Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced material procurement, inventory tracking, and supplier management features.
- 2#2: Autodesk Construction Cloud - Cloud-based solution integrating BIM for accurate material quantity takeoffs, procurement workflows, and real-time inventory updates.
- 3#3: Knowify - Subcontractor-focused software specializing in material estimating, purchase orders, job costing, and vendor management.
- 4#4: Buildertrend - Residential construction tool for managing material schedules, purchase orders, change orders, and inventory across projects.
- 5#5: Trimble Viewpoint - ERP system for construction firms offering robust inventory control, material requisitions, and supply chain integration.
- 6#6: CMiC - Enterprise platform with end-to-end supply chain management including material planning, procurement, and tracking.
- 7#7: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - Accounting-integrated software for tracking construction materials, costs, subcontracts, and inventory levels.
- 8#8: Foundation - Construction accounting software with job cost tracking, material purchases, and inventory management capabilities.
- 9#9: Jonas Construction Software - Integrated ERP for managing construction materials through purchasing, inventory, and project cost controls.
- 10#10: eSUB - Cloud-based subcontractor management platform with tools for material tracking, timecards, and field procurement.
Tools were selected based on feature robustness, usability, integration potential, and overall value, ensuring a comprehensive roster that aligns with modern construction demands.
Comparison Table
Efficient material management is vital for optimizing construction workflows, and selecting the right software can enhance accuracy and reduce waste. This comparison table explores leading tools like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Knowify, Buildertrend, Trimble Viewpoint, and more, highlighting key features, integration capabilities, and scalability to help readers identify the best fit for their project needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced material procurement, inventory tracking, and supplier management features. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Autodesk Construction Cloud Cloud-based solution integrating BIM for accurate material quantity takeoffs, procurement workflows, and real-time inventory updates. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Knowify Subcontractor-focused software specializing in material estimating, purchase orders, job costing, and vendor management. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Buildertrend Residential construction tool for managing material schedules, purchase orders, change orders, and inventory across projects. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Trimble Viewpoint ERP system for construction firms offering robust inventory control, material requisitions, and supply chain integration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | CMiC Enterprise platform with end-to-end supply chain management including material planning, procurement, and tracking. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate Accounting-integrated software for tracking construction materials, costs, subcontracts, and inventory levels. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Foundation Construction accounting software with job cost tracking, material purchases, and inventory management capabilities. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Jonas Construction Software Integrated ERP for managing construction materials through purchasing, inventory, and project cost controls. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | eSUB Cloud-based subcontractor management platform with tools for material tracking, timecards, and field procurement. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced material procurement, inventory tracking, and supplier management features.
Cloud-based solution integrating BIM for accurate material quantity takeoffs, procurement workflows, and real-time inventory updates.
Subcontractor-focused software specializing in material estimating, purchase orders, job costing, and vendor management.
Residential construction tool for managing material schedules, purchase orders, change orders, and inventory across projects.
ERP system for construction firms offering robust inventory control, material requisitions, and supply chain integration.
Enterprise platform with end-to-end supply chain management including material planning, procurement, and tracking.
Accounting-integrated software for tracking construction materials, costs, subcontracts, and inventory levels.
Construction accounting software with job cost tracking, material purchases, and inventory management capabilities.
Integrated ERP for managing construction materials through purchasing, inventory, and project cost controls.
Cloud-based subcontractor management platform with tools for material tracking, timecards, and field procurement.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management platform with advanced material procurement, inventory tracking, and supplier management features.
Inventory Management tool offering real-time, multi-site tracking of material quantities, costs, and locations with automated reorder alerts
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with robust material management capabilities, enabling real-time tracking of inventory, procurement, and material usage across job sites. It streamlines purchase orders, commitments, submittals, and RFIs to ensure material approvals and deliveries align with project timelines. Integrated with financials, scheduling, and field tools, it provides end-to-end visibility and control over construction materials.
Pros
- Real-time inventory tracking with location-based visibility and automated alerts
- Seamless integration of procurement, submittals, and RFIs for efficient material workflows
- Mobile app for instant field updates on material receipts, usage, and shortages
Cons
- High cost may deter small contractors
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom setup and training often required for full utilization
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing integrated material management within a full project management ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $500-$1,000+ per month per project or $375+/user/year, with add-ons for advanced modules.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
enterpriseCloud-based solution integrating BIM for accurate material quantity takeoffs, procurement workflows, and real-time inventory updates.
