Deltek Costpoint

Basic Information

Deltek Costpoint is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution specifically designed for project-based businesses, particularly government contractors.

• Model: Deltek Costpoint
• Version: The latest stable version is 8.2, referred to as an "Innovation Release." Deltek transitioned to a Quarterly Release (QR) methodology with 8.2, with new versions numbered by year and quarter (e.g., 2025.1, 2025.2). Costpoint 8.1 is designated as a Long-Term Support release.
• Release Date: Costpoint 8.2 launched in June 2023. The new quarterly release numbering system begins with the 2025 Q1 release.
• Minimum Requirements:
  • Web Client: Intel or AMD processor 2.0 GHz or higher, 2 GB RAM, 1024x768 resolution.
  • Application Server: Intel Xeon class Quad Core Processor, 16 GB to 24 GB Memory (depending on transaction volume).
• Supported Operating Systems:
  • Web Client: Windows 7 or Windows 8.
  • Application Server: Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R/2 Standard or Enterprise Editions, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (including R/2) Standard or Enterprise Editions, Oracle Sun Solaris 10. Deltek recommends 64-bit operating systems for production environments.
  • Mobile T&E Application: Apple iOS 12 and higher, Android 8 and higher.
• Latest Stable Version: Costpoint 8.2 (Innovation Release).
• End of Support Date:
  • Costpoint 8.1: Entered Maintenance Support on June 1, 2023, and remains in this phase until April 1, 2026.
  • Costpoint 8.0: Entered Sustaining Support on July 1, 2023.
  • Quarterly Releases (8.2+): Each Quarterly Release remains in Maintenance Release for nine months, then moves to Sustaining Support.
• End of Life Date:
  • Costpoint 8.1: Moves to Sustaining Support in April 2026, signaling its End of Life (EOL) phase.
  • Costpoint 8.0: Entered Sustaining Support on July 1, 2023, effectively marking its EOL.
• License Type: Proprietary software. Licensing is typically subscription-based, per user per month, with various suites available (e.g., Front-Office, Back-Office, Full Suite, Accelerated Launch Package). Specific user roles for Costpoint Business Intelligence (Consumer, User, Advanced, Developer, Administrator) indicate tiered licensing.
• Deployment Model: Available as Cloud and On-Premise deployments. It supports homogeneous cluster deployment and various co-deployment models with other Deltek products.

Technical Requirements

Deltek Costpoint's technical requirements vary based on the component and deployment scale.

• RAM:
  • Web Client: 2 GB recommended.
  • Application Server: 16 GB for 20,000 transactions per day, 24 GB for 60,000 transactions per day.
  • Java Memory (Xmx): 50% to 65% of physical RAM.
  • Max Permanent Java Memory (PermGen): 512 MB.
  • Database Connections: Allocate 20 MB per connection (e.g., 1024 MB for 50 connections, 8192 MB for 400 connections).
• Processor:
  • Web Client: Intel or AMD processor, 2.0 GHz or higher.
  • Application Server: Intel Xeon class Processor with Quad Core.
• Storage:
  • Application Server: 6-10 GB for application and logs.
  • Database: Initial database size of 12-16 GB per 1000 users, with an estimated growth of 10-12 GB per 1000 users per year.
• Display: 1024x768 or higher resolution for web client access.
• Ports: An IIS server is recommended for proxying client requests, implying standard web ports (e.g., 80, 443) are utilized.
• Operating System:
  • Web Client: Windows 7, Windows 8.
  • Application Server: Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R/2 Standard/Enterprise, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 (including R/2) Standard/Enterprise, Oracle Sun Solaris 10. Deltek recommends 64-bit operating systems for production environments.
  • Mobile: Apple iOS 12 and higher, Android 8 and higher.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

Deltek Costpoint's technical requirements are tiered, reflecting its enterprise nature. Client-side access is relatively light, relying on standard web browsers and modern mobile operating systems. Server-side deployments, particularly for the application and database tiers, demand robust hardware configurations. Memory and processing power for application servers scale significantly with expected transaction volumes. Database storage requirements are substantial and grow with user count. The recommendation for 64-bit operating systems for production environments underscores the need for performance and scalability. Proper sizing of the infrastructure is critical for optimal performance and to support the complex project accounting and compliance functionalities.

Support & Compatibility

Deltek Costpoint offers structured support and broad compatibility across various platforms.

