Quick Overview
- 1#1: Procore - Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced purchase order creation, approval workflows, vendor commitments, and integrations for seamless procurement.
- 2#2: Autodesk Construction Cloud - Cloud-based solution for managing procurement, purchase orders, subcontracts, and RFQs with real-time collaboration and BIM integration.
- 3#3: Buildertrend - All-in-one platform for residential construction that handles purchase orders, job costing, vendor management, and scheduling.
- 4#4: Knowify - Specialized tool for subcontractors offering purchase order automation, time tracking, invoicing, and job cost management.
- 5#5: Foundation - Construction accounting software with robust purchase order processing, accounts payable, and job cost reporting features.
- 6#6: Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate - ERP system designed for construction firms featuring purchase order management, AP automation, and project financials.
- 7#7: Trimble Viewpoint - Cloud ERP for contractors with full procurement lifecycle including purchase orders, vendor portals, and inventory control.
- 8#8: CMiC - Integrated construction ERP platform supporting purchase orders, requisitions, supplier management, and financial integration.
- 9#9: eSUB - Subcontractor-focused software with purchase order tracking, approvals, change management, and field-to-office connectivity.
- 10#10: BuildOps - Field service platform for commercial contractors featuring purchase order creation, approvals, and integration with dispatching.
Tools were ranked based on depth of features (e.g., approval workflows, integrations), user experience, reliability, and adaptability to residential, commercial, or subcontracting workflows, ensuring they deliver consistent value across firm sizes.
Comparison Table
Construction purchase order software is vital for efficient project procurement, and choosing the right tool requires careful evaluation. This comparison table breaks down top options like Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Buildertrend, Knowify, Foundation, and more, highlighting key features, usability, and integration capabilities to help readers find the best fit for their workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Procore Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced purchase order creation, approval workflows, vendor commitments, and integrations for seamless procurement. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Autodesk Construction Cloud Cloud-based solution for managing procurement, purchase orders, subcontracts, and RFQs with real-time collaboration and BIM integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Buildertrend All-in-one platform for residential construction that handles purchase orders, job costing, vendor management, and scheduling. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Knowify Specialized tool for subcontractors offering purchase order automation, time tracking, invoicing, and job cost management. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Foundation Construction accounting software with robust purchase order processing, accounts payable, and job cost reporting features. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate ERP system designed for construction firms featuring purchase order management, AP automation, and project financials. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Trimble Viewpoint Cloud ERP for contractors with full procurement lifecycle including purchase orders, vendor portals, and inventory control. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | CMiC Integrated construction ERP platform supporting purchase orders, requisitions, supplier management, and financial integration. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | eSUB Subcontractor-focused software with purchase order tracking, approvals, change management, and field-to-office connectivity. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | BuildOps Field service platform for commercial contractors featuring purchase order creation, approvals, and integration with dispatching. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
Comprehensive construction management platform with advanced purchase order creation, approval workflows, vendor commitments, and integrations for seamless procurement.
Cloud-based solution for managing procurement, purchase orders, subcontracts, and RFQs with real-time collaboration and BIM integration.
All-in-one platform for residential construction that handles purchase orders, job costing, vendor management, and scheduling.
Specialized tool for subcontractors offering purchase order automation, time tracking, invoicing, and job cost management.
Construction accounting software with robust purchase order processing, accounts payable, and job cost reporting features.
ERP system designed for construction firms featuring purchase order management, AP automation, and project financials.
Cloud ERP for contractors with full procurement lifecycle including purchase orders, vendor portals, and inventory control.
Integrated construction ERP platform supporting purchase orders, requisitions, supplier management, and financial integration.
Subcontractor-focused software with purchase order tracking, approvals, change management, and field-to-office connectivity.
Field service platform for commercial contractors featuring purchase order creation, approvals, and integration with dispatching.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management platform with advanced purchase order creation, approval workflows, vendor commitments, and integrations for seamless procurement.
Real-time budget forecasting and variance tracking tied directly to every PO for proactive cost management
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with robust Purchase Order (PO) capabilities integrated into its Commitments module, enabling seamless creation, approval, tracking, and management of POs alongside subcontracts and financial commitments. It streamlines the entire PO lifecycle, from requisition to payment applications, with real-time updates and mobile access for field teams. The software excels in linking POs to budgets, forecasts, and accounting integrations for precise cost control and compliance.
Pros
- End-to-end PO lifecycle management with automated workflows and approvals
- Seamless integrations with ERP systems like QuickBooks, Sage, and Viewpoint
- Real-time mobile access and advanced reporting for budget tracking and analytics
Cons
- High cost may deter small contractors
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Customization and setup require dedicated admin time
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing integrated PO management within full project financials and collaboration tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $375-$825 per month per project or enterprise plans starting at several thousand annually.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
enterpriseCloud-based solution for managing procurement, purchase orders, subcontracts, and RFQs with real-time collaboration and BIM integration.
