Best ERP Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best ERP software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Owning an outdated ERP software can be a constant source of frustration. It slows down your team, introduces inefficiencies, and makes it harder to access the accurate data needed for important decision-making. Instead of streamlining operations, these tools often create bottlenecks, leaving you burdened with manual processes and at risk of costly mistakes.
With years of experience in fintech and digital software, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the challenges financial leaders face when it comes to selecting and managing ERP software. My expertise lies in identifying tools that optimize workflows, improve data accuracy, and align with the evolving demands of financial management.
Using this knowledge, I'm here to share insights that will make your decision-making process simpler and more effective. After thoroughly testing and reviewing various ERP software solutions, I’ve curated this list with your financial operations in mind. If you’re ready to move beyond outdated systems and find a solution that truly supports your organization, this list will help guide your next steps.
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Best ERP Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top ERP software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for production through traceability | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
2 | Best for small CPG businesses | 30-day free trial | From $149/month | Website | |
3 | Best for small manufacturers' visibility | 30-day free trial | From $49/user/month | Website | |
4 | Best for growing teams | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for integrations | 30-day free trial | From $70/user/month | Website | |
6 | Best ERP software for cloud-based workflows | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
7 | Best for nonprofits | Free demo available | From $630/year | Website | |
8 | Best open-source ERP software | 14-day free trial | From $50/month (unlimited users) | Website | |
9 | Best for complex supply chains | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for accounting and financial teams | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website |
How to Choose ERP Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
---|---|
Scalability | Ensure the ERP can grow with your business. Consider future expansion and increased data volume. |
Integrations | Check compatibility with existing tools like CRM or accounting software to avoid disruptions. |
Customizability | Look for options that let you tailor features to fit your team’s specific workflows. |
Ease of Use | Choose an intuitive interface to minimize training time and boost productivity. |
Budget | Evaluate total cost of ownership, including upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees. |
Security Safeguards | Prioritize data protection features like encryption and compliance with regulations. |
Vendor Support | Consider the quality and availability of customer service and technical support. |
Implementation Time | Assess how long it takes to get the ERP up and running within your organization. |
Best ERP Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best ERP software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Wherefour is a cloud-based ERP system designed for companies that need a simple yet effective way to track production processes, inventory, and traceability. This ERP software primarily caters to food, beverage, and natural product manufacturers, giving you a platform tailored to the unique challenges of these industries.
Why I picked Wherefour: Wherefour works well as an ERP software because it brings together production, inventory, and quality control into one system. This ERP solution supports essential production planning and traceability tools so you can monitor every stage of the manufacturing process. Inventory tracking is detailed and easy to use, helping you manage stock levels, expiration dates, and production batch numbers, so you’ll always know what’s on hand and what needs replenishing. Wherefour also offers compliance tracking that helps you maintain accurate records for safety and regulatory standards.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include lot tracking, which allows you to trace specific batches from raw materials to finished goods, providing a clear chain of custody that can be invaluable for quality assurance. The software also supports detailed costing, which helps you understand how much each product batch costs in real-time. Furthermore, Wherefour includes production scheduling tools that allow you to organize and visualize schedules.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Shopify, Amazon, Salesforce, ShipStation, Xero, Square, Zapier, Avalara, FedEx, UPS, Zoho, and Sage.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible cloud-based access
- Easy-to-manage production scheduling tools
- Effective lot tracking and traceability
Cons:
- Options for customizing highly advanced workflows may be limited
- Setup process requires careful attention to detail
Settle is a comprehensive cash flow management and financing tool tailored for small businesses, particularly those in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. The platform offers various functionalities, including accounts payable (AP) automation, working capital solutions, purchase order management, and inventory management.
Why I picked Settle: With Settle, your team can manage payments, vendors, and inventory all in one place. The tool provides financing options, allowing you to delay vendor payments while still meeting supply chain obligations. Its automated payment workflows help reduce time spent managing finances. Additionally, Settle's inventory management and forecasting capabilities help ensure you never stock out or overstock, while centralized tracking allows you to manage your catalog, BOMs, and work orders.
