ERP software for building supply stores and technical wholesalers is quite complex. That’s why Alistar has established a user group of building supply stores that are collaborating on a ERP Software for the Construction Supply and Technical Wholesale Industries based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (formerly Dynamics NAV). The wholesalers in the user group determine what they need in the next version and share the costs.
Faster and more cost-effective than custom ERP
By pooling their experience with that of their industry peers, the members of the user group can have the software updated to meet their specific needs and requirements much more quickly than if they were to have a custom package developed for each of them. Moreover, it is more cost-effective, since they share the development costs.
We are therefore seeing more and more customers actively engaging with the user group. These happen to be the companies that truly view IT as a driving force for their business. Some of the active members include Botha, Deckers Construction Site, Daldecor, De Doncker Roosdaal, From Akelyen, Thoen, Van Pelt Group, …
Five updates per year
In the user group's online Microsoft Teams portal, members can ask questions and request features for the next version. To Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and ERP for Construction and Technical Wholesale It is constantly being developed, so about four versions are released each year. Customers can decide for themselves if and when they want to switch to a new version. Alistar combines user suggestions and feedback with its own ERP system expertise in areas such as financial management, inventory management, and e-commerce, in order to consistently deliver a robust update that represents another step forward and meets the evolving needs of the construction supply industry.
Online portal and in-person meetings
In addition to collaborating online, the user group also meets in person twice a year to discuss proposals and provide feedback in a more interactive way. The result is, for example, a list of fifteen suggestions for changes or enhancements to industry-specific software for the construction and technical wholesale sector. Afterward, members can vote in an online poll for the suggestions they want to prioritize. Alistar will then implement the ideas that receive the most votes.
That collaboration and openness are clearly paying off: Alistar is gaining insight into what really matters to technical wholesalers, and the users themselves determine how the software package evolves.
Would you like to calculate the cost of an ERP system?
Easily find out how much an ERP implementation will cost your company. With just a few clicks, receive a detailed report with a customized estimate of your ERP costs based on hundreds of ERP implementations at Alistar.
