Construction purchase order software

Save up to five hours per week with faster sign-offs and no missed payments

Bills and Purchase orders UI graphic

Why is construction purchase order software important for builders?

In construction, companies can use purchase order software to track and manage their expenses by setting spending limits, by requiring approval before purchases are made and by digitally storing all documentation in an easily accessible, secure location.

This helps support accurate construction budgeting, subcontractor communication and project timelines while reducing manual work.

Accurate construction budgeting

Sticking to your budget is important in construction. By using PO software to set a spending limit for each project, you can:

  • Standardize payment terms
  • Plan cash flow to cover moving timelines
  • Avoid overspending

Improved communication

Purchase order software ensures construction companies and subcontractors are on the same page regarding budgeting and spending. This can reduce disputes and build trust between both parties by:

  • Centralizing purchase order management
  • Eliminating duplicate PO requests or rework
  • Supporting strong supplier relationships

Protected project timelines

By tracking which purchase orders have been approved, denied, partially paid or completed, project managers can ensure the right supplies, materials and subcontractors are on the job when they need to be to meet scheduled deadlines. Specifically, PO software:

  • Supports forecasting and planning expenses
  • Speeds up procurement
  • Identifies supply chain or payment delays that may affect timelines

Reduced manual work

Spend less time chasing subcontractors and suppliers for POs to approve and invoices to fill. Purchase order systems are built to eliminate paper documentation and manual data entry and error by:

  • Collecting approvals digitally and on-the-go
  • Storing information in one easy-to-access place
  • Providing updates on outstanding payments or potential risk
  • Integrating with job costing for better profitability understanding

What Buildertrend’s construction purchase order software does best

Buildertrend’s purchase order software is a powerful tool that allows builders to manage their projects in one centralized location. With this tool, you can be sure that project expenses are tracked and approved and that each project stays within budget. Data is updated in real-time to allow for easy tracking throughout the lifetime a project.

Discover what makes Buildertrend stand out from the rest.

Buildertrend featureWhat it does
Centralized PO managementBuildertrend allows for the creation and tracking of POs from one centralized location, making it easy to see all POs in one place.
Automatic updates on outstanding paymentsWhen a payment is made, Buildertrend automatically updates the payment status of the associated PO. The platform can also send reminders to help ensure that payments are made on time.
Information storageBuildertrend allows users to store and organize documents securely.
Job costing integrationsBuildertrend can integrate with accounting software such as QuickBooks, making it easy to keep financial records up to date.
Quicker payment collectionBuildertrend provides tools that streamline the payment process, making it easier to get paid by your clients.
Fewer disputed agreementsClients and subcontractors have access to their documents and agreements, leading to clear communication and fewer disputed agreements.
Fewer overages and overrunsBuildertrend can reduce the number of overages and overruns by providing accurate project cost tracking and purchase order management.
brown haven homes

“Before using Buildertrend’s Purchase Order tool, I relied heavily on emails to manage POs and it was a nightmare. It was hard to keep track of it all, and it seemed like every day I received multiple emails requesting a purchase order because the original email was lost in the recipient’s inbox.”

Brad Smith

Purchasing Manager of Brown Haven Homes

Buildertrend’s purchase order software speeds up the PO process to save you time and money

$1000s

Saved per job with
accurate financial tracking

5+ hours

Gained back each day
not hunting down payments

$8000

Bookkeeping costs
slashed per year

Why choose Buildertrend construction purchase order software for construction payments?

What sets Buildertrend apart is how it connects purchase order information with critical financial, communication and management business functions.

Job costing

Buildertrend’s Purchase Order system tracks costs for each product or service provided, which is an important step for job costing. By comparing actual spend against estimates line by line, Buildertrend gives you a clear picture of profitability per construction project – and prevents overages.

Subcontractor communication

A common problem for the construction industry is ensuring positive cash flow especially as it relates to paying subcontractors and securing revenue. Buildertrend can help you understand when your subs need to be paid while ensuring accountability that work is getting done.

Project management

Buildertrend Purchase Orders ensure project managers have a clear understanding of what supplies, materials and services are being procured. From there, managers can schedule smarter and keep project timelines on track.

Buildertrend – more than purchase orders

Buildertrend is a fully integrated software that provides tools that communicate with each other to make your process seamless. Purchase Orders interact with other aspects of the software including the Budget and Bids.

Budget

Purchase Order information flows directly to the Budget ensuring ease of use. Simply track project expenses and ensure that each project stays within budget with the power of real-time updates.

Bids

Easily track bids from vendors and convert them into Purchase Orders once accepted. Leverage a process that prevents double entry and unauthorized expenses.

Interested in learning more?

Construction purchase order software FAQs

Get answers to the most common construction purchase order software questions.

Construction purchase order software is a tool used by builders or home remodelers to optimize purchasing processes, invoice management and expense tracking. Using it as a desktop or mobile tool, builders and remodelers can outline the scope, price and delivery of requested materials, labor or services per construction project.

In construction, companies can use purchase order software to track and manage their expenses by setting spending limits, requiring approval before purchases are made and digitally storing all documentation in an easily accessible, secure location. Software provides accurate construction budgeting, improved communication, protected project timelines and reduces manual work.

Buildertrend is the best option for purchase order software. You can use Buildertrend purchase order software to create POs directly from quotes, variations and bids or create POs from scratch or from templates. You have the ability to clearly detail the scope of work, track PO status to gain approval faster and link POs to calendars and schedules. Buildertrend also integrates PO information with other financial aspects of the software, including bids, estimates, invoices and payment processing. Lastly, you can track job costing profitability and generate quick reports.

Although purchase order software helps support successful procurement by detailing the costs of an expected goods or services order, procurement software manages the process of acquiring those goods or services. For example, purchase order software tracks the scope of work, costs, approvals and associated job details that the costs should be tied back to. Procurement software helps source, process and pay for those goods and services. 

Purchase order software helps protect your construction business’ profits. A PO system ensures you’re not making unnecessary payments. In cases when expenses are higher than estimates, POs help support job costing, so you can dig into profitability and make adjustments where needed.

A bill is a simple document in Buildertrend, where you can record the reason for the bill, the cost code it applies to and who completed the work described. Bills tend to cover smaller business expenses, such as dumpster fees, permits or quick material purchases. A purchase order offers more versatility and complexity. In Buildertrend, purchase orders are commonly used as a subcontract to track commitments and expenses, ensure payment schedules and more.

No. To release a purchase order to a subcontractor using Buildertrend, you only need to have a valid email address on file. Then they can sign off through their email and go back into the Buildertrend platform.

Without construction purchase order software, the PO process is time-consuming and expensive. Software streamlines the process and increases efficiency. By automating the PO process, you can cut down on the hours you spend on administrative tasks and reduce human errors.