investing significant time and resources in a different system that doesn’t always solve their core challenges. Let’s break down the expectations vs. reality of moving to VantagePoint—and why some AEC firms are rethinking their ERP strategy altogether.

Expectation 1: The Upgrade Will Be Simple and Cost-Effective

AEC firms expected a smooth transition—a straightforward data migration that would save time and money compared to switching to an entirely new ERP system. The assumption was that Vision and VantagePoint shared a common framework, making migration relatively easy.

Reality: Complex, Costly, and Time-Consuming Migration

The reality? Moving to VantagePoint is not just an "upgrade"—it’s a full-scale migration. Firms report that:

  • Data had to be restructured and validated multiple times before it could be mapped into VantagePoint.
  • Many firms were quoted a nine-month migration timeline but ended up taking a year or longer.
  • Additional consulting fees and retraining costs quickly added up, making the transition more expensive than expected.

Expectation 2: VantagePoint Will Solve Vision’s User Adoption Challenges

One of the biggest frustrations with Deltek Vision was that non-accounting teams struggled to use it effectively. AEC firms hoped that VantagePoint’s updated interface would increase user adoption, making it easier for project managers, business developers, and leadership to engage with the system.

Reality: Adoption Challenges Remain

While VantagePoint does offer a modernized user interface, it fails to address a deeper issue—employees still have to "go to" the ERP system to access or input information. This creates friction for project managers, technical staff, and business developers, who would rather avoid the system altogether.

  • The interface may look different, but the underlying experience remains the same—cumbersome and unintuitive.
  • Many firms find that VantagePoint still functions primarily as an accounting tool, reinforcing low adoption rates outside the finance department.
  • Instead of being a seamless part of daily workflows, employees only engage with the system when absolutely necessary—like submitting timesheets or expense reports.

Boost User Adoption by Integrating ERP Into Daily Workflows

See how aec360 integrates directly into Outlook, Teams, and mobile apps—allowing employees to log activities, track opportunities, and manage projects without leaving the tools they already use every day. Copilot integration allows teams to go even further and automate administrative tasks on their terms.

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Expectation 3: VantagePoint Will Provide Greater Flexibility and Better Business Intelligence

AEC firms expected VantagePoint to deliver a more agile and insight-driven system—one that would allow for easier configuration, custom reporting, and business intelligence improvements.

Reality: The Same Limitations Persist

Many firms quickly realized that VantagePoint retained many of Vision’s core limitations:

  • Rigid data structures prevent firms from configuring projects, phases, and tasks in a way that truly matches their workflows.
  • Reporting is still difficult—VantagePoint relies on third-party tools like Tableau instead of delivering built-in, highly flexible BI solutions.
  • Many firms end up exporting data into Microsoft Power BI for better reporting capabilities—an extra step that defeats the purpose of having an integrated ERP system.

The result? VantagePoint’s limitations force firms to adapt to the system—instead of the system adapting to them.

Gaining the Flexibility to Configure Your ERP to Fit Your Firm’s Unique Needs

See how aec360 delivers flexibility to configure data structures, workflows, and reporting so your teams can work the way they need—without costly customizations or workarounds.

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Expectation 4: VantagePoint Will Deliver Advanced AI Capabilities

AEC firms anticipated that VantagePoint would include built-in AI capabilities to streamline workflows and drive more efficient decision-making. They expected AI to be seamlessly embedded throughout the system, automating repetitive tasks and providing proactive insights.

Reality: AI Innovation Lags Behind

While Deltek has introduced Dela, its AI-powered tool, firms report that its capabilities are still limited:

  • Dela is only available for select processes and doesn’t integrate across all business functions.
  • Firms cannot create their own AI-driven workflows—they’re limited to what Deltek builds.
  • There’s a lag between emerging AI technology and when it’s implemented in VantagePoint—meaning firms often wait for features that other solutions already offer.

With AI adoption accelerating across industries, AEC firms need an ERP that keeps pace with innovation.

Automating Workflows with AI-Powered ERP

Watch how Microsoft Copilot inside aec360 delivers automated project risk analysis and cash flow forecasting, generates project reports, and eases time entry—helping your teams work more efficiently and make proactive decisions.

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The Bottom Line: Is It Time to Reevaluate Your ERP Strategy?

For AEC firms still using Deltek Vision, moving to VantagePoint isn’t necessarily the most cost-effective or transformative choice.

With limited AI capabilities, continued adoption struggles, and unchanged data limitations, firms must ask: Does this system truly support how we work—or are we forcing ourselves to fit within its constraints?

Instead of investing heavily in an ERP with the same old challenges, firms are looking for solutions like aec360 and Microsoft Dynamics 365—a modern, AI-driven platform that integrates ERP and CRM into a single, flexible solution.

Webinar: Still Struggling with Deltek? Discover a Better Way Forward for Your AEC Firm

Want to know more? View our on-demand webinar that discusses challenges that firms face with their Deltek platform as well the the solutions offered by aec360.

View On-Demand

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