• Latest Version: Costpoint 8.2, an "Innovation Release," receives continuous enhancements through a Quarterly Release (QR) methodology.
• OS Support:
  • Server: Supports Microsoft Windows Server (various versions) and Oracle Sun Solaris.
  • Client: Compatible with Windows 7 and 8 for web client access.
  • Mobile: The mobile Time & Expense application supports Apple iOS 12+ and Android 8+.
• End of Support Date:
  • Costpoint 8.1: Will receive Maintenance Support until April 1, 2026.
  • Quarterly Releases (8.2+): Each QR receives Maintenance Release support for nine months from its release date, then transitions to Sustaining Support.
• Localization: Supports Unicode character sets for multi-byte characters, enabling international use cases.
• Available Drivers: ODBC/JDBC drivers for various data sources are available, often through partners like insightsoftware, facilitating data integration.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Deltek maintains a clear support lifecycle for Costpoint, distinguishing between "Innovation Releases" (like 8.2 with quarterly updates) and "Long-Term Support" releases (like 8.1). This approach ensures that customers can choose between rapid feature adoption or extended stability. Older versions have defined end-of-support timelines, emphasizing the importance of regular upgrades for continued access to critical fixes, security updates, and new features. Compatibility extends across major server operating systems, standard desktop environments via web browsers, and modern mobile platforms, ensuring accessibility for a diverse user base. Localization support is available, and the provision of data drivers enhances its integration capabilities within an enterprise ecosystem.

Security Status

Deltek Costpoint prioritizes security, particularly for its target market of government contractors.

• Security Features: Includes role-based access controls and data encryption. It offers compliance guardrails for DCAA, DCMA, CAS, FAR, and DFARS, and supports CMMC level 2 and 3 compliance. The platform provides built-in traceability and continuous investment in cybersecurity for both cloud and on-premise deployments.
• Known Vulnerabilities: While specific vulnerabilities are not detailed, Deltek emphasizes the risks of operating on End-of-Life (EOL) software versions, which can lead to security vulnerabilities due to a lack of patches.
• Blacklist Status: No information found.
• Certifications: Undergoes annual SOC 1, 2 & 3 Type II audits. It also helps contractors meet NIST SP 800-171 compliance requirements. The system is designed to be DCAA audit-ready.
• Encryption Support: Features data encryption.
• Authentication Methods: Supports third-party authentication, biometric authentication (Face ID or fingerprint), and PIN credentials for the mobile Time & Expense application. Biometric authentication relies on Active Directory or DB password authentication.
• General Recommendations: Deltek advises upgrading to supported versions to receive critical fixes and security updates. It is crucial to ensure systems are updated with the latest security patches before EOL dates to minimize vulnerabilities.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Deltek Costpoint demonstrates a strong commitment to security, which is paramount for its government contracting clientele. Its adherence to stringent compliance standards like DCAA, CMMC, and NIST SP 800-171, coupled with regular SOC audits, provides a high level of assurance regarding data protection and integrity. The inclusion of role-based access controls, data encryption, and support for modern authentication methods like biometrics further strengthens its security posture. However, maintaining this security rating relies heavily on customers keeping their installations updated to supported versions, as EOL software poses significant security risks due to the cessation of patches and support. The continuous investment in cybersecurity across deployment models indicates an ongoing effort to protect sensitive data.

Performance & Benchmarks

Deltek Costpoint's performance is closely tied to its deployment architecture and user experience enhancements.

