Skip to main content
Advantive

ERP for Distribution

Comsense: Software for Architectural Opening Distribution

Purpose-built ERP for architectural opening distributors — projects, orders, and financials in one system.

Connected to Advantive ONE

Already a customer? Jump to documentation & downloads

Purpose-built ERP for architectural opening distributors — doors, frames, and hardware — across North America

Outcomes

What customers measure

  • 120+

    electronic price books keeping product and pricing data current automatically

  • One system

    for estimating, detailing, project management, and accounting — no reconciliation between separate tools

What it does

What Comsense does

  • Estimating, detailing, and spec writing

    Build accurate estimates and hardware specifications faster using 120+ electronic price books and direct architect door-schedule imports.

    • 120+ brand price books with automated web-based pricing updates
    • Bulk estimating and door-schedule import from architect drawings
    • Hardware specification generation exported to Microsoft Word
  • Project management for multi-shipment jobs

    Track estimated vs. actual cost on every project in real time, with alerts when potential problems are detected before they escalate.

    • Drill-down project management windows for full visibility
    • Estimated vs. actual cost tracking across every project phase
    • Flexible material sourcing and partial shipment tracking
  • Integrated accounting with AIA billing

    Accounts payable, receivable, AIA billing, MICR check printing, and bank reconciliation — all connected to projects without manual reconciliation.

    • AIA billing support for construction-project billing cycles
    • MICR check printing and bank reconciliation built in
    • No separate accounting system required

Deep dive

How Comsense works in your operation

Architectural door, frame, and hardware distribution comes with unique complexities that generic ERP systems can’t handle. Comsense is purpose-built for this industry, providing a complete view of your projects and orders while simplifying estimating, detailing, project management, and accounting. With integrated tools and access to over 120 electronic price books, Comsense helps you improve accuracy, control costs, and streamline every part of your operation.

How Comsense fits the workflow

Architectural opening distributors typically run a project from architect-drawing review through estimating, detailing, ordering, partial shipments, change orders, and final billing — often across months and multiple ship dates per job. Comsense follows that workflow end-to-end. The estimating module reads architect door schedules and pulls current product and pricing data from 120+ electronic price books. The detailing module generates heading builders, frame elevations, and prep work without re-entry. Project management tracks estimated vs. actual cost on every line so PMs see margin slip before it compounds. AIA billing, MICR check printing, and bank reconciliation close the loop on the accounting side.

The combined result is one system where door schedules, hardware sets, costed material lists, project status, and financials stay in sync — replacing the spreadsheet-and-email patterns that generic distribution ERPs leave distributors stuck with.

Comsense software overview

FAQ

Common questions about Comsense

Don't see your question? Ask the team.

What makes Comsense different from a generic ERP for distributors?

Comsense is built specifically for architectural opening distributors — doors, frames, and hardware. It includes a detailing module with heading builder, frame elevations, and prep automation; a spec writer with 100+ brand catalogs; 120+ electronic price books; and AIA billing for construction project cycles. Generic ERPs do not include these features out of the box.

How does the estimating module work with architect specifications?

Door schedules and hardware sets from architect drawings can be imported directly into Comsense, giving estimators a fast starting point. Electronic price books (120+ brands) provide current product definitions and pricing, and bulk estimating tools speed up turnaround on large project bids.

Does Comsense handle partial shipments and change orders on large projects?

Yes. The project management module tracks each project through multiple ship dates, partial shipments, and change orders. Estimated vs. actual cost tracking and drill-down visibility help project managers catch budget variances before they compound.

What verticals does Comsense serve?

Comsense serves architectural opening distributors in North America — companies distributing commercial doors, frames, and door hardware to construction projects. The product is purpose-built for this niche and is not a horizontal distribution ERP.

Is implementation handled by Advantive or by a partner?

Advantive provides direct implementation services for all brands. A named implementation lead is assigned at kickoff and stays with the project through go-live. Partner-led implementations are available for select brands when a customer prefers an existing systems integrator.

How does this product connect to Advantive ONE?

Advantive ONE extends each brand with cross-system intelligence — surfacing patterns across your ERP, MES, quality, and warehouse data. It runs as a layer on top of your product, not a replacement. Customers on a current support contract are eligible.

What does the support contract include?

Standard support covers software updates, the customer portal (knowledge base + ticketing), and the Advantive support team during business hours in your region. Premium tiers add dedicated customer success, extended SLA coverage, and 24/7 critical-incident response.

Library

Resources, case studies, and webinars on Comsense

10resources from customers, product specialists, and Advantive research — relevant to Comsense.

Security & compliance

Enterprise-ready certifications

  • SOC 2 Type II
  • GDPR-ready

Customer resources

Already using Comsense?

Sign in to the customer portal for documentation, release notes, downloads, and support. Single sign-on across Advantive products.

Customer portal sign-in

Don't have a customer account? Contact support and we'll get you set up.

Get started

See Comsense in action.

Specialist-led demo, no slideshows. Bring your data, leave with a configured proof of concept.