Modern Operations vs Legacy ERP
Site Samurai vs COINS for UK Contractors
COINS is an established ERP and accounting platform for construction. Site Samurai is a modern, integrated operations platform that connects field execution with commercial control for UK contractors.
Last reviewed: 26 March 2026. Medium confidence based on public documentation and industry positioning.
Where COINS is strong
- • Deep construction accounting with general ledger, multi-company, and financial reporting.
- • Established platform with long track record in UK construction ERP.
- • Strong financial governance and audit trail capabilities.
Where Site Samurai is stronger
- • Modern, mobile-first platform connecting field operations with commercial workflows.
- • Native UK compliance: RAMS, CIS, CDM 2015, and Construction Act workflows.
- • Self-service implementation measured in weeks, not months or quarters.
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Capability comparison
COINS advantage
Construction businesses need accurate financial management across multi-company structures.
Best fit by contractor profile
Finance-led contractor prioritising accounting and financial governance
Best fit: Competitor
COINS offers deeper financial accounting and multi-company structures for finance-led organisations.
Operations-led contractor needing field-to-office integration
Best fit: Site Samurai
Modern field operations, compliance, and commercial workflows in one mobile-first platform.
Growing SME contractor standardising processes
Best fit: Site Samurai
Faster implementation, transparent pricing, and integrated workflows suit growing teams better than heavy ERP deployment.
Migration checklist (30/60/90)
0-30 days
Foundation and parallel pilot
- • Map existing ERP workflows and identify operational gaps in field and compliance areas.
- • Pilot one project with PM, QS, and site lead using Site Samurai alongside existing systems.
- • Define baseline KPIs: setup time, field adoption rate, payment cycle turnaround.
31-60 days
Operational expansion
- • Roll out field operations and compliance workflows across active projects.
- • Train commercial teams on payment application and valuation workflows.
- • Establish data flow between Site Samurai and existing accounting systems where needed.
61-90 days
Standardisation and assessment
- • Standardise operating procedures across field, compliance, and commercial workflows.
- • Assess which ERP functions can be consolidated vs. retained.
- • Run leadership review on operational efficiency and adoption metrics.
Choose Site Samurai when
- • You need modern field operations and compliance workflows alongside commercial controls.
- • Your priority is fast implementation without consultancy-led deployment.
- • You want transparent, predictable pricing as your team grows.
Choose COINS when
- • Deep construction accounting and multi-company financial governance is your primary need.
- • You have an established ERP ecosystem and dedicated IT resources to manage it.
- • Financial reporting depth and audit trail capabilities are your dominant requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Is COINS suitable for SME contractors?
COINS is primarily designed for mid-to-large construction businesses with dedicated IT and finance teams. SME contractors often find the implementation effort, licensing costs, and configuration complexity disproportionate to their operational needs. Site Samurai is designed for faster adoption by leaner teams.
Can COINS handle field operations?
COINS is fundamentally an ERP and accounting platform. While it offers some project management capabilities, it is not primarily a field operations tool. Site Samurai is mobile-first with integrated field workflows for RAMS, fleet management, and site delivery alongside commercial controls.
How long does COINS implementation take?
COINS implementations are typically consultancy-led and can span several months to over a year for full deployment, depending on scope and complexity. Site Samurai is designed for self-service setup with most teams running a live pilot within 30 days.
Can I use Site Samurai alongside COINS?
Yes. Some contractors use Site Samurai for field operations and compliance workflows while retaining COINS for core financial accounting. This approach can bridge operational gaps without a full ERP migration, though long-term tool consolidation typically reduces overhead.
What is the difference between COINS and Site Samurai?
COINS is a construction ERP focused on financial accounting, cost management, and multi-company governance. Site Samurai is a modern operations platform connecting field delivery, UK compliance (RAMS, CIS, CDM), and commercial controls (payment applications, valuations) in one integrated stack.