eCMS Construction Cloud ERP vs. Acumatica: Why Contractors Are Making the Switch

While eCMS has served many construction businesses well, Acumatica is emerging as the ERP solution of choice for contractors looking for greater flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency.

In this blog, we will explore the key differences between eCMS Construction Cloud ERP and Acumatica, and explain why contractors are increasingly moving toward Acumatica as their preferred ERP solution.

1. Cloud-Native vs. Cloud-Enabled Architecture

One of the most significant factors driving contractors away from eCMS and toward Acumatica is the difference in how each system leverages the cloud.

  eCMS Construction Cloud ERP

• Cloud-Enabled, Not Cloud-Native: eCMS is a legacy ERP system originally developed as an on-premises solution but has since been adapted for the cloud. While it offers cloud-hosted options, its core architecture is still based on-premise technology, which has been “lifted and shifted” to the cloud. Thus, it makes eCMS cloud-enabled but not cloud-native.
• Performance Limitations: As eCMS wasn’t designed for the cloud from the ground up, it may not fully leverage the benefits of cloud computing, such as instant scalability, flexibility, and seamless updates. Contractors often find that eCMS can become less efficient as their project load increases or as they expand geographically.

 Acumatica ERP

• Cloud-Native from the Start: On the contrary, Acumatica was built from the ground up as a cloud-native ERP. It is optimized for cloud environments, allowing faster performance, automatic updates, and true mobility. Users can access Acumatica from any device with an internet connection, ensuring that data is always available in real time, whether in the office or on a job site.
• Seamless Scalability: Acumatica’s cloud-native design makes it highly scalable. As your business grows and project complexity increases, Acumatica can scale to meet your needs without requiring additional infrastructure or extensive manual configuration.

         Why Contractors Are Switching: Contractors are increasingly choosing Acumatica because of its true cloud-native architecture, which offers superior performance, scalability, and flexibility compared to eCMS’s cloud-enabled system.

2. Integration of Project Management and Financials

Efficient management of construction projects requires seamless integration between project management and financial management. Contractors need real-time visibility into project costs, budgets, and profitability to ensure that projects stay on track.

eCMS Construction Cloud ERP

• Modular Approach: eCMS provides strong project and financial management capabilities but relies on a modular structure. Contractors often purchase and integrate separate modules to access functionalities like project costing, document control, accounting, and payroll. While eCMS offers a comprehensive range of modules, the system can become complex and fragmented, with the potential for data silos to emerge.
• Manual Data Synchronization: In some cases, eCMS users report that moving data between modules is not always seamless, leading to delays in accessing real-time project updates or financial information. This fragmented structure can make it difficult to track key performance indicators (KPIs) across the entire organization.

Acumatica ERP

• Unified Platform: Acumatica offers an all-in-one solution. In this software, project management and financial management are fully integrated. With Acumatica, there is no need for separate modules or additional software to handle different aspects of the business. From budget tracking, job costing, and change orders to payroll and accounting, can be managed from a single, unified platform.
• Real-Time Data: Contractors using Acumatica can access real-time information about project progress, costs, and profitability as all project and financial data are stored in a centralized database. It provides greater transparency and helps decision-makers act on up-to-date information, ensuring projects stay on budget and schedule.

Why Contractors Are Switching: Contractors are switching to Acumatica because it offers a unified platform that integrates all vital construction management functions, providing real-time visibility into project and financial data. It eliminates the need for manual data synchronization and improves decision-making.

3. Ease of Use and User Experience

An ERP system is only as effective as its usability. Complex or cumbersome systems may lower user adoption rates, training time, and operational inefficiencies.

eCMS Construction Cloud ERP

• Steep Learning Curve: eCMS is a powerful ERP system, however; its users have reported a steep learning curve. Its interface is not as modern or intuitive as newer ERP systems, making it harder for teams to navigate and use the platform efficiently.
• Customization Complexity: While eCMS does offer the ability to customize the system, these customizations can often require technical expertise, and adjusting workflows or dashboards can be time-consuming. It can be a barrier for smaller contractors or those without dedicated IT resources.

Acumatica ERP

• Intuitive Interface: Acumatica is known for its user-friendly interface which is designed with modern user experience principles. Its easy-to-navigate menus and customizable dashboards help users access the information they need quickly and efficiently. Whether employees are on the job site or in the office, the interface is designed to work seamlessly across devices.
• Quick Customization: Acumatica allows contractors to customize dashboards, workflows, and reports without requiring deep technical knowledge. Thus, businesses can tailor the system to their unique needs without significant time or investment.

Why Contractors Are Switching: Contractors prefer Acumatica because of its ease of use and intuitive user interface. It requires less training and is easier to customize than eCMS, leading to higher adoption rates and quicker time to value.

