Feature checklist for construction supply ERP evaluation

Choosing an ERP system for your construction supply business is a big decision—and not one to rush. Whether you’re running a single yard or managing a network of locations, the right ERP can help you reduce waste, boost efficiency, and gain better control over every part of your operation.

But with so many systems out there, how do you know what features truly matter?

This checklist is built specifically for construction supply distributors—so you can evaluate ERP options with clarity and confidence.

✅ 1. Multi-Yard Inventory Management

Managing stock across multiple yards or warehouses? Your ERP must make it easy to:

View inventory levels by yard

Transfer stock between locations

Set minimum/maximum levels for restocking

Track lot numbers or bundled items

Look for real-time visibility—not delayed or “overnight batch” updates.

✅ 2. Order Entry and Sales Tracking

Whether your customers are calling in, walking up to the counter, or ordering online, the system should support:

Fast, flexible order entry (including custom orders)

Real-time pricing and availability

Customer-specific pricing and terms

Full sales history by customer, product, and location

Bonus if it can generate quotes, convert to orders, and track the full lifecycle automatically.

✅ 3. Dispatch and Delivery Management

Construction timelines are tight. Your ERP should help ensure on-time, accurate deliveries with tools for:

Delivery scheduling and route planning

Load management by truck or job

GPS integration or driver mobile apps

Real-time status updates and proof of delivery

Especially important if you’re supplying to job sites or offering same-day delivery.

✅ 4. Integrated Accounting and Financials

Avoid duplicate entry and sync your back office with daily operations. Look for:

Built-in general ledger, accounts payable, and receivables

Support for job costing and margin tracking

Multi-location financial reporting

Integration with existing accounting systems (if needed)

This keeps your financials accurate and saves time during month-end or tax season.

✅ 5. Pricing and Discount Flexibility

The construction industry demands flexible pricing models. Your ERP should allow:

Tiered pricing based on customer groups

Contract pricing and scheduled discounts

Special rates by product, region, or project

Easy updates across product lines

You should be able to maintain pricing integrity—without relying on spreadsheets.

✅ 6. Mobile Access and Yard Tools

Field teams, yard staff, and drivers all need access to the system. Must-have features include:

Mobile-friendly interface

Barcode or QR code scanning for loading and inventory

Digital tickets and order pickups

On-the-go order updates and signature capture

This cuts down on paperwork and speeds up yard workflows.

✅ 7. Strong Reporting and Dashboards

Data should help you lead—not slow you down. Look for built-in reporting tools that provide:

Sales trends and performance by location or team

Inventory turnover and aging stock

Financial snapshots and cash flow tracking

Custom dashboards tailored to your role

You should be able to see what’s working—and what needs attention—at a glance.

✅ 8. Scalability and Customization

Your ERP should grow with you. Ask:

Can new yards or users be added easily?

Does it support new product lines or services?

Can workflows be tailored to your business (not the other way around)?

Are upgrades and support included?

Avoid boxed-in systems that require expensive custom work just to keep up.

✅ 9. Vendor Support and Industry Experience

This is just as important as the software itself. Your ERP provider should:

Know the construction supply business

Offer dedicated onboarding and support

Provide training tailored to different roles

Be available when problems arise

It’s not just about features—it’s about having a partner you can rely on.

Final Thoughts

The right ERP system is one that fits the way you work—not the other way around. This checklist is a starting point to help you ask the right questions and prioritize what really matters in your business.

As you evaluate options, bring this list with you. Share it with your team. Use it to guide demos and compare features side-by-side.

Because when your ERP is built around your operation, your team can spend less time on admin—and more time building the business.