In 2025, tracking the productivity of your labor force isn’t optional—it’s essential. Between rising costs, skilled labour shortages, and high client expectations, every hour on-site needs to count. When productivity data is captured and used well, it can boost profitability across every job.
For many contractors, labor is the biggest cost. That is why so many construction owners devote the time and resources to measure the productivity of every type of labor that goes into a job.
This will enable you to calculate team performance on each task. Having this data will help you in real time (on each current project), and in the future when you bid for and take on new jobs.
On each project, job costing provides visibility into how labor productivity measures up to the estimated budget, and helps you identify areas that need attention. Here’s another real-time bonus to productivity tracking: when an unforeseen event occurs, such as a pandemic or disruptive weather, you have the data you need to make your case for a change order.
Once you have a storehouse of reliable productivity data, that data becomes an asset for every future project you bid on. Your data will inform every facet of your business. It will give you a benchmark for estimating, budgeting, and scheduling, as well as for performance-based bonus programs. Each step in the process relies on the prior one: estimating informs your budgeting, scheduling, and then labor on the job. Your data can make your bids more competitive – and insulate your profits.
An investment in the right construction technology is step one in mastering how to track your labor productivity. If you have just recently started looking at your software options, Sage Intacct Construction software is a flexible financial management solution that adapts to your workflows and reporting requirements. This next-gen cloud platform gives you real-time visibility with built-in and adaptable dashboards, reports, graphs, and charts. Multidimensional reporting and dashboards provide faster and deeper insights into accounts, helping to save hours per month.
You can learn more about how to avoid unexpected cash flow issues by governing your spending against a budget here. Interested in learning more about using data to maximize your profitability, job after job? Take the first step by talking with Aktion Associates to find the best technology solution for your unique needs.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2022 and was updated for accuracy and relevance in June 2025.
The Growing Pains of Distribution
For many distribution companies, growth doesn’t just reveal operational cracks, it widens them. You may recognize the signs: departments relying on their own spreadsheets, customer orders taking too long to process, and team members constantly re-entering the same data into multiple systems. These aren’t just minor inefficiencies but early warnings that your systems aren’t keeping up.
Disconnected systems create delays, duplicate work, and inconsistent data. Your team spends more time chasing information than acting on it. As demands increase, so do the risks.
What Disconnection Really Costs
The impact of fragmented systems goes beyond inconvenience. When your ERP, CRM, and warehouse management tools aren’t integrated, your team is forced into reactive mode.
Manual data entry becomes standard. Sales reps can’t access up-to-date inventory. Customer service is slowed by a lack of visibility into order status. And executives are often making critical decisions with outdated or incomplete data.
These issues slow you down. They affect your bottom line. And worst of all, they limit your ability to deliver the fast, responsive service that today’s customers expect.
Why Integration Is a Game Changer
With an integrated system, the experience is completely different. Information flows seamlessly across departments. When a sales order is placed, it automatically updates inventory, triggers fulfillment, and syncs with finance. Everyone — from the warehouse floor to the leadership team — works from the same accurate, real-time data.
Integrated platforms eliminate redundant tasks, reduce the risk of errors, and free your team to focus on higher-value work. You gain operational clarity, faster processes, and the agility to scale.
This is more than a technology upgrade — it’s a shift in how your business operates.
How Modern Distributors Are Solving It
At Aktion, we work with distribution companies every day who are ready to move past disconnected systems. Our team helps unify operations with tools built specifically for your industry, including Acumatica, a modern cloud ERP designed to bring your finance, inventory, purchasing, and customer data into a single platform.
With a solution like Acumatica in place, you’re no longer patching together reports or second-guessing data. You’re running a smarter, more connected operation built for growth.
In the fast-moving world of construction, large multi-entity developers face a unique headache: managing finances across multiple companies, projects, and locations, all with different rules, timelines, and reporting needs. Without the right systems, things get messy fast.
Sage Intacct Construction simplifies the chaos. It’s a cloud-based financial and project management solution built specifically for construction and real estate. From consolidating your financials to automating intercompany transactions, it helps you stay on top of your numbers — no matter how complex your org chart gets.