Settle Standout Features and Integrations
Features include AP automation that simplifies the process of tracking and managing invoices, ensuring timely payments and reducing manual errors. This feature is particularly beneficial if you handle a high volume of transactions. Additionally, Settle's purchase order management tools enhance procurement processes and help maintain appropriate levels of inventory.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Shopify, Amazon, Cin7, Google, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Inventory management and forecasting
- Automated invoice management
- Comprehensive financial dashboard
Cons:
- Could offer more advanced reporting features
- Complex setup
MRPeasy stands out as a comprehensive ERP software solution specifically designed for small to midsized manufacturing companies. It simplifies complex processes through its intuitive cloud-based platform, making it easier for businesses to manage their operations efficiently and effectively.
Why I picked MRPeasy: In the realm of ERP software, MRPeasy excels by offering an all-in-one solution that integrates production planning, inventory control, and customer relations. This allows businesses to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include cloud-based access from anywhere, significantly enhancing flexibility for users. Additionally, its self-service customer portals improve customer interaction and service quality, offering a more engaging experience. To add to its strength, MRPeasy provides detailed analytics and reporting furnish insightful data, aiding in better decision-making by providing comprehensive visibility into operations and performance metrics.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, Zapier, Salesforce, Mailchimp, Google Drive, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent customer support ensures issues are resolved quickly
- Comprehensive functionality covers a wide range of business processes
- Affordable pricing model makes it accessible for smaller businesses
Cons:
- Integration with some niche or specialized tools may require additional work
- Limited customization options may not meet specific business needs
NetSuite is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software suite designed to help businesses manage their core processes, including financials, CRM, inventory, and more, in one integrated platform. The platform is known for its scalability, flexibility, and real-time visibility into business performance, making it a valuable solution for companies looking to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth.
Why I picked NetSuite: As someone who's familiar with ERP solutions, NetSuite stands out as an all-in-one platform that does everything from accounting to inventory management. I think it’s perfect for growing teams that need to scale their operations because it has a wide range of features and integrations that help businesses make smarter choices with their data.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include SuiteCommerce, financial management, inventory management, and various supply chain tools that support your operational business systems. In addition, the CRM, ecommerce, project management, HRM tools, SuiteCloud platform, real-time reporting, and KPI tracking are great for managing a growing business and making decisions based on accurate data.
Integrations include Salesforce, Shopify, Avalara, Amazon Marketplace, eBay, Magento, PayPal, Square, Marketo, and HubSpot.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations with third-party software and services
- Multi-currency and multi-language support for global businesses
- High-level security features to protect sensitive data
- Strong financial management capabilities, including accounting, budgeting, and forecasting
- Comprehensive feature set that can support a wide range of business needs
Cons:
- Limited mobile app functionality
- Limited options for user interface customization
- Requires significant customization and configuration to meet specific business needs
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software designed for small and medium-sized businesses. The platform is known for its integration with other Microsoft products, flexibility, and scalability, making it a valuable solution for businesses looking to optimize their processes and drive growth.
Why I picked Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: If you're looking for ERP software that prioritizes integrations, my top recommendation is Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Whether you need pre-built integrations, native connections to other Microsoft products, or an open API that allows for custom integrations, this ERP tool has it all.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include open API that allows for custom integrations and flexible tailoring to meet specific needs. Additionally, Microsoft's security and compliance protocols ensure safe data transfer between systems, making it an ideal choice for sensitive data or highly regulated industries.
Integrations include native Microsoft 365 connectors such as Outlook, Excel, Word, OneDrive, and Teams. Its pre-built integrations include Shopify, Magento, PayPal, QuickBooks, Salesforce, ZohoCRM, Stripe, and AdobeSign.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust security and compliance
- Multi-currency and multi-language support
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface
- Wide-range of pre-built and native integrations
Cons:
- Limited offline functionality for mobile app
- Limited scalability for on-premise deployments
Acumatica is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solution designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Acumatica helps organizations streamline their operations and improve collaboration across departments. The platform is known for its flexibility, scalability, and industry-specific functionality, making it a valuable solution for businesses looking to optimize their processes and drive growth.
