Choosing between a customized ERP and an off-the-shelf solution is one of the biggest decisions material suppliers can make. Custom ERP systems promise a perfect fit, while off-the-shelf solutions offer speed and cost savings. But both paths come with common pitfalls—and if you’re not careful, you could end up with a system that creates more problems than it solves.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common mistakes material suppliers make during this decision—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Believing Customization Solves Everything
The problem:
Many suppliers assume a fully customized ERP will mold perfectly to their current processes—so they request features down to the last detail.
Why it backfires:
Excessive customization drives up cost, delays launch, and creates long-term support headaches. Future upgrades become harder, and only a small group understands how the system really works.
How to avoid it:
Customize only what makes your business different—not what’s just “how you’ve always done it”
Use standard features where possible, and simplify where you can
Focus customization on key workflows that give you a competitive edge
Mistake #2: Expecting Off-the-Shelf ERP to Fit Every Need
The problem:
Some suppliers choose a generic ERP to save money, assuming they can just “make it work” for their business.
Why it backfires:
If the software isn’t built for the building materials industry, your team ends up working around it—tracking deliveries on spreadsheets or pricing jobs outside the system.
How to avoid it:
Choose an off-the-shelf ERP that’s tailored to distributors or suppliers
Look for features like multi-unit pricing, contractor pricing levels, job-site delivery tools, and inventory by yard
Ask the vendor: “How have you helped a materials supplier like us succeed?”
Mistake #3: Ignoring Long-Term Maintenance Costs
The problem:
Companies focus on the upfront implementation price—without planning for future maintenance, updates, or support.
Why it backfires:
Customized systems often require dedicated support or developers, while off-the-shelf systems may charge for every extra module or integration.
How to avoid it:
Ask about ongoing costs: support, updates, licensing, and third-party integrations
Understand what’s included in the base price and what’s an add-on
Choose scalable solutions that won’t require a full rebuild as you grow
Mistake #4: Not Involving the Right People Early
The problem:
Leadership often makes ERP decisions without input from warehouse teams, sales staff, or dispatch.
Why it backfires:
You end up with a system that looks good in the boardroom but doesn’t work on the ground—so adoption fails.
How to avoid it:
Include key users from yard, inventory, sales, and logistics during demos and planning
Gather real workflow pain points and ensure they’re addressed
Pilot the system with one team or location before full rollout
Mistake #5: Choosing Based on Features, Not Fit
The problem:
Some companies compare ERP systems by checking off feature lists, thinking “more features = better.”
Why it backfires:
A bloated system with features you don’t need can be harder to use, harder to train on, and more expensive in the long run.
How to avoid it:
Prioritize ease of use and practical workflows over flashy dashboards
Ask: “What will make our team faster, more accurate, and more profitable?”
Choose a system that fits your business today—but has room to grow tomorrow
Final Thought
Customization gives you control. Off-the-shelf gets you speed. But either path can cause problems if you don’t approach it with the right mindset. The best ERP decision comes from knowing your workflows, involving your team, and planning for the long game—not just the go-live date.