Here are seven ways Sage Intacct Construction makes multi-entity management easier and more efficient:
Sage Intacct Construction helps bring financial data from across your organization into one system. By working in a single platform instead of multiple disconnected tools, teams can manage finances more easily and keep reporting consistent. With everything in one place — expenses, revenue, and financials — you get a clear, company-wide view without switching between systems.
Sage Intacct Construction automates intercompany transactions, streamlining processes like intercompany billing, fund transfers, elimination entries, and expense allocations. This automation significantly reduces the manual effort and potential for errors associated with these complex transactions.
With all financial data consolidated in one place, Sage Intacct Construction provides real-time visibility into the financial health of the organization. Immediate access to financial information is vital for making timely and informed decisions. Through interactive dashboards, management can quickly evaluate the profitability of different projects or entities, enabling them to allocate financial and people resources more efficiently.
Sage Intacct Construction stays updated with the latest regulatory changes and provides tools to ensure compliance. It facilitates accurate and compliant financial reporting, crucial for multi-entity developers operating under various regulations.
With Sage Intacct Construction, you have the power to tailor your dashboards and analytics to meet your exact requirements. You can effortlessly generate reports and dashboards that are perfectly aligned with your specific needs, unlocking deeper insights into the performance of each entity. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of your business’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Sage Intacct Construction acts as a centralized hub for all communication and data sharing, which is particularly crucial in the construction sector where multiple teams and entities often work in tandem. This centralized approach ensures that all stakeholders, from project managers to finance teams, to subcontractors, to suppliers, have a common platform for collaborating, reducing the likelihood of miscommunication and information silos.
As development companies grow, the complexity and volume of their intercompany transactions also increase. Sage Intacct Construction’s automated systems are scalable, meaning they can handle an increasing number of transactions without a proportional increase in manual work or complexity. This scalability ensures that financial management remains efficient regardless of company growth.
Developers are experiencing a new level of efficiency and gaining valuable insights with Sage Intacct Construction. As a result, they are more confident in addressing their challenges and making strategic decisions, which is leading to unprecedented growth and profitability. Experience the transformative power of Sage Intacct Construction today and unlock a future of unlimited possibilities.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2024 and updated in June 2025 to reflect new features and industry trends.
The construction industry has long been considered one of the last frontiers of digital transformation. Known for its complexity, tight margins, and project-based workflows, the sector faces persistent challenges—cost overruns, labor shortages, and safety concerns, to name a few. But artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to change that.
Across the industry, forward-thinking construction firms are beginning to adopt AI technologies not just as a tech novelty, but as a practical solution to real-world problems. From predictive analytics to machine learning, AI is redefining how jobsites operate, how projects are planned, and how companies make decisions.
Smarter Planning and Forecasting
One of the most powerful uses of AI in construction is in project planning. Traditional scheduling methods often rely on human intuition and historical data, but AI introduces predictive models that can anticipate delays, recommend more efficient timelines, and even account for external variables like weather or labor availability. This enables project managers to optimize resources before the ground is even broken.
Enhancing Safety with Real-Time Data
Jobsite safety is a constant concern in construction. AI-powered systems can analyze video footage from surveillance cameras to detect unsafe behavior—such as workers not wearing PPE or entering restricted zones—and alert supervisors in real time. Some firms are even using wearable devices that feed biometric and environmental data into AI systems to monitor worker fatigue and heat exposure.
Improving Quality and Reducing Rework
AI tools can assist with quality control by identifying defects early in the build process. For instance, drone imagery combined with computer vision can compare on-site progress against 3D models or blueprints, flagging discrepancies before they turn into costly rework. These solutions help ensure projects stay on budget and on schedule.
Automating Routine Workflows
Back-office operations are also benefiting from this. AI can automate routine administrative tasks like invoice matching, document classification, and timesheet processing—freeing teams to focus on higher-value activities. In a business where efficiency is key, even small-time savings can have a big impact.
How ERP Platforms Are Enabling AI in Construction
While AI tools are powerful, their value multiplies when integrated into a construction firm’s core systems. Modern ERP platforms are evolving to support this shift, embedding AI into everyday workflows to enhance decision-making and productivity.
