ERPs for SMEs in the construction industry

You run a construction SME and managing your projects gives you a hard time. Costs, deadlines, coordination... This article on ERP software is made for you. Discover these solutions that simplify your daily tasks and increase your efficiency.

What is ERP software?

An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software, or PGI (Integrated Management Software) in French, centralizes the management of various business processes in a single system. It brings data together to simplify the management of critical functions such as accounting, human resources, inventory, orders, supply chain, and customer relationships.

The software generally consists of multiple modules, to ensure a complete vision of the company's activity. They enable informed decisions to be made and improve operational efficiency.

The importance of ERP in the construction sector

The construction sector, with its all-trades projects and its rigorous management requirements, benefits greatly from the use of an ERP. The main advantages are:

• Complex project management: An ERP coordinates the various elements of projects, such as strategies, long-term goals, or resources.
• Budgetary and financial monitoring: In the construction industry, cost control is fundamental. ERPs offer advanced tools for budget monitoring. In this way, they help to control expenses and increase the profitability of projects.
• Regulatory compliance: ERPs simplify compliance with standards. Especially those that change regularly.
• Flexibility and adaptability: each construction project is unique. ERPs in construction are designed to adapt to the particularities of each of them. They provide a global and coherent perspective.
• Communication and collaboration: ERPs facilitate the exchange of information between all the parties involved in a project. They optimize collaboration and decision making.
• Automating time-consuming tasks: The software takes care of customer management, project tracking, cost estimation, team management, and procurement. It increases efficiency and productivity.
• Optimizing site management: ERPs allow better planning of interventions, works, labor, materials and the budget. They ensure that deadlines are met and that customers are satisfied.

Some ERPs are specially designed for construction. They respond in a way that is more adapted to its specific needs.

There are ERPs designed for construction

ERPs dedicated to the construction sector are developed for meet specific requirements related to construction sites of construction.

These programs offer a range of functionalities adapted to construction, from thorough cost management - including expenses related to materials, labor, and equipment - to strategic planning of material resources.

An ERP specially designed for construction ensures comprehensive and effective project management, from design to execution. It adapts to the specific challenges of the building sector.

The advantages of an ERP in the building

Integrating an ERP makes it possible to centralize essential data for optimized management. Here are the main benefits:

• Precise cost tracking: ERP offers detailed management of expenses. And especially materials, labour and equipment. It improves budget control and profitability.
• Optimization of resources: it simplifies the planning and allocation of material and human resources. Key elements for the success of construction sites.
• Management of subcontractors: An ERP specialized in construction generally makes it possible to coordinate and monitor the work of subcontractors. It ensures their integration into the overall project.
• Real-time tracking: In principle, an adapted software allows immediate monitoring of construction sites. It promotes reactivity in the face of changes and unforeseen events.
• Improving communication : by centralizing data, ERP facilitates the exchange of information between the various departments. For example between construction management and design offices or methods. It guarantees everyone access to information.
• Compliance and security: as mentioned above, ERP software facilitates compliance with security standards and regulations in force. It reduces the risks associated with construction projects.

ERP is more than a management tool in the building sector. It is a strategic asset for optimizing the efficiency, communication and profitability of construction projects.

How to choose your BTP ERP?

Selecting the right ERP is essential for your construction business. Here are some tips to guide your choice:

• Business size: opt for an ERP software corresponding to your structure. Small businesses require simple systems, while larger organizations need more sophisticated ERPs.
• Required features: determine the essential functions (for example, site management, quotations, invoicing, planning...). Avoid paying for unnecessary options.
• Ease of use: Choose an ERP that is easy to use to reduce adaptation time and increase efficiency in the field.
• Integration with other tools: make sure that the ERP coordinates well with your current tools (such as accounting or construction site monitoring software already in use).
• Support and training: Make sure the vendor offers good technical support. Training is essential to get the most out of the software.
• Cost: Compare prices by considering what services are included, such as updates and support.

