What Is The Best ERP Software For The Construction Industry?

What is the Best Construction ERP Software?  

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

1. Business needs 
2. Business size 
3. Business subsector 
4. Internal IT resource 
5. 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 union and non-union payroll.  

As these functions are integrated into a single system, it is much easier to link departments and streamline both 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 
• Specialized 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.  
• Service fleet management to help track and manage service fleets and equipment.  
• 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, state 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 analyzing 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 prioritized 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. 

User Adoption and Training 

Select a system with a user-friendly interface that minimizes 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 May 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 is a powerful cloud-based construction ERP software designed specifically for the construction industry. It provides a complete, centralized platform for managing all aspects of construction projects. 

Highly customizable 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 US market, Access Coins caters to General Contractors, and Specialty contractors, such as HVAC, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Civil Construction contractors. 

Coins is best suited for construction companies with a turnover above $50 million. 

Trimble Construction One Spectrum ERP 

Trimble Construction One Spectrum construction ERP, developed by Viewpoint, is a cloud-based ERP designed to manage various aspects of construction projects in one centralized platform.  

With a construction-specific accounting system at its core, Spectrum combines top ERP features with project management and field products. It caters to various construction sectors and integrates with Trimble's laser, optical, and GPS systems. 

Spectrum focuses on integrated functionalities and improved project visibility, including an integrated communication suite that allows both document sharing and real-time interactions through chat and video.  

Key Features: 

• Cloud-Based ERP – Allows construction workers to access from anywhere with an internet connection 
• Module-Based Integrated Suite – Specialized modules for project management, service management, accounting and more.  
• Web-based Document Management – Every user working on a project can easily access all documents and images linked to their project on-the-go. 
• Dashboards and Analytics – User-specific dashboards available to view in a single click.  
• Project Management – Spectrum provides a ‘planning room’ where users can share files, log all communications and create an audit trail of project activity.  
• Field Management – A mobile application for field personnel provides easy access to plans and tracks timesheets and daily logs.  

Best For:  

Trimble Construction One caters to a broad spectrum of construction professionals, spanning public sector, engineering, civil construction, and commercial contracting. It caters to the construction mid-market.  

For companies with a focus on both the design and construction stages of a project’s lifecycle, this software integrates a wide range of tools to simplify your tech stack.   

Penta 

Penta is a construction-specific ERP system which has been around for 35 years, aiming to streamline and centralize various aspects of construction projects from a single platform. 

PENTA Construction Software offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline operations from project inception to completion.   

PENTA includes project management functionalities for efficient planning, scheduling and tracking, integrating construction accounting and payroll features. Specialized apps include field data collection and inspection management to capture real-time updates on the go.  

Additionally, PENTA incorporates enterprise content management and records management, ensuring documents are organized and readily accessible for improved collaboration and compliance.   

Key Features: 

• Integrated Functionality: Penta is unique in that it is not a module-based system. Penta integrates features like accounting, project management, service management and equipment management into one module. 
• Enterprise Content Management: Go paperless with document management which helps construction professionals find the right documents, automate workflows and maintaining compliance with regulatory regulations.  
• Crew-Based Field Reporting: Penta’s Time-Equipment-Production App helps site supervisors efficiently allocate tasks, track equipment usage and review productivity on-site.  
• Financial Management: Penta offers robust accounting features specifically tailored for construction businesses. It includes functionalities like job costing, progress billing, and multi-company accounting for managing complex financial structures.  
• Mobile Capabilities: The software provides mobile apps that allow field personnel to access project data, submit timesheets, and manage tasks remotely.  
• Inspection Management: Designed for complex inspections, the Mobile Field Inspections app helps field inspectors record and track deficiencies and track regulatory agencies.  

Best For: 

While Penta’s reputation is strongest among commercial and industrial subcontractors, Penta can be used by many businesses in the construction industry. It is popular among a wide range of specialty contractors such as concrete, fire protection and oil & gas contractors.  

CMiC 

Available as both on-premise and cloud ERP software, CMiC, also known as CMiC Global, offers an ERP software solution designed for the construction industry. CMiC focuses on providing a unified platform for managing all aspects of construction projects, from financials and project management to field operations and mobile functionalities. 

CMiC provides a range of mobile apps for real-time data collection and project management, including employee self-service for construction HR, and the Check-In app which allows workers to easily clock in and out of job sites.  

Key Features: 

• Single Database Platform: CMiC prides itself on its Single Database Platform™ which centralizes all project data. 
• Integrated Financials and Project Management: CMiC offers a comprehensive suite of integrated modules for both financials (CMiC Financials) and project management (CMiC Project Management). This integration streamlines workflows and allows for better cost control throughout the project lifecycle. 
• Workflow Automation: CMiC allows for automating key workflows and processes within the platform. 
• Mobile Capabilities: The CMiC mobile app empowers field personnel to access project plans, submit timesheets, update progress reports, and capture photos in real-time. This improves communication and collaboration between field and office teams. 
• Industry-Specific Functionality: CMiC offers additional features tailored to specific construction industry needs, such as subcontractor management, change order management, and warranty management. 

Best For: 

CMiC serves a wide range of mid to large-sized general contractors and sub-contractors. It is also a popular choice for heavy highway firms.  

Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (formerly Timberline) 

Sage 300 is an ERP designed for small and medium-sized construction businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of features to manage various aspects of business operations, including financials, inventory, project management and customer relationships.  

Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate ERP includes cost estimating, project management, accounting, document management, and service management. These are integrated for streamlined, single-source control. 

Sage 300 CRE differentiates itself by offering a comprehensive solution for both construction and real estate businesses with a strong emphasis on accounting functionality, improved information flow, and mobile accessibility. 

Key Features: 

• Project Management: Track project progress, manage deadlines, and ensure tasks stay on schedule. 
• Financial Management: Real-time insights into your financial health with robust accounting tools. Track job costs and manage complex payroll processes specific to the construction industry. 
• Compliance and Risk Management: Manages compliance with industry regulations and ensures proper documentation. Document management and audit trails. 
• Real Estate Management (For Real Estate Businesses): Manage property details, leases, and tenant information effectively. 
• Inventory Management: Track inventory levels, manage stock control, and optimize ordering processes. Automate purchase orders and manage inventory costs. Support for various inventory valuation methods (FIFO, LIFO, etc.) 

Best For: 

Sage 300 CRE targets both general and specialty contractors, and can be an affordable solution for smaller contractors. With its real estate functionality, Sage 300 CRE is also popular among property developers and managers.  

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, integrations or can be customized to suit business needs.  

Acumatica 

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. 

Acumatica also offers a preconfigured residential and commercial construction solution that includes business-essential features such as inventory management and job cost accounting.  

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 field.  
• 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 – labor, 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 

One of the biggest names in ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 doesn’t provide a specific solution for construction companies, but its high customizability 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.  

Dynamics 365 offers these functionalities alongside mobile access for field workers and integration with Microsoft's Power Platform for further customization. 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 visualization. 
• Real-time Insights: Provides access to up-to-date data across various applications, enabling data-driven decision making. 
• AI-powered Features: Dynamics 365 leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate tasks, personalize customer experiences, and generate predictive insights. 
• Flexibility and Customization: The platform allows for customization 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 customization and construction-specific functionality is in place.  

IFS 

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: Centralized document management keeps all project-related documents organized and readily accessible to authorized personnel. 
• Field Management and Mobile Access: Features like mobile access empower field workers to update data on-the-go, linking field to office.  
• 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.