BIM 360 integration for automated, model-based material quantity takeoff and dynamic tracking
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is a cloud-based platform that unifies project management, BIM collaboration, and construction operations for the AEC industry. In construction material management, it excels with tools for quantity takeoff, procurement workflows, submittal tracking, inventory logging, and cost forecasting integrated across the project lifecycle. It leverages BIM models from Revit and other Autodesk tools to automate material quantity estimation and real-time tracking, reducing errors and waste.
Pros
- Deep BIM integration for precise material quantity takeoff and lifecycle tracking
- Real-time collaboration and mobile access for on-site material inventory management
- Comprehensive procurement and cost control tools with analytics dashboards
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set and customization needs
- High pricing that may overwhelm smaller contractors
- Occasional performance issues with large BIM models on mobile devices
Best For
Large AEC firms managing complex, BIM-heavy projects that require integrated material management from design through handover.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; core plans start at ~$65/user/month, with advanced modules up to $150+/user/month annually.
Knowify
specializedSubcontractor-focused software specializing in material estimating, purchase orders, job costing, and vendor management.
Vendor bid comparison and automated PO approval workflows for efficient material sourcing
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for subcontractors and specialty trade contractors, providing robust tools for job costing, project management, and material handling. It excels in inventory tracking, purchase order creation, and real-time material allocation to jobs, helping users monitor stock levels, reorder points, and vendor performance. The platform integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting tools to streamline procurement and financial reconciliation in construction workflows.
Pros
- Powerful inventory management with real-time tracking and reorder alerts
- Seamless purchase order workflows including vendor RFQs and approvals
- Strong job costing for accurate material allocation across projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Limited advanced analytics for material forecasting
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
Best For
Mid-sized subcontractors and specialty contractors needing integrated material procurement and job costing within project management.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for basic plans (billed annually), with Pro at $299/month and custom Enterprise pricing.
Buildertrend
enterpriseResidential construction tool for managing material schedules, purchase orders, change orders, and inventory across projects.
Automated purchase order generation directly from estimates and schedules, ensuring accurate material procurement tied to project timelines
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform that includes robust tools for material management, such as purchase orders, cost coding, vendor management, and budget tracking. It enables teams to streamline procurement, monitor inventory tied to job costs, and integrate material data with scheduling and financial reporting. While not a standalone inventory system, its features support efficient material handling within broader project workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration of material costs with budgeting and scheduling
- Strong purchase order and vendor management capabilities
- Real-time mobile access for on-site material tracking and updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Pricing can escalate with multiple active projects
- Lacks advanced inventory features like barcode scanning or perpetual inventory tracking
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms needing integrated material management within an all-in-one project platform.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for solo users (up to 3 active projects), scales to $399+/month for teams with more projects; per-project fees apply.
Trimble Viewpoint
enterpriseERP system for construction firms offering robust inventory control, material requisitions, and supply chain integration.
Seamless integration with Trimble positioning tech for GPS-enabled material delivery and on-site inventory verification
Trimble Viewpoint is a robust construction ERP platform designed for contractors, offering specialized modules for material management including procurement, inventory tracking, and usage reporting across job sites. It integrates seamlessly with Trimble's hardware ecosystem for precise material delivery and location tracking. The software supports end-to-end workflows from vendor management to cost control, enhancing efficiency in large-scale projects.
Pros
- Deep integration with Trimble hardware for real-time material tracking
- Comprehensive procurement and inventory controls with lot/serial tracking
- Scalable for enterprise-level construction operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires extensive training
- High implementation and subscription costs
- Less intuitive for small teams or simple material needs
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms managing complex projects with heavy material procurement and inventory demands.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $500+ per user/month with implementation fees often exceeding $50,000.
CMiC
enterpriseEnterprise platform with end-to-end supply chain management including material planning, procurement, and tracking.
End-to-end supply chain integration that links material procurement directly to job costing and real-time project financials
CMiC is a comprehensive cloud-based ERP platform designed for the construction industry, providing robust material management capabilities through its procurement, inventory control, and supply chain modules. It enables real-time tracking of materials across projects, vendor management, and integration with job costing and financials for accurate cost control. The software supports large-scale operations with advanced analytics and mobile access for field teams.
Pros
- Deep integration with financials and project management for holistic material oversight
- Scalable inventory and procurement tools suited for enterprise-level construction
- Real-time analytics and reporting for material usage and cost optimization
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High cost prohibitive for small to mid-sized firms
- Customization requires significant professional services
Best For
Large construction companies with complex, multi-project operations needing fully integrated ERP material management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on modules, users, and deployment scale.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseAccounting-integrated software for tracking construction materials, costs, subcontracts, and inventory levels.
