Description

ERP used to be accessible only to large enterprises because of the capital hardware required like servers and multiple workstations, and dedicated teams to handle its complex deployment, upgrades, and maintenance. However, in Accenture’s 2019 ERP trends study, they predicted that SaaS ERP deployment is accelerating as a mainstream delivery model with cloud vendors chipping away chunks of the market from legacy developers.

Today, SaaS technology enables vendors to also offer ERP solutions to small and medium enterprises. Modules are sold separately or bundled as a plan, while hardware and technical maintenance are managed by vendors. The features of ERP software may be pared down or limited to a couple of functions but this still allows companies of all sizes to reap the benefits of ERP software.

Some of the reasons they implement these ERP platforms are to improve business performance (64%), to position company for growth (57%), or to reduce working capital (57%). In addition, startups and SMBs can now rely less on manpower to go about their day-to-day operations.

Source: Panorama Consulting Solutions

Another reason why SaaS ERPs are now becoming more popular among businesses of all sizes is because of its scalability. Companies can now choose to utilize all facets of ERP or simply select a combination of modules depending on their needs. Modules often address a main business area, such as, inventory management, accounting, payroll, human resources, marketing and product planning. The more robust ERP solutions feature CRM and business intelligence, but, expectedly, are pricier.

If you are still wondering why ERP solutions are now essential to your business, read on. We will get right down to the nitty-gritty of its features, benefits, and types. This way, you have an idea of what to expect when you invest in one for your business.

What are examples of ERP software?

To help you get a better idea of what a good ERP tool is, we have listed down some of the leading software solutions on the market along with a short description of what they can do. These platforms are known for their fully integrated interfaces, comprehensive feature sets, scalability, and easily configurable systems, so you can be sure that these are truly the best of the best when it comes to ERP software. Of course, these are not the only platforms that you can consider. If you’d like to see more options, check out our list of 20 best ERP software tools.

1. NetSuite ERP. A fully integrated ERP targeted built for fast-growing companies, NetSuite ERP offers a scalable interface equipped with everything you need from financial management and inventory management to payment processing and vendor management. It is capable of automating a wide range of front- and back-office processes so that streamlining operations is much more simple. Moreover, it gives users robust reporting tools that offer actionable insights on your performance. To learn more, you can sign up for a NetSuite ERP free demo here.
2. Sage Intacct. Another popular cloud accounting solution is Sage Intacct. Created for small and medium businesses, this platform features ERP capabilities via integration, such as, financial management, wholesale distribution, and retail management. In addition, it also comes with workflow management options that let you perform bank reconciliation, automated journal entries, and trial balance. What’s more, is that Sage Intacct comes with a no-fuss interface that both novice and professional users can get the hang of in little to no time.
3. SYSPRO. Designed specifically for companies in the manufacturing industry, SYSPRO has been providing ERP solutions to companies for over 40 years. It comes with robust tools for accounting, document planning, work order management, project management, as well as inventory control so that it is easier to keep all the data in one place and manage all processes from one platform. It is also known for its use of BOT agents that are in charge of automating redundant processes and giving you fast support for all aspects of your operations.
4. Odoo. Among our examples of ERP software, Odoo is unique because of its open-sourced, modular architecture. It provides you with best-in-class sales and project management functionalities to start and as your business grows, you can choose to extend the platform’s capabilities by choosing from their extensive selection of applications. They offer a variety of applications for MRP, POS, accounting, eCommerce and other business processes. Moreover, the system is capable of seamlessly integrating with third-party applications so you can use your existing systems.
5. Oracle ERP Cloud. An end-to-end business management platform, Oracle ERP Cloud provides users with an integrated system for large businesses ranging from telecommunication and sales firms to pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies. It comes with financial planning features, risk management tools, project execution capabilities, as well as compliance monitoring options. In addition, Oracle ERP Cloud also offers users a performance management module to help you gauge productivity within your enterprise and pinpoint how to improve overall operations.
6. Microsoft Dynamics GP. Coming from an industry leader, Microsoft Dynamics offers a robust set of features that tackle financial management, human resource management, supply chain management, and workspace collaboration. It is also known for its top-notch business intelligence feature that lets users get actionable insights on their ERP data. Another claim to fame of this particular platform is that it seamlessly integrates with third-party partners, both cloud-hosted and on-premise.
7. SAP ERP. Another ERP tool coming from a prominent software provider is SAP ERP. Used by over 172,000 companies globally, this platform comes with supply chain management and customer relationship management functionalities and has the ability to integrate with various applications and modules for other business processes. Other than its highly scalable interface, another thing that makes this platform unique is that it can be deployed on-premise, on the cloud, or as a hybrid model for your convenience.
8. ADVANTAGE 365. An integrated system that unifies a plethora of core functionalities to simplify the way you run your business operations. With core features for accounting, rental, inventory, credit card processing, sales, and other tools available within a single system, you can are able to handle more demanding tasks and smoothly execute your operations. Furthermore, with all core capabilities easily accessible by a few clicks, you are able to greatly bolster your operational efficiency without suffering from the headaches brought about by using separate business systems.

