How to stop fronting material costs on construction jobs
Learn how contractors can reduce upfront material costs with payment milestones, stored-materials billing, supplier terms, and a clearer job payment workflow.
Latest Benjamin Locke posts
How to know if a contracting job is profitable: A guide for specialty trades
Learn how to measure contractor job profitability, compare estimated vs. actual costs, calculate gross margin, and identify what drives job cost overruns.
7 best CRMs for HVAC contractors in 2026
Compare the best CRMs for HVAC contractors managing commercial bids, complex accounts, custom workflows, and QuickBooks-connected operations.
The QuickBooks connection behind manufacturing workflows
Manufacturers likely won’t introduce themselves by the accounting software they use. You wouldn’t typically hear them say, “Hey, my name is Mike, I make boot bindings, and I’m a QuickBooks user.” But even if manufacturers don’t mention QuickBooks specifically, for most of them, it’s incredibly important. Manufacturing is a game of buying raw materials and […]
ERP for distributors: What it manages, when you need it, and when you don’t
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software can help distributors manage the operational aspects of the distribution business. When order volumes rise, managing inventory and reporting from various systems can become extremely difficult. A single system ERP can bring many of these functional areas together. That being said, an ERP is not always the correct next step […]
WMS vs. ERP vs. CRM: Which system does your distribution business need?
Not sure whether you need a WMS, ERP, or CRM? Learn which system to prioritize for your distribution business.
10 best Odoo alternatives for manufacturers in 2026
Compare the best Odoo alternatives for manufacturers, including top picks for QuickBooks users, SMBs, and teams not ready for full ERP.
How to keep track of inventory: 9 steps for accurate stock management
Learn how to keep track of inventory with a system for SKUs, stock counts, reorder points, QuickBooks-connected workflows, and more.
Mobile CRM for small business: How to choose the right fit (2026)
Learn what a mobile CRM is, which features matter most, and how to choose a mobile CRM app for your sales, service, and field teams.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 alternatives: Top CRM solutions for 2026
Looking for a Microsoft Dynamics 365 alternative? Compare top software to find a cost-effective solution with automation, integrations, and better ease of use.