When Spreadsheets and Basic Accounting Software Are No Longer Enough
If you’re running a construction business on Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB AccountRight, or another basic accounting platform, you’ve probably reached a point where things start to feel harder, not easier. Manual data entry, disconnected systems, and limited project visibility can slow your operations, increase risk, and make it difficult to stay competitive.
As your projects grow in size and complexity, your tools should too.
That’s why many construction firms across New Zealand are now upgrading to modern, cloud-based ERP software like MYOB Acumatica — a solution designed specifically to manage construction projects from start to finish.
Why Construction Businesses Outgrow Basic Accounting Software
Here are some of the most common signs that it’s time to move beyond entry-level accounting tools:
1. Your Software Can’t Keep Up with Growth
- Lacks construction-specific features such as retainage, job costing, and subcontractor management.
- Reaching data-storage limits or relying on multiple disconnected systems.
- Using workarounds or manual spreadsheets to make up for missing functionality.
- Difficulty handling multi-company, multi-currency, or multi-entity operations.
2. You Don’t Have Reliable Insights
- No single source of truth for project and financial data.
- Job-site updates are delayed, making real-time decision-making impossible.
- Reports are generic or outdated and not tailored to construction KPIs.
- Field data is entered daily or weekly instead of instantly.
3. Project Management Is a Constant Struggle
- Change orders and approvals are hard to track.
- Billing and progress payments are manual and error-prone.
- Project documents are scattered across drives and email threads.
4. Manual Processes Are Slowing You Down
- Duplicate data entry causes mistakes and lost time.
- Communication with clients and subcontractors takes too much effort.
5. Security and Compliance Are Pain Points
- Multiple connected systems increase cyber-risk.
- Skipping software updates due to time constraints leaves you vulnerable.
- Managing lien waivers, insurance, and compliance paperwork is manual and risky.
6. Your Data Lives in Silos
- Project teams, finance, and operations each use separate tools.
- There’s no real-time visibility into costs, budgets, or work-in-progress (WIP).
If several of these sound familiar, your accounting software isn’t just outdated — it’s holding your business back.
Why Leading Construction Companies Are Moving to MYOB Acumatica
One Platform for Construction Accounting and Project Management
MYOB Acumatica Construction Edition brings all your financial, project, and field operations together in one cloud system. Instead of juggling multiple apps, everything — from billing to budgeting — is connected, accurate, and available in real time.
Construction Accounting
MYOB Acumatica handles core accounting tasks and advanced project-specific requirements such as:
- Job costing, project billing, and retainage tracking.
- Managing multiple companies, entities, or projects.
- Handling change orders and maintaining a full audit trail.
- Improving cash flow with accurate forecasting and progress billing.
Project Management
Built-in tools make managing even the most complex projects straightforward:
- Purchase orders, subcontractor agreements, and joint checks — all linked to your projects.
- Real-time progress tracking using photo logs, daily field reports, and submittals.
- Change order management and budget forecasting to control costs and prevent overruns.
- Mobile timecards and drop-ship tracking that automatically apply costs to the right jobs.
With everything connected, your team stays aligned — and your projects stay profitable.
Real-Time Insights and Reporting
With MYOB Acumatica, all your financial and project data lives in one system. That means:
- Up-to-date, accurate reporting without manual exports or spreadsheets.
- Custom dashboards and role-based insights for project managers, CFOs, and field teams.
- Built-in WIP, progress, and daily field reports to track project health at a glance.
Better data leads to better decisions — and that’s the key to staying ahead of schedule and within budget.
Work From Anywhere with the MYOB Acumatica Mobile App
Construction doesn’t stop when you leave the office. With Acumatica’s native mobile app (for iOS and Android):
- Approve invoices and track project status in real time.
- Capture field reports, expenses, and photos directly from site.
- Receive instant notifications for critical updates.
- Access dashboards and documents securely from any location.
It’s everything you need to manage your business — wherever work takes you.
Smarter Workflow and Process Automation
Unlike traditional accounting systems that limit approvals to paid users, MYOB Acumatica allows:
- Custom workflows that reflect your actual business processes.
- Requests for Information (RFIs) and real-time alerts via email, mobile, or SMS.
- Automated approvals and notifications, reducing bottlenecks and manual follow-ups.
The result? Smoother collaboration and faster project delivery.
Built-In CRM and Customer Experience Tools
Customer management is often overlooked in construction, but MYOB Acumatica brings it front and center:
- Track leads, quotes, and customer communications in one system.
- Manage support cases and service requests directly from your ERP.
- Offer clients a self-service portal for accessing invoices, progress reports, and project updates.
With a 360-degree view of customer interactions, you strengthen relationships and improve satisfaction.
Open Cloud Platform for Integration and Collaboration
MYOB Acumatica’s open-platform design integrates with hundreds of industry-leading apps — from estimating tools to equipment tracking. You can keep the systems that work for you while unifying everything under one platform.
Future-Ready Construction Management
Upgrading from entry-level accounting software to MYOB Acumatica Construction Edition isn’t just about solving today’s problems. It’s about building a foundation for long-term growth.
With a unified, cloud-based ERP platform, your business gains:
- Real-time project visibility
- Stronger cash flow control
- Streamlined compliance
- Mobile access and collaboration
- Scalable, future-proof technology
Ready to See MYOB Acumatica in Action?
Join leading construction firms across New Zealand who have already made the switch. Curious what these benefits look like in practice? See how Camex Civil dramatically improved their project visibility, streamlined field-to-office communication, and gained greater control over costs by partnering with MYOB Acumatica. Their experience illustrates just how impactful a modern, integrated ERP can be for construction-focused businesses. Read the full Camex Civil customer story here.
Contact Avanza Solutions today to book a personalised demo and see how MYOB Acumatica can help you simplify operations, reduce risk, and grow your business with confidence.