Acumatica Construction Edition, for example, has begun integrating AI into its cloud ERP platform to support tasks like automated document recognition, intelligent expense matching, and real-time data analysis. These features aren’t just futuristic add-ons—they’re practical tools designed to help construction firms operate more efficiently today.
As the industry continues to adopt digital solutions, AI is quickly shifting from an emerging trend to a competitive market. Firms that invest early in AI-powered systems and platforms will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty, scale operations, and deliver more predictable project outcomes.
In the distribution industry, uptime isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. From warehouse automation to connected inventory systems, every second counts. But as technology advances, so do the risks, and many distributors are learning the hard way that cyber insurance doesn’t always cover what they think it does.
In our upcoming Cyber Insurance Readiness Webinar, we explore how your answers on cyber insurance applications can directly impact claim approvals, policy premiums, and even your operational continuity. Here’s what every distribution business needs to know.
Cyberattacks can cripple warehouse operations, delay shipments, and compromise vendor or customer data. And yet, many distributors unknowingly jeopardize their cyber insurance coverage by misrepresenting their network security posture.
For example, saying “yes” to having backup and recovery procedures in place means more than backing up data once a month. In the Distribution Industry, this should include automated and encrypted backups of key operational systems, such as order processing, inventory management, and ERP platforms, with tested restoration protocols to minimize downtime during ransomware or system failure.
Here are the five most common areas where distributors fall short, yet still check “yes” on insurance forms:
During the webinar, we will share how a distributor reported full MFA coverage but had only deployed it for the finance team. A phishing attack targeting their warehouse management system led to data theft and significant delivery delays. Their claim was denied due to misrepresentation.
One Wrong Answer Could Cost You Coverage – Stay protected and insurable.
At Aktion, we specialize in supporting the security needs of ERP-driven distributors. Our cybersecurity risk management services include:
Get Ahead of What You Need to be Prepared:
Join our webinar “Understanding the Questions On Cyber Insurance Forms” – June 18 @ 12:00 pm ET – Register Today
And
Schedule a security consultation with Aktion to strengthen your defenses and protect your coverage. Schedule My Review
Manufacturers are no strangers to tight margins, but in 2025, those margins are under more pressure than ever. Raw material prices remain volatile, energy costs are climbing, and transportation expenses show little sign of stabilizing. Combine these with increased wage expectations and growing customer demand for competitive pricing, and it’s clear: maintaining profitability in this environment requires smarter operations, not just harder work.
Let’s take a closer look at the root causes of this margin squeeze—and more importantly, how manufacturers can respond.
The Margin Squeeze Is Real
Rising costs are coming from every direction. Material prices have become increasingly unpredictable, especially for items like metal, plastic, and electronic components. Labor is another growing expense. With skilled workers in short supply, wages are rising as companies compete for talent. On top of that, energy and logistics costs continue to climb, particularly for manufacturers who rely on international suppliers or complex distribution networks.
All of this puts pressure on margins—and for many manufacturers, it’s forcing tough decisions about pricing, production, and profitability.
Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever
One of the biggest challenges manufacturers face is a lack of real-time visibility into their operations. Without current data on costs, performance, or profitability, decision-makers are often left relying on outdated reports or gut instinct.
That’s where modern ERP systems come in. These platforms centralize data from purchasing, production, and finance, giving leaders a real-time view of where money is being made—or lost. With better visibility, manufacturers can act faster, whether it’s adjusting pricing, shifting production, or finding cost-saving opportunities across the business.
Running Lean with Smart Technology
Reducing costs doesn’t always mean cutting corners. In many cases, it means reducing inefficiencies that are hiding in plain sight. Tasks like manual order entry, disjointed inventory tracking, and paper-based invoicing add unnecessary labor and delay.
Modern systems automate these processes, streamlining operations and freeing up time for more strategic work. When production planning is tied directly to demand forecasts and real-time inventory levels, manufacturers can operate with more precision and less waste.
This kind of automation also minimizes costly errors, like over-ordering materials or underestimating production timelines—common culprits when margins start to slip.
