ERP architecture: the best software for your architectural practice
Why equip yourself with an architecture ERP?
The architectural profession is as exciting as it is demanding. It has evolved a great deal thanks to software, which now enables creative and innovative projects to be proposed.
But it's also a profession with its share of time-consuming administrative and management procedures, which can sometimes slow down a project or overload schedules. ERP architecturesoftware can help to streamline these ancillary tasks, so that you can spend more time on higher added-value projects, and much more besides.
Here's a look at how an ERP dedicated to architecture can improve your day-to-day efficiency, and a selection of the best ERPs for your agency.
Definition of ERP architecture
ERP ( enterprise resources planning) is all-in-one management software that centralises, synchronises and analyses all a company's data in real time. It helps companies to manage their activities and make strategic decisions.
When an ERP is specialised for the architecture sector, it offers different modules and functionalities to help agencies ensure their development and long-term survival, by managing, for example :
- calls for tender and site deliveries ,
- business and projects,
- opportunities and proposals,
- overall profitability,
- project progress,
- monitoring budgets and invoicing.
Architecture ERP modules
Here are the different modules that are generally included in ERP architecture software, as well as the functionalities that support architecture firms in their missions:
- Sales management: opportunity tracking, sales tunnel, management of quotes, orders, progressive invoicing, etc;
- Project management: task tracking, planning, budget tracking, automatic calculation of profitability by project and by stage;
- Financial management: KPI tracking (sales, margin, expenses, profitability per project) and financial projections;
- Human resources management: employee availability, workload, project assignment, planning, time recording, payroll, holiday and expense accounts.
Selection of the best ERP software for architects
1 of 3
 Fitnet Manager |  Kiwili |  OOTI |
|---|---|---|
| For companies with more than 1 employees | For companies with 1 to 250 employees | For companies with 1 to 250 employees |
| See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Fitnet Manager | Learn more about Kiwili | Learn more about OOTI |
Everwin GX: business management for architects
Everwin GX is an ERP software package specialising in business and project management. It is tailored to the needs of architects and project management firms, offering useful functions such as phase-by-phase progress of projects and monitoring of bids for tenders and works contracts.
✅ 3 good reasons to choose Everwin GX :
- 25 years' expertise in business management software,
- advanced analysis capabilities,
- automatic invoice generation.
Rates: quotations only.
Fitnet Manager: the ultra-simple French ERP for architects
Fitnet Manager is Made in France ERP software that is easy to use and customisable, and specially designed for service companies. With over 15 years' experience, the software supports users in their decision-making, while saving them time by freeing them from administrative constraints that add no value.
Thanks to its module specially dedicated to architects, the entire lifecycle of your projects is automated, from global resource planning and invoicing to contract management and project portfolio management .
✅ 3 good reasons to choose Fitnet Manager :
- A wealth of functions, including comprehensive opportunity tracking, intuitive project management, automated invoicing and a real-time statistics tool;
- RGPD and ISO 27001 certification, with secure data hosting on French servers;
- detailed analyses by phase or project for precise profitability control.
Prices: on request.
Fitnet Manager
Kiwili: all-in-one software for VSEs/SMEs in the architecture sector
Kiwili is a management software package specially designed to meet the needs of the self-employed, VSEs and SMEs. Its aim? To enable them to manage everything in the same software package, from accounting and project management to invoicing, time management and file storage.
✅ 3 good reasons to choose Kiwili :
- a wide range of functions, so you can limit the number of software packages you need for your practice,
- the progress billing system, which is particularly well suited to the profession,
- the ability to do your accounting and manage customer relations (CRM) directly within the tool.
Prices: the standard package per user starts at €14.95/month.
Kiwili
OOTI: the tailor-made solution for architects
Designed to meet 100% of the specific needs of architectural practices, OOTI is a comprehensive software package for managing administration, finances, invoicing, staff and projects. Its modern, intuitive interface gives you a 360° view of your business in real time, on your computer or mobile.
✅ 3 good reasons to choose OOTI
- well-targeted functionalities such as fee calculation by job cost or time, progress management by phase, automated invoicing, etc,
- regular updates in response to customer feedback and needs, to ensure that the software is more effective and evolves in line with the architecture market,
- support from an expert team to ensure rapid implementation and use of the ERP to its full potential.
Prices: the standard package per user starts at €14/month.
OOTI
Other specialised tools to complement ERP
As we have seen, an architectural ERP covers a wide range of uses in architectural practices.
While it can do a lot, it is necessary to use other tools dedicated to architects, which will help you to carry out essential tasks such as creating 3D models or a site plan.
But what about you? Do you have any other particularly useful software to recommend? Which features and tools are essential to your business?
Article translated from French