Choosing the right ERP system can be one of the most impactful decisions for a building material distributor. It touches every part of your business—from quoting and inventory to delivery and customer service. But like any major investment, there are clear pros and cons to weigh before you move forward.
Pros
- Centralized Operations
An ERP brings all your processes—sales, purchasing, inventory, and finance—into one system. That means fewer spreadsheets, fewer errors, and better coordination between departments.
- Real-Time Inventory Visibility
Know exactly what’s in stock at each yard or warehouse, in real time. This reduces over-ordering, stockouts, and delays on job-site deliveries.
- Better Customer Service
With accurate data and streamlined workflows, you can quote faster, fulfill more reliably, and give customers updates instantly.
- Improved Reporting & Forecasting
Track your best-selling products, monitor margins, and forecast demand with data-driven insights that help you make smarter business decisions.
- Scalability
As your business grows—new product lines, more locations, or added services—your ERP can grow with you, without needing a system overhaul.
Cons
- High Initial Cost
ERP systems can be expensive to license, implement, and support—especially if you need custom features or third-party integrations.
- Learning Curve for Staff
Training takes time, and new workflows can be disruptive at first. If buy-in is low, adoption suffers, and efficiency gains are delayed.
- Complexity of Implementation
Getting your data cleaned up, defining new workflows, and managing the transition from legacy systems is a major project in itself.
- Ongoing Maintenance
Even after go-live, ERP systems require regular updates, support, and sometimes outside consulting—adding to your long-term costs.
- Not All Systems Fit the Industry
Some ERPs aren’t designed with building material distribution in mind, meaning you may need extra customization or compromise on features.
Final Word
A great ERP can transform how you operate—but only if it fits your workflows, your team, and your growth goals. Take the time to evaluate not just the features, but how well the system aligns with the way your business runs.
How to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse with Customization vs Off-the-Shelf ERP for Material Suppliers
Choosing between a customized ERP and an off-the-shelf solution can be tricky. Get it wrong, and you end up with software that doesn’t fit your business—or a system that’s so complex and costly you wish you’d never started.
Here’s how to avoid buyer’s remorse and make the right call for your operation.
- Know Your Business Complexity First
Don’t buy software based on hype. Start by understanding your own processes.
Do you need location-specific pricing or job-site delivery tracking?
Do your units of measure vary by product (e.g., sold by the piece, pallet, or linear foot)?
Do you manage inventory across multiple yards or warehouses?
If the answer is yes, a cookie-cutter solution may not cover your needs. Customization could save you time and frustration in the long run.
- Avoid Over-Customizing Too Early
Customization sounds great—until your team is six months into development, and you’re still not live.
Tip: Start with 80% fit. Customize the last 20% only after go-live, once you know what truly needs tailoring.
- Understand What “Off-the-Shelf” Really Means
Not all off-the-shelf ERPs are basic. Some industry-specific platforms offer pre-configured workflows that match building material distribution without needing custom code.
Ask:
Can it handle units of measure conversions?
Does it support real-time inventory visibility across yards?
Can it manage quotes, deliveries, and transfers out of the box?
You might get everything you need without touching custom development.
- Budget for the Full Lifecycle
Buyer’s remorse often comes from underestimating long-term costs.
With customization, expect to invest more upfront—and for every future update. With off-the-shelf, you might pay less at first, but risk outgrowing the system or being stuck with inefficient workarounds.
Always ask:
What’s included in the base cost?
What happens when we need to scale?
How are updates and support handled?
- Involve Your Team in the Decision
Your warehouse team, sales reps, and dispatchers will be the ones using the system every day. If the software doesn’t work for them, it won’t deliver ROI—custom or not.
Run demos with real users. Get feedback early. You’ll avoid costly surprises and boost buy-in from day one.
Final Word
Customization gives you flexibility, while off-the-shelf gives you speed and simplicity. The best path depends on how unique your workflows are—and how ready your team is to adapt. Choose with your future in mind, and you’ll make an ERP investment you won’t regret.
