Company profile:
A mid-sized construction materials supplier operating across three regions, with four distribution centers and a mix of in-house and third-party (3PL) delivery fleets.
Challenges before ERP integration:
Order data was manually entered between sales, warehouse, and dispatch systems
Delivery schedules often conflicted with staging and inventory availability
Proof of delivery (POD) was captured on paper and uploaded later
Dispatchers relied on phone calls and spreadsheets for scheduling
The result:
Frequent delays, miscommunication with contractors, and a rising rate of missed delivery windows.
The Solution: ERP Integration with Logistics Workflow Automation
The company partnered with a technology consultant to upgrade its ERP system and fully integrate it with its logistics workflows, including:
Automated order-to-dispatch workflow: Sales orders automatically triggered picking, staging, and delivery scheduling.
Integrated TMS and fleet visibility: Dispatchers could assign routes and track loads within the ERP.
Digital proof of delivery: Drivers used mobile apps to capture POD data, linked directly to order records.
Real-time alerts and ETA sharing: Contractors received automated delivery updates and location tracking.
Implementation Highlights
Timeline: 12-week rollout across 4 locations
Systems used: ERP (Acumatica), TMS module, GPS fleet tracking integration
Training: Warehouse teams, drivers, dispatch, and customer service
Results: Efficiency and Accuracy Improvements
After just 90 days of using the new ERP-integrated logistics workflow, the company saw measurable improvements:
🚚 23% Increase in On-Time Delivery Rate
Real-time load tracking, auto-scheduled routes, and live ETAs helped contractors prepare job sites—and reduced dispatch delays.
📦 30% Reduction in Manual Data Entry
Sales, inventory, and dispatch systems were now synced, eliminating double entry and spreadsheet-based routing.
📸 100% Digital POD Compliance
Drivers used mobile apps to capture time-stamped signatures and delivery photos. No more lost paperwork or invoice delays.
⏱️ 40% Faster Delivery Scheduling
Dispatchers used the ERP dashboard to plan loads, assign drivers, and adjust to changing job site conditions in real time.
📞 50% Fewer Customer Status Calls
Contractors appreciated being notified when deliveries were nearby or delayed. Less time was spent fielding “Where’s my order?” calls.
Contractor Feedback
“Now we can plan our crew around when the material is actually arriving. It’s saved us hours of standing around on site.”
— Site Foreman, Residential Framing Contractor
“The tracking links and digital proof of delivery have made it easier to reconcile deliveries. It’s smooth, professional, and way faster.”
— Project Manager, Commercial General Contractor
Key Takeaways
This case study shows that ERP integration isn’t just a back-office upgrade—it’s a strategic investment in logistics precision, customer transparency, and workforce productivity.
What made the difference:
Real-time integration between order entry, staging, dispatch, and delivery
Eliminating manual handoffs and data silos
Giving field teams and contractors live visibility into logistics
Automating communication across departments
Final Thoughts
In an industry where delays and miscommunication can derail job site timelines, automation is no longer optional. ERP integration allows distributors to turn logistics into a competitive advantage—delivering not just materials, but reliability and control.
If you’re still juggling spreadsheets, phone calls, and paper PODs, this case study proves that the right systems can transform your entire operation—and your customer experience.
