Quick Overview
- 1#1: Epicor Eclipse - Comprehensive ERP platform tailored for building materials distributors, handling inventory, sales orders, purchasing, and financials.
- 2#2: Dataforma - All-in-one CRM and ERP software designed for building supply dealers to manage sales, quoting, inventory, and customer relationships.
- 3#3: Advantive AMI - ERP solution for building products manufacturers and distributors, optimizing supply chain, production, and distribution processes.
- 4#4: EDGE by The Access Group - Integrated ERP system for building materials companies, supporting warehouse management, e-commerce, and financial reporting.
- 5#5: Procore - Cloud-based construction management platform with tools for materials procurement, tracking, budgeting, and supplier coordination.
- 6#6: BlueTarp - Digital invoicing and payments platform that streamlines accounts payable and receivable for building materials suppliers and contractors.
- 7#7: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - Construction-specific ERP software for job costing, materials management, subcontracting, and project accounting.
- 8#8: Trimble Viewpoint - End-to-end construction ERP with advanced features for materials inventory, procurement, and field-to-office integration.
- 9#9: Foundation Software - Construction accounting software that includes job costing, materials tracking, payroll, and reporting for contractors.
- 10#10: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction management tool with scheduling, estimating, material ordering, and client communication features.
These tools were chosen based on comprehensive feature sets, user-centric design, reliable performance, and measurable value, ensuring they address the unique needs of building materials suppliers, distributors, and contractors.
Comparison Table
Building materials software is critical for optimizing procurement, inventory, and cost management in construction; this comparison table examines key features, strengths, and use cases of top tools like Epicor Eclipse, Dataforma, Advantive AMI, EDGE by The Access Group, Procore, and more, equipping readers to select the right solution.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epicor Eclipse Comprehensive ERP platform tailored for building materials distributors, handling inventory, sales orders, purchasing, and financials. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | Dataforma All-in-one CRM and ERP software designed for building supply dealers to manage sales, quoting, inventory, and customer relationships. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Advantive AMI ERP solution for building products manufacturers and distributors, optimizing supply chain, production, and distribution processes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | EDGE by The Access Group Integrated ERP system for building materials companies, supporting warehouse management, e-commerce, and financial reporting. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Procore Cloud-based construction management platform with tools for materials procurement, tracking, budgeting, and supplier coordination. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | BlueTarp Digital invoicing and payments platform that streamlines accounts payable and receivable for building materials suppliers and contractors. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Construction-specific ERP software for job costing, materials management, subcontracting, and project accounting. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Trimble Viewpoint End-to-end construction ERP with advanced features for materials inventory, procurement, and field-to-office integration. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 9 | Foundation Software Construction accounting software that includes job costing, materials tracking, payroll, and reporting for contractors. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction management tool with scheduling, estimating, material ordering, and client communication features. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive ERP platform tailored for building materials distributors, handling inventory, sales orders, purchasing, and financials.
All-in-one CRM and ERP software designed for building supply dealers to manage sales, quoting, inventory, and customer relationships.
ERP solution for building products manufacturers and distributors, optimizing supply chain, production, and distribution processes.
Integrated ERP system for building materials companies, supporting warehouse management, e-commerce, and financial reporting.
Cloud-based construction management platform with tools for materials procurement, tracking, budgeting, and supplier coordination.
Digital invoicing and payments platform that streamlines accounts payable and receivable for building materials suppliers and contractors.
Construction-specific ERP software for job costing, materials management, subcontracting, and project accounting.
End-to-end construction ERP with advanced features for materials inventory, procurement, and field-to-office integration.
Construction accounting software that includes job costing, materials tracking, payroll, and reporting for contractors.
All-in-one construction management tool with scheduling, estimating, material ordering, and client communication features.
Epicor Eclipse
enterpriseComprehensive ERP platform tailored for building materials distributors, handling inventory, sales orders, purchasing, and financials.
Cradle-to-grave lot and serial number traceability optimized for building materials, ensuring precise inventory accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Epicor Eclipse is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for building materials distributors, including lumber yards, roofing suppliers, and millwork operations. It manages end-to-end operations such as inventory control with lot traceability, order processing, purchasing, financials, and CRM with industry-specific workflows. The software excels in handling complex pricing, quoting, and delivery scheduling unique to building supplies, while integrating with tools like CAD and mobile apps for field access.
Pros
- Deep industry-specific features like cradle-to-grave lot tracking, dimensional inventory, and multi-branch support
- Robust scalability for mid-to-enterprise distributors with real-time analytics and BI tools
- Seamless integrations with third-party apps for estimating, EDI, and e-commerce
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation (6-12 months typical)
- High upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
- Customization often required for unique workflows, adding complexity
Best For
Mid-to-large building materials distributors needing a fully integrated ERP to handle high-volume, complex inventory and supply chain demands.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $50,000-$200,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment (cloud or on-premise).
