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If you work in compliance-based industries or large corporations, you know how painful the wrong on premise ERP can be—rigid, outdated, and poorly suited to your team’s workflows. Not only that, but these systems often slow down reporting and risk data security. While solid on-premise options do exist, they’re getting harder to spot as cloud ERP takes over the market. 

As a financial controller, I’ve worked with several on premise ERPs to manage everything from budgeting and forecasting to procurement and compliance. The right system can make a huge difference, offering real-time visibility, deep customization, and full control of your data. 

With this insight, I reviewed and tested the top on-premise ERP tools so you don’t have to. If you’re looking for a solution that truly supports your financial operations, this list will help you find the right fit faster.

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Best On Premise ERP Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top on premise ERP selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best On Premise ERP Review

Below are my detailed summaries of the best on premise ERP 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.

Best for small businesses

  • Free demo available
  • From $56/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

SAP Business One is an ERP solution designed for small businesses, supporting processes like financial management, sales, and inventory. It helps your team manage essential business functions efficiently and effectively.

Why I picked SAP Business One: SAP Business One caters to small businesses by offering a detailed suite of features tailored to your needs. The software provides financial management tools, which allow you to handle accounting and cash flow seamlessly. Additionally, its sales and customer management features help you maintain strong relationships with your clients, while its inventory management ensures you have the right products in stock at the right time.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include production and material requirement planning solutions to help forecast and plan replenishment. The software also provides end-to-end sales cycle management to help tailor products to customer insights and maximize revenue.

Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Magento, Shopify, Salesforce, QuickBooks, PayPal, Amazon, eBay, and WooCommerce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored for small businesses
  • Effective inventory management
  • Supports business growth

Cons:

  • Can be complex to configure
  • Limited scalability for larger businesses

Best for healthcare sector

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing available upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.2/5

Multiview ERP is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning tool tailored for the healthcare sector. It helps your team manage financial operations, supply chain logistics, and reporting needs efficiently.

Why I picked Multiview ERP: Multiview ERP provides greater control over sensitive financial and operational data, which is vital for healthcare organizations handling confidential patient information and complying with strict regulations like HIPAA. Its on-premise deployment enhances data security and ensures system reliability even in low-connectivity environments. Additionally, Multiview offers detailed financial management tools, including budgeting, reporting, and multi-entity support, which are essential for managing complex healthcare operations.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include supply chain management capabilities that help you optimize inventory and procurement processes. Additionally, the software’s detailed reporting functions allow your team to make data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency.

Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, QuickBooks, ADP, PayPal, Sage, Oracle, SAP, and Infor.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored for healthcare sector
  • Optimizes inventory and procurement
  • Supports data-driven decisions

Cons:

  • Complex implementation process
  • May need additional customization

Best for mid-sized enterprises

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 3.9/5

Epicor is an ERP solution tailored for mid-sized enterprises, focusing on manufacturing, distribution, and service industries. It helps your team manage operations, supply chain, and customer relationships effectively.

Why I picked Epicor: Epicorr offers a highly customizable, industry-specific platform that can be tailored to meet complex operational needs without the dependency on cloud infrastructure. Its strong modular architecture supports manufacturing, distribution, retail, and service sectors, giving mid-sized firms the flexibility to scale and adapt as they grow. Additionally, Epicor’s strong focus on real-time data insights, compliance features, and localized control makes it an ideal fit for companies that require tighter integration with internal systems and more control over data security and IT infrastructure.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include advanced analytics that give you insights into your operations, helping you identify areas for improvement. The tool also offers industry-specific solutions, ensuring your business processes are well-supported. 

Integrations include Microsoft Office, Salesforce, ADP, QuickBooks, Sage, Oracle, SAP, Infor, and Shopify.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Advanced analytics capabilities
  • Customizable workflows
  • Suitable for mid-sized enterprises

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve
  • Complex setup process

Best for small manufacturers

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $40/user/month
Visit Website
Rating: 3.9/5

Cetec ERP is a web-based solution designed for small manufacturers, offering advanced ERP, MRP, CRM, and QMS functionalities. It caters to businesses looking to manage sales, inventory, production, and accounting online.

