In the building materials business, speed, accuracy, and visibility are everything. Yard managers and delivery teams are on the front lines—and giving them mobile access to your ERP system can be a major productivity booster.
But like any tech upgrade, it’s not without trade-offs.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of enabling mobile ERP access for field-facing staff.
✅ Pros
- Real-Time Inventory Updates
Yard managers can instantly update stock levels after receiving, moving, or loading materials—reducing errors from manual notes or delayed data entry.
- Faster Order Fulfillment
Delivery staff can check job details, update order statuses, and capture e-signatures—all from their phone or tablet. This speeds up turnaround and improves customer experience.
- Reduced Paperwork
From pick tickets to delivery slips, mobile ERP access digitizes everything—cutting down on lost paperwork and redundant manual entry later.
- Improved Communication
Teams in the yard or on the road can receive real-time updates about rush orders, address changes, or safety alerts—without having to call in.
- GPS & Route Integration
Mobile ERPs often integrate with mapping apps, helping delivery drivers find the fastest route, log mileage, and confirm proof of delivery—all in one place.
⚠️ Cons
- Device Dependency
If a device gets damaged, lost, or runs out of battery, access to the system is gone. Rugged devices and backup processes are a must.
- Connectivity Issues
Poor signal in remote yards or construction sites can interrupt access to cloud-based systems. Offline capabilities or caching features are essential.
- Training & User Adoption
Not all yard or delivery staff are tech-savvy. Rolling out mobile ERP successfully requires upfront training and ongoing support.
- Security Risks
Mobile access introduces new security considerations. Devices must be encrypted, password-protected, and remotely wipeable if lost or stolen.
- Cost of Devices & Licensing
Outfitting your team with mobile-ready devices and software licenses adds upfront and recurring costs. Make sure the productivity gains justify the investment.
🧱 Final Thought:
For building material suppliers, mobile ERP access can be a game-changer—turning your yard and delivery team into a more agile, data-driven extension of your back office.
Just make sure you balance convenience with control, and plan your rollout carefully.
