Choosing the right ERP system is one of the most important technology decisions a building materials distributor will make. The right platform can streamline everything from inventory to invoicing—while the wrong one can cause delays, frustration, and wasted investment.
But with so many ERP options available, each with different features and pricing models, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s how to get started with a smart, focused ERP comparison process tailored to the needs of building material suppliers.
- Define Your Business Needs First
Before you look at any vendor’s features or pricing, get clear on what your business needs:
How many locations or warehouses do you manage?
Do you sell by bundle, piece, weight, or custom length?
Do you offer job-site deliveries or schedule-based dispatching?
Do you have complex pricing models (contractor discounts, volume breaks, etc.)?
What systems are you currently using—and what’s not working?
This step helps you focus only on ERP solutions that are a fit for the way you actually operate.
- Build a Feature Checklist Based on Real Workflows
Generic ERP checklists miss the details that matter most in building materials. Build yours based on your actual day-to-day:
Real-time, multi-location inventory visibility
Barcode scanning for picking, loading, and delivery
Job-site delivery scheduling with digital proof of delivery
Unit-of-measure conversion (e.g., bundles, pallets, linear feet)
Contractor pricing, quotes, and credit tracking
Sales order to invoice automation
Integration with CRM, accounting, or logistics platforms
Mobile access for yard staff and drivers
Having this list will make it easier to filter out platforms that don’t support your workflows natively.
- Request Demos That Match Your Use Cases
When you talk to ERP vendors, don’t just watch a generic demo. Ask them to walk you through real scenarios:
Creating a quote with special pricing for a contractor
Fulfilling a multi-product order with staged loading
Viewing real-time stock across yards or branches
Adjusting inventory based on a yard transfer or damaged item
Sending an invoice automatically after delivery confirmation
Seeing your use cases in action helps you evaluate how much customization you’d need—and how user-friendly the system really is.
- Understand the Pricing Structure
ERP pricing varies widely. Here’s what to look for:
Licensing model: Per user, per module, or per transaction?
Cloud vs. on-premise: Cloud solutions usually include hosting, updates, and support in a monthly fee
What’s included: Does the price cover mobile apps, reporting, training, and integrations—or are those extra?
Implementation costs: Ask about setup, configuration, data migration, and go-live support
Scalability: Will pricing increase as you grow locations, users, or customers?
Request a detailed quote that breaks out each component. Don’t just ask about cost—ask about value.
- Check Vendor Fit, Not Just Software Fit
The ERP itself is only part of the decision. You’re choosing a long-term partner. Look for:
Industry experience (especially in construction supply or distribution)
Strong customer references in your space
Clear onboarding and training process
Support availability and responsiveness
A roadmap that aligns with your future goals (e.g., mobile tools, e-commerce, or analytics)
A great vendor doesn’t just sell software—they help you run your business better.
Final Thought
Getting started with ERP comparison doesn’t mean rushing to pick a platform—it means creating a clear, confident evaluation process that reflects how your business works. The more real-world your checklist, the easier it will be to separate the tools that truly fit from the ones that don’t.
Take your time, ask the right questions, and focus on long-term value—not just short-term cost.
