Construction ERP Software Showdown: Acumatica vs. Viewpoint vs. Sage Intacct vs. NetSuite vs. Foundation

Note: This article reflects ERP platforms and capabilities as of mid-2025. These systems continue to evolve with frequent updates and partner enhancements. While this comparison is accurate today, it has a practical shelf life of about 12–18 months.

Choosing the right ERP for your construction company isn’t just about features. It’s about fit. About leverage. About getting the right visibility into your jobs, finances, and teams—without locking yourself into a system that causes more frustration than value.

In this article, we break down the most common construction ERP platforms we see in the market: Acumatica, Viewpoint Vista, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, and Foundation.

We’ll cover where each shines, where they struggle, and how to think about which one might be right for you.

Acumatica Construction Edition

What it is: A cloud-based ERP that includes project accounting, job costing, subcontracts, compliance, payroll, and field service capabilities. Often implemented through VARs (value-added resellers).

Where it fits best: Mid-size general contractors or specialty trades with $10M–$100M in revenue looking to unify accounting and operations under one roof.

Strengths:

• Flexible, cloud-native platform with robust project financials
• Strong support for cost codes, job budgets, and change management
• Scalable to multi-entity operations
• Modern UI compared to legacy systems

Watchouts:

• Needs a highly competent VAR to avoid implementation challenges
• Field tools are basic—often augmented with platforms like Procore
• Licensing model can be confusing

Verdict: Best for contractors who want a customizable ERP backbone with room to grow—but you need
a strong guide.

Viewpoint Vista (by Trimble)

What it is: A long-standing ERP platform for construction, built with deep accounting and job costing capabilities. Popular among union contractors, heavy civil firms, and legacy users.

Where it fits best: Larger contractors with complex financials, union and certified payroll, or high compliance needs.

Strengths:

• Industry-proven financial and job costing engine
• Strong payroll, compliance, and AP workflows
• Detailed audit trails and reporting

Watchouts:

• Steep learning curve
• UI feels dated compared to newer platforms
• Often requires heavy internal training to drive adoption

Verdict: Strong accounting DNA—best for finance-heavy contractors with internal capacity to support adoption.

Sage Intacct Construction

What it is: A modern, cloud-based accounting and financial management platform tailored for construction. Sage Intacct is Sage’s next-generation solution for companies that need real-time visibility and strong financial controls.

Where it fits best: Growing contractors looking for robust financial tools with modern usability and cloud accessibility.

Strengths:

• Powerful multi-entity and dimensional reporting
• Real-time dashboards and financial insights
• Seamless integration with field tools like Procore
• Modern, intuitive user interface

Watchouts:

• Lacks native project management and field tools
• May require third-party solutions or integrations for full operational control
• Implementation success depends on partner expertise

Verdict: A strong choice for CFO-driven companies that want visibility, speed, and automation—when paired with a capable field ops solution.

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NetSuite (with Construction Add-Ons)

What it is: A widely-used cloud ERP platform that serves many industries, including construction through partner-developed add-ons. NetSuite is known for its scalability, financial controls, and automation.

Where it fits best: Larger construction firms, developers, or multi-division organizations looking for end-to-end visibility and enterprise-level ERP capabilities.

Strengths:

• Enterprise-grade financials, inventory, and CRM all in one
• Scalable to multi-entity, international, and complex organizational needs
• Strong customization and integration framework

Watchouts:

• Construction-specific features are not native—rely on third-party bundles
• High implementation complexity and cost
• Not purpose-built for field operations

Verdict: Best for enterprise-level contractors or developers who need ERP horsepower and have internal capacity or partners to build out construction-specific workflows.

Foundation Software

What it is: A construction-specific accounting and project management platform geared toward small to mid-sized contractors, with deep support for job costing, union payroll, and reporting.

Where it fits best: Self-performing contractors and subcontractors looking for a construction-first system with strong accounting features and industry-specific reporting.

Strengths:

• Built from the ground up for contractors
• Excellent certified payroll and labor tracking
• Intuitive job costing and AIA billing tools
• Dedicated support team familiar with construction operations

Watchouts:

• On-premise software with limited cloud-native capabilities (cloud version is evolving)
• Lacks integration flexibility compared to modern SaaS systems
• Interface and user experience can feel dated

Verdict: A strong fit for contractors that prioritize detailed financial and labor control over modern UI or integration breadth. Great for subcontractors and trades with prevailing wage and union payroll complexity.

Comparison Table

A Note About Procore

Procore is not a construction ERP—but it’s an essential part of the tech stack for many contractors. Procore provides best-in-class project management and field collaboration tools, along with strong capabilities in project financials like budgets, change orders, commitments, and billing.

When integrated with an ERP system (like Acumatica, Sage Intacct, or NetSuite), Procore can become the operational front-end that connects jobsite activity with back-office accounting. It's an excellent pairing for contractors who want real-time visibility from field to financials but don't want to compromise on usability or field adoption.

If your ERP lacks strong mobile tools or project management features, Procore is often the right complement.

So... Which One’s Right for You?

That depends on what you're solving for.

• Want a scalable, cloud-first ERP that can flex with your business?
  Acumatica (with a great partner) is a strong choice.
• Need rock-solid financial controls and detailed payroll workflows?
  Viewpoint Vista might be worth the learning curve.
• Looking for a modern financial platform to pair with best-in-class field tools?
  Sage Intacct is gaining traction fast.
• Managing at scale and need full enterprise-level ERP horsepower?
  NetSuite is a viable—but complex—option.
• Running labor-intensive projects or handling union/compliance-heavy payrolls?
  Foundation could be the simplest, strongest fit.

Just know this: no system is plug-and-play. Your ERP is only as good as the team that configures it—and the processes behind it.

If you're like most construction leaders, you don't have time to chase down demos, coordinate vendor calls, and vet implementation partners on your own. That's where we come in.

At Ascent, we act as your trusted ERP advisor—unbiased, experienced, and laser-focused on what works in the real world. We help you cut through the noise, avoid costly missteps, and select a system that supports your goals, not slows you down.

✅ Want a second set of eyes on your short list?
✅ Need help building a selection scorecard or roadmap?
✅ Trying to fix an implementation that’s off track?

We’ve done it all—and we can do it with you.

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