The Benefits of Using Next-Gen ERP for Modular Construction

What is a Modular Construction?

Modular Constructions are prefabricated buildings that consist of separate sections called modules. These modules are repeatable and easy to build - they can be finished much faster than the regular constructions as they can be all done at the same time. In most cases, the modules are done away from the site where the building will be located - they can be done anywhere needed or desired.

All the modular pieces come together, in the end, on-site. The pieces are put together with the help of cranes, and the modules can be placed side-by-side, end-to-end, or stacked, allowing a variety of configurations and styles. The joining is done by using inter-module connections. Through the joints, the buildings tie in and they create a whole that can be lived in as soon as the job is done. Finally, Modular Construction can build long-term, temporary or permanent facilities.

The Advantages of Modular Construction

What is a Next-Generation ERP?

A next-generation ERP software is a flexible cloud-based management software to support efficiency in planning resources at all stages of a project’s process. This solution enables companies to manage their projects with a broad view of the whole and hundreds of features to make activities as easy as possible. In contrast to the old version of an ERP, the new version of it implements each module accordingly to each client's workflow, like a lego – many pieces put together in a unique configuration.

The Benefits: flexibility for your Workflow, streamline the Process and control over the Projects

The Enterprise Resource Planning tool that you will choose, as a Modular Construction business, should provide not only central project management and control capabilities but also be able to track your assets, be it financial, human resources or physical machines that you own or rent. Managing your shipments and the transport of materials is also key. Making sure all the materials you need are at your disposal at the place of production but also making sure that the modules will get safely to the assembly site.

Project Control

As a project-based Solution, next-gen ERP allows you to track and explore how your projects are doing. You will be able to see the financial health of your project at a glance by accessing the Financial Dashboard. Budgeting will be easier, as Archdesk also comes with developed integrations, such as accounting software like Sage, Xero, QuickBooks. It also allows you to visualize a work breakdown structure. It also allows you to check the work package management, bills of quantities, project variation control, and change orders. All the financial documents raised in the system, with the help of the Nominal Codes setup, will flow smoothly to the Accounting System that you use - no need for a double task.

Accurate Estimations

Next-gen ERP streamlines your quotation and sales process. We know that a solid estimate of the project and a sound Quote will help you start off your project with no issue. You can generate the sales quotation inside the system and send it online to your client - accepting or declining it can be done online, via the link sent. It also holds all the professional content you need: images, notes, and Terms & Conditions. Additionally, you can easily track what comes after: all payments and valuations can be done through the system. You can raise Purchase Orders from inside the system on the Quote, a section of the Quote and even on a single item inside it. Moreover, all the financial documents raised inside the system are interconnected, and you are able to track your expenses up to the last penny.

One tool to handle the Projects and the fabrication of the Modules

Next-gen ERP provides the overall control of your projects from the moment you get the inquiry to the handover of the finished product. Our cloud-based ERP system allows you to track all your projects at the same time and see what items have already been done for the assembly. The system is flexible enough to focus on the process inside your company as well as to show you the progress you have made on the modular pieces needed for the project to succeed. By standardizing the way you and your team work together and by having clear setup processes inside the system, you are able to set up a straight track of how the work needs to be done and in which order. Furthermore, you will be able to offer the client a more competitive price, as you learn from previous projects. This allows you to deliver the final product faster and with higher standard quality.

Some clients might want you to produce and assemble the modules on site. It is up to you and the Contract Manager to settle things down. Either way, if you will choose to work from your own place or not, Archdesk is able to help you track your progress out. Good software allows you to store the assets you own or loan inside the system and track on which task and on what location they are now - this will help you immensely in avoiding double-booking and overloading your assets. Once the modules are ready to be moved to the site of assembly, all you need to do is schedule a task for the person and the piece of equipment (owned/rented) that will carry the delivery. The system will notify you if that person is free during the time chosen and how much it will cost.