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Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems in the

Construction Industry

Article · March 2003

DOI: 10.1061/40671(2003)125

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 IMPLEMENTATION OF ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP) SYSTEMS
IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Syed M. Ahmed*, Irtishad Ahmad**, Salman Azhar** and Suneetha Mallikarjuna*

* Dept. of Construction Management, Florida International University, 10555 W. Flagler St., Miami,
FL 33174, USA.
** Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Florida International University, 10555 W. Flagler
St., Miami, FL 33174, USA.

ABSTRACT

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is now being hailed as a foundation for the integration of
organization-wide information systems. ERP systems link together entire organization’s operations
such as accounting, finance, human resources, manufacturing and distribution, etc. Moreover, they also
connect the organization to its customers and suppliers through the different stages of the product or
the process life cycle. There are very few studies conducted about the implementation of ERP systems
in the construction industry, particularly for the construction contractors. The focus so far has been on
client organizations, engineering and design firms. The objective of this paper is to investigate the
suitability and the implementation status of ERP systems in contractor firms. The methodology
employed is a mix of literature review, market studies and detailed questionnaire survey. It is found
that the majority of contractor firms have awareness about the ERP systems but very few organizations
have so far implemented such systems. The major reason is that the implementation of any ERP
system needs a huge investment in time, money and resources. However, when implemented to solve
the right problems, these ERP systems can be a powerful tool for business improvement. The study
shed light on the barriers to the implementation of ERP systems in the construction industry and also
highlights valuable lessons learned and benefits gained by companies that have such systems in place.

INTRODUCTION

The construction industry is a highly fragmented industry. It needs to communicate on a large scale
with other related businesses such as material and equipment suppliers, vendors, subcontractors and
clients. ERP systems are being used by construction companies to improve responsiveness in relation
to customers, strengthen supply chain partnerships, enhance organizational flexibility, improve
decision making capabilities and reduce project completion time and lower costs. These information
systems are designed to integrate and partially automate many of the company’s business processes
such as human resources, financial management, manufacturing, procurement, construction, operations
and maintenance. The goal of ERP is to support one time entry of information at the point where it is
created and to make it available to all the participants within the organization.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the suitability of the ERP systems for the contractor
organizations. The paper begins with a brief literature review shedding light on the basic concepts of
ERP system, it advantages and disadvantages, and implementation. This is followed by two case
studies illustrating the operation of ERP systems in the construction sector. At the end, the results of
the questionnaire survey are shown and major findings are discussed.

1
LITERATURE REVIEW

ERP Basic Concepts

ERP systems could be used in the construction industry for the following general purposes:

1. To improve responsibilities in relation to customers

2. To strength supply chain partnerships
3. To enhance organizational flexibility
4. To improve decision-making capabilities
5. To reduce project completion time and cost

There are few studies conducted about the implementation of ERP in the construction industry.
However most of the concerns have been made within both the owner engineering/project management
organization and contractor/supplier organizations; and the impact that these systems will have on the
facility engineering and construction delivery process (Connor and Dodd, 2000).

“In Residential and commercial construction companies, functional areas may include project
development, facility management, land development and acquisition, warranty and post-construction
support, work planning and preparation, Web-enabled services, real estate and property management,
and real-estate sales and configuration management. In addition, the solution enables automated
selection of homebuyer options, integration from the original sales contact through actual project
system management, use of pervasive devices for remote construction processes, and easy access to
executive management information. ERP systems can help push sales and project information to
customers, sales representatives, construction managers, subcontractors, investors, financiers, and
corporate audiences - all from one source” says a senior consultant, in a private consulting firm that
offers these ERP systems.

The following benefits could be gained by implementing the ERP systems:

1. Provide an integrating working environment.

2. Enable automation
3. Availability of information from field level until the management level
4. Integration in applications in any departments
5. Flexibility and facility to standardizing process or to accommodate changes and globalization.
6. Achieve balanced people, process and technology changes across all areas.
7. Apply planning and program management practices throughout the program life cycle of a project.

Disadvantages of implementing the ERP systems:

1. High implementation cost. It can range from some hundred thousand dollars in small companies to
a billion dollar for large multinational companies (these numbers including training and
consulting).
2. Delay on return on investment. The benefits of ERP may not be shown until after companies have
had it running for some time (Calogero, 2000).

2
IMPLEMENTATION OF ERP SYSTEMS IN CONSTRUCTION

Material Management in Construction

The material management process combines and integrates the individual functions of material
requirements planning, material takeoff, vendor evaluation and selection, purchasing, expedition,
shipping, material receiving, and inventory, material distribution, and even accounting functions (Bell
and Stukhart, 1987). Those engaged in this complex process has to be coordinated and communicated
effectively. This is what makes material management systems suitable to be benefited from
information technology implementation.

