The Best ERP Software For The Construction Industry 2024

What is the Best Construction ERP Software?  

The ‘best’ construction ERP software depends on a wide range of factors, such as –

• Business needs
• Business size
• Business subsector
• Internal IT resource
• Budgets

When reviewing construction ERP systems, start by defining your construction software needs, including your ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’.

What is Construction ERP Software? 

Construction ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is a solution developed to centralize and streamline siloed data across a construction business under a ‘single source of truth’.

Construction ERP manages the following under a single system -

• Financials 
• Operations 
• Workforce management and payroll 
• Subcontractor management 
• Supply chain management  
• Field service operations 

Construction ERP systems have a huge range of functionalities, from financial forecasting to managing subcontractor payroll.

As these functions are integrated into a single system, it is much easier to link departments and streamline processes and communications.

Construction projects are incredibly complex, with many stakeholders, tight deadlines and low profit margins. Construction ERP is designed to simplify these processes within and across multiple large-scale projects.

Read our in-depth guide to Construction ERP here >

What Features to Look for in Construction ERP Software 

What you are seeking in a Construction ERP obviously depends on your businesses’ needs, size and construction vertical.

However, features commonly found in Construction ERPs include:

• The ability to link the back office with the job site through a shared, cloud-hosted system and mobile applications
• Electronic capture abilities to accurately gather and track data
• Specialised construction accounting features to handle subcontractors, job costing and progress billing
• Integrations into other systems and applications to ensure all data is collected and the system is integrated within the business
• Workforce management tools built for tracking the diverse and ever-changing construction workforce, including scheduling, HR and payroll.
• Inventory management to help track assets including materials, equipment and tools.
• Document management, providing a place for all team members to securely access the correct version of project documents, contracts and blueprints.
• Health, safety and compliance management to ensure safe jobsites and compliance with local and national construction regulations.
• Granular reporting and analytics, including board-level reporting, to help track current jobs and plan future work.

These are just a few of the features and functionality found in a construction ERP.

How to Choose a Construction ERP System 

Selecting the right construction ERP system can feel like navigating a labyrinth. Follow these steps to help you pick the best construction ERP to suit your specific needs:

Define Your Needs 

Start by analysing your current challenges. Are you struggling with cost control, project scheduling, or communication gaps? Make a list of features essential for your business. This could include project management tools, financial tracking, field reporting, or mobile access.

Do Your Research 

Carefully compare the features offered by different vendors against your prioritised list. Ensure the software can handle your specific needs. Seek out reviews and case studies to gain insights into real-world experiences. Look for platforms with positive user feedback and a track record of successful implementations.

Consider Implementation and Support 

Evaluate the complexity of implementation for each option. Look for vendors with experience in your industry and a proven implementation process. Reliable customer support is vital for mission-critical software like Construction ERP. Research the vendor's support offerings, including training resources and response times.

Budget and Scalability 

Get quotes from shortlisted vendors and factor in initial licensing costs, implementation fees and ongoing subscription charges.

Choose a system that can grow with your business. Consider future expansion plans and ensure the ERP can adapt to your evolving needs.

Read our Guide on the Cost of ERP for Construction Professionals >

User Adoption and Training 

Select a system with a user-friendly interface that minimises training time for your employees. Look for vendors that offer comprehensive training programs to ensure successful user adoption of the new system.

Download our Buyer’s Guide to Construction Management Software for more insights into choosing the right ERP, including a useful checklist for comparisons.

Comparing Construction ERP Software 

Here is a comparison of some of the most popular Construction ERP options for your business in 2024.

**Please be aware that the pricing may vary based on region, users and custom packages. Finally, user ratings including those taken from G2 and GetApp are accurate as of July 2024.

Construction-Specific ERP Software 

These are ERPs designed to address the unique needs of the construction industry. Unlike generic ERP systems used in other industries, construction ERP offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for construction companies such as contract management, field management, safety compliance and heavy equipment management.

Access Coins

Access Coins overview 

Access Coins is a powerful cloud-based construction ERP software designed specifically for the construction industry. It provides a complete, centralised platform for managing all aspects of construction projects.

Highly customisable and scalable, Access Coins is a construction-first ERP built around a robust financials module and builds automated, streamlined workflows for construction-specific needs including field service management, material procurement and compliance management.

Access Coins also includes a range of productivity apps which simplify construction-specific operations such as crew schedule and dispatch and inspections.

Key Features: 

• Integrated Functionality: Access Coins offers a comprehensive suite of integrated modules built around a core financials product, including supply chain management, field service management, and workforce management.
• Project Management Tools: Provides functionalities for planning, budgeting, cost control, document management, and daily reports for progress tracking. Real-time dashboards and reporting keep everyone informed and facilitate proactive management of projects.
• Supply Chain Management: Streamlines the procurement process by managing material requisitions, purchase orders, and vendor communications within the platform.
• Financial Management: Offers robust accounting features like accounts payable and receivable, job costing, progress billing and forecasting.
• Field Service Management: Useful for managing service contracts, preventative maintenance, and warranty work, particularly beneficial for companies offering post-construction services.
• Mobile Capabilities: Access Coins offers mobile apps that empower field personnel to access project plans, submit timesheets, update daily logs, and manage tasks while on the jobsite.
• Reporting and Analytics: Provides a suite of reporting and analytics tools that generate insights into project performance, resource utilization, and overall business health.

Best For: 

In the UK, Access Coins caters to medium to enterprise-sized Home builders, Contractors, Subcontractors, Civil Engineers, MEP Contractors, Commercial Fit-Out Contractors and more.

