All-in-one ERP software for construction in Dubai

What is ERP

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is the unified management of most important business processes on base of software and technology part. Now it is usually operates in real time. People often think of ERP as a category of business management software — typically, a suite of integrated applications. The company uses it to collect, store, manage and work with digital data for most of business needs. There are 2 types of ERP: local based or cloud-based. Cloud-based applications became most popular in previous 5-7 years as with Internet access is available almost anywhere nowadays.

ERP gives a consistent and updated view of core business processes using common databases operated by a database management system. The main goal of ERP – tracking of resources: cash, raw materials; production capacity and the status of orders, purchase orders, and payroll.

The software that acts inside the system uses data from various departments (design, manufacturing, procurement, production, sales, accounting, etc.). ERP provides data flow between all business functions and manages connections to outside users. The integration between varied organizational systems, error-free transactions and effective production are made with help of ERP.

ERP system and its components
Pic 1. ERP system and its components

The following features are usually included in ERP today:

  1. An integrated system;
  2. Operates online;
  3. A common database that supports all the modules;
  4. A unified interface across modules;
  5. IT department is involved in implementation process as digital data is used by everybody in company;
  6. There is a list of options for ERP architecture: on-premis , cloud hosted, or SaaS.

ERP software in construction

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in construction designed specifically for construction companies. It should manage the core business processes of the companies in industry, including project management, project analytics, project budgeting, general and subcontractor management, resource management, asset management, payroll, and more.

For many years, the big dream was to find construction business software, which will represent the functions of ERP in the best way, but most systems do not cover the core of a construction company’s business process needs. Moreover, don’t allows to make management data-driven. For example, the top-tier ERPs (like Microsoft Dynamics for Construction) simply do not offer a viable solution for construction companies.

We can admit that Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology becomes the center of information source in construction projects today. It is so, because BIM operates the actual digital prototype of real facility at any stage. Each item of BIM model has specific parameters (dimensions, material, classification, price, vendor name and more). It allows making accurate calculations, bills of materials, schedules of works – all the data in construction becomes precise up to date. You can find more of «What is BIM» here.

BIM lifecycle
Pic 2. BIM lifecycle

ERP in construction must use the power of BIM nowadays! There are some examples when the integration between CAD/BIM software and top-tier ERP exist. At the same time, it is much more effective to establish and implement ERP on base of construction common data environment (CDE) and use special functionality that supports BIM or deep integration with BIM just «in box».

SIGNAX as a core of corporates ERP

SIGNAX is a set of digital products that improves project management in construction. It helps construction companies and their managers to automate business functions. Let’s have a look how SIGNAX cover all main ERP functionality:

  1. An integrated system. SIGNAX works on base of Autodesk Docs CDE and is ready to connect to all popular CAD/BIM formats including DWG (AutoCAD), RVT (Revit) and IFC (universal). It also can link with Business Intelligence (BI) systems, Data Bases, Microsoft Excel and many other sources;
  2. Operates in real time. SIGNAX works in browser and it available at any device. All the data is up to data and has both directions link to BIM model with auto update mode;
  3. A common database supports all the modules. You don’t need to input data twice. It is everywhere thanks to cloud technology. There are also pre-made templates of valuable reports right inside SIGNAX. Just set smart data cards® and get report with your most needed construction data;
    Smart data cards® inside SIGNAX
    Pic 3. Smart data cards® inside SIGNAX
  4. A unified interface across modules. SIGNAX consists of 3 modules: Dashboard, Inspection and Tools. They form the unified informational area and deeply interact with each other. Make your correct and rich construction BIM model in Tools. Generate and analyze 360° panoramic photos from site in Inspection. Use digital data for full understanding of actual situation and manage the project effectively with SIGNAX Dashboard;
  5. SIGNAX digital data is used by every department in company as it is precise and pretends to be the only source of truth. Of course, the system should have its administrators and the team responsible for data integration. IT or BIM department can play this role and help users in business processes settings and support;
    Unified interface for users and support
    Pic 4. Unified interface for users and support
  6. SIGNAX is a SaaS solution and has all advantages of cloud: access from every devise, at every time and from everywhere. At the same time, you can deploy it on premise or using public cloud. It depends on your corporate information security (IS) guidelines.

Signax provides time-tested and customer-proven Enterprise resource planning software in Dubai, UAE.

Conclusion

If the construction company wants to change and use digital data to improve its effectiveness, it should use ERP system as the center of integrated management for main business processes. Construction industry can’t use top-tier ERPs as they are not ready enough to support its specific features, ensure noticeable progress and fast implementation. Best in class ERP software system from SIGNAX can cover all these needs and help customer increase digital transformation effect in practice.

Effective construction site processes are available right now
Pic 4. Unified interface for users and support