4. Mobility and Field Access

For construction companies, mobility is crucial. Project managers and field staff need access to real-time data while on job sites to make informed decisions and keep projects moving smoothly.

eCMS Construction Cloud ERP

• Limited Mobile Access: While eCMS offers mobile solutions, its functionality is somewhat limited compared to more modern cloud-native ERP systems. The mobile experience is not as seamless, and some users report that accessing real-time data on mobile devices can be slower or more cumbersome than in-office access.
• Add-On Mobile Features: In many cases, mobile capabilities in eCMS require additional modules or integrations, adding to system complexity and potentially leading to extra costs.

Acumatica ERP

• Built for Mobility: Acumatica was created with mobility in mind. Its cloud-native design allows contractors to access the system from any device—laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Whether you are in the field or the office, Acumatica provides a consistent user experience across all platforms, ensuring that project teams always have access to the data they need.
• Real-Time Field Access: Acumatica’s mobile application allows field teams to enter timecards, view project data, manage job site tasks, and even submit change orders in real time. It improves communication between the office and the field, reducing delays and ensuring everyone works with the most current information.

Why Contractors Are Switching: Contractors choose Acumatica because of its superior mobility and real-time access to data from anywhere. It allows for better collaboration between field and office teams and enables more efficient project management while on the go.

5. Customization and Flexibility

Every construction company operates differently, with unique workflows, reporting needs, and business processes. A flexible ERP system should allow contractors to tailor the platform to fit their unique needs without requiring extensive technical expertise.

eCMS Construction Cloud ERP

• Customization Challenges: eCMS does offer customization options, but they are often complex and require the involvement of IT specialists or third-party consultants. Adjusting workflows, adding new reports, or integrating the system with other applications can take time, and the costs associated with customization can be high.
• Rigid Framework: As a legacy system, eCMS operates within a more rigid framework compared to modern ERP systems. Thus it is harder for businesses to adapt the system to meet changing requirements or to implement new workflows quickly.

Acumatica ERP

• Highly Customizable: Acumatica offers extensive customization capabilities that do not require in-depth technical knowledge. Contractors can easily create custom reports, dashboards, workflows, and business processes using Acumatica’s intuitive tools. Thus, companies adapt the system to their unique needs and respond quickly to changing business requirements.
• Flexible Deployment Options: Acumatica also offers flexible deployment options, allowing companies to host the system in the cloud, on-premises, or a hybrid environment, depending on their needs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for contractors looking for greater control over their data and IT infrastructure.

Why Contractors Are Switching: Contractors are switching to Acumatica because of its ease of customization and flexibility. Acumatica allows construction companies to tailor the system to their needs without the high costs or technical expertise required by eCMS.

6. Cost-Effectiveness

Cost is always a critical consideration when selecting an ERP system. Contractors need an ERP solution that meets their operational needs and delivers long-term value.

eCMS Construction Cloud ERP

• Higher Initial and Ongoing Costs: eCMS typically comes with higher upfront costs for implementation, as well as ongoing fees for modules, maintenance, and upgrades. Additionally, as it requires more customization and IT involvement, contractors often face higher costs associated with maintaining and updating the system.
• User-Based Licensing: eCMS operates on a user-based licensing model, meaning that the cost increases as more users get added to the system. It can make eCMS more expensive for growing businesses or those with large teams.

Acumatica ERP

• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: The pricing model of Acumatica is based on resource consumption rather than the number of users. It means that contractors can add as many users as they need without incurring additional licensing costs. Thus, Acumatica is a more cost-effective solution for companies with larger teams or those expecting significant growth.
• Fewer Hidden Costs: Because Acumatica’s modules are fully integrated, there are fewer additional costs for features or functionality. Additionally, its cloud-native architecture eliminates the need for costly IT infrastructure or third-party hosting services, reducing the total cost of ownership.

Why Contractors Are Switching: Contractors choose Acumatica because of its cost-effective pricing model and lower total cost of ownership. Acumatica allows businesses to scale without worrying about escalating user-based fees, making it a more affordable long-term solution compared to eCMS.

Conclusion: Why Acumatica Is the Preferred Choice for Contractors

While eCMS Construction Cloud ERP has been a long-standing solution in the construction industry, more contractors are finding that Acumatica offers the flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency they need to grow their businesses. With its cloud-native architecture, integrated project, and financial management, ease of use, and mobile accessibility, Acumatica provides a modern, future-proof ERP system tailored to the unique needs of the construction industry.

For contractors looking to streamline their operations, improve collaboration between office and field teams, and reduce costs, Acumatica is rapidly becoming the preferred choice. As more companies switch, it’s clear that Acumatica offers the tools and features construction businesses need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.