Mekari Insight
- Construction teams no longer need to rely on scattered spreadsheets and emails—cloud-based tools centralize purchasing, approvals, and vendor management in one platform.
- With mobile access and automated workflows, field teams can place orders, track approvals, and avoid delays—cutting down rework and missed deliveries.
- From customizable approval flows to seamless accounting integration, Mekari Expense helps construction businesses modernize procurement while keeping projects on budget and on schedule.
In many construction teams today, procurement still means juggling spreadsheets, email chains, and chat threads scattering data and slowing projects.
Meanwhile, disjointed communication between the field and office leads to duplicate orders and delays, contributing to nearly half of all rework about $31 billion lost annually in the U.S. alone due to miscommunication and poor data.
Add slow manual approval processes to the mix, and materials arrive late or not at all, derailing schedules. That’s where cloud-based procurement tools step in bringing order, speed, and clarity to every purchase.
What is construction procurement software?
Construction procurement software is a cloud-based solution that automates and centralizes key purchasing activities for construction companies—like managing purchase orders, vendor relationships, and financial workflows.
It replaces scattered tools (e.g., spreadsheets, chats, and emails) with one integrated platform, making project-based procurement far more organized and trackable.
By going cloud-based, teams gain real-time access to procurement data, whether they’re in the office or on-site. This improves coordination between field and HQ, speeds up approvals, prevents duplicate orders, and supports better cost control across multiple projects.
Read more: Construction Purchase Order Software: Full Guide How to Choose
How procurement software addresses common challenges in construction
By integrating these capabilities, procurement software transforms manual, error-prone processes into an efficient, transparent, and cost-controlled system empowering construction teams to build smarter, not harder.
1. Centralized procurement data
Cloud-based procurement tools consolidate POs, approvals, invoices, and vendor details into a single real‑time dashboard eliminating scattered spreadsheets and email chains and improving visibility across job sites and the office.
2. Automated material workflows
Custom approval paths based on project, role, or budget automate routing, while field teams can order materials via mobile apps. This speeds up requests and removes bottlenecks.
3. Supplier and vendor management
Platforms include a centralized repository of supplier contacts, bids, contracts, documents, and performance metrics making vendor oversight simpler and more consistent.
4. Purchase order management
Create, approve, and track POs with ease, including automated notifications to suppliers streamlining the entire ordering process.
5. Inventory and delivery tracking
Monitor material deliveries and inventory across job sites in real-time. Alerts and digital receipt logging reduce stockouts and errors.
6. Invoice matching & payment automation
With two-way or three-way matching (invoice, PO, receipt), software prevents overpayments and speeds invoice processing ensuring payments only happen after verification.
Read more: Enhancing Efficiency with AP Invoice Automation Software
7. Budget & spend control
Real-time budget validations prevent overspending. Spend analytics help track cost trends and improve project profitability.
Read more: Expense vs. Spend Management: Key Differences and Impact
8. Reporting & analytics
Generate detailed job-costing and supplier-performance reports with customizable dashboards delivering insights to guide better decisions.
9. Mobile app access
Field teams can request materials, monitor approvals, and communicate instantly all from mobile devices, reducing delays and miscommunication.
Top recommendation cloud based procurement software for construction
For the construction industry, where project management, material sourcing, and subcontractor coordination are critical and often complex, specialized cloud-based procurement software offers significant advantages.
Based on their features, industry focus, and market presence, the following are top recommendations:
Software | Starting Price (per month) | Key Advantages / USP Features |
---|---|---|
Mekari Expense Purchase | Custom pricing | – Centralized product catalog – Centralized requests – Automated PO generation – Integrated with Accounting Software – Comprehensive vendor portal – OCR technology – Customizable approval workflows. |
Procore | Custom pricing (~$375-$3,000) | – Comprehensive construction management with procurement integration – Real-time procurement tracking – Bid and subcontractor management – Centralized document control and analytics |
Medius | Custom pricing (from ~$2,500) | – End-to-end automation from source-to-pay – Real-time spend visibility – Contract lifecycle management with renewal alerts – Integrates with back-office systems |
4castplus | Custom pricing | – Real-time job cost and budget tracking – Collaboration tools for teams – Vendor tracking and purchase order management – Cash flow planning and project analytics |
ProcurePro | Custom pricing | – Real-time procurement visibility – Milestone and lead time management – Tendering and vendor comparison – Powerful procurement analytics |
Precoro | Starts at $499 | – Automated purchase orders and invoice matching – Customizable approval workflows – Budget and supplier management – Inventory control and service/item catalogs |
Archdesk | Starts at $790 | – Centralized financial and material data – Real-time inventory and PO management – Contract and subcontractor management – Accounting integrations and mobile app support |
Tradogram | Starts at $168 | – Purchase order and supplier management – Customizable workflows – Third-party integrations – Mobile and web-based access with free trial available |
1. Mekari Expense Purchase
Mekari Expense Purchase is a cloud-based solution that centralizes and automates the procurement process.