NetSuite ERP is one of the leading examples of ERP platforms on the market.

Why use ERP software?

Beyond answering the question of what is ERP software, you should also know why you need it. The purpose of ERP software is to increase efficiency, streamline processes and promote a culture of collaboration in the organization. This results in minimized costs and increased productivity which can eventually lead to a better bottom line. Let’s break down the advantages of ERP software:

1. It Increases Efficiency

Business processes like accounting, sales, marketing, production, and inventory are integrated in one ERP platform. It’s easier to collect and access data across the organization, streamlining cross-departmental workflows.

Likewise, ERP automates day-to-day tasks like entering data or generating reports. Repetitive processes are eliminated, freeing teams to focus on their core deliverables. For instance, marketing can run a daily web traffic report without bugging tech; or, accounting can instantly access the week’s sales stats without chasing the sales director.

ERP also provides managers and key stakeholders with quick look-ups. Dashboards allow decision-makers to glance at key performance indicators across the organization. If they want to investigate more, managers can drill down to details in a few clicks.

2. It Promotes Collaboration

ERP breaks down walls between departments. Data silos are integrated and a process superhighway links local workstations together. This setup allows teams that used to operate in a vacuum to easily collaborate with other teams inside the ERP platform.

Moreover, SaaS ERP further extends collaboration between remote teams and headquarters through the internet. Offshore business units are now within earshot of their mother unit. A culture of collaboration drives innovation and team play and, in general, makes businesses more competitive.

3. It Increases Data Security

ERP solutions have firewalls and restriction controls to guard against data breach. Having a single data warehouse means access points are tightly monitored and security is concentrated. Likewise, user permission rules give the admin the flexibility to lock in sensitive data without limiting user access to other information.

Administrators can also quickly deactivate the access of terminated employees and grant permission to new ones. ERP solutions also display user activities, so you can easily spot unauthorized actions or suspicious activity patterns in the system.

4. It Helps You Comply with Industry Regulations

Many ERP solutions feature built-in regulatory process standards and compliance reporting to help businesses meet myriad business requirements. ERP solutions subscribe to reporting protocols for aspects like financial accounting, product regulations and data security.

5. It Allows You to Make Accurate Forecasts

The only worse thing about the lack of a forecast is a wrong one. Forecasts shape strategies; thus, it’s crucial organizations get the real picture. Using a centralized database, ERP lends to a company’s disparate business solutions a standardized process, ultimately, enhancing data integrity.

ERP reporting tools use advanced filters and analytics to sift data for inconsistencies. Features of ERP software like deduplication also ensures data is updated and duplicate-free. With data integrity intact, managers can generate reports with realistic forecasts. Similarly, estimates are within a sensible range of outcomes.

Moreover, advanced ERP solutions with business intelligence tools use machine learning and predictive algorithm that allow users to dig deep into big data. Companies with complex data sources can leverage ERP for hidden insights and gain a competitive edge.

6. It Increases Operational Flexibility

SaaS ERP also gives you a means to increase operational flexibility. For one, it helps you integrate existing apps to your system or export your ERP data to other business apps for a more streamlined workflow. Secondly, most of these give you the option to add more modules as your business grows so that you no longer need to replace your system with a new software. Lastly, SaaS ERP gives you mobility as it can often be accessed on any device so long as it is connected to the internet.

7. It Reduces Operational Costs

A company can also leverage ERP to cut down costs. When processes are streamlined and key metrics are closely monitored, disruptions, delays and breakdowns are anticipated or its impact better managed.

Manufacturing and distribution are especially vulnerable to disruption. But with ERP allowing production, engineering, customer service and other business units to work closely together using real-time data, resolving sudden problems is faster. Operating costs are kept within budget.

