Choosing the right ERP for your building materials business isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about finding the right mix of industry-specific features, flexible pricing, and long-term support that fits your operation. But comparing ERP systems can get overwhelming fast, especially when vendors speak in buzzwords and bundle features differently.
Here’s what to expect when you’re evaluating ERP options—and how to cut through the noise to make the right decision.
- Features Tailored to the Building Materials Industry
Expect to see a mix of general ERP functions and more specialized tools designed for your type of business. Key industry-specific features to look for include:
Multiple units of measure (e.g., by piece, pallet, bundle, linear foot)
Job-site delivery management, including staged loading and proof of delivery
Inventory visibility across multiple yards or warehouses
Contractor and builder account pricing
Return and damaged goods handling
Barcode scanning and mobile yard workflows
Dispatch scheduling tied to load capacity and truck availability
Make sure any ERP you’re considering understands how you sell and move your materials—because generic tools often can’t keep up with construction timelines or complex delivery needs.
- Core Modules vs. Add-Ons
During comparison, vendors will often list a long list of features—but not all of them are included in the base package. You’ll typically see:
Core modules: inventory, sales orders, purchasing, accounting
Add-ons: mobile access, CRM, advanced reporting, barcode integration, e-commerce, job costing
Ask each vendor what’s included in the base price, and what costs extra. This will help you compare apples to apples—not just price tags.
- Customization vs. Configuration
Most ERPs will offer some level of customization, but there’s a difference between systems that are easy to configure for your workflow—and those that need full custom development to do what you need.
Expect to ask:
Can this ERP handle our yard-specific workflows out of the box?
How easy is it to set up location-specific pricing or delivery zones?
Will we need a developer every time we want to change something?
Systems built for distributors in construction will require far less custom work—and save you time and money in the long run.
- Cloud vs. On-Premise Options
Most modern ERP systems are cloud-based, which means:
You get real-time access from anywhere (office, yard, on the road)
You avoid large upfront hardware costs
Updates and backups are handled by the vendor
You pay via subscription (monthly or annually) instead of licensing everything up front
If you’re still considering an on-premise option, factor in IT overhead, server costs, and limited flexibility for field teams.
- What to Expect in Pricing
ERP pricing varies widely depending on vendor, user count, features, and deployment model. Be prepared for:
Monthly or annual subscription costs, often billed per user
One-time implementation/setup fees (data migration, training, customization)
Support and training packages, which may be included or separate
Growth flexibility: how easy is it to add new users, modules, or yard locations?
Always request a clear, line-item quote that shows which features are included and which are optional. Watch for hidden costs—especially for features you assume are standard.
- Demo the Features That Matter Most
During the demo phase, vendors will want to show you polished dashboards and reports. That’s fine—but push for real-world scenarios:
How does the system handle backordered items across multiple locations?
Can a sales rep in the field generate a quote with live inventory?
What happens when a delivery is split across two yards?
Can the system track materials by bundle and unit?
If the ERP can’t show how it handles your daily pain points, it’s not the right fit.
Final Thought
A solid ERP comparison comes down to more than features and price—it’s about fit. The best ERP for your building materials business will feel like it was built for your world, not bolted on from another industry. Take your time, ask tough questions, and evaluate each system not just for what it can do—but how well it does it in the context of your business.
