Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software supports large organizations to manage their whole operation within a single system.
The Best erp software is essential for everyday processes that incorporate features like CRM, human resources, accounting, supply chain management, and more. But today, with the advent of cloud-based software and SaaS, ERP solutions can be utilized by businesses of all shapes and sizes.
While larger enterprises adopt most ERP software, SMEs and even some more modest businesses have started using enterprise resource planning software over the last few years.ERP software acts as an all-in-one solution for any business.
How to Determine the Best ERP Software For Your Business
As we have seen that ERP is a great thing to have in the business. But, now the question arises how do you determine the best ERP software for you?
Thus, we have listed some of the factors you should consider while looking for the best ERP software for your business. Although, there is no “best for everyone” ERP software. When you’re assessing different software, you can decide what’s best for you based on the following factors:
1. Business Size
While “ERP” itself indicates enterprise, not every solution works for large enterprises. That’s why you should keep in mind what offerings they own and see if it matches with your business’s size.
For instance, SAP Business One is created specifically for small businesses. Sage 300 is a top pick for developing mid-market companies, and Acumatica is geared toward SMEs.
So if you own a large-scale enterprise, you wouldn’t think of any of those options. You would be better off with something like Oracle Netsuite or Microsoft Dynamics 365.
2. Industry
Apart from the size of your business, many ERP software is built for specific industries.
Syspro is an ideal example of this. It’s built for manufacturers and distributors; that’s it. You can also get a more specialized solution based on your industry within those two categories, like industrial equipment or electronics.
Sage 300 is an excellent option for international eCommerce businesses. Oracle Netsuite supports the most comprehensive range of business types and industries.
3. Features
The goal of ERP software is to be an all-in-one solution for your company’s needs. But with that said, not all of the feature sets from software to software will be the same.
It’s essential to know what your company wants the most and target an ERP solution that allows those features out of the box.
Common ERP software highlights incorporate sales tools, CRM, accounting tools, and human resources. But some of you might need features for things like supply chain management, operational management, and end-to-end inventory logistics.
Most ERP software is available that is easily customized to match your needs. So it’s simple for the service provider to combine what you’re looking for—assuming they have those features to offer.
4. Setup
Almost every ERP software demands you to get a custom quote before you get started. It combines an extra step to the setup process. You may probably want to get a quote and demo from various providers on your shortlist, just to perceive what options you have.
But once you choose a solution, you need to make sure that the initial deployment is as simple as possible. You can purchase some of the software from a third-party partner, which can be a pain. With that said, those partners normally do a better job of leading you through the setup process.
Since most ERP software is now cloud-based, you won’t have to bother about installing anything locally on your servers, computers, or other devices. But that’s not the case with all options.
The Best ERP Software For Your Business Are As Follows
1. Oracle Netsuite — Best Overall ERP Software
Features:
- TRUSTED BY 20,000+ BUSINESSES
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE
- Meant TO SUPPORT GROWTH
- Ideal FOR ANY INDUSTRY
Oracle Netsuite is one of our recommendations for ERP software. They knocked their competitors in almost every category.
Over 20,000 businesses worldwide rely upon this solution for enterprise resource planning—and for a good reason.
Oracle Netsuite is completely customizable and intended to support growth. It’s simple to add functionality and resources as your business scales.
This cloud-based ERP can serve the needs of all business types. Here are just a few industries that use Oracle Netsuite:
- Marketing and advertising
- Agriculture
- Government
- Professional services
- Restaurant and hospitality
- Construction
- Ecommerce
- Engineering
- Distribution
- Biotech and pharmaceuticals
- and a lot more.
Oracle Netsuite suits your needs no matter what business you own. Some of the best ERP features of oracle Netsuite combine order management, financial planning, financial management, and production management. The software can even help supply chain management as well as warehouse and fulfillment needs.
You can even manage your end-to-end inventory and all of your logistics in real time. The software supports you to maximize the efficiency of these processes.
Oracle Netsuite has in-built business intelligence. So you can have access to visual analytics from all of your data. These reports enable you to make actionable business decisions.