To add to these, ERP software providers often takes care of patches, gives regular updates, and handles troubleshooting in case of technical problems. This means you don’t have to worry about maintenance costs.

Sage Intacct is one such ERP platform that can help you increase efficiency, prmote collaboration, increase data security, and more.

What are the types of ERP software?

You’ve learned what is ERP software, let’s now look at the different types. The fluidity of ERP dynamics and diversity of factors affecting it make it difficult to classify the category. It can be grouped by functional levels, business size and deployment. To simplify the types, ERP can be grouped as follows:

1. Generalist ERP. Many legacy and cloud ERP solutions are generalists. They adapt to processes across industries. These solutions have strong customization and integration to match varying industry requirements. It’s also not a surprise given its large market generalist ERP vendors are also one of the largest. Some examples of this type of ERP solution is NetSuite ERP.
2. Open-Source ERP. Open-source ERP solutions are still a tiny fraction of the total ERP market. But solutions like Odoo ERP lend to companies with resident tech teams the flexibility to develop and integrate their own apps into the ERP. For developers, open-source increases usability and user adoption because the ERP can churn out highly customized processes.
3. Vertical ERP. These are industry-specific ERPs. Often, vertical ERP vendors are startups or smaller companies that try to focus on a niche, such as, construction, supermarket distribution or retail fashion. Among the most popular examples of this particular platform is Microsoft Dynamics AX.
4. Small Business ERP. These are off-the-shelf cloud or on-premise ERP solutions. Often, the ERP is modularized with pared-down features. Instead of delivering a fully integrated system, small business ERP like PeopleSoft serves one or two business processes and leaves out the others. For instance, it features HRM and accounting function only, with add-on options for CRM, inventory or supply chain management. For this, small business ERP is also referred to as lightweight ERP.

Odoo offers an open-source ERP system that can scale up or down depending on the needs of your business.

What does ERP software do?

ERP can be fully integrated or customized to specific processes. A typical ERP system covers key business processes and consists of the following modules:

1. HRM. This module features standard HRMS tools like time tracker, timesheet, and database for employee records, job profiles, and skills matrix. HRM module may also include performance reviews and payroll system. The latter is closely integrated with the financial management module to manage wages, travel expenses and reimbursements. Some ERP solutions also feature a training or LMS function under HRM.
2. Financial management. This module manages your capital inflow and outflow. It covers standard Accounting and Finance transactions like expenditures, general ledger, balance sheet, bank reconciliation, tax management, and payments. This also generates financial reports for different departments and business units.
3. Sales and Marketing. The module handles sales workflows like sales inquiries, quotations, sales orders and sales invoices. The more advanced ERP also features taxation rules and shipping tracker. The Sales and CRM modules work together to speed up the sales cycle and earn the company more profits.
4. CRM. The CRM module helps you to boost customer service and, eventually, profit per capita. It manages leads, opportunities and customer issues. Likewise, it provides a 360-degree profile of your customers by consolidating data like their social media activities, purchase history and past interactions with support reps. In an ERP setup, CRM is closely integrated with Sales module to fast track conversions.
5. Manufacturing. Sometimes referred to as engineering or production, this module helps businesses make manufacturing more efficient in areas such as product planning, materials sourcing, daily production monitoring, and product forecasting. Some of the key functionalities in this module are bill of material, production scheduling, shop floor control, and distribution planning. The module is tightly integrated with SCM and inventory modules especially in areas like product planning and inventory control.
6. SCM. This module covers key aspects in your supply chain including purchase order management. It manages product flow from production to consumer and, occasionally, vice-versa for returns or recalls. A key feature of the SCM module is process automation, which streamlines your entire supply chain and makes it adaptive to sudden market shifts.
7. Inventory. Also called material management module, it helps you measure stock targets, standardize replenishments, and other inventory goals. It uses product serial numbers to track and locate items in your organization. This module is closely integrated with the Purchase module.
8. Purchasing. This module manages the processes involved in materials procurement. These include: supplier listings; quotation requests and analysis; purchase orders; Good Receipt Notes; and stock updates. As such, it functions closely with SCM or Inventory modules.

In addition to these basic functions, there are more advanced ERP platforms that also include business intelligence, asset management and e-commerce. Also, ERP can be vertical with industry-specific features for, among others, retail, healthcare, government, and nonprofit.

SYSPRO can provide you with functionalities ranging from inventory management and order purchasing to HR management and marketing management.

