The construction industry is complex, dynamic – and full of individual processes. This is precisely why a modern ERP system such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central can unleash enormous potential: more overview, less administrative effort, clearer processes. In reality, however, ERP integration often fails due to the special features of the industry – or because standard software is not designed for construction companies.
Many companies struggle with isolated solutions, duplicated data, unclear responsibilities and media disruptions. This costs time, nerves – and ultimately money. In this article, we show five classic mistakes that construction companies make when introducing an ERP system – and how CX modules help to avoid precisely these pitfalls.
Mistake 1: Manual time recording – paperwork instead of real-time data
In many construction companies, filling out traditional timesheets is still part of everyday life. Employees write down their working hours by hand on paper, the sheets are collected and manually transferred to the office – often days later. This process is error-prone, time-consuming and non-transparent. If there are queries, there is often no basis for checking.
The solution: CX-Time
With CX-Time, time recording is digital, mobile and directly on site – at the construction site. Employees book their working time conveniently via smartphone or tablet. The data is transferred to the ERP system in real time and is immediately available for project management, payroll accounting and analyses.
This not only saves you working time, but also creates transparency and data security – and avoids costly billing errors.
Mistake 2: Unclear resource planning – projects overlap
Good resource planning is a key task, especially in the case of parallel projects. However, there is often no overview of the employees, equipment or vehicles deployed. The foreman plans on demand, the office on the basis of Excel – and in the end, two teams are standing in front of the same construction site while support is urgently needed on another.
The solution: CX-Scheduler
CX-Scheduler is a graphical planning board that clearly displays resources – i.e. personnel, equipment, vehicles and even external companies. Schedules can be customised using drag & drop, and availabilities are visible at a glance. Everything is directly linked to Business Central – without double entry.
This enables site managers, project managers and dispatchers to react in real time, avoid bottlenecks and optimise capacity utilisation.
Mistake 3: Quotations and calculations outside the ERP system
Another classic: Quotations are often created in Excel or Word, saved on local computers or in an email inbox. Changes are not documented, versions are not filed properly. The result: inconsistencies between quotations, orders and invoices – or simply duplicate work.
The solution: CX-Estimation
With CX-Estimation, you bring quotation costing and the ERP system together. You create quotations directly in Dynamics 365 Business Central – based on articles, services and customised calculation logic. Prices, discounts and items remain traceable. Once the quotation has been approved, the project can be processed seamlessly.
This saves time, reduces sources of error – and strengthens professionalism towards customers.
Mistake 4: No mobile feedback from field service
In practice, a lot happens on site – on the construction site, with customers, on the move. But if employees do not document their assignments in a structured way, gaps can occur: Proof of work is missing, services are not fully accounted for or there are misunderstandings in communication.
The solution: CX-Service
With CX-Service, you give your field service employees an easy way to document services on site – directly from their smartphone or tablet. This includes checklists, photos, customer signatures and material consumption. Everything ends up automatically in the ERP system and can be processed there.
Mistake 5: ERP without industry logic – standard software without practical relevance
Many ERP systems are designed for industrial or commercial companies – not for construction projects with addenda, construction schedules or partial invoices. Those who rely on a standard solution without industry extensions quickly reach their limits.
The solution: CONNAMIX CX module world
Our CX modules turn the solid core of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central into a powerful solution specifically for construction companies. Whether it’s construction scheduling, equipment management, contract management or digital documentation: our modules are tried and tested, flexible and precisely tailored to your requirements.
Conclusion
An ERP system should simplify processes, not complicate them. But without industry knowledge, the right tools and well thought-out planning, this is exactly what can happen. With the CX modules, CONNAMIX offers a solution that has been specially developed for the challenges of construction companies – and relies on proven Microsoft technology.
You avoid typical mistakes, digitalise your core processes in a targeted manner and create the basis for sustainable growth.