Making Better Decisions with Smarter Cost Tracking
Profitability isn’t just about increasing revenue. It’s about understanding where you’re losing money and adjusting before it’s too late. With tools that offer job-level or product-level cost tracking, manufacturers can see which products are profitable, where costs are creeping up, and how each customer relationship impacts the bottom line.
This level of insight empowers better pricing strategies, more effective negotiations with suppliers, and tighter control over margins.
The Path Forward
The manufacturers who will succeed in 2025 are the ones who can adapt quickly and operate efficiently. While the cost pressures are real, they’re not insurmountable. With the right technology in place, it’s possible to increase visibility, reduce inefficiencies, and protect your margins without sacrificing quality or service.
Acumatica Manufacturing Edition, implemented by a partner who understands the industry, gives manufacturers the tools they need to make smarter, faster, and more cost-effective decisions.
Want to learn how your manufacturing business can weather today’s cost pressures?
Let’s talk about building a more resilient, tech-enabled operation – feel free to contact Aktion today.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, your ERP system should help you scale—not slow you down. For many organizations using Microsoft Dynamics GP/SL, they have reached their limits. While it may have worked well in the past, its aging architecture and lack of true cloud capabilities are prompting companies to look for a more modern solution.
That solution is Acumatica.
Built for the cloud from the ground up, Acumatica offers the flexibility, scalability, and long-term value that Dynamics GP/SL simply can’t match.
What Makes Acumatica Different?
Unlike GP/SL, Acumatica is a true cloud ERP. That means you can access the system from any browser, on any device, without the need for remote desktop tools or third-party hosting. There’s no complex infrastructure to manage—just fast, secure access wherever your team works.
Built to Grow with You
Acumatica uses a resource-based pricing model, which means you’re not charged by the number of users. Whether you have 5 or 500 employees, the cost remains based on usage—not headcount. This makes it a future-ready option for companies planning for growth.
Easier and Less Costly Customization
With Acumatica, you’re working with widely used technologies. That makes it easier—and more affordable—to customize your ERP or integrate it with other platforms. Dynamics GP/SL, by contrast, relies on proprietary tools that often require specialized developers and increase costs over time.
Fewer Add-ons. More Built-In Value.
Acumatica comes with a wide range of features out of the box, including modules for payroll, document management, field service, and warehouse management. Many of these capabilities require third-party add-ons in GP/SL, adding cost and complexity. With Acumatica, everything is integrated, streamlined, and accessible from day one.
Planning an ERP Upgrade?
If your organization is still running on Dynamics GP/SL, it’s time to evaluate whether it’s still supporting your goals—or holding you back. Acumatica offers a modern, scalable, and cost-effective ERP platform that meets the needs of growing businesses across industries.
At Aktion, we help companies make the move from GP/SL to Acumatica with minimal disruption and maximum return. Our experienced team can guide you through the full process—from evaluation to implementation. If you have questions or want to discuss this transition further, feel free to contact Aktion .
Many B2B distributors recognize the need for digital transformation but struggle to see tangible benefits. Despite investing in eCommerce platforms and ERP systems, they often face challenges such as:
If these roadblocks sound familiar, you’re not alone. Fortunately, the partnership between Aktion Associates and Unilog offers a powerful solution to help distributors unlock the true potential of digital commerce and drive revenue growth.
How Aktion Associates and Unilog Solve the Digital Commerce Puzzle
One of the biggest hurdles in B2B digital transformation is the lack of integration between eCommerce platforms and ERP systems. Aktion Associates, a leading provider of IT solutions for distributors, partners with Unilog to bridge this gap.
One of the biggest myths in B2B eCommerce is that a digital platform will replace sales reps. In reality, digital commerce empowers sales teams and improves customer relationships.
A major reason why many B2B eCommerce platforms fail is a poor user experience. Unilog solves this by delivering a B2C-like shopping experience tailored for B2B needs:
With Aktion Associates’ expertise and Unilog’s cutting-edge technology, distributors can harness AI and automation to improve efficiency and customer experience.