Dataforma
specializedAll-in-one CRM and ERP software designed for building supply dealers to manage sales, quoting, inventory, and customer relationships.
Advanced visual estimator and quoting engine with real-time pricing grids optimized for building supply products
Dataforma is a specialized ERP and CRM platform designed for building materials suppliers, such as lumber yards, roofing distributors, and countertop fabricators. It offers comprehensive tools for quoting, order management, inventory tracking, purchasing, and financial integration, streamlining operations from sales to delivery. The software includes mobile apps for field sales reps and supports multi-branch management with real-time data visibility.
Pros
- Industry-specific tools tailored for building materials like advanced quoting and takeoffs
- Robust mobile app for on-the-go sales and inventory access
- Strong integration with accounting systems and reliable uptime
Cons
- Steep initial setup and learning curve for complex modules
- Pricing can be high for very small operations
- User interface shows some dated elements despite functional power
Best For
Mid-sized to large building materials suppliers needing an all-in-one ERP with industry expertise.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; modular plans typically start at $300-$500 per user/month depending on features and scale.
Advantive AMI
enterpriseERP solution for building products manufacturers and distributors, optimizing supply chain, production, and distribution processes.
Advanced dimensional inventory and pricing engine optimized for lumber, roofing, and specialty building products
Advantive AMI is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for building materials distributors, offering end-to-end management of inventory, orders, purchasing, and financials. It excels in handling industry-specific challenges like dimensional lumber tracking, complex pricing matrices, and multi-location operations. The software integrates CRM, warehouse management, and analytics to optimize distribution workflows and improve profitability.
Pros
- Deep industry-specific features for building materials like dimensional inventory and lot traceability
- Scalable for multi-branch distributors with robust warehouse mobility
- Strong integrations with e-commerce and third-party logistics
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- High implementation costs and time for full deployment
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Mid-to-large building materials distributors needing specialized ERP for complex inventory and multi-location management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $50K+ annually for mid-sized deployments, depending on users, modules, and cloud/on-premise setup.
EDGE by The Access Group
enterpriseIntegrated ERP system for building materials companies, supporting warehouse management, e-commerce, and financial reporting.
Advanced visual dispatching and truck loading optimization for efficient deliveries
EDGE by The Access Group is a comprehensive ERP software designed specifically for building materials distributors and manufacturers. It handles end-to-end operations including inventory management with lot and serial tracking, order entry, purchasing, sales, accounting, and delivery dispatching. The platform offers industry-tailored features like advanced pricing matrices, contractor portals, and robust reporting for multi-location businesses.
Pros
- Deep industry-specific features for building materials like lot tracking and pricing engines
- Scalable for multi-location operations with strong integration capabilities
- Reliable customer support and regular updates from The Access Group
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation
- Pricing is custom and on the higher end
- Mobile app functionality is limited compared to modern cloud-native solutions
Best For
Mid-to-large building materials distributors needing a robust, on-premise or hosted ERP with specialized industry tools.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on modules and users; typically $15,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments.
Procore
enterpriseCloud-based construction management platform with tools for materials procurement, tracking, budgeting, and supplier coordination.
Integrated Procurement tool that links material bids, purchase orders, and inventory directly to project financials and schedules
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform that includes tools for managing building materials through procurement, inventory tracking, purchase orders, and supplier integrations. It streamlines material submittals, RFIs, and logistics within the broader context of project management, financials, and field operations. While not exclusively a building materials software, its robust features make it suitable for construction firms handling material workflows alongside other project needs.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with suppliers and ERP systems for seamless material procurement
- Powerful mobile app for real-time inventory and material tracking in the field
- Advanced analytics and reporting on material costs and usage
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its comprehensive feature set
- High pricing that may not suit small-scale materials-only operations
- Overkill for businesses focused solely on inventory without full project management needs
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies seeking integrated building materials management within end-to-end project controls.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $375/user/year plus project-based fees; requires demo for quotes.
BlueTarp
specializedDigital invoicing and payments platform that streamlines accounts payable and receivable for building materials suppliers and contractors.
Integrated lien waiver automation and digital delivery, unique for construction supply chains
BlueTarp is a specialized financial software platform tailored for building materials suppliers, focusing on streamlining accounts receivable, invoicing, and payments. It provides tools for electronic invoicing, online payment processing, credit management, lien waivers, and customer portals to improve cash flow and reduce DSO. The solution integrates with popular ERPs like Epicor and Sage, making it a key tool for lumber yards and distributors managing contractor relationships.
