A Comparison of 5 Construction ERP Software Options

Update 9/20/2016: This post has been updated to reflect changes and updates to the five construction ERP software options covered below.

Enterprise resource planning is a holistic business software solution made for data analytics. It takes information from different business processes like accounting, payroll, job costing, project management, inventory/equipment management, content management, and order/delivery management, and provides analytics for business executives. Because ERP integrates the financial side of the business with every other sector, you are able to track each cost throughout the whole project lifecycle and make your company more agile.

For construction managers, choosing the right ERP is a stressful endeavor. ERP software is expensive, and it’s tough to narrow down the options to what’s best for your construction business.

That’s why we’ve distilled the lengthy list of ERPs down to five different options that would be beneficial to construction firms. These systems largely integrate construction accounting software, tool management software, construction CRM software, along with other construction management tools to form a whole system. Read through and take your pick of the best construction ERP software!

Epicor

Offering supply chain management, manufacturing, and sales and marketing features, Epicor is a market leader in construction ERP solutions. It can be installed locally, self-hosted, or be used on the cloud. Epicor is highly customizable; users should take advantage of their add-on modules for CRM, QPM, and PLM, especially. Epicor is made by Epicor.com, which prides itself on tailoring software solutions to each company’s needs. Pricing starts at $4,000 and scales with each added module.

Maestro

Maestro specializes in construction project management and construction accounting. From there, users can choose modules relevant to their business. Some specialized module options include billing, bidding and estimating, change orders, procurement, and equipment management. For more niche construction companies, Maestro ERP offers dispatch, subcontract, and inventory management, along with other tools like MRP-1 purchase planning and time clock tools. Maestro is best-suited for heavy construction companies with project budgets under $100 million.

Microsoft Dynamics SL

While not construction-specific, Microsoft Dynamics SL offers the modules to be able to transform into an ERP worth investing in for the construction industry. The software behemoth centers on project management, distribution add-ons, and construction-specific accounting like estimating and job costing. If your construction company has a world-wide user base yet fewer than 500 employees, Microsoft Dynamics SL is a great scalable option for your overall business needs. Their price is detailed in this downloadable handbook.

Penta Construction ERP

With over thirty years of providing construction software, Penta is a well-known and trusted brand in the industry. Penta Construction ERP was made for multi-location, labor intensive service contractors. It serves mid-sized to large specialty, utility, and industrial contractors in the construction and engineering industries. Reviewers have noted that Penta especially excels with document management and accounting, regardless of if you’re in HVAC, hazard protection, roofing, or another niche industry.

Vista by Viewpoint

From human resources to project collaboration to content management to service management, Vista offers another complete construction ERP solution that’s scalable for a majority of medium to large construction companies. It’s particularly strong in its accounting services—it offers mobile field management, bid management, and estimating tools that plug in seamlessly to RFIs, change orders, and payment plans. Vista also allows integration with BIM and offers business management options, including reporting on performance indicators and safety management.

More?

Naturally, there are a number of other construction ERP software options out there. Did I miss some that should have made the list? Have you used these options? What are your experiences? Let us know in the comments below!

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