Eque2 

Eque2 Overview

Eque2 is a UK-based software company specialising in construction-specific solutions. They offer a suite of cloud-based tools designed to streamline various aspects of the construction business. Their solutions are built using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Sage technologies, adding a layer of construction-specific functionality to leading ERP technology.

Key Features: 

• Construction Accounting: Tailored for small to medium-sized contractors and larger enterprises. It covers financial management, project accounting, and reporting. 

• Construction Estimating Software: Eque2's estimating tool, EValuate, helps businesses create detailed estimates and bids. 

• Housebuilding Software: Specifically designed for the housebuilding sector, this solution offers tools for managing complex projects, land appraisal, and customer relations. 

• Field Service Management: Platform dedicated to maintenance and service management, linking the field to the office.   

Best For:  

Eque2 provides solutions for UK-based construction companies of all sizes, starting at a turnover of 1 million. It is a modular system, and can scale to business growth.  

4PS Construct

4PS Construct Overview

4PS Construction Solutions is a leading UK provider of construction management software. Their flagship product, 4PS Construct, is an end-to-end ERP specifically designed for the construction industry. 4PS Construct is built on Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, using popular apps such as Microsoft Power BI to provide in-depth data analysis.

Key Features:

• Planning Tools: User-friendly drag and drop tools help construction project managers visualise and quickly update project schedules and resources. 

• Financials: Provides real-time insights into project performance, costs, and margins. 

• Integrations: Built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for seamless integration with other business systems. 

• Equipment Management: A plant module gives total visibility across plant and equipment, from bookings to billing.  

• Scalability: Module-based system allows for the solution to scale as a construction company grows. 

Best For:

4PS provides for UK-based housebuilders, contractors, civil engineers, mechanical and electrical contractors and service and maintenance providers.

Generic ERP Software 

These are ERP systems designed to cater to a wide range of industries, offering a general set of features for accounting, inventory management, and human resources. While construction-specific functionality may be limited, many generic ERPs offer construction-specific configurations and integrations.

Acumatica 

Acumatica overview

Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP system designed for businesses of various sizes, particularly targeting small and mid-sized businesses with growth potential. Initially developed for manufacturing businesses, Acumatica now provides a pre-configured edition developed for commercial and residential construction businesses.

It offers a modular approach, allowing companies to choose specific functionalities that cater to their unique needs. Acumatica also features open APIs, allowing for integration with existing software and enabling a truly connected workflow.

Key Features: 

• Modular Design: Businesses can choose from a wide range of modules like financials, inventory management, project management, customer relationship management (CRM) to integrate with a core financials module.  

• Real-time Dashboards – Role-based dashboards allows construction professionals to view the data they care about. AI and machine learning capabilities help power data-driven decision-making.  

• Mobile Accessibility: Acumatica provides mobile apps for accessing key functionalities on the go, improving flexibility and linking the office to the job site.  

• Integration Capabilities: As a popular generic ERP choice, Acumatica integrates with a wide range of third-party applications and data sources.  

• Job Costing: Track project costs – labour, materials, and equipment – from any device. Automatically calculates project taxes.  

Best For: 

Small to mid-sized construction businesses, including general contractors, home builders, subcontractors and land developers.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 overview

One of the biggest names in ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 doesn’t provide a specific solution for construction companies, but its high customisability means it can be adapted to the specific needs of the construction industry.

This includes managing equipment, tracking subcontractor performance, or ensuring safety compliance – all within a single system.

This level of adaptability allows construction companies of all sizes to streamline their operations and boost efficiency, as long as they have committed internal IT resource to manage Dynamics.

Key Features: 

• Modular Design: Dynamics 365 consists of a wide range of applications (modules) catering to specific business needs. You can choose the modules that best suit your company, like Sales, Finance, Supply Chain Management and Project Management. 

• Scalability: The cloud-based nature allows Dynamics 365 to adapt to your growing business. You can add or remove modules and users as needed. 

• Integration with Microsoft 365: Dynamics 365 integrates with other Microsoft products like Office 365 and Power BI, enhancing collaboration and data visualisation. 

• AI-powered Features: Dynamics 365 leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate tasks, personalise customer experiences, and generate predictive insights. 

• Flexibility and Customisation: The platform allows for customisation and development of new applications using the Microsoft Power Platform to address specific business needs. 

Best For: 

Microsoft Dynamics 365 can be adopted by construction companies in any vertical, but expect a high time investment in ensuring customisation and construction-specific functionality is in place.

IFS 

IFS overview

IFS (Industrial and Financial Systems) is a popular generic ERP system which incorporates some features tailored to the construction industry. These include tools for managing heavy equipment, subcontractor performance tracking and safety compliance.

IFS offers a core ERP for a single-source-of-truth, incorporating useful features such as Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), service management and mobile access for real-time data available on-the-go.

IFS are now focusing on incorporating AI functionalities within their solutions. This translates to features like predictive maintenance and anomaly detection.

Key Features: 

• Project Lifecycle Management: IFS manages the construction project lifecycle, from initial bidding and planning to execution, closeout, and handover. 

• Contract Management: IFS ERP offers contract management tools, enabling efficient handling of bids, subcontracts, and change orders. 

• Document Management: Centralised document management keeps all project-related documents organised and readily accessible to authorised personnel. 

• Advanced Analytics and Reporting: IFS ERP provides powerful analytics and reporting tools that generate real-time insights into project performance. 

Best For: 

IFS caters for a wide range mid-to-large sized construction companies, including general contractors, heavy civils, engineering firms and industrial construction companies.