Don't get bogged down in semantics. What one vendor calls a "purchasing" module may include order entry, requisitions, purchase orders, and inventory. Another may sell each function as a separate module. Decide what functions you need, and supply that list to the vendor; the vendor's job is to assemble a package that satisfies those requirements at a reasonable price, no matter what the semantics.

Make sure the vendor's software will evolve with your requirements. Job cost accounting ERP software is highly competitive and vendors are motivated to add new features and functions to match industry needs. Similarly, what is an innovative function now may be a standard requirement across the industry in a year or two. You (or your consultant) should survey the industry to understand what's considered innovative today and where the market might be heading. You will then be in a good position to evaluate how well your vendors are meeting and exceeding new industry trends and software features.

Ensure there's a good cultural fit. It's hard to read a vendor's mind to get a glimpse of future software releases, but you do want some assurance that the vendor you choose will continue to see your industry segment as vital. Examine the vendor's pitch and see if your segment plays a prominent role. Does the vendor understand your business and its particular constraints? Is he willing to make custom changes to the product for you from time-to-time?

Understand what modules are available. There are more than three dozen commonly packaged modules that would potentially benefit the average construction firm's job cost accounting ERP package, and others intended for specialty requirements.

Check for module origin. Although many job cost accounting/ERP packages are composed of integrated modules, multiple third-party vendors may supply the modules in a single system. This isn't necessarily a negative -- a vendor may have purposely chosen a "best of class" module with a good reputation rather than reinvent the wheel. Unless you're extremely familiar with that module, however, you'll want to pay close attention to how third-party modules integrate with the rest of the system.

*** Now that you've finished our buyer's guide, browse our job cost accounting software product listings.