BIM-integrated commitment forecasting that automatically links 3D model quantities to purchase orders and budgets
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is a comprehensive cloud-based platform for construction project management, integrating design, field operations, and cost controls. For purchase order management, its Cost Management module enables creating, tracking, and approving POs, subcontracts, and change orders with real-time visibility into budgets and forecasts. It excels in linking procurement data to BIM models and project schedules for end-to-end workflow automation.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Autodesk BIM tools like Revit for accurate quantity takeoffs tied to POs
- Robust commitment management with automated workflows, approvals, and forecasting
- Real-time collaboration across project teams with mobile access and document control
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and interface complexity
- High cost may not suit small contractors focused solely on PO management
- Customization requires admin expertise or Autodesk support
Best For
Large AEC firms and general contractors managing complex projects with integrated design, procurement, and cost tracking needs.
Pricing
Subscription-based tiers (Build: ~$65/user/mo; Pro: ~$85/user/mo; Enterprise: custom); free trial available.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one platform for residential construction that handles purchase orders, job costing, vendor management, and scheduling.
Seamless PO-to-budget synchronization that automatically updates project finances and prevents overruns
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform with dedicated purchase order (PO) tools designed for builders, contractors, and remodelers. It enables users to create, customize, approve, and track POs seamlessly within project workflows, linking them to budgets, schedules, and vendor catalogs for accurate cost control. The software supports mobile approvals, recurring POs, and integrations with accounting systems like QuickBooks to streamline procurement in construction projects.
Pros
- Deep integration of POs with project budgets, schedules, and change orders
- Mobile app for on-site PO creation and approvals
- Robust vendor management and cost tracking tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-construction users
- Pricing can be high for small teams using only PO features
- Overly comprehensive for standalone PO needs
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies needing integrated PO management within full project oversight.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic single-project plans, scales to $399+/month for multi-project teams; custom enterprise pricing available.
Knowify
specializedSpecialized tool for subcontractors offering purchase order automation, time tracking, invoicing, and job cost management.
Automated PO-to-job-cost syncing with QuickBooks for real-time financial visibility
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software that excels in purchase order (PO) creation, approval workflows, and vendor payments, integrating directly with QuickBooks for real-time job costing. It provides mobile access for field teams to manage POs on-site, track expenses, and update project budgets instantly. Designed for small to mid-sized contractors, it combines PO functionality with invoicing, scheduling, and reporting to streamline construction financials.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for automatic PO syncing and job costing
- Robust mobile app for on-site PO approvals and vendor communication
- Comprehensive vendor management with payment tracking and subcontract portals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited customization in reporting compared to enterprise tools
- Pricing scales quickly for larger teams
Best For
Small to medium-sized construction firms needing integrated PO management with accounting software.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for Essentials plan; Pro at $149/user/month; custom Enterprise pricing.
Foundation
enterpriseConstruction accounting software with robust purchase order processing, accounts payable, and job cost reporting features.
Commit accounting that automatically links POs to job budgets for real-time visibility into project commitments and variances
Foundation by Foundation Software is a robust, construction-specific accounting platform with a dedicated purchase order (PO) module designed for managing vendor commitments, subcontracts, and material orders in construction projects. It integrates POs seamlessly with job costing, accounts payable, and general ledger for real-time financial tracking and commitment control. The software supports advanced features like blanket POs, approval workflows, and 1099 compliance, making it suitable for contractors handling complex project finances.
Pros
- Deep integration of POs with job costing for accurate budget vs. commitment tracking
- Handles construction-specific needs like subcontract management and change orders
- Powerful reporting and compliance tools including 1099 tracking
Cons
- On-premise deployment lacks the mobility and auto-updates of cloud-based solutions
- Dated interface with a steeper learning curve for new users
- High cost structure better suited for larger firms than small contractors
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms needing integrated accounting with advanced PO management for job cost control.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing with perpetual licenses starting around $10,000+ plus annual maintenance fees of 15-20%; modules priced separately.
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
enterpriseERP system designed for construction firms featuring purchase order management, AP automation, and project financials.
Commitment management that links POs directly to job costs for real-time budget variance tracking and subcontractor control
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate is a robust ERP platform designed specifically for construction and real estate firms, offering comprehensive purchase order management integrated with job costing, accounts payable, and project controls. It enables users to create, track, and approve POs, manage commitments, handle change orders, and process retainage payments efficiently. The software provides real-time visibility into project costs and vendor performance, making it suitable for complex construction workflows.