It empowers businesses, particularly in the construction sector, to manage purchasing activities from product selection to payment, ensuring efficiency, cost control, and seamless integration with financial systems.
Features:
- Centralized product catalog: Manages all product details (descriptions, prices, images) in one customizable catalog.
- Centralized requests: Unifies all purchase requests in one platform for easy submission and tracking.
- Automated PO generation: Automatically creates purchase orders from approved requests.
- Integrated with Accounting Software: Automatically records all purchasing activities in accounting software.
- Comprehensive vendor portal: Optimizes interaction with all suppliers and subcontractors.
- OCR technology: Automates data extraction from receipts and physical documents, reducing manual data entry for extensive construction paperwork.
- Customizable approval workflows: Offers flexible, multi-level approval processes based on project budget or material type, vital for diverse approval hierarchies in construction.
What it’s best for:
Mekari Expense Purchase is highly suitable for the construction industry, including General Contractors, Specialty Contractors, and Project Developers.
Its strong emphasis on centralized product catalogs, streamlined request and PO generation, and direct accounting integration directly addresses the industry’s need for strict budget control, efficient material sourcing across multiple sites, and real-time financial transparency in complex projects.
It’s ideal for businesses looking to modernize their procurement operations, reduce manual errors, and gain comprehensive control over project expenditures.
Price:
Pricing for Mekari Expense Purchase is tiered and provided upon custom request, depending on features, user count, and transaction volume. Free trials are available.
2. Procore
Procore is a comprehensive construction management software suite that includes procurement functionalities as part of its broader platform. It focuses on connecting all project stakeholders and processes, from preconstruction to project closeout.
Features:
- Modernizes procurement processes, moving from fragmented manual tasks to a consolidated and transparent system.
- Provides insights into supply chain data for smarter decision-making.
- Aims to mitigate risk, accelerate project timelines, and strengthen the bottom line.
- Integrates with other construction technology tools.
- Includes procurement schedules, scope of works libraries, tender and price breakdown management, subcontractor comparisons, contract creation, e-signatures, vendor management with performance ratings, and robust reporting and analytics.
What it’s best for:
Procore is specifically designed for the construction industry, including general contractors and specialty contractors.
It’s ideal for managing complex construction projects, optimizing material and subcontractor procurement, and gaining financial visibility throughout the project lifecycle.
Price: Custom pricing (~$375-$3,000)
3. Medius
Medius offers an intelligent spend management platform that includes robust cloud-based procurement solutions, alongside AP automation, sourcing, and expense management. It leverages AI and machine learning to optimize financial processes.
Features:
- Automates procurement processes from requisition to payment.
- Ensures adherence to internal controls and regulatory requirements.
- Seamlessly integrates with ERP, accounting, and supply chain management platforms (e.g., Medius Connect for various ERPs).
- Handles international suppliers and multi-currency transactions.
- Employs advanced security measures like encryption, secure user authentication, and role-based access controls.
What it’s best for:
Medius is best suited for mid-sized to large enterprises across various industries that are looking for comprehensive spend management, especially those with high transaction volumes and international operations.
Price: Custom pricing (from ~$2,500)
4. 4castplus
4castplus is a project cost management software for construction contractors, with strong project procurement capabilities built into its integrated cloud platform. It aims to eliminate inefficient spreadsheet-based solutions.
Features:
- Focuses on project procurement, with specific modules for managing procurement within construction projects.
- Offers real-time jobsite cost tracking, providing immediate visibility into expenditures.
- Provides robust tools for forecasting and estimating to aid accurate project budgeting and financial projections.
