ProjectWise vs Egnyte: Understanding the Differences

Many engineering and design teams working in Bentley environments default to ProjectWise as their document management system (DMS). It’s built to integrate directly with tools like OpenRoads Designer and supports Bentley’s strict file workflows and standards. But that tight integration can become a limitation especially for firms working across multiple disciplines or needing more flexibility across departments.

Egnyte has emerged as a strong alternative or complement to ProjectWise. It provides core DMS functionality while also supporting a much wider range of tools, teams, and file types including those outside of the design group.

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Key Document Management Features in Egnyte

Egnyte delivers several features that engineering, architecture, and infrastructure teams value:

• Access Control – Manage granular user permissions across folders and files without needing dedicated IT help.
• Audit Logging – Every action—viewing, editing, sharing—is recorded, supporting accountability and traceability.
• Workflow Automation – Create automated workflows for processes like submittals, design reviews, or QA/QC.
• Reusable Templates – Build/ reuse standard folder structures and permission sets across projects for consistency.

These features help teams stay organized and compliant without introducing complexity into their daily work.

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Bentley File Support in Egnyte

ProjectWise is deeply embedded in Bentley-specific design workflows, which is ideal for CAD production but less so for users outside of those platforms. Teams using AutoDesk or Microsoft 365 often encounter compatibility issues or face steep onboarding curves.

Egnyte supports both Bentley and non-Bentley file types, allowing files to maintain naming conventions, metadata, and version history while being easily accessible to project managers, executives, and support staff. It also supports Microsoft 365 co-authoring, letting teams collaborate in real time on specs, reports, or meeting notes without leaving the platform.

This cross-platform compatibility makes Egnyte well-suited for firms using a mix of tools across design and business operations.

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Can Egnyte Work with ProjectWise?

Yes—and many firms do exactly that.
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• ProjectWise continues to manage high-integrity CAD workflows within Bentley environments.
• Egnyte supports broader operational needs serving departments like finance, admin, or executive leadership.

Some teams are beginning to transition completely off ProjectWise, using Egnyte APIs and integrations to support CAD and GIS workflows. This requires planning but has become increasingly common as firms shift toward cloud-first or hybrid environments.

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Final Considerations: ProjectWise vs Egnyte

ProjectWise remains the gold standard for managing Bentley-centric workflows. But if your team needs something more flexible—one system that serves both design and non-design teams—Egnyte is worth serious consideration.

Its support for standardized workflows, granular permissions, real-time co-authoring, and compatibility with both Bentley and non-Bentley tools make it a strong fit for firms working in civil, structural, and transportation projects.

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Ready to Explore Egnyte?

If your firm is exploring whether Egnyte can support your workflows or complement an existing ProjectWise reach out to the team at 5 Factor. We’ve helped AEC firms assess, configure, and transition their document management systems to better match how their teams work without disrupting CAD standards, compliance, or delivery timelines.

Contact us today!