by gfcpartners | Sep 27, 2022 | Business, Construction
Selecting a Construction ERP solution to run your business is not a quick decision. The platform you choose will power your business for years to come. Many ERP solutions offer the same or similar accounting type features, but it’s the other features you need to look at closely. For example, are project accounting features fully integrated into the accounting area? It can be confusing to sort out what’s important to your construction business and what’s not.
Comparing features and benefits is one thing to consider, but also aligning your growth strategies for the future. Many ERP publishers offer construction systems, and you might even find smaller, specialized vendors focus their systems on niche industries and respective functionalities. When you’re looking at options, don’t limit yourself to the specialized systems. General ERP systems, like Acumatica Construction Edition, provide full cross-functional processes that integrate financials seamlessly with project management, billing, job costing and more.
With Acumatica, I’m giving employees an ultra-effective tool they need to do their jobs correctly and allowing them to do things easier. I’m handing them a smartphone versus a rotary phone. They are more well-equipped to do their jobs, which produces good outcomes for customers and helps us build the business. ~Matthew Shamp, Executive Director, Carlson-LaVine, Inc.
Let’s look at some of the top ERP features construction firms need. Download this checklist to make sure you’ve compared specific features and benefits across your critical categories.
Top Construction ERP Features You Need
Having all these pieces and parts of a business together in one, single-source of truth system gives you a complete view of your business. You eliminate data silos and disparate systems and start a culture of transparency. Team members have visibility into the actions of everyone that touches the customer, at any point in their journey.
Here are the top features to look for:
CAD interface - Accounting
- Service fleet asset management
- Financial management
- Payroll
- Management of contractors
- Sub-contractor management
- Logistics and transport
- Scheduling
- Complex workforce management
- Inventory
- Workflow processes
Next, you need to think beyond specific functionality. For example, are there features and benefits beyond construction? Does the system include things to make your office staff as well as job site staff more productive? How about technology? Does the ERP solution use modern technology and have high ratings for usability, customizability, and maintainability? Is it a true cloud-based solution, giving your staff, contractors, and vendors access no matter when, where, or which device?
How much are you going to pay for everything you need? Will you have to purchase third-party add-on products to get the functionality you need? How long will you be able to use this solution and/or will you outgrow it quickly? What about the licensing and hosting fees? Do you need additional hardware and IT staff? All these questions, and more, come into play when comparing and choosing a new ERP solution for your construction business. Talk to a partner about your options; technology is changing at a rapid pace.
With more than 500 successful system implementations and dozens of clients working with us for more than two decades, we’re proud to be one of the most trusted names in construction business technology. Give us a call at (833) 432-7278 and let’s talk construction management ERP.
by gfcpartners | Sep 7, 2022 | Business, Construction, Project Accounting
The landscape for construction businesses has drastically changed over the past couple years. It has become increasingly competitive with rising costs, labor shortages, stricter regulations, and the need for innovative ideas. Construction firms can no longer stay competitive by relying on paper-based processes, manual workflows, and an endless barrage of emails.
Smart, forward-thinking firms are moving their businesses to the cloud. With cloud-based solutions, they’re finding the powerful communication tools and automated workflows they need to maximize the profitability of every project. No matter your size or space in the industry, you need a system to help you win projects, control costs, and increase your profit margins.
Many firms are choosing a new ERP system in the cloud. These systems easily handle GAAP-based accounting, field service and asset management, job costing, and project management. Most importantly, cloud ERP solutions, like the Acumatica, Construction Edition, give you modern tools like mobile access to give you a competitive advantage at a price point you’ll love.
5 Cloud ERP Benefits for Your Construction Business
Learn more about what features you need in an ERP solution. Download our free eBook “5 Undeniable Benefits of Cloud Construction Management Software“
- Real-time project tracking
Acumatica gives you an all-in-one system to handle everything from accounting, to payroll, to inventory and project management. Connecting accounting and project management teams in the cloud gives you huge benefits.
- Eliminate delays, head off issues
Immediately accessible data helps eliminate costly delays. All team members, whether in the office or in the field, can access the same information and provide updates, so that issues can be addressed immediately before causing costly delays. Imagine what your business can do with a “single-source of truth”.
Automation to increase efficiency and collaboration
With the use of workflows, you can replace multiple steps and duplicate data entry ensuring action items will be addressed quickly and that your project data remains current. With everyone using the same system, there’s no room for errors. - Better & easier communication
Reduce emails and wasted time answering the same questions over and over. With a smart, cloud ERP solution like Acumatica, you gain project control and eliminate downtime. Learn how you can have a system that acts as your communication vehicle, with everything for everyone in one, central location. Even create a Wiki for “FAQs from the field”!
- Anywhere, anytime, from any device accessibility
Get the same, current, accurate information whether you are in the office, at home, or in the field. SPend less time chasing down information and more time keeping your projects moving forward.
“I am really glad we made the decision to go to Acumatica’s cloud-based construction and accounting software because our teams are doing purchase orders, change orders, and everything remotely. Project Managers can get into the system to see what is going on with their projects. Cloud software is the way to go because it is so easy. You just log in and it’s nothing different than if you were just sitting in your office.”
John Dawne Meijer, Controller, Pin Oak Corpus Christi
Why Choose Acumatica Construction Edition
Acumatica cloud construction and accounting software empowers contractors to keep projects running smoothly and profitably by helping them connect their teams, manage cash more carefully, and keep their customers and employees happy.
It is a complete, native, and cloud-based construction and accounting software solution, including powerful financials, job cost accounting, project management, payroll, inventory, order management, service management, CRM, and mobile tools for your business.
Built on the world’s best cloud and mobile technology with a unique all-inclusive user licensing model, it enables a complete, real-time view of your business anytime, anywhere. You’ll increase collaboration, streamline time- intensive processes, and increase project visibility and profitability.
Don’t get left behind! For construction businesses that use the latest technology, communication has never been easier. Just as your field teams need the right tools to complete their construction projects, you need the right software for managing your projects effectively.
Download our free eBook “5 Undeniable Benefits of Cloud Construction Management Software“
Our team at Galeforce Consulting Partners will help you create the perfect process for your people and support it with modern tech and toolsets. Contact us today at 1-833-432-7278 and let’s talk construction.