What are the factors to consider when choosing ERP software?

Suppose you already weighed the cost-benefit ratio of getting an ERP and you’re convinced it’ll drive overall profitability. You now need to consider these key factors to ensure you optimize its ROI.

1. Upgrade vs. Replacement. Evaluate first if you need to get a new ERP system or just an upgrade. Many ERP solutions today are modularized; you can simply integrate a module, for instance payroll, with your current applications. This way you minimize disruption and costs. But if your ERP system is ten years or older, it may be wise to replace it. You can leverage today’s ERP solutions for mobility, integration, scalability, and deployment options. Similarly, machine learning, predictive analysis, and advanced reporting are pushing ERP to the next level.
2. Training and Setup. On-premise ERP solutions need to be installed by someone with technical knowhow. If you lack a tech team, make sure you understand your service level agreement or SLA. Installation is often charged separately from license, but some vendors offer all-in bundled plans. For SaaS ERP, setup is as easy as activating an account to access the vendor’s server. Likewise, ERP is more complex than most business solutions, so it requires user training. Does your vendor provide this service? Whether bundled in or exclusive to the plan, the kind of training you’ll receive should suffice for average users to adopt the system.
3. Reporting and Dashboards. Go beyond spreadsheet and PDF exports. ERP solutions today feature advanced reporting that can generate compliant financial statements based on your region. The latest ERP reporting tools also allow in-system query and smart filters coupled with real-time data. Likewise, look for agile and ad hoc reporting to quickly adjust to evolving business needs and disruptions. Dashboards, on the other hand, should let you mash up quantitative vs. qualitative data at user, role, and department levels. Look for the standard dashboard function of displaying KPIs with drill-down links.
4. Integration. ERP should work seamlessly with your existing business applications. There are a number of integration points you need to consider from top to bottom. These include system-to-system (example, ERP to your existing CRM or HRMS), module-to-system (example, ERP payroll to your existing HRMS) and file transfer capabilities (example, exporting/importing PDF, JPG, DOC, CSV files). An ERP with flexible integration can work with existing infrastructure, expand its functionalities or, in fact, replace it while ensuring smooth records and files migration.
5. Customization. Aside from ensuring the ERP processes match your key business workflows, look closely at your departments. They may have different priorities and culture, which may even be contradictory. For example, marketing spends, while accounting saves, or production lives by daily output, while sales live by monthly quota. All these lead to myriad workflows that won’t fit into a one-size solution. Look for an ERP solution with customization tools, localized dashboards, and configurable workflows, among others, that allow departments to define their goals and set the ERP based on their parameters.

Oracle ERP Cloud is another best-in-class platform that offers comprehensive features and a scalable, highly configurable interface.

How much does ERP software cost?

Most ERP solutions are priced by quotation for customized features. The cost of ERP software is usually based on factors like number of users, modules, installation, add-ons, maintenance and training. Let’s take a look at the price model of some of the most popular ERP solutions today.

1. NetSuite ERP is available by quote and is priced based on the number of modules you want for your system, the number of users per month, as well as the kinds of add-ons you need.
2. Sage Intacct, like many other leading ERP platforms, only offers quote-based plans so be sure to contact the vendor to get a package tailored to your specific needs.
3. SYSPRO  is only available by quote. Their plans are often calculated according to your preferred deployment option, the number of users you want to onboard, and the modules you’ll be needing.
4. Odoo offers a flat rate of €10/month, making it one of the most affordable options among the leading ERP platforms. This is inclusive of the basic functionalities of the program. Separate charges apply for the applications you are going to integrate into the system.
5. Oracle ERP Cloud offers three enterprise pricing structures that are bundled according to the functionalities you’ll be needing. They have a Financial Reporting Plan, Advanced Financial Control Plan, and Advanced Access Control Plan that cost $175/user/month, $80/user/month, $150/user/month respectively.
6. Microsoft Dynamics GP offers a variety of pricing plans depending on your licensing preference. For those who want to subscribe to a service, they have a package that costs $214/user/month as well as a hosting plan that costs $134/user/month. They also offer a perpetual licensing plan that is available by quote.
7. SAP ERP is only available on a by-quote basis. These plans are often bundled depending on the types of modules you prefer as well as your required deployment option. For more information, be sure to contact the vendor.
8. ADVANTAGE 365 pricing is available by a quotation. Please contact the vendor to understand how they can cater to your business requirements.

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