Most contractors don’t lose $250,000 in a single day. They bleed it slowly through missed change orders, unallocated labor hours, and subcontractor bills that somehow never match the original estimate.
This is because too many firms are still using accounting software that treats a $5M construction project the same way it handles a coffee shop’s monthly expenses. Spreadsheets multiply. Field reports go missing. And by the time you realize Job #142 is underwater, it’s too late to fix.
That’s exactly what Sage 300 CRE was built to prevent.
It cuts through the chaos by combining construction accounting, project management, and property management into one proven system.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what is Sage 300 CRE, its features, benefits, use cases, and more. So let’s begin.
What is Sage 300 CRE?
Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (CRE)—originally branded as Sage Timberline Office before the 2012 rebranding—is a construction/real estate-specific enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solution.
Though calling it just accounting software would be a gross oversimplification, given its integrated project management, job costing, and vendor risk mitigation modules.
Statistically speaking, it’s used by 59% of the ENR Top 400 contractors and has a non-trivial 50,000+ user base.
Real estate developers and property managers rely on the software’s real-time collaboration tools and granular reporting features, which are fully customizable because, obviously, static reports wouldn’t suffice for dynamic project environments.
Functionally, Sage 300 CRE consolidates financial operations, subcontractor compliance tracking, and bid management into a unified system to optimize workflow efficiency.
Its remote-access capabilities mean you could theoretically manage an entire construction project from a coffee shop (don’t try, though).
That’s a basic idea of what is Sage 300 CRE. Let’s dig into the software further.
A Brief History of Sage 300 CRE
Sage 300 CRE’s origins trace back to 1971 when it launched as Sage Timberline software, a then-revolutionary accounting and project management system for construction firms that needed more than just spreadsheets and ledger books.
Fast-forward to 2003, when Sage—the UK-based enterprise software giant—acquired Timberline Software after it had already become the industry’s de facto solution for job costing, payroll, and financials.
Post-acquisition, Sage rebranded it as Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (CRE) to fit their unified product ecosystem. However, the core functionality remained intact.
The legacy also didn’t change. Timberline software’s DNA stayed central in Sage 300 CRE Software, just now with Sage’s cloud integrations and ongoing updates.
Features of Sage 300 CRE
To understand what is Sage 300 CRE at a functional level, we must examine its architectural framework.
So here’s a list of its features:
- Accurate project estimations: Generates 2D/3D cost models using RSMeans data, with programmable City Cost Index adjustments. Supports integration with digital takeoff tools via API or file-based workflows (DWG, Revit, PDF).
- Faster digital takeoffs: Includes eTakeoff Dimension for AI-assisted material/labor calculations, with template libraries for common assemblies. Permits bidirectional synchronization between estimates and procurement systems.
- Pipeline and lead management: Structured pipeline management with win probability algorithms, historical bid analytics, and resource allocation forecasting tied to CRM objects.
- Comprehensive job costing: Real-time GL posting of labor, materials, subcontracts, and equipment against original budgets. Supports change order impact simulations and committed cost accruals.
- Robust billing management: Configurable billing formats (progress, milestone, retention) with lien waiver automation. Revenue recognition follows percentage-of-completion or completed-contract methods.
- Automated work in progress (WIP) reporting: Automated work-in-progress calculations at sub-job levels, with audit trails for GAAP compliance. Exports directly to bonding/surety documentation.
- Efficient project management: Schedule of values integration, submittal/RFI tracking, and mobile punch list capture. Interfaces with Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project via XML.
- Service Operations: Dispatch HVAC/MEP crews with flat-rate pricing, live technician tracking, and work order automation. Ties work orders to asset maintenance histories.
- Property Management: Lease abstraction engine handling multi-tenant/multi-unit hierarchies, with CAM reconciliation and expense recovery modules.
- Interoperability: ODBC-compliant database structure allows integration with third-party estimating, payroll, and ERP systems.
Benefits of Sage 300 CRE
Given its technical architecture (as previously established), Sage 300 construction delivers operational advantages through system-wide integration of financial, project, and field data.
The platform’s value proposition becomes evident when examining these structurally significant outcomes:
1. Unified Data Ecosystem
It eliminates silos between accounting (AP/AR/GL), project controls, and field operations via a single relational database.
Mobile access enables real-time synchronization of job costs, submittals, and equipment logs across office and site teams, reducing latency in decision cycles.
2. Customizable Workflows
Sage 300 CRE permits granular customization of screens, fields, and reports without code modification, including Excel-based analytics.
Its modular design ensures firms only deploy necessary components (e.g., service dispatch for MEP contractors, lease abstraction for REITs).
3. Proactive Decision Making
Sage 300 CRE monitors KPIs like cost variances, billing retention, and submittal deadlines through automated alerts tied to the Job Overview Inquiry dashboard.
