Choosing between a customized ERP and an off-the-shelf solution is a big decision for material suppliers. It affects everything from daily workflows to long-term scalability. But the real key? Understanding which features matter most—and whether they’re available out of the box or require customization.
Here’s a breakdown of the top features to look for—and where each type of ERP typically stands.
- Industry-Specific Inventory Management
What to Look For:
Multi-unit tracking (e.g., pieces, pallets, linear feet, tons)
Bundle and kit management
Bulk material handling
Real-time stock visibility across locations
Customization:
Can be tailored to your exact material types and tracking methods. Ideal for complex or mixed-unit businesses.
Off-the-Shelf:
Some ERPs offer solid inventory modules but may require tweaks to handle industry nuances like variable-length products or bundling.
- Pricing and Quoting Flexibility
What to Look For:
Tiered pricing by customer type (contractor, wholesaler, retail)
Job-specific or region-based pricing
Volume discount automation
Integrated quote-to-order workflows
Customization:
Can align perfectly with your pricing strategy—even if it’s complex or project-based.
Off-the-Shelf:
Often includes basic pricing levels, but advanced rules may require add-ons or workarounds.
- Delivery and Dispatch Tools
What to Look For:
Load planning and truck routing
Job-site delivery coordination
Signature capture and photo proof-of-delivery
Real-time driver updates
Customization:
Lets you build delivery logic based on your fleet, load types, and geography.
Off-the-Shelf:
Some systems include basic dispatch or integrate with third-party tools, but may lack construction-specific delivery workflows.
- Mobile Access for Yard & Field Teams
What to Look For:
Mobile-friendly interfaces for loading crews and drivers
Barcode scanning, load checks, and inventory movement
Offline functionality with sync-on-connect
Customization:
Allows you to build exactly what your field team needs—nothing more, nothing less.
Off-the-Shelf:
Many offer mobile apps, but may not match your workflow without modification.
- Order Accuracy and Load Validation
What to Look For:
Pick list verification
Load staging by project
Error-checking before dispatch
Change order handling
Customization:
Ensures your ERP mirrors how your team stages and checks materials before delivery.
Off-the-Shelf:
Basic workflows available, but more specialized checks often require customization.
- Reporting & Forecasting
What to Look For:
Sales trends by product, customer, or project
Stock movement across seasons
Demand forecasting by region or builder type
Custom KPIs (on-time delivery, load accuracy, margin tracking)
Customization:
You can build dashboards tailored to your KPIs and business structure.
Off-the-Shelf:
Standard reports are available, but deeper analytics may need bolt-ons or custom setups.
- Ease of Integration
What to Look For:
Compatibility with accounting, CRM, e-commerce, and delivery software
API access or native integrations
Syncing across multiple platforms
Customization:
Gives full control over how your systems talk to each other—critical for larger operations.
Off-the-Shelf:
May have pre-built connectors for popular tools, but custom integrations may be limited.
Final Thought
The best ERP for your business depends on your complexity, growth goals, and internal resources.
Go custom if your workflows are unique, your inventory is complex, and you want a system built around you.
Go off-the-shelf if you need speed, simplicity, and standard functionality that covers most of your operations.
Either way, the right features—mapped to your business—are what turn an ERP into a long-term asset, not a bottleneck.