Integrated Inventory Assemblies that allow predefined material kits linked directly to job costs and requisitions
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (CRE) is a robust ERP platform tailored for construction and real estate firms, providing end-to-end management of projects, finances, and operations. For construction material management, it features dedicated modules for inventory tracking, purchasing, requisitions, and assemblies, enabling precise control over material usage, costs, and availability across job sites. The software integrates these capabilities with job costing and accounting to minimize waste and ensure budget adherence on complex projects.
Pros
- Deep integration of inventory, purchasing, and job costing for accurate material tracking
- Customizable workflows and reporting for multi-project material management
- Supports lot/serial tracking and assemblies for precise material control
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive features
- Outdated UI compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
- High implementation and customization costs
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms requiring integrated ERP-level material management within broader financial and project controls.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $10,000–$100,000+ annually depending on users, modules, and deployment (on-premise or cloud).
Foundation
enterpriseConstruction accounting software with job cost tracking, material purchases, and inventory management capabilities.
Direct linkage of inventory transactions to job costs for precise profitability tracking without manual data entry
Foundation by Foundation Software is a comprehensive construction accounting platform with integrated job costing and inventory management modules designed for construction firms. It enables tracking of materials from procurement to job-site allocation, monitors stock levels, costs, and usage in real-time, and ties inventory data directly into financial reporting and project profitability analysis. While powerful for integrated financial oversight, its material management capabilities shine brightest when paired with job costing workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration of inventory tracking with job costing and accounting
- Robust reporting on material costs and usage across projects
- Customizable assemblies and takeoffs for efficient material planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its accounting-centric interface
- Material management feels secondary to core financial features
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-sized construction contractors needing integrated accounting alongside basic-to-moderate material inventory and job costing.
Pricing
Modular, quote-based pricing; subscriptions start at ~$300/user/month with perpetual licenses from $15,000+ depending on modules.
Jonas Construction Software
enterpriseIntegrated ERP for managing construction materials through purchasing, inventory, and project cost controls.
Deep integration of material inventory and purchasing directly into job costing for accurate project profitability tracking
Jonas Construction Software is a comprehensive ERP platform tailored for construction firms, offering modules for job costing, project management, accounting, and materials handling. It supports inventory tracking, purchasing, supplier management, and material requisitions integrated with overall project workflows. While not a standalone material management tool, it excels in embedding material control within end-to-end construction operations.
Pros
- Robust integration of materials with job costing and accounting
- Comprehensive inventory and procurement tools for construction-specific needs
- Real-time reporting and mobile access for on-site management
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
- Overkill for companies needing only basic material tracking
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies requiring integrated ERP with strong material management capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on modules, users, and company size; typically enterprise-level starting at several thousand dollars per month.
eSUB
specializedCloud-based subcontractor management platform with tools for material tracking, timecards, and field procurement.
Mobile purchase order management with real-time approvals and direct job cost integration
eSUB is a cloud-based construction management platform designed primarily for subcontractors, offering material management capabilities through purchase order creation, approval workflows, and integration with job costing. It enables tracking of material expenses tied to specific projects and tasks via mobile apps, helping teams monitor procurement and costs in real-time. While it supports basic inventory oversight through financial tracking, it lacks advanced features like serialized tracking or warehouse management found in specialized tools.
Pros
- Seamless integration of material costs with job costing and project financials
- Mobile-first interface for on-site PO approvals and tracking
- Customizable workflows tailored to subcontractor procurement needs
Cons
- Limited advanced inventory management, such as lot/serial tracking or RFID support
- Primarily subcontractor-focused, less optimized for general contractors handling large-scale materials
- Basic reporting and analytics for material usage and forecasting
Best For
Subcontractors seeking integrated material procurement and cost tracking within broader project management workflows.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $60-100 per user per month depending on features and user count.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 tools reveals Procore as the leading choice, boasting a comprehensive set of material procurement, inventory, and supplier management features. Autodesk Construction Cloud and Knowify, ranking second and third, stand out as strong alternatives—Autodesk for its BIM integration and Knowify for its subcontractor focus—catering to distinct operational needs. These solutions collectively elevate construction material management, streamlining processes and boosting project outcomes.
Take the next step in optimizing your projects: explore Procore to experience integrated, efficient material management that drives success
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison