Migrating from a legacy system to a modern ERP isn’t just a software upgrade—it’s a shift in how your business operates, shares information, and serves customers.
If you’re in the building materials business, your legacy systems might be holding you back with outdated interfaces, siloed data, or manual workarounds. The good news? A modern ERP can replace those bottlenecks with custom workflows, automation, and real-time visibility—but only if you set it up right.
Here’s how to customize your ERP to ensure a smooth and successful migration:
🔍 1. Audit Your Current System & Processes
Start by mapping out how your legacy system currently works.
What are the key workflows? (e.g., quote to order, stock transfers, deliveries)
What’s manual or done outside the system (in spreadsheets or email)?
Where do delays or errors usually occur?
Goal: Identify what to keep, what to improve, and what to eliminate.
🧠 2. Define What “Better” Looks Like
Customization starts with clarity.
Do you need real-time inventory at multiple yards?
Do you want automated pricing updates?
Is mobile access for warehouse or delivery teams essential?
Make sure your ERP reflects how you actually work—not just how the software was originally designed.
⚙️ 3. Work with ERP Experts Who Know Your Industry
A generic ERP consultant might build complex workflows that don’t match how a building materials business really operates. Choose implementation partners who understand:
Bulk and UOM conversions (e.g., sell by foot, stock by bundle)
Jobsite deliveries and contractor pricing
Seasonal demand and special orders
Multi-warehouse logistics
Industry knowledge = smarter customization.
🛠️ 4. Customize for Workflow, Not Just Screens
Modern ERPs allow you to tailor the actual flow of work:
Sales order screens preloaded with customer-specific pricing
Purchase order automation based on stock levels or reorder points
Staging dashboards that track order readiness by jobsite
Alerts or notifications when key actions (like approvals) are needed
Pro tip: Focus on speed, accuracy, and visibility. Not just aesthetics.
📦 5. Plan for Data Migration (Clean and Smart)
Legacy systems often contain outdated, duplicate, or dirty data. Before importing into your new ERP:
Clean up product SKUs, vendor lists, and customer records
Standardize units of measure and categories
Decide which data to migrate and which to archive
Don’t bring legacy clutter into your new system.
📲 6. Don’t Forget User Roles & Permissions
Customizing your ERP also means shaping it for real users:
Warehouse teams need mobile-friendly tools
Sales teams need quick access to pricing and availability
Managers need reports and KPIs in real time
Tailor the experience by role to boost adoption and reduce training time.
🧪 7. Test Real-World Scenarios, Not Just Features
Don’t go live based on a checklist. Test with your actual workflows:
Split order to two warehouses
Handle backorders or substitutions
Apply job-specific pricing
Route a delivery across zones
If your ERP can’t match your day-to-day, it’s not ready yet.
✅ 8. Build for Growth, Not Just Today
Customization isn’t just about fixing today’s pain points—it’s also about scaling:
Add new warehouses or locations without disruption
Introduce eCommerce or customer portals
Automate purchasing as volume grows
A well-customized ERP is your platform for future expansion.
Final Thought:
Migrating from a legacy system to a modern ERP is your chance to rethink how your business runs—not just recreate what you had.
The right customizations make your ERP feel like it was built just for you: your team, your products, your customers, your growth.