Because of the customizable feature of this software, the pricing is not available online and is quite common in the ERP software category. You’ll have to talk to the Oracle Netsuite sales team to explain your needs and get a quote.
2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 — Best For Bundle Licenses
Features:
- TRANSPARENT PRICING
- DISCOUNTS FOR Extra LICENSES
- APPS FOR SPECIFIC CATEGORIES
- FLEXIBLE USE CASES
Like the majority of Microsoft products, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is robust, flexible, and reliable. It’s accepted by some of the world’s giants, like HP, Coca-Cola, Lowe’s, Delta, BMW, Adobe, UPS, and more.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a perfect ERP solution for smaller businesses as well.
It’s a bit different as compared to some of the other choices on our list. Dynamics 365 is not an individual product. Microsoft allows multiple product bundles based on your requirements. The categories cover:
- Marketing
- Sales
- Customer Service
- Operations
- Field Service
- Finance
- Commerce
- Human Resources
Each one of them comes with various apps as a product suite. For instance, the Operations bundle comes with apps for supply chain management, project service automation, and business center.
Unlike other ERP solutions, Microsoft is completely transparent about its prices and lists all of the prices on its website. It’s a bit complex since every category has various prices and individual prices for every app within that category. You’ll get discounted rates if you already have qualifying Dynamics 365 apps.
But there are a few things that you have to keep an eye on. Most packages need a minimum number of licenses to buy, which is usually 10 or 20.
While the licensing guide and conditions are complex to navigate and understand, this option is the most suitable for businesses that want to purchase in bulk. You’ll also have the capacity to pick and choose which particular products you’re looking for while profiting from discounts on additional licenses.
3. Syspro — Best For Manufacturers and Distributors
Features:
- AWARD-WINNING ERP SOFTWARE
- INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS
- 40+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
- TRUSTED BY 15,000+ BUSINESSES
Syspro has ERP solutions for small businesses, mid-sized organizations, and enterprises.
But, their ERP software is intended particularly for manufacturing and distribution. If your industry comes under those categories, this is the right for you.
With over 40 years of experience in this industry, Syspro understands what it takes to succeed in these spaces.
Syspro ERP is established with industry-specific functionality based on the business requirements for manufacturers and distributors. Common industries within these two categories utilizing Syspro include:
- Auto parts and accessories
- Food and beverage
- Rubber and plastics
- Industrial equipment and machinery
- Packaging
- Fabricated metals
- Electronics
Over 15,000 businesses utilize this award-winning ERP software throughout 60+ countries.
Syspro ERP will enhance your supply chain management and operational inefficiencies. You’ll profit from actionable insights and reporting to make better business decisions.
Additionally, by customizing your software, Syspro will also let you completely customize your workspace based on roles and needs. So you and your team won’t feel overwhelmed or bombarded with unnecessary information or screens that you’re not working on daily.
As your business expands, Syspro has the flexibility and power to scale with you.
If your company is associated with manufacturing or distribution, Syspro ERP will be your most suitable option. Sadly, this software won’t back other business types. For instance, if you’re in retail, professional services, or eCommerce, you’ll have to look elsewhere. You can contact Syspro to request a free demo.
4. SAP Business One — Best For Small Businesses
Features:
- DESIGNED FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
- MOBILE ACCESS
- 500+ ADD-ONS
- INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS
Though ERP solutions have more often been utilized for larger operations, many providers have started offering great solutions for small businesses.
SAP Business One is one of the best ERP software for small businesses. If your company has outgrown your existing tools or requires consolidating your software to a single platform, SAP Business One has exactly what you’re looking for.
This software incorporates sales, inventory management, CRM, financials, analytics, reporting, and more. It’s a comprehensive full-service solution.
SAP Business One allows industry-specific solutions as well. Choose from 500+ add-ons to customize your software based on your business type or industry needs.
The top benefit of SAP Business One is its intuitive mobile access. You and your team can access the software from anywhere using the iOS and Android mobile apps.
No matter where you are, you’ll always be able to control inventory, manage service tickets, and view real-time reports on the go. You can also set up alerts and complete approvals straight from your mobile device.