Pros
- Seamless integration of POs with job costing and AP for accurate cost tracking
- Advanced handling of construction-specific needs like retainage, liens, and change orders
- Customizable reporting and multi-project support for large-scale operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive features
- Primarily on-premise deployment with limited modern cloud flexibility
- High pricing that may not suit smaller contractors
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms requiring integrated ERP with sophisticated purchase order and commitment management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $150-$300 per user/month for cloud/subscription or perpetual licenses starting at $5,000+ per module.
Trimble Viewpoint
enterpriseCloud ERP for contractors with full procurement lifecycle including purchase orders, vendor portals, and inventory control.
Seamless PO commitment integration with real-time job cost updates and three-way matching for precise financial control
Trimble Viewpoint is a robust ERP platform tailored for construction firms, featuring comprehensive purchase order (PO) management within its Spectrum and Vista modules. It enables seamless creation, approval, tracking, and integration of POs with job costing, accounts payable, and inventory systems. This solution excels in handling complex procurement workflows for mid-to-large contractors, ensuring accurate commitment tracking and vendor management.
Pros
- Deep integration with construction ERP functions like job costing and AP
- Advanced PO workflows with approval routing and commitment tracking
- Scalable for enterprise-level projects with strong reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
- High cost unsuitable for small contractors
- Limited standalone PO functionality without full suite adoption
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies requiring integrated ERP procurement within broader financial and project management systems.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically starts at $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, plus implementation fees.
CMiC
enterpriseIntegrated construction ERP platform supporting purchase orders, requisitions, supplier management, and financial integration.
Integrated procurement-to-payment workflow with real-time project cost visibility
CMiC is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform tailored for the construction industry, featuring a robust procurement module for managing purchase orders (POs). It streamlines PO creation, approval workflows, vendor management, and integration with accounting and project controls for end-to-end visibility. Designed for large-scale construction firms, it supports complex supply chains and ensures compliance through detailed audit trails.
Pros
- Seamless integration with financials and project management
- Advanced PO tracking, approvals, and vendor portals
- Strong compliance tools and reporting capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- High implementation and customization costs
- Overly complex for small-scale construction projects
Best For
Large construction firms with complex procurement needs requiring full ERP integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment.
eSUB
specializedSubcontractor-focused software with purchase order tracking, approvals, change management, and field-to-office connectivity.
Tradesman Mobile App for real-time PO approvals and updates directly from job sites
eSUB is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for subcontractors, offering robust tools for purchase order creation, approval workflows, and tracking. It integrates PO management with job costing, timecards, and document control, enabling real-time visibility into commitments and expenses. The platform emphasizes mobile accessibility, allowing field teams to handle POs on-site without desktop dependency.
Pros
- Mobile-first design with strong field PO creation and approval capabilities
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and other accounting software
- Comprehensive subcontractor-focused workflows tying POs to job costing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to construction-specific software
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller teams
- Reporting and customization options are somewhat limited
Best For
Mid-sized subcontractors needing integrated mobile PO management with project financials.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $50-$100 per user/month depending on features and scale.
BuildOps
specializedField service platform for commercial contractors featuring purchase order creation, approvals, and integration with dispatching.
Real-time PO-to-job-costing sync that automatically updates budgets and profitability as materials are ordered
BuildOps is an all-in-one field service management platform designed for commercial contractors in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and similar trades, with robust purchase order functionality integrated into its operations suite. It enables creating, approving, and tracking POs directly from job sites via mobile apps, linking them to inventory, job costing, and vendor management for streamlined procurement. The software automates workflows to reduce manual errors and provides real-time visibility into material costs and spending.
Pros
- Seamless integration of POs with job scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing for end-to-end visibility
- Mobile-first design allows field teams to create and approve POs on-site with photo attachments
- Advanced vendor management and automated approvals reduce procurement delays
Cons
- Geared more toward service contractors than heavy construction, limiting some advanced project-based PO features
- Steep learning curve for full utilization of its broad feature set
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller teams without high volume
Best For
Mid-sized commercial service contractors seeking integrated PO management within comprehensive field operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $150-$250 per user/month depending on features and scale.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools provide varied solutions for streamlining construction procurement, with Procore leading as the top choice due to its comprehensive management, advanced workflows, and seamless integrations. Autodesk Construction Cloud stands out for robust real-time collaboration and BIM integration, ideal for firms focused on project coordination, while Buildertrend excels as a versatile option for residential needs, combining purchase orders with job costing and scheduling. Both Autodesk and Buildertrend are strong alternatives, catering to distinct operational requirements.
Take your procurement process to the next level—explore Procore today to enjoy a centralized platform that simplifies purchase order creation, approval, and vendor management, helping your team work efficiently and keep projects moving forward.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison