If you’re comparing Access COINS against more modern, accounting-integrated systems, this guide brings together the best Access COINS alternative.
Why Contractors Look Beyond Access COINS
Access COINS is a powerful ERP covering finance, supply chain, project and HR modules. But many mid-sized contractors find the system too heavy for what they actually need day-to-day: live job-cost control, valuations, forecasting and a smooth sync to their accounting software.
Common reasons teams look for alternatives:
- ERP-level scope requires long discovery and training cycles.
- Implementation cost and timeline often stretch months.
- Commercial/QS teams still export to Excel for CVR, valuations and forecasting.
- It’s hard to connect with Xero or QuickBooks directly.
For contractors who mainly want to protect margin and control costs in real time, a financial-first system like Planyard or lighter construction finance platforms often deliver faster value.
What to Look for in an Access COINS Alternative (Financial Focus)
When your aim is tighter financial control, not a full ERP rebuild, prioritise:
- Real-time job-costing and CVR – actuals against budget, per cost code.
- Automated valuations and retentions – UK-style commercial workflows built-in.
- Forecasting and cost-to-complete (EAC) – live margin impact visibility.
- Integration-first – connect to Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage.
- Rapid rollout – pilot in days, not months.
- Transparent, per-user pricing – predictable cost structure.
Quick Comparison Grid – Top Access COINS Alternatives
| Tool | Primary Strength | Financial / Commercial Depth | Accounting Integration | Best For | Time to Adopt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planyard | Financial-first cost control and CVR |  Very high – budgets, valuations, forecasting, retentions | Native to Xero, QuickBooks | Contractors and developers needing QS-grade control | Days to 1 week |
| LiveCosts | PO and invoice digitisation |  Moderate – less forecasting depth | Works with Xero, Sage | Smaller teams wanting quick cost visibility | Days |
| Eque2 | Microsoft/Sage-based ERP suite | High – broad commercial coverage | Sage/BC native, not Xero/QBO | Larger firms already on Sage or D365 | Weeks–months |
| Sage Intacct Construction | Strong accounting foundation | High – finance strength, lighter on project-side control | Can run alongside Planyard | US contractors needing GAAP-compliant finance stack | Weeks |
| Archdesk | ERP-style operational suite | High – commercial + operations | More complex onboarding | Mid-sized firms seeking all-in-one | Weeks |
Deep Dive: Key Alternatives
1. Planyard
Overview
Planyard is built for project-side cost control — budgets, commitments, subcontractor valuations, retentions, and forecasting — all flowing back to accounting systems like Xero and QuickBooks.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
- Real-time budget vs actuals
- Built-in valuations and retentions
- Forecasting and cost-to-complete
- Approval workflows before posting to accounting
- Seamless sync with Xero and QuickBooks
Who It’s Best For
Contractors and developers wanting a modern, financial-first alternative to COINS — same commercial outcomes, less ERP overhead.
When to Consider Planyard Instead
If you just need CVR, valuations and approvals to run in real time (and keep accounting happy), Planyard replaces COINS’ heavy setup with a faster, spreadsheet-free workflow.
Link to detailed comparison
See full comparison: Access COINS vs Planyard →
2. LiveCosts
Overview
LiveCosts focuses on digitising purchase orders and invoices to improve cost visibility. It connects well with Xero and Sage but offers limited forecasting and valuation tools.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
Useful for early-stage spend tracking, though many teams still manage CVR, forecasting, and subcontractor valuations in Excel.
Who It’s Best For
Smaller construction businesses needing quick wins in PO and invoice management without deep QS features.
When to Consider Planyard Instead
Once you outgrow basic cost capture and want forecasting, valuations, or retention management built-in, Planyard becomes the natural upgrade.
3. Eque2 (Construction Manager & EVision)
Overview
Eque2 offers two main products: Construction Manager (for Sage/Xero) and EVision (on Microsoft Dynamics 365). Both provide strong integration to finance, but are heavier in scope.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
Excellent for ERP users, though custom reporting and partner-led setups can extend implementation timelines.
Who It’s Best For
Contractors already embedded in the Microsoft or Sage ecosystem.
When to Consider Planyard Instead
If your goal is fast deployment of cost control and forecasting — without waiting for an ERP project — Planyard’s cloud model offers a leaner path.
4. Sage Intacct Construction (paired with Planyard)
Overview
Sage Intacct Construction is a robust accounting suite for GAAP compliance and financial reporting. Many US contractors use it alongside Planyard for real-time project commercial control.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
Intacct provides financial depth; Planyard adds job-level forecasting, valuations and CVR for construction teams.
Who It’s Best For
US contractors that already trust Sage Intacct for accounting but want modern project financials without ERP bloat.
When to Consider Planyard Instead
Planyard can sit neatly on top of Intacct, giving project teams live visibility while finance retains full control.
5. Archdesk
Overview
Archdesk is an ERP-like platform combining estimating, procurement, finance and project management in one system.
Financial / Cost-Control Fit
Covers wide operational needs but with longer rollout. Great for firms seeking a unified system but less suited for teams that want to move fast.
Who It’s Best For
Mid-sized contractors looking to centralise operations and finance.
When to Consider Planyard Instead
If your main focus is real-time CVR, valuations and approvals rather than all-in-one management, Planyard’s narrower focus means faster time-to-value.
Why Planyard Is the Best Fit for Financial-Control Teams Leaving Access COINS
- Built around budgets, valuations, retentions, and forecasting, not full ERP workflows.
- Live sync with accounting through Xero and QuickBooks.
- Faster rollout – pilot in days instead of months.
- Lower cost of ownership – fewer modules, clearer pricing.
If you liked COINS’ commercial discipline but not its complexity, Planyard delivers that same control in a modern, cloud-based way.
Migration / Switching from Access COINS
- Export project budgets, cost codes, and supplier data from COINS or Excel.
- Import into Planyard, map cost codes and categories.
- Connect your accounting system (Xero / QuickBooks).
- Pilot on one live job to validate valuations and CVR.
- Roll out portfolio-wide once verified.
Next Steps
- Start a free trial to explore real-time budgeting and approvals.
- Book a demo to map your current COINS workflow to Planyard’s cost-control flow.