Expense management tools that integrate with Epicor should sync transactions directly to job cost codes, supporting vessel-level cost allocation across dry dock, outfitting, and repair phases. Vergo's Epicor integration handles this with direct GL mapping, multi-phase project coding, and mobile receipt capture tied to work order cost codes.
Shipbuilding projects operate across long timelines, multiple vessel phases, and dozens of cost centers — from steel fabrication to sea trials. Controllers managing expenses in disconnected systems face a critical reconciliation problem: field-level purchases get coded incorrectly, or not at all, before landing in Epicor. By the time AP closes the month, job cost reports are already inaccurate.
The challenge compounds in marine construction because work spans physical locations — shipyards, dry docks, subcontractor facilities, and supplier warehouses. Superintendents and project managers are purchasing materials, tools, and subcontracted services at the point of work, not behind a desk. Without mobile receipt capture tied to Epicor job codes, those transactions require manual re-entry by AP clerks — a slow, error-prone process.
Common pain points for shipbuilding controllers include:
When evaluating expense management software for Epicor in a shipbuilding environment, apply these criteria:
Vergo is a card-agnostic expense management platform built for construction. Connect any corporate or project credit card and get full visibility and control over field spending.
Epicor's ERP includes job cost modules, but native expense capture is limited for field-based workflows. Most shipbuilding companies layer a dedicated expense management tool on top of Epicor to handle mobile receipt capture, multi-level approvals, and real-time coding — then sync approved transactions back into Epicor's job cost structure.
Shipbuilding companies typically structure Epicor cost codes by vessel, contract phase, trade discipline, and work order. Expenses should be coded at the work order level at minimum to support accurate earned value tracking and contract billing. Standardizing the code structure before implementing an expense tool prevents rework during go-live.
Vergo maintains a native, bidirectional Epicor integration. It pulls active vessels, job numbers, cost codes, and vendor lists from Epicor, and pushes approved expense transactions back to the correct cost lines. This eliminates manual re-entry by AP clerks and keeps job cost reports current throughout the project lifecycle.
Yes. Government and Navy shipbuilding contracts often require certified cost records and documentation retention. Purpose-built expense tools maintain full audit trails — receipt images, submitter identity, approval timestamps, and ERP posting records — that satisfy DCAA and FAR documentation standards when properly configured for the contract type.
Shipbuilding approval chains commonly route from the submitting foreman or superintendent to the project manager, then to the controller or VP of finance for larger purchases. Some companies add a contracts manager review for expenses tied to government or lump-sum contracts. Configurable routing that mirrors your org chart is essential.
Vergo handles per diem, mileage, lodging, and multi-currency transactions alongside materials and subcontractor expenses — all coded to the active job in Epicor. This is particularly relevant for shipbuilders sending crews to partner yards or international drydock facilities where out-of-office spend is common and needs to hit the right vessel cost code.