Successful commercial contractors have turned to new technologies like ERP software for construction to make their operations more efficient and more productive. ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software helps contractors manage day-to-day-accounting, financial planning, and project management processes.
As the backbone of commercial construction IT infrastructure, ERP software facilitates seamless communication and coordination across departments, automates workflows, and provides valuable analytic and insights so leaders can make informed decisions when it matters. Amid evolving technology and increasingly complex business needs, contractors need ERP software that’s flexible, reliable, and made for the specific needs of the construction industry.
We’ll examine the optimal features that commercial contractors should look out for when evaluating an ERP solution.
ACCESS ANYWHERE AND ANYTIME
Most ERP solutions provide real-time, browser-based access to applications and integrated data (a single source of truth). This means that users who are in the field, office, or on the move can perform their daily tasks without interruption. Every member of your team can view the same data and manage critical business processes seamlessly. Tasks like checking off items on a list, approving processes and payments, assigning workflows, and collaborating with owners, project managers, and the finance team can be accomplished within a single system. Using a single database allows you to eliminate department silos, reduce time-consuming duplicate data entry, and streamline labor-intensive processes. It allows access to real-time data and enhances communication among key stakeholders.
Interactive user interfaces (UIs) on top of a single database platform drive productivity and efficiency because users can quickly, securely, and dynamically view data. Finally, the ease of data availability provides valuable information to guide important decisions.
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND ANALYTICS
Most ERPs offer some level of business intelligence capabilities, but the best ERPs deliver critical data in a visually understandable format, regardless of its complexity. An effective ERP provides its own business intelligence and analytics software, without relying solely on third-party tools to access information from the database. It presents data in an easily understandable format that can be reported on without needing extensive reporting skills. Users can access reporting and data views anywhere and anytime. They can also easily create their own data views and dashboards, leading to significant productivity gains and smarter business decisions.
STREAMLINING WITH WORKFLOWS
In the right setting, workflows automate all processes, eliminating paper-based, manually intensive administrative tasks. They unify departments to accomplish approvals, mitigate risks, and capture and share documents using data from a single database platform. Folders can be used to search, store, capture, and assign documents into workflows, supported by enterprise-class content management systems on top of the database. These content management solutions with workflows offer a one-stop shop experience where content is organized and stored, and correspondence is shared, stored, and captured for future use.
THE POWER OF FORMS
Forms are often overlooked, but they are a powerful tool for collecting information from the field in an electronic format. This input is delivered directly into the ERP database tables, where it can be used for reporting, workflows, accounting, and more. Forms can eliminate many manual processes and duplicated efforts, allowing for greater financial control and more accurate forecasting.
API INTEGRATIONS
Even the most feature-rich ERP may need to connect with specialized applications like certified payroll processing or bid estimates and management. The right ERP solution offers real-time, two-way API-based integration with third-party solutions. An API (Application Programming Interface) integration can add significant value to the company’s operations and financial management activities.
OVERALL VALUE
Not all ERP software is valuable for contractors. Some lack construction-specific features, others aren’t flexible enough to support unique business processes, and some fail to present business-critical data in an easily accessible, understandable, and reportable format. The right ERP empowers users to perform their daily tasks efficiently by providing access to real-time data and dynamic workflows. It allows businesses to customize the ERP applications to fit their processes and strategies, rather than forcing them to change how they operate due to the software’s limitations.
for more information
Computer Guidance Corporation is the trusted provider of construction management software for architecture, engineering, and construction companies. For more, visit www.computerguidance.com.