Many construction firms have got computer base material management systems (MMS), which stores,
sort, combine and print data files pertaining to materials requisition, purchasing, vendor evaluation and
warehouse inventories (Bell and Stukhart, 1987). Now the purpose is to integrate MMS with external
computer systems to perform functions related to design, project scheduling and accounting, improving
so cost and document processing cycle time by the used of information technology systems.
Implemented information technology systems are DBMS (data base management system) and EDI
(Electronic data interchange) (Elzarka and Bell, 1995). DBMS permits the user to organize, store and
management all electronic data relating to a major activity or area of interest, while allowing users to
enter and store data for once and utilized by multiple users and application and EDI is a direct
computer application exchange of business data in standard format, thus eliminating the need for the
reentering the information.

In a study made by Lee et al (2002), a simulation model to implement ERP in the material
management is created. They implemented the model based in four distinct steps, which are
application integration, internal integration, external integration, and automation. This study shows
that the durations of almost all of the activities involved in the material management process are
successfully been reduced and even in many cases these activity durations have become eliminated.
They stated in their study that an ERP system shortens procurement cycle by 80% approximately,
through automating most of the repeating transactions, and by reducing manpower to perform the
tasks. Hereby implementing ERP systems in the materials management area has measurable benefits
in all other areas, which interface with the material management module. (Lee et al., 2002)

Development of a 3-tier ERP Architecture for Construction Firms

Shi and Halpin (2002) presented a 3-tier architecture to implement ERP systems in the construction
firms which is illustrated in Figure 1.

Interfaces Schedule System Conflict System

tasks security resolving administration
Central
applications
Intelligent management server

First tier Second tier Third tier

Repository

Figure 1: A 3-tier architecture of Construct-ERP (Source: Shi and Halpin, 2002)

3
The first tier represents user interfaces categorized according to functions such as purchasing,
operations, etc. The second tier contains the intelligent management server which includes scheduled
tasks, system security and System administration. The third tier holds the central applications, such as
corporate-level applications, project-level applications and back-office functions.

This system works as follows:

1. Define and standardize management tasks, which constitute decision- making processes.
2. Identify standard functions, e.g. messenger, scheduling, estimating, etc.
3. Develop an engine which allows users to construct, modify, and register decision-making process
and identifies the right process for a request.
4. Executes the process.
5. Develop standard decision processes for procurement management.

The three-tier architecture discussed in this paper is technically and practically sound. The generic
construction decision-making engine provides scalability and functionality to satisfy construction
enterprise-level business management automation.

R/3: An ERP Software for the Construction Industry

One good ERP software solely designed for the construction industry is “R/3”. Connor and Dodd
(2000) conducted a survey to evaluate the functionality and adequacy of the R/3 software in the
construction industry. Some results of this study are as follows: A common satisfaction point about the
R/3 software is its systems integration, within materials management, procurement, fixed assets,
resource planning, budgeting/availability control, project management, and asset accounting. Specific
areas of dissatisfaction with R/3 project execution functional areas include too many accounting
settlement rules, inability to forecast additional cost, lack of engineering work request functionality,
cash flow planning deficiencies, awkward confirmation process and determination of percentage
complete based on physical progress.

Within contractors and clients, the ERP systems or share systems lead to strength partnering,
standardized reporting, common understanding of terms/functions, single data sources, wider
integration opportunities, simplify contracting, subcontractor vendor interfaces, sharing contractor
systems, map work process. It also has some weaknesses such as tied to SAP development path,
increased access requests and technology change and also some threats, in the impacts on contractors,
stifle local innovation, captive to SAP, micro-management by owners, and security/control (Connor
and Dodd, 2000).

In the study of R/3 software made by Connor and Dodd (2000), there are 15 functions provided by R/3,
but deficient in some way and/or to some extent. These are: unit price tracking, job cost reports, labor
cost report and work hour forecasting, change order cost tracking, work breakdown structure model,
project conceptual/milestone schedule, detailed activity precedence network, project schedule reports,
short interval planning, purchase order development and issuance, monitoring of change orders,
rework, and back-charges, management of contractor retainage, tracking and documenting percentage
of physical completion, field warehouse inventory management and warehouse inventory reorder
management.