- Includes comprehensive contract management capabilities for subcontractors and suppliers.
- Designed to seamlessly integrate with ERP finance systems for unified financial data control.
What it’s best for:
4castplus is specifically tailored for construction contractors worldwide who need to manage complex project costs and procurement with precision.
Price: Custom pricing
5. ProcurePro
ProcurePro is a cloud-based procurement software designed to streamline and automate procurement processes, focusing on quick deployment and integration with other construction technology tools.
Features:
- Streamlines and automates procurement from requisitions to award and purchase order generation/delivery.
- Includes reverse auction capabilities to drive cost savings through competitive bidding.
- Facilitates sharing and exchanging unlimited documents and specifications with suppliers.
- Provides side-by-side comparison of supplier quotes for efficient decision-making.
- Offers integrated business intelligence dashboards for comprehensive data analytics and insights.
What it’s best for:
ProcurePro is a cloud based procurement software for construction, particularly well-suited for businesses looking to significantly reduce procurement time, increase project profitability, and improve consistency across contracts.
Price: Custom pricing
6. Precoro
Precoro is a cloud-based procurement software focused on providing ultimate spend control, automating procure-to-pay processes, and offering rapid return on investment.
Features:
- Handles purchase requisitions, purchase orders, sales orders, receipts, and invoices, providing an advanced procurement solution.
- Automates 2-way and 3-way matching processes for invoices to ensure accuracy.
- Offers customizable, automated approval routing based on team structure and specific rules.
- Provides real-time budget tracking with dashboards and reports to monitor expenditures across projects, departments, and locations.
- Includes an AI-powered AP automation feature (in higher tiers) for enhanced efficiency in accounts payable.
What it’s best for:
Precoro is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and scaling businesses that want to control spending, migrate from manual procurement processes, and automate their procure-to-pay cycle.
Price: Starts at $499
7. Archdesk
Archdesk is a comprehensive business management software for the construction industry that includes procurement functionalities, aiming to centralize operations and provide real-time financial visibility.
Features:
- Provides a real-time view of project finances, offering immediate insights into the financial health of ongoing projects.
- Includes a dedicated procurement module for managing purchasing processes specifically within the construction context.
- Offers an e-tendering add-on, which includes supplier relationship management and online bidding capabilities (reverse auction).
- Features custom approvals and workflows that can be tailored to specific business processes and hierarchies.
- Offers integration capabilities with popular accounting software like Xero, Sage, and QuickBooks.
What it’s best for:
Archdesk is cloud based procurement software for construction, from growing companies to large enterprises. It’s suitable for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution that integrates project management, financial tracking, and procurement to streamline their construction operations.
Price: Starts at $790
8. Tradogram
Tradogram is a cloud-based procurement management solution designed to empower buyers and decision-makers to control their procurement processes, manage suppliers, and optimize costs.
Features:
- Manages the entire purchase order lifecycle, from creation to tracking and delivery.
- Handles order requisitions and provides customizable multi-level approval routing.
- Offers real-time budget tracking to monitor expenditures and prevent overspending.
- Includes comprehensive contract management capabilities for centralizing and overseeing agreements.
- Features an AP invoices module with OCR technology for automated invoice processing and matching.
What it’s best for:
Tradogram is suitable for a wide range of businesses, from small to large enterprises, seeking an all-inclusive and affordable solution for managing their procurement workflows.
Price: Starts at $168
Streamline construction purchases with Mekari Expense
Streamline construction purchases with Mekari Expense. If your construction team is tired of juggling spreadsheets, emails, and scattered approvals, it’s time to switch to a smarter solution.
Mekari Expense is a cloud based procurement software for construction built to simplify how construction businesses manage purchasing—from request to payment.
With Mekari Expense, you get:
- Centralized Product Catalog: Manage all product details, including descriptions, prices, and images, in one unified catalog with customizable categories.
- Centralized Requests: Submit and track all purchase requests within a unified platform, making approvals easy to monitor.
- Automated PO Generation: Generate purchase orders automatically based on approved requests, significantly reducing manual workload.
- Integrated with Accounting Software: All purchasing activities are automatically recorded in your accounting software, eliminating manual data entry.
Also, its integrated vendor management and invoice matching help ensure your projects stay on time and on budget.
Learn more about Mekari Expense Purchase and streamline your construction procurement today.