• Benchmark Scores: Specific, publicly available benchmark scores (e.g., industry-standard performance tests) are not provided in the available information.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • Application server configurations are scaled based on transaction volumes, with recommendations for handling 20,000 to 60,000 transactions per day.
  • User feedback on older versions often cites that common tasks require many steps, which can impact efficiency and lead to a perception of slowness or clunkiness.
  • Costpoint 8.2 introduces a new "Harmony" user interface, which aims to be more modern and easier to navigate, potentially improving perceived performance and user efficiency.
  • AI features and smart workflows are integrated to automate processes, such as accounting and billing, aiming to accelerate task completion.
  • Interactive emails for approvals (e.g., timesheets) reduce the need for users to log into the full system, streamlining workflows.
• Power Consumption: No specific information on power consumption metrics or energy efficiency is available.
• Carbon Footprint: No specific information on carbon footprint is available.
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Unanet GovCon: Costpoint scores lower in ease of use (7.4 vs 8.1), setup (7.0 vs 7.6), and time and attendance management (7.9 vs 8.5). Quality of support is slightly lower (8.0 vs 8.5). Project accounting features are comparable (8.2 for both), but Unanet's reporting offers more detailed insights.
  • Accurants: Costpoint is rated higher overall (87/100 vs 83/100) and offers more features (9 vs 5) but is more expensive.
  • Navigator: Costpoint is more expensive ($65/user/month vs $25/user/month) but provides advanced project accounting and robust compliance features. Navigator is noted for ease of use but lacks advanced functionality.
  • Alternatives: Other ERP solutions considered alternatives include JAMIS Prime ERP, SAP Business One, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Sage Intacct.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Deltek Costpoint's performance is robust for its intended purpose of handling complex project accounting and compliance for large organizations. Its architecture supports scalability based on transaction volumes, requiring significant server resources for high-demand environments. While older versions have faced criticism for a less intuitive interface and multi-step processes, potentially affecting user efficiency, newer versions like 8.2 aim to address these concerns with modernized UI/UX and automation features. In comparison to some alternatives, Costpoint excels in its specialized functionality for government contractors but may be perceived as less user-friendly or more costly for general ERP needs. The focus on compliance and detailed project management often necessitates a certain level of complexity, which can be a trade-off for overall ease of use.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for Deltek Costpoint highlights its strengths in specialized areas but also points to challenges in usability.

• Strengths:
  • A comprehensive project-based ERP solution, particularly strong for government contractors.
  • Excellent contract management and project accounting modules with industry-specific features.
  • Streamlines project-based billing, revenue recognition, expense management, and compliance.
  • Offers real-time data, trends, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through role-based dashboards and an AI Assistant.
  • Integrates project and financial management seamlessly.
  • Provides robust compliance guardrails for DCAA, DCMA, CAS, FAR, and DFARS, ensuring audit readiness.
  • Scalable to accommodate growing businesses and expanding contract needs.
  • Newer versions (8.2) feature modernized user interfaces and improved data analytics.
  • Includes advanced security features.
• Weaknesses:
  • Common tasks, such as entering time and setting up projects, often require many steps.
  • Can be perceived as not user-friendly, non-intuitive, or clunky, with navigation challenges.
  • The interface in older versions has been described as dated and not utilizing modern web widgets.
  • Users report a steep learning curve.
  • Billing needs and invoice appearance can be rigid if the project structure is not correctly configured.
  • Its complexity and higher cost can be a drawback for smaller businesses.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Government contractors of all sizes, especially medium to large enterprises, requiring specialized project accounting and compliance.
  • Organizations with complex project-based billing, revenue recognition, expense management, and stringent compliance requirements.
  • Businesses needing to maintain DCAA audit readiness.
  • Engineering firms and professional services organizations.

Summary

Deltek Costpoint is a highly specialized Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution, primarily serving the unique and complex needs of government contractors and project-based organizations. Its core strength lies in its comprehensive project accounting, contract management, and robust compliance features, making it an industry standard for DCAA audit readiness and adherence to regulations like CMMC and NIST SP 800-171. The system excels at streamlining project-based billing, revenue recognition, and expense management, offering deep insights through real-time data and dashboards. It is highly scalable, capable of supporting growing businesses with expanding contract portfolios.

However, user feedback indicates that Costpoint can present challenges, particularly regarding its user-friendliness and perceived complexity in older versions. Common tasks may require multiple steps, leading to a steep learning curve for new users. While newer versions, such as 8.2, introduce modernized user interfaces and automation features like AI-driven workflows and interactive emails, these improvements aim to address past criticisms regarding navigation and efficiency. Costpoint's specialized nature and extensive feature set often come with a higher cost compared to more general ERP solutions, which can be a consideration for smaller businesses.

Overall, Deltek Costpoint is an indispensable asset for organizations operating under stringent government contracting requirements, providing unparalleled depth in project-centric financial management and compliance. Its strengths in specialized functionality, security, and scalability outweigh its perceived weaknesses in general usability for its target audience. Recommendations include investing in proper system configuration and user training to maximize its potential, and consistently upgrading to the latest supported versions to leverage UI/UX improvements, new features, and critical security updates.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.