​Why Industry-Specific Software Can Win Over One-Size Platforms

Innovation​Why Industry-Specific Software Can Win Over One-Size PlatformsBySteve Cangiano,Forbes Councils Member.for Forbes Technology CouncilCOUNCIL POSTExpertise from Forbes Councils members, operated under license. Opinions expressed are those of the author. | Membership (fee-based)May 26, 2026, 10:00am EDTSteve Cangiano is the Chief Product Officer at CMiC, a global leader in construction management software. gettyIn construction, projects are complex, timelines are long and coordinating across teams and stakeholders adds another layer of challenge. All of these things mean that having a robust solution, and getting the most out of it, is much more critical. As such, the systems you use can be the difference between running projects smoothly and facing endless friction.As the chief product officer of a global leader in construction management software, this is a problem I've seen play out across the industry. Over the years, I've seen too many construction companies default to generic ERP platforms, assuming they'll be enough to manage projects, costs and financials. In my experience, this approach often falls short.​The Unique Challenges In The Construction IndustryConstruction is an industry with its own distinct complexities and nuances. The way accounting works in construction is very different from manufacturing or retail. For example, revenue recognition is tied to project progress, not just transactions. Job costs, the foundation of project controls, are often managed in a subledger in generic systems. The structure isn't built around job costs, and that gap creates real limitations.Change orders are another area where generic platforms show their limits. They are a major source of financial risk for general contractors, and forecasting them accurately is essential. Forecasting labor inputs and outputs, such as hours versus linear feet of conduit, is also unique to our industry. Without a construction-focused ERP, you run into issues w...