Why I picked Acumatica: I chose Acumatica as the best ERP software for businesses with cloud-based workflows. Acumatica is a cloud-based ERP system that provides businesses with the flexibility and scalability needed to manage their workflows in the cloud.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its modular design, which allows businesses to choose the modules they need to meet their specific requirements and customize the software to their specific workflows. Acumatica also offers strong financial management functionalities that comply with accounting standards such as GAAP and IFRS, providing businesses with real-time insights into their financial health.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Shopify, Magento, Docusign, Smartsheet, Avalara, PayPal, and Microsoft Office 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time reporting
- Mobile accessibility
- Cloud-based
Cons:
- Lack of pricing transparency
- Limited industry-specific solutions
TallyPrime is an accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses, offering features such as financial accounting, inventory management, and GST compliance. The platform is known for its reliability, scalability, and ease of use, making it a valuable solution for businesses looking to streamline their accounting processes and focus on growth.
Why I picked TallyPrime: After reviewing TallyPrime’s ERP services, I would highly recommend this platform for nonprofits on a tight budget looking for a reliable and cost-effective ERP solution. TallyPrime is a reliable and user-friendly ERP solution that provides affordable pricing and an intuitive design, making it accessible for non-technical users who may not have a dedicated IT team.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include financial management capabilities such as accounting, billing, inventory management, and payroll processing, with real-time financial reporting to streamline accounting processes. Additionally, TallyPrime's remote access and compliance features provide accessibility and regulatory compliance for organizations.
Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, PayPal, AWS, Shopify, Magento, Zoho CRM, QuickBooks, and Razorpay.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy-to-use
- Remote access
- Flexible pricing plans
Cons:
- Lacks advanced reporting and analytics
- Lack of scalability
ERPNext is an open-source enterprise resource planning (ERP) software designed to help businesses manage various aspects of their operations, including accounting, inventory management, CRM, and project management. With its modular approach and customizable workflows, ERPNext offers flexibility to adapt to the specific needs of different industries and organizations.
Why I picked ERPNext: For this list, I've chosen ERPnext as the top open-source ERP software out there. With ERPnext, businesses get a complete set of tools to manage their operations, finances, and customers all in one place. It's perfect for small and medium-sized companies looking for a budget-friendly solution to streamline their business processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its open-source nature, offering businesses the freedom to modify the software according to their specific needs. Additionally, it offers accounting and finance management, inventory management, project management, and customer relationship management features to help teams streamline processes.
Integrations include Twillo, Nexmo, Email, PayPal, Stripe, Shopify, WooCommerce, Salesforce, Google Suite, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Active community
- Mobile-friendly
- Cloud-based
- Open-source
Cons:
- Limited user support
- Limited scalability
Infor is a global provider of enterprise software solutions, offering industry-specific applications for various sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and more. The platform is known for its innovative approach, scalability, and flexibility, making it a valuable solution for businesses of all sizes looking to improve efficiency and stay competitive in their respective industries.
Why I picked Infor: I recommend Infor as the top ERP solution for businesses that have complex supply chains. Infor's ERP system is tailored to help businesses manage their supply chains more efficiently, no matter how many locations your business has. It has the bandwidth and resources to tackle logistical operations in both the front and back of the office and distribution centers.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include demand planning, inventory management, warehouse management, and transportation management. Infor's ERP system can be tailored to meet the unique requirements and processes of each business, enabling them to efficiently manage their supply chains. Its advanced analytics and reporting capabilities also provide businesses with real-time visibility into their supply chain processes, allowing them to quickly respond to changes in demand or supply.