To ensure digital transformation success, it’s critical to track the right metrics. The Aktion-Unilog partnership helps distributors define and measure key KPIs, including:
Real-World Success: How Distributors Are Winning with Aktion & Unilog
Distributors across industries have transformed their businesses with the Aktion Associates and Unilog partnership. Here are a few examples of real-world impact:
✅ A national industrial supplier increased online sales by 300% within six months after launching a fully integrated eCommerce platform with Unilog and Aktion’s ERP expertise.
✅ A wholesale electrical distributor reduced order processing times by 40% by automating workflows and leveraging AI-powered recommendations.
✅ A building materials distributor improved customer retention by 25% by offering a seamless self-service ordering experience and personalized product suggestions.
The Future of B2B eCommerce is Here—Are You Ready?
Digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s a competitive necessity. With the right technology, strategy, and support, B2B distributors can successfully transition to a digital-first model without losing the personal touch that sets them apart.
Don’t let outdated systems and fragmented digital strategies hold you back. Contact us today and take the first step toward a smarter, more profitable B2B commerce future!
The distribution industry is evolving rapidly, making eCommerce a necessity for B2B success. Distributors must embrace digital transformation to meet customer expectations and stay competitive. Here are the top trends shaping B2B eCommerce in 2025—and how Aktion Associates and Unilog can help you stay ahead.
Distributors are leveraging platforms like Amazon Business and Alibaba but need to maintain control over pricing and customer data.
B2B buyers expect AI-driven product recommendations and tailored experiences.
Customers engage across multiple channels and expect a frictionless experience.
Buyers prefer self-service over speaking with sales reps.
Automated reordering boosts loyalty and revenue.
Same-day and next-day delivery are becoming standard.
Real-time pricing optimization maximizes profitability.
Flexible payment solutions like BNPL, digital wallets, and ACH improve cash flow.
B2B buyers prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable business practices.
Disconnected systems cause inefficiencies and lost revenue.
Future-Proof Your ECommerce Strategy
ECommerce is essential for distributors aiming to scale and stay competitive. With Unilog’s advanced B2B eCommerce platform and Aktion’s ERP expertise, you can optimize efficiency, improve customer experience, and drive revenue growth.
Boost your eCommerce strategy today. Contact Aktion Associates to learn how Unilog and Infor CloudSuite Distribution can future-proof your business.
October 14, 2025, Is Closer Than You Think
Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, marking a major shift for businesses relying on this operating system. While your PC won’t stop working, the absence of updates, technical assistance, and security patches means your systems—and your business—will become increasingly vulnerable.
For construction businesses, where efficiency, collaboration, and security are the foundation of success, staying on outdated software isn’t just risky—it’s dangerous. Let’s explore what this end-of-support means and why upgrading to Windows 11 is essential for protecting your business.
The Security Risks of Unsupported Operating Systems
Operating systems without support are like open doors to cybercriminals. Hackers specifically target outdated software because they know vulnerabilities won’t be patched. For the construction industry, this can lead to:
Why Upgrading to Windows 11 Is the Solution
Windows 11 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a comprehensive shield for your business. Designed with advanced security at its core, it offers:
By upgrading to Windows 11, you’re not just maintaining operations—you’re actively strengthening your business against today’s evolving cybersecurity risks.
How Aktion Associates Can Help
Upgrading your systems can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects and tight deadlines. That’s where Aktion Associates comes in. We specialize in helping construction businesses navigate technology transitions with ease.
Here’s how we can help you prepare for Windows 10’s end-of-support:
What Happens If You Don’t Upgrade?
Failing to upgrade isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it can lead to major consequences:
Take Action Today
The end of Windows 10 support is a critical reminder that your business’s technology must evolve to stay secure and competitive. By upgrading to Windows 11, you’re not just closing a security loophole—you’re investing in the future of your construction business.
At Aktion Associates, we’re here to help you make this transition as smooth as possible. From assessing your current devices to ensuring a seamless deployment, we’ll handle the details so you can focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional results for your clients.
Ready to Upgrade?
Contact Aktion Associates today to schedule your free consultation and start building a secure, future-ready IT infrastructure.
