GMB Architecture Firm Upgrades to Unanet ERP and CRM for Better Efficiency

In a significant move to streamline its operations, GMB, a prominent architecture and engineering firm, has transitioned from its legacy software to Unanet's ERP and CRM solutions. Founded in 1968, GMB specializes in serving educational institutions from K-12 to higher education. Over the years, the firm has expanded its offerings to include various professional services, addressing the unique challenges faced by educators, including marketing communications and building performance.

Jennifer Quillan, the controller at GMB, expressed the firm’s struggles with traditional ERP systems, stating, "Our company doesn't fit neatly into traditional ERP software systems because we aren't a typical AE firm, we offer so many different services." The complexity of their operations meant that employees were often bogged down with manually entering data into multiple spreadsheets, complicating business processes and decision-making.

GMB's growth necessitated a comprehensive solution that highlights the importance of robust data management capabilities. After evaluating their existing ERP and CRM solutions, they determined that those systems still didn’t meet their unique needs. This challenge led to the decision to switch to Unanet, touted for its user-friendly interface and customization options that could integrate seamlessly with GMB's existing software ecosystem.

Not only does Unanet simplify the data management process for GMB, but it also provides critical insights and analytics without the manual input that was once required. This change is crucial as data management has been identified as a significant issue among firms within the AEC industry. According to the 2024 AEC Inspire Report, nearly half of the surveyed firms indicated that their data management tools were lacking, with a substantial portion still reliant on spreadsheets for business intelligence.

GMB's marketing team is particularly eager to leverage the capabilities of Unanet's CRM system to modernize their business development processes. The ability to easily share information across multiple locations is anticipated to enhance collaboration and efficiency among staff members.

Unanet has garnered a reputation among over 1,850 architecture, engineering, and construction firms due to its potent mix of functionality and accessibility, along with a seamless ability to scale with growing businesses. This transition not only aligns with GMB's commitment to innovation but also underscores the firm’s mission to improve operational efficiency in service to their educational clients.

For organizations operating within specialized sectors such as education, having the right technology can make a significant difference in achieving strategic objectives. As firms like GMB continue to evolve and expand their offerings, the adoption of integrated solutions like Unanet's ERP and CRM serves as a blueprint for success in modern business management.

For more information on Unanet's offerings, prospective clients can visit Unanet's ERP for AEC page and CRM solutions page.

About Unanet

Unanet stands as a leader in providing project-based ERP and CRM solutions tailored for government contractors, architecture, engineering, construction, and professional services. With more than 4,000 organizations relying on Unanet’s capabilities, the company helps transform data into actionable insights that facilitate better decision-making and compliance while also fostering business growth.

About GMB

GMB is dedicated to improving educational environments through a range of integrated services including planning, architecture, and branding. With locations in Michigan, Indiana, and South Carolina, their commitment to enhancing learning experiences remains at the forefront of their mission.