Pros
- Industry-specific features for building materials like lien waivers and job costing
- Robust integrations with ERPs and accounting software
- Significant improvements in cash flow through fast payment options
Cons
- Pricing can be high for smaller suppliers
- Limited scope beyond financials (no full inventory management)
- Initial setup and data migration can be time-consuming
Best For
Mid-sized building materials distributors and lumber yards seeking to optimize AR collections and contractor payments.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on transaction volume and users; typically starts at $500/month for small operations with per-invoice fees.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseConstruction-specific ERP software for job costing, materials management, subcontracting, and project accounting.
Advanced job costing that links material costs directly to projects for precise profitability tracking
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP platform tailored for construction and real estate businesses, providing integrated financial management, project accounting, and job costing. As a building materials software solution, it excels in inventory control, purchasing, sales orders, and equipment management, enabling suppliers to track materials tied to specific projects. It supports end-to-end operations from procurement to billing, with strong reporting for profitability analysis.
Pros
- Comprehensive job costing and project integration
- Powerful inventory and procurement modules
- Customizable financial reporting and GL integration
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High implementation and customization costs
- Limited native mobile functionality
Best For
Mid-sized building materials suppliers or distributors serving construction projects that require tight integration between inventory, sales, and job costing.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically $100-$250 per user/month for cloud subscriptions or perpetual licenses starting at $10,000+, depending on modules and users.
Trimble Viewpoint
enterpriseEnd-to-end construction ERP with advanced features for materials inventory, procurement, and field-to-office integration.
Advanced dispatch and telematics integration for optimizing material deliveries and fleet management
Trimble Viewpoint is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for construction and building materials companies, offering modules for accounting, inventory management, sales orders, dispatch, and project costing. It enables building materials suppliers to streamline operations from procurement to delivery with real-time visibility and mobile access. The cloud-based ViewpointOne suite integrates financials, CRM, and field tools, scaling for enterprises handling aggregates, concrete, or lumber.
Pros
- Deep integration with Trimble hardware for telematics and fieldwork
- Powerful job costing and inventory tracking for complex supply chains
- Customizable reporting and scalability for growing operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation
- High cost with custom pricing
- User interface can feel outdated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-to-large building materials suppliers needing robust, integrated ERP for dispatch, inventory, and financials.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $1,000-$5,000+ per month depending on users, modules, and deployment.
Foundation Software
enterpriseConstruction accounting software that includes job costing, materials tracking, payroll, and reporting for contractors.
Multi-level job budgeting and forecasting that allows unlimited segmentation for granular control over building materials costs and variances.
Foundation Software is a robust construction accounting ERP solution from Foundation Software (foundationsoft.com) that delivers job costing, payroll, inventory management, and financial tools tailored for construction-related businesses, including building materials suppliers. It enables precise tracking of material costs allocated to specific jobs, streamlining purchasing, inventory control, and profitability analysis. The software supports both on-premise and cloud deployments, with customizable reporting to handle complex construction workflows.
Pros
- Advanced job costing for accurate material allocation and profitability tracking
- Integrated certified payroll and HR modules compliant with construction regulations
- Comprehensive inventory management with lot and serial tracking suitable for building materials
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- Quote-based pricing lacks transparency and can be costly for smaller operations
- Limited native e-commerce or customer portal features for direct material sales
Best For
Mid-sized building materials suppliers and construction firms needing deep accounting integration with job-specific material tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $10,000–$50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and deployment type (on-premise or cloud).
Buildertrend
enterpriseAll-in-one construction management tool with scheduling, estimating, material ordering, and client communication features.
Digital estimating and takeoff tools that automatically generate material lists and link to purchasing
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform that includes tools for material estimating, digital takeoffs, purchasing, and cost tracking tailored to builders and contractors. It enables users to create detailed material lists, order from suppliers, and monitor expenses in real-time within project workflows. While not exclusively a building materials software, it supports material management effectively as part of broader construction operations.
Pros
- Robust estimating and digital takeoff for accurate material quantities
- Integrated supplier ordering and purchase tracking
- Real-time job costing to monitor material expenses against budgets
Cons
- Limited standalone inventory management for materials suppliers
- Pricing can be steep for small teams focused only on materials
- Overkill for pure building materials operations without full project needs
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and builders needing integrated material management within project scheduling and client communication.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; starts around $399/month for base plans, scales with users, projects, and features (billed annually).
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide varied solutions, with Epicor Eclipse emerging as the top choice due to its comprehensive ERP platform that effectively manages inventory, sales, and financials for building materials distributors. Dataforma and Advantive AMI follow closely, offering strong alternatives—Dataforma for dealer-focused CRM and ERP, and Advantive AMI for manufacturers optimizing supply chain and production. Each tool addresses specific needs, but Epicor Eclipse leads as the most versatile option.
Explore the top-ranked Epicor Eclipse today to streamline your building materials operations and boost efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison