- Construction
In the construction industry, rising labour and material costs aren’t just temporary setbacks – they’re major threats to financial stability and profitability. According to the Construction Industry Federation’s Construction Outlook Survey for Q1, two-thirds of respondents in Ireland reported increased labour costs, and 60% saw a rise in raw material costs. With multiple projects on the go, a lack of visibility into actual profit and loss due to these escalations can spiral into uncontrolled margin erosion.
Margin erosion happens when project costs exceed original estimates, but revenue stays fixed due to contract terms. This is becoming more common with volatile material costs and unpredictable labour availability. Traditional project management tools often can’t provide the real-time, actionable financial data needed across multiple contracts.
John Coghlan, Director of FullClarity, puts it plainly: “In today’s fast-paced market, visibility is key. Without real-time insights into cost fluctuations and their impact on each project, companies are navigating blind. This jeopardises both project profitability and the overall financial health of the enterprise.”
Leveraging Construction for NetSuite can clarify these challenges, aiding proactive decision-making and financial stability.
The Power of Automation in Construction Management
Automation is crucial in combating margin erosion. Automated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems provide real-time data analytics for quick, informed decisions. These systems track cost changes at the contract level and compile data across projects, offering a comprehensive view of financial health. Real-time insights allow for proactive adjustments to project management strategies, maintaining profitability and significantly reducing margin erosion.
Integrated ERP Addresses the Challenges
Systems like Oracle NetSuite connect seamlessly with Construction for NetSuite, and offer robust tools tailored to the industry’s needs. NetSuite provides a unified platform where all financial, customer, and project data is accessible 24/7 and always up-to-date. This allows for immediate adjustments in project management and procurement strategies, aligning them with current market conditions. Construction for NetSuite enhances this with construction-specific functionalities.
The benefits of these integrated systems include:
• Real-Time Cost Monitoring: Project managers can instantly compare current and projected costs, allowing for swift interventions.
• Automated Alerts: Alerts for budget overruns or sudden material price increases ensure no cost escalation goes unnoticed.
• Enhanced Forecasting Tools: Improved data collection and analysis facilitate more accurate forecasting, helping firms avoid underquoting on future projects.
• Consolidated Financial Reporting: Integrated financial data lets firms quickly assess the profitability of individual projects or the entire portfolio.
A Robust Cloud-Based Construction Management Solution
Construction for NetSuite is a robust, cloud-based construction management solution built on Oracle NetSuite, the world’s #1 cloud ERP platform. Seamlessly integrated, it combines world-class accounting designed for construction with powerful job costing. This solution adjusts to your best practices while providing a “single source of truth” for making the best decisions.
Built natively in NetSuite, Construction for NetSuite is 100% natively integrated with your existing NetSuite products. All activity is handled in real-time and with full visibility, offering a seamless experience.
If you need accurate, up-to-date project reports on demand and wish your ERP system automated your processes, Construction for NetSuite is the groundbreaking cloud-based solution to help solve your issues. Our experts understand the unique challenges associated with managing a construction company and have crafted this solution with those challenges in mind.
Embracing Advanced ERP Solutions for Future Success
OSSM’s partnership with NetSuite brings forward-thinking approaches to construction management, enabling companies tackle the problem of shrinking profit margins. In adopting smart construction systems, companies can manage today’s complexities and challenges while being prepared for the industry’s future changes.
Rising labour and material costs don’t have to spell disaster for construction and fit-out companies. With strategic investments in ERP systems like Oracle NetSuite, firms can regain control over their margins and steer their projects toward profitability and success. This proactive approach to financial management in construction is a strategic advantage in the competitive industry landscape.
Discover the Power of Construction for NetSuite – Download Our Brochure
We’d love to share our brochure on this very topic. You’ll learn how Construction for NetSuite can track all your costs and analyse estimates in real-time, giving you better control of your project’s profitability.
Download your copy here.
About the Author
John Coghlan
John Coghlan, Co-Founder and Director of FullClarity, has extensive experience in the building and construction industry. Growing up in the construction sector, he has a deep-rooted understanding of its intricacies. His expertise as a consultant is well-regarded in the industry.