Enterprise Resource Planning(ERP) is one of the best software solutions that is extensively being used by construction companies to facilitate growth. ERP software systems offer several business modules and secure robust solutions for construction businesses which helps them to manage every business operation and make the business fit for this digital era. A proper ERP software has the potential to integrate information from all departments of a business firm to optimize, organize and strengthen the business process.

Here are top10 benefits of ERP Software in the Construction Industry:

1. Business Optimization

2. Enhanced Communication

3. Greater Return On Investment(ROI)

4. Automated Operations

5. Quick Decison Making

6. Quick Information Access

7. Effective Cost Estimates

8. Strategic Assistance in Marketing

9. Central Digital Database

10. Remote Working

01 - Business Optimization

Some construction industries fail or produce poor quality materials because their business processes are disorganized and they cannot control the growth of their business. Improper planning and chaotic work processes also contribute to the demise of many construction companies. The above issues and frequent project delays can seriously damage a company's reputation.

Therefore, it is important to optimize business and project management to prevent damage to construction companies. ERP software systems certainly help enterprises streamline their business and operations management. These systems can accurately identify all the resources that construction companies use in different projects. From resource procurement to project decommissioning, all business processes can be managed, monitored, and analyzed by the ERP software system.

ERP software can be used as a single program to connect all business modules and variables to create the best approach for unhindered growth. Project goals can be easily achieved through the project and business management services provided by these software solutions, ultimately reducing costs and increasing productivity.

02 - Enhanced Communication

Without proper communication and collaboration in the construction industry, operations cannot run smoothly and grow on schedules and plans. Maintaining the right level of communication and collaboration between teams and team members to keep all different modules in sync at worst is one of the biggest challenges for any industrial enterprise. Construction companies have historically collapsed due to delays in some construction projects, cost overruns, and inefficient communication between departments.

Communication can be easily configured via the intelligent framework provided by the ERP system. All employees of the company can easily communicate via chat, video call, group call, etc on the ERP platform. Communication gaps between different departments of the company are easily filled by the capabilities of the ERP system. With these ERP software systems in the construction industry, you can receive project updates in real-time and quickly, accelerate processes and synchronize activities.

03 - Greater Return On Investment(ROI)

Any appropriate ERP solution can be comfortably declared as a great ROI asset for a construction company in the long run. As per the size of the company, an ERP system begins to show results in a very small amount of time and it is recommended to work with different modules provided by the ERP software system for that period.

The initial costs of bringing an ERP system onboard generally include the cost of the software, consulting cost, initial execution cost, software upgrade cost, and employee training cost which may seem highly priced in the beginning. Some visible changes can surely be visible just after installing the software such as increased inventory hours, optimized operations cost, reduced cost of materials, better staff maintenance, strategic processes, and overall increased business efficiency.

As the business leverages from the analyzed data provided by the ERP systems and follows the intelligent modules specifically configured for their company over some time, substantial outcomes are visible in terms of the growth and efficiency of the construction company.

04 - Automated Operations

Any construction startup or budding company that needs to grow to scale their enterprise has a lot to manage and control to see the positive outcomes. Project management, employee management, client management, and resource management, all these management processes have to be executed efficiently and effectively to avoid adverse scenarios. It is quite difficult to manage all aspects of the business manually and severe errors can also occur that can sometimes be unavoidable.

An ERP software system improves a company’s ease of operation and business by automating operations throughout different modules in the company. From employee and client management to procurement and operations management, every complex operation can be automated to achieve far better accuracy and efficiency. The time required for all activities is also reduced greatly by using these software solutions.

05 - Quick Decision Making

Quick decision-making in any business organization, especially construction companies, is critical to meeting increasing demand and competition. Even a short delay in finding the right solution can cost you a lot of money.

The ERP system makes all raw and processed information available in a central database. This will improve your business process overview and insights. Decision-makers can make suggestions and think of ideas much faster and more effectively. The more data-driven decision-making approach increases the decision-making parameters from a large amount of information, so it is very unlikely to harm the business.

Quick decision-making also makes the business processes more effective in the long run and makes construction companies capable of competing in the market. In some cases, the ERP system can be automated to make decisions based on specific results.

06 - Quick Information Access

The data being generated from a single project site can be quite overwhelming and difficult to deal with by manual means. Over the years, it has been one of the toughest challenges faced by construction companies to overcome. Recording and managing data accurately through physical storage tools such as files and ledgers is a very tiresome process. Data is always prone to be lost or manipulated when organized by employees all round the clock.

For startup companies or companies that want to grow, it can be almost impossible to achieve stable business management in the growing phase without proper access to all the information. ERP systems have proved to be a savior in providing all necessary information required by these companies in the shortest possible time. Quick information access provided by these ERP systems makes it easier to organize all business processes in a synchronized manner and increases the speed and efficiency of business operations.

07 - Effective Cost Estimate

Construction companies usually need to work for their clients on a contract basis that includes a given amount of money to complete the project. This amount will be quoted and provided by the contractor to complete the project contract. Accurately estimating the cost of a project increases the chances of acquiring the project contract because the cost is estimated accurately.

The ERP system is very useful when preparing bids for a particular project. It is used to accurately assess material, design, and labor costs and provide a quote with minimal overhead costs. Operational costs, which typically take months to decide, are also accurately estimated by these systems in the shortest possible time. The closer the estimate is to the actual cost, the more likely it is to secure the project and the less likely it will be to incur losses.

08 - Strategic Assistance in Marketing

Marketing and sales strategies are also one of the major processes which a business needs to adopt for better sale of products and services. Customer expectations and acquisitions are the primary goals of applying marketing and sales strategies to build a loyal consumer base. Without acquiring new clients and customers the growth of a company can never be achieved consistently.

ERP software systems help businesses to adopt attractive marketing campaigns by analyzing the market trends and demands of the masses. The in-depth customer research and analysis of product requirements is done using these systems that allow companies to learn about user demands. Proper strategies can be planned-out in stages to draw consumer attention and claim their membership. Successful projects and feedback can be advertised to attract more customers.

09 - Central Digital Database

When necessary information is not organized and is not available at one particular location, it becomes quite difficult to carry out operations smoothly. It has never been an easy task to score necessary information from the never-ending folder files.

ERP systems store all the raw and processed information digitally in a central database from which employees can access and upload data in real-time. The employees can access and integrate all data from a single data source to understand and execute business processes. Any business free from the burden of managing physical files for business operations is expected to grow more rapidly and make more profits.

Employees can also track the previous record regarding operations and procurements with just a click. Only those personnel or employees who have been authorized to access the information can use it and thus the information is much more secure.

10 - Remote Working

All construction processes cannot be executed remotely without employees working on sites. Most of the tasks require employees and laborers to be present at construction sites for proper execution. Even managers need to look after each operation closely by being onsite physically and ensuring that all steps are being followed.

ERP systems allow managers to monitor and direct project operations remotely from anywhere around the world. They can track each operation in real-time using the ERP software with help of photos, videos, and live streams. Also, ERP enables the business to remain online 247 which allows employees to work flexibly.

Nowadays, ERP applications are available on smartphones which aid employees, especially managers to manage business operations remotely. With just a few clicks on the smartphone, employees can easily access almost any information related to business and projects. They can send project updates and even give presentations with the help of these systems.