Managing a construction company involves dealing with many processes at the same time. Without a proper system, these processes easily become disorganized, leading to delays and losses. And it is in this scenario that the construction ERP comes in, a solution that centralizes all information in one place and transforms construction management.

Continue reading to learn more about this system. By the end of this article, understand: 

• What is an ERP?

• What is a construction ERP used for?

• What are its main benefits?

• When to hire an ERP for your construction company?

• How much does it cost to implement a construction ERP?

• Visi: the construction ERP that reduces in-person job site visits by 50%

• FAQ: frequently asked questions about the system

• Final considerations

What is an ERP?

ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. Its main function is to centralize and integrate data and processes from different departments into a single platform. 

In civil construction, where there are several projects happening at the same time and each involves different teams, suppliers, and deadlines, this integration becomes even more strategic to avoid communication failures and financial losses.

What is a construction ERP used for?

A construction ERP has the function of integrating all the stages involved in a project, from planning to final delivery.

It connects areas such as engineering, purchasing, finance, inventory, and human resources in a single system, eliminating communication failures and reducing rework.

Furthermore, this type of solution helps the construction company to standardize processes, increase team productivity, and have greater predictability over costs and deadlines, essential factors to maintain competitiveness in the market.

What are its main benefits?

Check below the 7 main benefits of this system:

1. Process integration

With an ERP, you usually have an integrated system of business management that covers all areas of a company, such as finance, human resources, production, logistics, sales, and others. 

2. Financial control

You can control all expenses and revenues in real time. This facilitates cash flow management and the creation of detailed financial reports.

- Read also: Physical-financial construction schedule: what it is and how to make one

3. Construction management

An ERP linked to construction management offers specific tools that help track schedules, control costs, and manage teams. This ensures that projects are delivered on time and within budget, increasing customer satisfaction and company profitability.

4. Inventory optimization

Carrying out material management is important for any construction company. An ERP allows for a tighter control of inventory, avoiding waste and ensuring that necessary materials are always available. This results in greater efficiency and cost reduction.

- Read also: Construction control: what it is, importance, and how to do it

5. Ability to predict risks

Another important point of a construction ERP Software is the ability to predict risks. The ERP helps identify budget deviations or delays before they become major problems, allowing for faster corrective actions.

6. Improvement in communication and collaboration

With an ERP, field and office teams share information in real time, centralizing data and facilitating information exchange. This reduces unnecessary communication and errors, allowing for more effective collaboration. 

7. Improvement in decision-making

With access to accurate and up-to-date data, construction managers can make more informed and strategic decisions. Detailed reports and customized dashboards allow for a complete view of company and ongoing project performance.

When to hire an ERP for your construction company?

Here are some signs that it is the right time to hire a construction ERP system:

1. Company growth

If your construction company is growing and manual processes or fragmented systems are no longer keeping up with the demands, it is time to consider an ERP. 

2. Difficulty in tracking processes

When there is difficulty in tracking processes from end to end, resulting in project delays, errors, and rework, an ERP can centralize and automate operations, improving efficiency.

- Read also: Construction monitoring: what it is and how to improve the process

3. Lack of data visibility

If you face problems obtaining accurate data and in real time about your construction company's performance, an ERP can provide the necessary tools for a clear and comprehensive view, allowing for better management.

4. Problems with financial control

Difficulties in controlling cash flow, managing budgets, and preparing financial reports are clear signs that an ERP may be needed. A robust system can help organize finances and provide more efficient management.

- Read also: Construction budgeting in civil construction: what it is and how to make one?

5. Need for improvement in construction management

If construction management is disorganized, with scheduling and cost control problems, a specific ERP for construction companies can offer the necessary tools for better planning and project execution.

6. Difficulty in maintaining competitiveness against competitors

Another indicator is when the construction company feels difficulty in maintaining competitiveness against competitors who already use technology to reduce costs and deliver projects more efficiently. In this case, the ERP stops being a differentiator and becomes a necessity.

How much does it cost to implement a construction ERP?

The cost of implementing an ERP can vary significantly depending on the company size, complexity of processes, number of users, and modules needed.

In general, the costs to implement a construction ERP system include:

• Cost of purchasing the software license;

• Expenses with configuration, integration, and customization of the system to meet the company's needs;

• Investment to train users to utilize the system efficiently;

• Recurring costs for updates, technical support, and continuous system maintenance.

It is worth remembering that, although it is a considerable initial investment, the gains in productivity, reduction of errors, and financial control tend to generate a significant return in the medium and long term.

Visi: the construction ERP that reduces in-person job site visits by 50%

If your construction company faces challenges in project management, this might be the right time to get to know Visi, by Construct IN.

The Visi is a construction ERP that reduces in-person visits to job sites by up to 50% using 360° cameras attached to workers' helmets.

With the platform, you centralize reports (such as daily construction reports, photographic reports, and others), construction measurements, and communication in one place, tracking everything remotely, practically, and securely.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about the system

Check below the main questions about the construction ERP system. Some have already been answered throughout the text, but we have gathered everything in this section for a better understanding.

What is a construction ERP?

It is a management system that integrates all areas of the construction company (such as projects, finance, purchasing, inventory, and human resources) into a single platform.

What are the main benefits of an ERP for construction companies?

Among the main benefits, the following stand out: greater financial control, more efficient construction management, reduction of material waste, process integration, agile communication, and better decision-making.

What is the difference between a standard ERP and a specific ERP for construction companies?

Traditional ERP serves companies in general, while specific ERP brings features geared towards the industry, such as schedule control, measurements, construction reports, and integration between office and job site.

When should a construction company hire an ERP?

Clear signs are: accelerated company growth, difficulty in controlling processes, data visibility problems, failures in financial control, or disorganization in construction management.

How much does it cost to implement an ERP for construction companies?

The value varies according to the size of the company, number of users, and contracted modules. It is important to consider license, configuration, training, support, and continuous maintenance costs. The ideal is to request quotes.

Is it worth investing in an ERP even for mid-sized construction companies?

Yes. ERP helps organize processes, reduce costs, avoid rework, and increase competitiveness, regardless of the size of the construction company.

How does the ERP help reduce in-person job site visits?

Platforms like Visi, by Construct In, allow tracking projects remotely with 360° cameras, digital reports, and real-time integration, decreasing the need for constant travel.

What is the best ERP for a construction company?

The best ERP for a construction company is one that meets the specific needs of the business, offering features geared towards construction management, financial control, and integration between office and job site. In this sense, Visi, by Construct IN, stands out as one of the best options, as it was developed especially for civil construction, reduces in-person visits by up to 50%, and centralizes reports, measurements, and communication in a single system, ensuring more efficiency and competitiveness.

Final considerations

Managing a construction company requires organization, integration, and total control of processes. ERP is the tool that guarantees this efficiency and, when developed especially for civil construction, generates even more results.

Visi, by Construct IN, is a complete solution that transforms construction management, reduces costs, and increases productivity. Request a personalized quote now and discover how Visi can revolutionize your construction company.