This helps stakeholders receive contextual data (contract status, cash position, RFI timelines) to intervene before margins erode.
4. Better Financial Control
AP automation of Sage 300 CRE with electronic document routing reduces invoice approval latency by 60-80% (empirical industry averages).
AR tools accelerate cash flow through integrated payment processing and client aging analytics, while GL multicompany reporting exposes inter-project cost allocations.
5. Document Integrity Assurance
The Paperless Construction module of Sage 300 CRE enforces version control and role-based access to contracts, change orders, and lien waivers.
Full-text search and audit trails mitigate the risk of lost/misfiled critical path documents.
Use Cases for Sage 300 CRE
To fully grasp what is Sage 300 CRE operationally, one must examine its domain-specific implementations.
The system’s 50-year evolution has yielded these mission-critical applications:
- General Contractors: As software for construction accounting, it unifies preconstruction (bid tracking, RSMeans-based estimating), field operations (submittal/RFI logs), and financial management (multi-tier job costing) under one relational database.
- Specialty Contractors (MEP, Drywall, Roofing): Combines service dispatch tools (GPS-enabled crew tracking) with project-centric accounting—critical for trades juggling tens of small jobs monthly.
- Homebuilders: Addresses unique pain points like client allowances and lot development tracking through customized COA structures.
- Real Estate Developers: Functions as accounting software for real estate developers by bridging construction finance (draw management, equity waterfalls) with stabilized asset operations. The lease abstraction engine handles complex REIT structures.
- Heavy Civil (Transportation, Utilities): Synchronizes off-highway equipment costing (CAT telematics data ingestion) with unit-price billing for DOT projects. Critical for firms managing $100M+ earthwork bids where 1% estimation errors equate to seven-figure risks.
How Much Does Sage 300 CRE Cost?
Sage doesn’t list Sage 300 pricing on their website.
However, it’s known that the Sage 300 cost varies based on the modules needed and the number of user licenses, among other factors.
For actual numbers, you’ll have to contact their sales team and request pricing.
Comparing
Here’s what is Sage 300 CRE in comparison to two other Sage solutions.
Differences Between Sage Intacct vs Sage 300 CRE
| Feature | Sage Intacct Construction | Sage 300 CRE |
| Deployment | Cloud-only (any device access) | On-premise (server install required) |
| Integrations | Open API + Procore links | Best with Sage products |
| Business Size | Small-mid contractors | Mid-large contractors |
| Financial Updates | Real-time dashboards | Batch processing |
| Interface | Modern/click-friendly | Powerful but complex |
Sage 100 vs Sage 300 CRE
| Feature | Sage 100 Contractor | Sage 300 CRE |
| Best For | Small contractors | Mid-large firms |
| Configuration | Standardized workflows | Fully customizable screens/fields |
| Multi-Company | Basic multi-company support | Auto inter-company journal entries |
| Property Management | Not available | Dedicated module |
| Change Orders | Basic status tracking | RFI-to-AIA automation |
| Implementation | 2-4 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| Cost | ~60% of Sage 300 CRE | Premium pricing |
Other alternatives to Sage 300 CRE
While you can extend the life of Sage 300 CRE, sometimes, even a gold-standard construction ERP like Sage 300 CRE isn’t the right fit.
Maybe you need more cloud flexibility, or your accounting team mutinied over the 87-table SQL schema. Whatever the reason, here are some actually viable alternatives that won’t make your IT guy cry.
Procore
Procore is a SaaS solution that does project management, cost tracking, and team collaboration all through a browser.
Reviewers claim it’s more user-friendly than Sage 300 CRE, with better support. The downside is that it lacks a full ERP depth.
Acumatica
A cloud ERP that mid-sized builders prefer, especially if they like dashboards, inventory tracking, and not being tied to on-premise servers.
While it’s rated higher than Sage 300 CRE for usability and customization, it’s lighter on pure construction-specific modules.
Deltek ComputerEase
Deltek ComputerEase is a Sage 300 CRE cousin focused on accounting + project management, with better remote job-to-office sync.
Reviewers say it’s easier to implement, but it’s still very much a construction tool.
QuickBooks Desktop Premier
This one is fine for tiny residential jobs, but it isn’t built to track change orders of higher numbers.
However, it’s cheap and handles basic job costing and inventory well enough for small crews.
FAQs
Is Sage 300 the same as Timberline?
Yes. Sage 300 CRE was originally called Timberline before Sage rebranded it in 2003. It is the same software with a different name.
How much does Sage 300 CRE cost?
Prices vary based on modules, users, and hosting (cloud/on-premise). The pricing isn’t public, so contact sales for a quote.
Does Sage 300 CRE still get upgrades?
Yes. It’s actively updated—the latest version is 24.3, which came 6 months ago.
What types of construction businesses is Sage 300 CRE best suited for?
Sage 300 CRE is best suited for mid-to-large contractors, developers, and property managers.