4
ERP CASE STUDIES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Case Study A: An Investigation on the Implantation of ERP in Construction

Project
ML Payton Consultants completed a project for a major Japanese engineering and construction
company. The study examined how U.S. and European firms currently use Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP) systems and how its use will change over the next few years. To accomplish the goals
of the study, ML Payton conducted detailed primary and secondary (a review of published literature,
both print and electronic) research. The primary research involved contacting leading construction
firms in order to discuss a number of issues relevant to the topic.

Study results
1. The market is showing steady growth and could reach $52 billion by 2002.
2. Top vendors include SAP, Oracle, J.D.Edwards, Baan and PeopleSoft. SAP has traditionally been
the market leader, although its share has been declining in the past few years.
3. Most of the Fortune 1000 companies have ERP systems in place, so vendors are targeting smaller
mid-level markets such as construction.

Cost and Implementation

1. Time and cost to implement depends heavily on number of modules installed, the usage of outside
consultants and dedication of internal resources. Firms report costs ranging from as low as
$700,000 to as high as$18 million.
2. Total implementation normally takes less than 3 years with 1-2 years an average schedule.
3. Some amount of customizing will be required in order to integrate new systems with legacy
systems. This customizing adds time and cost to the overall installation as the new modules will
require reprogramming or old systems will require significant changes.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

1. In the past years, the question of whether or not to implement an ERP system has been important.
Today, it has become clear that in order to remain successful, companies will have to implement
ERP in some form.
2. A standard, best methodology for implementation does not exist. It is up to each company to
approach ERP in the way that best fits its business needs.
3. Overall, while companies are pleased by the performance of their ERP systems, they would also
like to see a more concentrated effort by the ERP vendors to meet the unique needs of the
construction industry.

Case Study B: ERP Project for a Marine Construction Company

Project
MORSE has implemented a major Enterprise Resource Planning project for a marine construction
company to help it analyze accurately, its business profile, carry out remote procurement and inventory
management and integrate electronically with its approved suppliers.

5
Stage 1:Morse project managed the entire implementation, providing advice on technology strategy,
operational analysis, solution planning, business change management, development and support.
Technology selected included Oracle Database, Oracle applications (General Ledger, Accounts
receivable, Accounts payable, Purchasing, Human resources and Inventory) and bespoke integrated
Oracle solutions. Morse upgraded Oracle Applications to release 10.7, re-implementing aspects for
improved operation within the constraints of the company’s business processes. A vessel-based system
is used to record offshore labor activities through project and maintenance cycles, which interfaces
with Oracle applications (General Ledger and Human Resources) for cost analysis and payroll
processing.

Stage 2: This stage involved distributing procurement and inventory processes while retaining effective
central control and reporting capabilities. Morse successfully deployed remote requisition and
materials management systems on the vessels and remote bases.

Stage 3: Managing approved supplier catalogues and the electronic integration improved efficiency of
the procurement cycle with key partner suppliers.

QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY

In order to investigate the suitability and the implementation status of ERP systems in contractor firms,
a detailed questionnaire survey is being conducted. The target population was the contractors
associated with major trade organizations such as the CMAA, AGC, etc. The questionnaire was made
available on the website (http://www.eng.fiu.edu/cm/erp) on October 10, 2002 and e-mails were sent to
around 800 contractors to request them to fill this questionnaire. So far 9 responses were received. A
quantitative analysis is performed on the completed questionnaires and the findings are summarized in
the following section. This analysis will be continued as more responses are expected in future.

Major Findings

Knowledge about ERP systems and their implementation

1. 5 respondents were aware about the ERP systems in general. Of the rest, 1 did not show interest in
knowing and implementing ERP systems in their organizations, 2 were not sure and 1 did not
respond.
2. 3 respondents indicate that they were earlier contacted by an ERP vendor about the possible
implementation of ERP systems in their organizations.
3. 1 respondent thinks that ERP system will work “very well” in his organization and 3 thought that it
will work to “some extent”. The rest of the respondents were either “not sure” or have the opinion
that ERP will “not work” in their setup.
4. 4 respondents indicate that the ERP systems, if implemented, will be beneficial for their
organization.

From the above findings, it can be concluded that a slightly more than half of the respondents are
aware of the ERP systems and they think that ERP systems could work in their organizations and will
benefit the organization. However, a good number of contractors showed fear that such systems will
not work well in their organization due to the small size of the organization, limited resources and not
adequate technical skills.

6
Benefits Expected from the Implementation of ERP systems
The respondents were asked to mention the general purposes for which the applications of ERP
systems could be beneficial for their company. Their responses in the sequential order are as follows:

1. Improve responsiveness to customers.

2. Enhance organizational flexibility
3. Improve decision making capabilities
4. Strengthen supply chain partnerships
5. Reduce project completion time and cost.

