
In this episode of CO Pod, Kal Litt from Softengine discusses the transformative impact of ERP systems in the construction industry. He highlights the urgent need for construction firms to modernize outdated, paper-based processes to improve productivity and attract younger talent. Kal emphasizes Acumatica’s flexible platform, strong accounting capabilities, and seamless integrations as key drivers of successful digital transformation. Sharing compelling examples, including a company that increased profitability by 50% after implementation, he underscores the importance of strong leadership support and a phased approach to change management for effective ERP adoption. This episode offers valuable insights for professionals navigating technology-driven growth in construction and related sectors.
Episode Highlights

Kal explains what drew him to stay in the ERP field after entering it by chance. He highlights the dynamic nature of the work, the opportunity to interact with diverse organizations, and his enjoyment of learning about different business challenges. Kat emphasizes the value of being a trusted advisor and the importance of matching clients with the right solutions.

The discussion shifts to the specific challenges of implementing ERP systems in the construction industry. Kal notes that construction is among the least digitized sectors, with many companies relying on paper-based processes and legacy tools. He discusses the resistance to change, the prevalence of family-run businesses, and the generational shift in leadership that is driving new demands for technology and digital transformation.

Kal and Caroline talk about the generational shift in construction leadership, with millennials and Gen Z pushing for digital tools to improve productivity, collaboration, and employee experience. They discuss how updating technology is essential for attracting and retaining young talent, and how digitization can improve both employee satisfaction and customer experience.

This section explores how technology adoption is not only about keeping up with trends but also about addressing labor shortages and improving profitability. Kal explains that implementing a digital strategy can eliminate profit leaks and significantly impact the bottom line, making a strong business case for investing in ERP and related technologies.

Kal stresses the importance of top-down leadership support and involving all levels of the organization in the process. He shares practical examples of gradually introducing technology to long-term staff, such as providing rugged iPads and slowly increasing digital tasks, to ensure a smoother transition and greater acceptance of new systems.

Kal highlights Acumatica as a flexible, cloud-based ERP platform tailored for the construction industry, offering robust accounting, compliance, and integration features that support everything from general contracting to field service. Softengine, an experienced ERP service provider, has leveraged Acumatica’s capabilities to help construction firms modernize operations, improve work-life balance, and boost productivity. Success stories, such as HKC Construction’s 50% increase in work-in-progress after implementing Acumatica, highlight how the partnership between Acumatica and Softengine delivers measurable business improvements and positions clients for future growth.