If possible, test several ERP software. This will give you a better idea of what best fits your needs.

ERP solutions for construction SMEs in 2024

In 2024, construction SMEs have access to various ERP solutions. They generally adapt to new trends and technologies. Here is an overview.

Generic ERPs

A generic ERP is a versatile business management software, designed for various business sectors. It offers a range of functionalities that meet the fundamental needs of any business. Here are some examples of generic ERPs, compatible with the construction sector:

• Karanext: This suite was designed to simplify the daily management of service and consulting companies. It centralizes and automates administrative processes. It thus improves efficiency in the management of time, projects, customers and human resources.
• This XRP Flex code: It is a Cloud ERP designed for medium-sized businesses. It integrates financial, commercial, CRM and production management for real-time management of the activity.
• Friendly: its flexibility and its adaptation to the various construction jobs are its strengths. Codial provides flexible hosting options (local, cloud, web) and integrated mobile applications.

Advantages: generic ERPs such as Karanext, Cegid XRP Flex, and Codial offer versatility and adaptability to various sectors, including construction and public works. They allow centralized and automated management of administrative, financial and commercial processes. They can improve efficiency and productivity.

Disadvantages: although adaptable, these solutions may not fully meet the specific requirements of construction and public works. They require additional customizations that can increase the costs and complexity of implementation.

ERPs designed for construction

Some ERPs have been specifically developed for the specific needs of companies in the construction sector. Here are three software programs designed to facilitate management in the construction industry:

• EBP: designed for SMEs in the construction industry, it allows structured financial and commercial management. It also integrates customizable functionalities, such as production management, inventory and CRM tools.
• Large and: specialized for SMEs in the construction industry, Graneet offers financial monitoring in real time. Ergonomic, it allows you to control budgets and margins per site. It simplifies financial management and has an intuitive interface.
• Batapp: designed for construction, it offers functionalities for quotations, invoicing, customer and construction site management, as well as activity monitoring and planning. The software is available in several versions adapted to the size of each company.

Advantages: solutions like EBP, Graneet and Batappel are specifically designed for the needs of construction and public works. They offer targeted functionalities such as financial monitoring by site, the management of quotes and invoices adapted to the sector. This allows for a better fit with the daily operations of construction companies.

Disadvantages: these ERPs, although very specialized, may lack operational flexibility, especially in terms of site monitoring and communication. They do not provide management as dynamic and interactive as combinations of specialized tools.

Specialized tool combinations

Alobees is a software dedicated to site monitoring. It is a perfect complement to management software such as Sage Batigest Connect, Graneet or EBP. Together, they form an ideal and modular ERP solution for construction.

These software have been specially designed to meet the needs of building SMEs. They are adaptable to the needs of each company and accessible from PCs, mobiles and tablets:

• Alobees centralizes all the information on your sites and thus facilitates management and communication between teams. It allows significant time savings (up to 20%) and better efficiency.
• So it can be connected to Sage Batigest Connect, whose role is to create detailed estimates (based on measurements), manage invoicing, monitor cash flow and control construction sites.

The main features of Alobees:

• Real-time site monitoring: store and consult all the information about your construction sites on your mobile. Follow the progress of the work live.
• Fast and easy planning: organize your teams easily. A constantly updated schedule simplifies the management of time and resources (Learn more).
• Timesheet management: workers enter and validate their working hours on their mobile. This makes it easier to prepare payslips in the office (Learn more).
• Flexible management of users and tasks: add collaborators, define their roles, and manage tasks effectively from the application (Learn more).
• Logistics and memos: Establish resource schedules and write down important information for optimal monitoring (Learn more).
• Intervention planning: create detailed reports for each intervention, including all important aspects.
• Payroll variables: simplify payroll preparation by easily automating and configuring payroll variables (Learn more).

Sage e-construction site Alobees is revolutionizing site management. It streamlines and optimizes each step. It integrates responsive customer service and tailor-made support. Try Alobees free for 30 days and see the difference!