Implementation of ERP systems

• The respondents who are already using an ERP system indicate about their ERP vendors are:
Oracle, J.D. Edwards, AutoDesk and Primavera.
• The respondents point out the following functions which their ERP systems are performing:
Accounting, Project Management, Construction Management (Prolog), Scheduling (P3), Contact
Management, Estimating, Budgeting, Historical cost tracking and Projections, Project
Documentation, CADD, Photography Management, Office administration tools, Messaging,
Project collaboration, HR, Payroll, Corporate finance, Fixed asset management, Equipment fleet
Management, Subcontract Management, Work order Management, Billing generation, Material
purchasing, Mailing list, and Documentation storage.
• 4 respondents indicate that their current ERP systems are not fully integrated and they need further
customization.
• 7 respondents recommended the need of extensive training programs to fully understand the
functionality of ERP software to enjoy their benefits. Majority of these respondents pointed out
that the training must be started with the top management and then on the middle and lower
management respectively.
• The respondents indicate that the implantation cost of ERP system in their organization varies from
$500,000 to several million dollars.
• The minimum implementation time taken was 1.5 years and the maximum was up to 5 years.
• Satisfaction level about the performance of ERP systems:

a. High 22% (1 out of 9)

b. Moderate 34% (3 out of 9)
c. Low 33% (3 out of 9)
d. No response 11% (2 out of 9)

Obstacles in the Implementation of ERP systems

1. Complexity of the ERP systems.
2. Current management practices of many construction organizations are maverick and “shoot from
the lip” style.
3. Organizations that move to ERP solutions are large, complex, and are all dispersed globally. This
can and does cause an issue with implementation.
4. High cost of the ERP systems.
5. Technical inspectors trained in the field generally do not have the computer skills to use an ERP
system without substantial training and handholding.
6. Lack of in-house training, lack of written procedures, inadequate operations personnel input.

7
 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

On the basis of literature review, case studies and questionnaire survey, it can be concluded that a
majority of contractor organizations have some “know-how” about the ERP systems and they think
that the implementation of ERP systems could benefit their organizations by providing better
integration of working environment, more automation and more flexibility in operations and
information access. However, it is found that the implementation of ERP systems needs lot of capital,
human and technical resources and it will not be easy for the small contracting firms to invest their
potential on such a mega-system. Hence, it is recommended that the implementation of ERP systems in
the construction industry should be started with the large contracting organizations and then gradually
moves down.

Training is another aspect, which is very crucial in the successful implementation of ERP systems.
This study indicates that such training should be started from the top management and then move down
to middle and lower management.

It is also found that only a small number of ERP softwares are developed for the construction industry
and this might be one reason of its slow implementation in the construction industry. The ERP
software vendors must work with the professional in the construction industry to developed more
customized solutions for the contracting firms.

REFERENCES

Bell, L C., Stukhart, G. (1987). “Cost and Benefits of Material management Systems.” Journal of Construction
Engineering Management, ASCE, Vol. 113, No. 2, pp 222-234.

Elzarka, H. M. and Bell, L. C. (1995). “Object Oriented Methodology for material Management Systems”
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, ASCE, Vol. 112, No. 4, pp 348-445

Calogero, B. (2000). “Who is to blame for the ERP Failure.” Sun Server Magazine, June, PCI Publications,
Austin, TX. Nov.3.2000

Connor, J., and Dodd, S.C. (2000). “Achieving integration on capital Projects with enterprise Resource Planning
Systems” Automation in Construction, Vol 9, issues 5-6 pp 5515-524

Lee, S., Arif, A., and Halpin, D. (2002) “Simulation Modeling by Enterprise Resource Planning implementation
in Medium Sized Corporation.” Proceedings of First International Conference on Construction in the 21st
Century (CITC-2002), Miami, Florida, pp 663-670.

ML Payton Consultants. (2000). “Use of Enterprise Resource Planning in the Construction Industry –Summary
of Findings,” On-line. http://www.mlpayton.com/pages/summaries.html

MORSE, (2002). “ERP project for a marine construction company”- Summary of findings, On-line.
http://www.morse.com/templates/casestudy-initial.xml?content_id=85&the_section_id=4065

Jonathan Shi, Illinois Institute of Technology. Daniel Halpin, Purdue University, “Construction Enterprise
Resource Planning (Construct-ERP)” . On-line.
http://www.eng.usf.edu/nsf/conference/scalable/scalable_enterprises/Shi_IIT.ppt

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