Integrations include Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Infor OS, Infor Coleman AI, Infor Document Management, Infor CRM, Infor Nexus, and Infor EAM. Additionally, Infor can develop custom integrations with other software solutions through its open API.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Cloud-based deployment
- Mobile app
- Industry-specific solutions for verticals such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail
- Multi-language and multi-currency support
Cons:
- Requires dedicated IT team for maintenance and updates
- Lack of pricing transparency
Xledger is a cloud-based ERP software solution designed for accounting and financial teams with complex task management needs. The tool focuses on automation, insight, and scalability, allowing users to streamline their workflows.
Why I picked Xledger: Xledger excels in delivering real-time visibility into financial data across all aspects of a business, which is critical for fast-paced decision-making. Its automation of key accounting processes, such as invoicing, reconciliations, and reporting, significantly reduces manual labor and minimizes the risk of errors. The platform also supports multi-currency transactions and international compliance standards, useful for global organizations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include asset management to help organizations track and manage their fixed assets, employee expense and time tracking, and workflow management. Xledger also provides a mobile app for users to access the system and perform tasks on the go.
Integrations include Harvest, Salesforce, Magento, GoldFinch, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Chase Credit Card, and more.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Scalable platform
- Real-time reporting and dashboards
- Automatic postings on bank entries
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Limited customizations
Other ERP Software
Here are some additional ERP software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Odoo ERP
UX
- IFS Cloud
For asset-intensive operations
- SAP ERP
For multinational organizations
- Genius ERP
For small businesses
- Epicor Kinetic
For industry-specific features
- Sage Intacct
For financial operations
- Deskera
For its automation capabilities
- Katana Manufacturing ERP
ERP software for production planning and scheduling
- Open Systems Traverse
ERP software for automating inventory management
- SYSPRO ERP
ERP software for supply chain management features
Related Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other financially-focused business tools, that we've tested and evaluated:
- Accounting Software
- POS Systems
- Billing Software
- Payroll Services
- Best Merchant Services
- Inventory Management Software
ERP Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best ERP software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like integration with existing systems and scalability for growing businesses. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Manage financial operations
- Handle human resources
- Oversee supply chain processes
- Support customer relationship management
- Provide reporting and analytics
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced AI-driven analytics
- Customizable dashboards
- Mobile accessibility
- Integration with IoT devices
- Blockchain technology for data security
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Ease of navigation
- Intuitive interface design
- Customizable workflows
- Speed of performance
- Accessibility options
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Comprehensive user manuals
- Responsive chat support
- Access to webinars and workshops
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multichannel support options
- Dedicated account managers
- Community forums
- SLA-backed response times
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing tiers
- Transparent cost structure
- Availability of free trial
- Feature-to-price ratio
- Discounts for long-term commitments
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Feedback on reliability
- Ease of integration
- Overall user satisfaction
- Comments on customer support
- Comparative value perception
Trends In ERP Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different ERP software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI): ERP systems are increasingly being integrated with AI to enhance decision-making and predictive analytics. This trend is vital for businesses looking to leverage data for strategic insights.
- Internet of Things (IoT) Integration: IoT devices are being connected to ERP systems to provide real-time data and insights. This is particularly beneficial for industries like manufacturing, where monitoring equipment health and performance is essential.
- Enhanced Data Analytics: Advanced analytics capabilities within ERP systems are helping businesses turn data into actionable insights. This trend is growing as companies seek to improve efficiency and innovation.
- Cloud-Based ERP Solutions: The shift towards cloud-based ERP systems continues to grow, offering flexibility and scalability. This trend is particularly relevant for companies looking to reduce IT infrastructure costs and improve accessibility.
- User Experience Enhancements: Improving the user interface and user experience of ERP systems is becoming increasingly important. This trend focuses on making ERP systems more intuitive and user-friendly, thereby increasing user adoption and satisfaction.
What Is ERP Software?
ERP software is a tool that integrates various business processes into a unified system. It's typically used by professionals in finance, human resources, supply chain management, and other business operations to manage and streamline their workflows.
These tools generally include key features, such as inventory management, financial tracking, and human resources capabilities to help users improve efficiency and make informed decisions. Overall, ERP software provides significant value by allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively.