Like most ERP software, pricing for SAP Business One is not available online.
The initial setup of it is a hassle, which is the greatest drawback of this solution. After acknowledging a somewhat extensive questionnaire, you’ll be contacted within 24 hours to discuss your company’s specifications in greater depth before getting an estimate. In many cases, you won’t be able to buy the software directly from SAP; you’ll have to go through one of their partners or resellers.
But it is still a top option for small businesses. Larger corporations might run into some restrictions at scale.
5. Sage 300 — Best For Medium-Sized Businesses
Features:
- CLOUD-BASED ERP SOFTWARE
- GREAT FOR INTERNATIONAL E-COMMERCE
- SUPPORTS MULTIPLE CURRENCIES
- AUTOMATE VENDOR PROCESSES
Sage 300 is one of three different ERP software solutions offered by Sage. This solution is intended for mid-market companies. From handling finances to operations and inventory, Sage 300 is meant to help you increase the total visibility of your company while maximizing ROI.
Sage 300 analyzes your financials. It’s an excellent choice for businesses that are managing multiple currencies. You can even utilize it for various businesses if you have subsidiary companies or franchises.
Getting Sage 300 for ERP indicates that you’ll also have access to a wide range of features in Sage’s comprehensive product suite. You’ll profit from features like Sage CRM, Sage Inventory Advisor, and Sage Payment Solutions.
Sage 300 allows intelligent enterprise resource planning for international eCommerce operations. You’ll get real-time analytics as well as the capability to track and process orders from anywhere.
Another top feature of Sage 300 is the capacity to maintain vendor relationships. You can automate your buying process, orders, invoices, receipts, and returns. It will save you lots of time and resources whenever you’re ordering inventory or other materials.
If Sage 300 is high-level and feature-rich for you, consider Sage 100 as an alternative. It’s still a reliable ERP software but not made for international operations or multiple businesses. Sage 100 is more like an advanced accounting software with CRM and other ERP features.
For those of you who require more than the features available in Sage 300, you can upgrade to Sage Business Cloud X3. It is the top-of-the-line ERP solution from Sage. It has a greater focus on supply chain management and sales, intended for larger enterprises.
While Sage Business Cloud X3 is excellent, it’s probably overkilled for medium-sized businesses. But it’s helpful to understand that you can upgrade at a later time if your company expands.
The majority of you will profit the most from Sage 300.
6. Acumatica — Best ERP Software For SMEs
Features:
- AWARD-WINNING ERP SOFTWARE
- INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS
- ADD USERS FOR FREE
- SUPPORTS GROWING BUSINESSES
Acumatica is small, but it’s expanding rapidly — and they allow great services for particular types of businesses.
They allow industry-specific ERP solutions. So no matter what kind of business you have, you understand that you’re not getting cookie-cutter cutter software.
Here’s a quick list of the ERP software editions given by Acumatica:
- General Business Edition
- Distribution Edition
- Manufacturing Edition
- Construction Edition
- Commerce Edition
- Field Service Edition
If you own a small to mid-sized enterprise in one of these categories, Acumatica will be a great choice for you to consider.
Acumatica ERP is very versatile. No matter what kind of requirements your business has, you can get an all-in-one solution from this service provider.
This award-winning cloud-based ERP software promotes growth as well. You can quickly add functionality and abilities as your business scales. Acumatica also allows you to add additional users without paying for additional licenses.
Acumatica has a free product tour available on its website. If you’re interested in learning more, you can ask for a custom demonstration and free demo with no obligation.
Wrapping it up
ERP software can simplify your operational efficiencies by implementing an all-in-one resource for all of your business processes.
Oracle Netsuite is our overall recommendation in this category.
But also keep in mind, it’s not for everyone. Small businesses should incline toward SAP Business One. Mid-market companies and SMEs would be better off Sage 300 or Acumatica. Syspro is the best ERP software for manufacturing and distribution. For product bundles and discounts on bulk licenses, turn to Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Despite your business size, industry, or enterprise resource planning requirements, you can choose the best ERP software for your business by utilizing this guide.
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