Choosing an ERP system is one of the biggest technology decisions a building materials distributor will ever make. It can streamline operations, improve margins, and unify your teams—or it can become an expensive, frustrating mismatch that slows your business down.
Here are the most common mistakes distributors make when choosing an ERP—and how you can avoid them.
- Choosing a Generic ERP Not Built for Distribution
A lot of ERP platforms are designed for manufacturing or retail—and don’t fully understand the unique challenges of construction supply. Unit-based pricing, complex delivery logistics, job-site coordination, and inventory measured in bundles, pallets, or linear feet aren’t standard in most systems.
How to Avoid It:
Choose an ERP that’s designed specifically for distributors or, even better, the building materials industry. Ask for real-world use cases and feature demos that match your exact workflow.
- Prioritizing Price Over Fit
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest ERP solution—especially when budgets are tight. But if the system can’t scale, lacks key features, or requires constant workarounds, you’ll pay more in lost productivity and hidden costs.
How to Avoid It:
Focus on long-term ROI, not just short-term savings. Consider how the system will support your team 2–5 years down the road as your business grows and processes evolve.
- Overlooking Mobile and Field Access
Distributors with yards, job-site deliveries, and mobile crews need real-time data on the go. If your ERP doesn’t support field access, staff may end up relying on paper, calls, or spreadsheets to fill the gap.
How to Avoid It:
Look for an ERP with strong mobile capabilities—ideally with offline support for job sites. Yard managers, drivers, and sales reps should be able to view inventory, update deliveries, and capture signatures without returning to the office.
- Not Involving the Right People in the Decision
Too often, ERP decisions are made by executives or IT teams without input from the people who’ll use it daily—warehouse managers, dispatchers, sales reps, and accounting staff.
How to Avoid It:
Involve team members from every department in the selection process. Their insights will help you evaluate how well the system fits your real operations, not just theoretical needs.
- Underestimating Implementation Time and Effort
ERP rollouts take time. Rushing the process or skipping planning steps almost always leads to rework, delays, or features being poorly adopted.
How to Avoid It:
Plan for a realistic rollout timeline, including data migration, staff training, testing, and support. Work with vendors who offer proven onboarding plans—not just software access.
- Ignoring Integration with Existing Systems
If your ERP doesn’t talk to your delivery tools, accounting software, CRM, or e-commerce platforms, you’ll end up with disconnected systems and manual double entry.
How to Avoid It:
Ask vendors how their ERP integrates with the tools you already use—or may want to add. Look for flexible, API-friendly systems that can scale with your tech stack.
- Failing to Define Success Up Front
Without clear goals, it’s hard to know if your ERP is actually working. Many businesses go live with vague expectations, then struggle to measure progress or justify the cost.
How to Avoid It:
Set specific, measurable goals before selecting your ERP—like reducing delivery errors, shortening quote-to-cash time, or improving inventory accuracy. Then track those KPIs post-implementation.
Final Thoughts
The right ERP can transform your building materials distribution business—but only if you choose with care. Avoid the common traps by focusing on fit, future needs, and real operational workflows—not just flashy demos or low prices. The more aligned your ERP is with how your team actually works, the faster you’ll see results.