Features of ERP Software
When selecting ERP software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Financial Management: Provides tools for managing financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, and cash flow, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance.
- Human Resources Management: Manages employee data, payroll, recruitment, and performance evaluation, streamlining HR processes and improving workforce management.
- Supply Chain Management: Facilitates tracking and managing the flow of goods, services, and information across the supply chain to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Customer Relationship Management: Helps manage customer interactions, sales leads, and marketing efforts, enhancing customer satisfaction and sales performance.
- Inventory Management: Monitors and controls inventory levels, orders, and stock locations, optimizing stock levels to meet customer demand without overstocking.
- Manufacturing Management: Supports production planning, scheduling, and control, optimizing manufacturing processes and ensuring timely product delivery.
- Project Management: Provides tools for planning, executing, and monitoring projects, helping ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Business Intelligence and Reporting: Offers analytics and reporting capabilities to provide insights into business performance, aiding in informed decision-making.
- Integration Capabilities: Allows seamless integration with other systems and applications, enhancing functionality and ensuring a unified IT environment.
- Compliance Management: Ensures adherence to industry regulations and standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
Benefits of ERP Software
Implementing ERP software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved Data Accuracy: ERP systems, both accounting and standard, help centralize data, reducing errors and inconsistencies by ensuring everyone in the organization accesses the same information.
- Enhanced Collaboration: By integrating various business processes, ERP systems break down departmental silos, fostering better communication and teamwork.
- Cost Savings: Automating routine tasks with ERP solutions minimizes manual labor, decreases operational costs, and optimizes resource allocation.
- Increased Efficiency: ERP software streamlines business processes, allowing employees to focus on more strategic tasks rather than repetitive, time-consuming activities.
- Regulatory Compliance: ERP systems often include compliance management features, helping businesses adhere to industry standards and regulations effortlessly.
- Scalability: As companies grow, ERP solutions can be scaled to accommodate new business processes and increased data volume without significant changes.
- Improved Customer Service: By providing accurate and up-to-date information, ERP systems enable businesses to respond promptly to customer inquiries and needs.
Costs & Pricing for ERP Software Providers
Plan Comparison Table for ERP Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
---|---|---|
Free Plan | $0 | Basic user management, limited reporting, and basic integrations. |
Personal Plan | $5-$20/user/month | Core functionalities, simple analytics, custom dashboards, and email support. |
Business Plan | $21-$60/user/month | Advanced reporting, integrations with third-party tools, and priority support. |
Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Comprehensive analytics, dedicated account manager, and custom workflows. |
ERP Software FAQs
Here are some common questions people ask about ERP software:
What business processes gain advantages from ERP?
ERP software optimizes various business functions such as finance, HR, supply chain, inventory, manufacturing, project management, and CRM by integrating them into a single system. This improves data accuracy, streamlines processes, increases efficiency, reduces costs, and leads to more informed decisions.
What questions should I ask when evaluating ERP software?
When evaluating ERP software, ask vendors about their industry experience, deployment options, total cost of ownership, customization and scalability, security features, training and support, integration capabilities, and roadmap for future development. Request customer references and address any concerns you may have.
How does on-premise ERP software differ from cloud-based ERP software?
On-premise ERP software is installed locally on a company’s servers, while cloud ERP software is hosted on the vendor’s servers and accessed via the internet. On-premise ERP requires more IT resources and maintenance, while cloud ERP offers more flexibility, scalability, and accessibility, with lower upfront costs and faster implementation times. However, on-premise ERP may offer more control over data security and customization.
What is an ERP used for?
ERP software lets companies manage and integrate all their core business processes in one system, both on-premises and in the cloud. This can include finance and accounting, HR, inventory and supply chain management, sales and marketing, and customer relationship management.
The idea is to give businesses a comprehensive view of their operations and streamline their workflows so they can be more productive and make better decisions. The top ERP systems usually come with many different modules that can be customized to fit a business’s specific needs, either by an internal team member or an ERP consultant.
What's Next?
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