ERP integrates various attribute (information) layers and data streams into a cohesive whole, allowing project managers to manage resources, finances, and logistics in a synchronized manner. Construction ERP acts as the nerve center for construction projects, simplifying complex processes and providing transparency and control throughout all phases of construction.
Construction ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems are comprehensive software solutions designed to manage and optimize various aspects of the construction process. At the core of construction ERP systems are modules for managing costing and creating work schedules, making them an invaluable tool for effective project planning and construction management.
ERP system modules allow users to enter, process and analyze data in a structured manner related to material costs, labor costs, equipment usage, logistics and other costs. Based on this information, specialists in ERP systems can automatically create detailed estimates and work schedules, providing accurate and up-to-date data for decision-making.
At the heart of the ERP system is the BlackBox/WhiteBox process automation module, which is the nerve center responsible for creating and maintaining process logic - from calculations to planning, logistics and other calculations. The BlackBox/WhiteBox module is an automation process in an ERP system responsible for processing and managing business logic that can be completely hidden (Black Box) or completely open (White Box) to the system users. This allows professionals using the ERP system to flexibly manage various aspects of the business that have already been pre-configured by other users.
- "Black Box" describes an automation system whose processes are hidden from the user, i.e. users do not see the inner workings of the system and interact only with its interface. They enter data and receive results without knowing what operations have been performed internally (e.g. which attributes have been multiplied or summed).
- "White Box", on the contrary, refers to automation systems that are transparent to the user and allow to understand and, if necessary, change the logic of work. This may include customization or modification of business processes, algorithms, calculations, etc.
For example, this logic describes which attributes of entities with which other attribute (or just a number) are multiplied or summed and into which new attribute the resulting value is written. The administrator or power user customizes the process (just as we did above with ChatGPT), and the other user only has to load the data correctly click on the buttons or displays, additionally manually entering some general coefficients or ratios.
In the previous chapters we have explored the most important calculation and computation modules represented by ChatGPT queries. In an ERP system, such queries are encapsulated in a user interface that can be accessed by user clicks.
In the following example (Figure 3.4-1) in the BlackBox/WhiteBox ERP system, the administrator has described the rules for matching entity attributes from estimates so that the user, when adding a quantity or volume attribute in this module, will automatically get ready estimates and ready work schedules. All the same processes of calculations and creation of automatic estimates, which we discussed in the previous chapters, are translated into a semi-automatic Pipeline with the help of the ERP system.
Architecture of the construction ERP system, for receipt of estimates and work schedules when filling volume attributes in the BlackBox/WhiteBox module
Connecting this automated process to volumetric attributes from CAD (BIM) models turns the data flow into a synchronized mechanism capable of autonomously and instantly updating the value of individual groups of elements or the entire project in response to any changes in the project during the design phase.
To create such an automated data flow (Figure 3.4-2) between CAD (BIM) and ERP systems, it is necessary to define the main processes and their requirements in a structured way. This process is divided into the following steps:
- Create rules for validation (1) that play a critical role in assuring the accuracy of the data going into the heart of the ERP system. Validation rules serve as filters that validate entities and their attributes. We talked more about the topic of data validation and verification in the chapter "Creating Requirements and Validating Data Quality".
- The verification process (2) then takes place, which confirms that all project entity-elements with their attributes and values have been correctly created and are ready for the next processing steps.
- If there are problems with incomplete attribute data, a report (3) is generated and the project, along with instructions for correction, is sent for revision until it is ready for the next iteration.
- Once the project data has been validated and verified, it is used (4) to create Quantity Take-Off (QTO) tables that create attributes for group quantities and quantities of materials and resources.
- The grouped data, by mapping or QTO rules, are automatically integrated with cost and time calculations (5).
- In the last step, the ERP system, by multiplying the scope attributes from QTO with the attributes of the estimated items in BlackBox/WhiteBox, automatically generates cost and duration estimates for each element group and for the entire project (6).
Architecture of a construction ERP system in conjunction with CAD (BIM), starting with the creation of validation rules (1) and ending with automated scheduling and work costing (5-6)
ERP system helps managers and users to manoeuvre between the tables of different departments, helping to generate new data from the flow of input information
In the previous chapters, we have already studied each of these processes separately. In an ERP system, these processes are integrated using software that includes a user interface. Behind this interface is the backend part, where structured tables process the data by performing various operations. As a result, the user receives ready-made documents that meet their requests and needs.
Similarly, the processes in ERP systems, from inception to final calculation (1-6 Figure 3.4-3), are a chain of interrelated steps that ultimately provide transparency, efficiency and accuracy in the planning and management of construction projects.
