If you're in the Building Supply Industry and relying on an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution that your provider touts as the perfect fit, it’s time to take a closer look. The reality often doesn't match the promises made. Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the painstaking process of entering timber lengths individually, instead of grouping them? Are frequent requests from leadership for detailed reports met with frustrating delays as your IT struggles to extract data from the system?
Meanwhile, as you juggle production tasks—like pre-assembly for a recent customer deal—do you find yourself questioning how to manage these exceptional demands within your current ERP framework? It’s becoming clear: the challenges are multiplying, and your existing solution is falling short of its promises. Perhaps it's time to consider replacing outdated server hardware or upgrading to a modern ERP system tailored specifically for your industry.
So, what should you look for when choosing an ERP designed for building suppliers? What features define a truly effective solution that meets your specific needs?
Let’s examine those essential questions to help you evaluate your current ERP solution and find the right fit for your business.
It's crucial that ERP providers comprehend the unique requirements of the building supply industry. A well-crafted ERP solution will integrate specific functionalities tailored for your sector. Out-of-the-box solutions save both time and money because they eliminate the need for extensive customisation during implementation. When industry-specific features are pre-built into the system, it streamlines updates and minimises disruptions. If your current ERP necessitates a lot of custom programming, consider the additional time and cost involved, especially when it comes time for system upgrades. A flexible, industry-focused ERP will simplify these necessary updates, delivering a more efficient overall experience.
Are you being heard by your ERP supplier? A robust ERP provider will conduct regular Customer Advisory Board (CAB) sessions with peers in the industry. This helps ensure that they are on top of current requirements and trends. If your vendor isn't taking your needs seriously, particularly if their core customer base lies outside your industry, essential enhancements may not be prioritised—or worse, they may simply be ignored. This underscores the importance of selecting a supplier that genuinely understands and is invested in the Building Supply Industry.
Consider how your current ERP handles timber products, including the specific challenges associated with different timber configurations. For instance, how does your current system manage timber tallies during new deliveries? A well-crafted ERP should efficiently segregate various types of timber packs such as:
Although the width and thickness of these packs typically remain constant, the lengths vary significantly. Evaluate whether your current ERP allows for straightforward entry of these quantities and whether it can efficiently adapt to your business’s unique packaging requirements.
As a reliable supplier in the building supply sector, you may operate assembly tasks on-site, such as producing doors, windows, or custom joinery. It’s essential that your ERP supports these component manufacturing operations effectively. Does it facilitate the management of offsite construction tasks as well? Look for features like built-in product configuration tools, Work In Progress (WIP) visibility, and capabilities to monitor costs associated with materials and labour throughout your production processes. Many generic ERP systems fail to adequately support these necessary tasks common in the industry, risking inefficiencies and lost profitability.
A crucial aspect of any ERP system is data accessibility. If you are tethered to a solution that complicates data retrieval or limits your ability to generate custom reports, it stifles your ability to make informed business decisions. Assess how your current ERP allows access to data for creating insightful reports and dashboards. Furthermore, consider how easy it is to connect your ERP with external services. A truly modern ERP solution should enable seamless integration with other applications, fostering better information flow across systems for a more cohesive operational approach.
Why change a system that has worked well for a long time? The answer is straightforward: the pace of change is accelerating, and systems that were once secure are now vulnerable to increasing security and cyber threats. Consider how many IT security professionals you plan to hire for your organisation. An alternative is to run your ERP solution in the cloud and collaborate with your cloud provider on a robust security package. Typically, cloud providers implement the latest security measures and employ hundreds of security experts globally. Such a level of security is nearly impossible for individual organisations to achieve, when they’d be better served focusing their resources on growth and innovation. It’s essential to work on your core business rather than on becoming an IT powerhouse; in contrast, when you move your data to the cloud, that security and IT powerhouse comes along with the migration.
Regarding ERP systems, you have a significant advantage if your solution is built on the Microsoft .NET framework and uses a Microsoft SQL database. Transitioning to a Microsoft Azure cloud environment with this combination puts you in a strong position, as it allows for a fast and flexible deployment, management, and operation of your ERP solution. This is precisely what Epicor offers with its BisTrack cloud solution.
Epicor BisTrack provides a comprehensive and tailored ERP solution specifically designed for the building supply industry. If your current ERP system is failing to meet your expectations or limiting your operations, it may be time to explore better options. Your business deserves an ERP that not only meets your needs but also fosters growth and efficiency.
If you have any questions about Epicor, BisTrack, or how our solutions can enhance your operations within the building supply industry, please feel free to contact us at info.uk@epicor.com.
Wishing you a productive day in the building supply sector, with fewer worries about your ERP and more time to focus on nurturing your customer relationships.