Why I picked Cetec ERP: Cetec ERP provides a cost-effective solution for small manufacturers by integrating key processes into one platform. The all-in-one design covers sales, production tracking, and quality control, which is ideal for companies with limited resources. With mobile accessibility, your team can also work remotely without hassle, further adding to its modular design. Additionally, the software’s continuous updates and included support ensure you always have the latest features and assistance when needed.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time tracking, customizable workflows to fit specific manufacturing needs, and built-in document management for seamless traceability and compliance.

Integrations include Quickbooks Online, ShipStation, Avalara AvaTax, and Microsoft Power BI.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easy implementation process
  • Includes in-house support
  • Mobile access for remote work

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Requires a minimum of five users

Best for accurate automation

  • Free demo
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.5/5

Xledger is a cloud-based ERP solution designed for organizations seeking to streamline financial and operational processes. It caters to mid-sized to large businesses, offering both cloud and on premise solutions.

Why I picked Xledger: Xledger’s rule-based automation engine minimizes human error and ensures real-time data accuracy across multiple entities and currencies. Although Xledger is primarily a cloud-native solution, it also offers on-premise deployment options for organizations requiring tighter control over infrastructure or regulatory compliance, providing flexibility without sacrificing the system’s strong automation capabilities.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include real-time financial insights that enable quick decision-making. Its scalable architecture also supports business growth, ensuring the system can handle increased demands as your operations expand.

Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Oracle, SAP, ADP, and PayPal.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time financial insights
  • Automated processes
  • Scalable architecture

Cons:

  • Complex initial setup
  • Limited offline capabilities

Best for open-source enthusiasts

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $15/user/month

Dolibarr is an open-source ERP and CRM solution ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. It helps your team manage various business functions like sales, invoicing, and inventory management.

Why I picked Dolibarr: Dolibarr combines flexibility, transparency, and full control over deployment. As a modular and completely open-source software, it allows users to customize and extend features to suit specific business needs without vendor lock-in. Its straightforward installation process, compatibility with various server environments, and active community support make it particularly attractive to tech-savvy users who prefer self-hosting and hands-on configuration. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include the ability to manage sales, invoicing, and inventory all in one place. The software’s extensive customization as gives you control over how the software works for your business.

Integrations include PayPal, Stripe, Mollie, Authorize.Net, Google, Microsoft Office, Zapier, Mailchimp, WooCommerce, and Prestashop.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Active user community
  • Modular design
  • Open-source flexibility

Cons:

  • May need additional training
  • Not ideal for very large enterprises

Best for financial management

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

Microsoft Dynamics GP is an ERP solution tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, focusing on financial management and operations. It assists your team in managing accounting, inventory, and human resources.

Why I picked Microsoft Dynamics GP: Microsoft Dynamics GP offers strong, customizable accounting and financial tools that support core functions such as general ledger, budgeting, payables/receivables, and fixed asset management. Its tight integration with Microsoft Office tools (especially Excel) enhances reporting and analysis, while its mature ecosystem supports industry-specific customizations and compliance needs. Organizations with strict data residency, security, or control requirements benefit most from Microsoft Dynamics GP’s reliable, server-based infrastructure and long-standing reputation for financial accuracy and stability.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include financial management tools that provide real-time insights into your business's financial health. The software’s inventory management capabilities also help you efficiently track and manage stock levels, while its HR management features allow you to handle employee data and payroll with ease.

Integrations include Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Power BI, PayPal, Salesforce, QuickBooks, ADP, Shopify, and Docusign.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time financial insights
  • Efficient inventory tracking
  • Built-in HR management

Cons:

  • Can be complex to configure
  • May need additional customization

Best for discrete manufacturing

  • Free trial available
  • Pricing upon request

DELMIAWorks is designed for manufacturers, focusing on discrete manufacturing processes. It helps your team manage production, inventory, and quality control efficiently.

Why I picked DELMIAWorks: DELMIAWorks is tailored for discrete manufacturing environments, offering specialized features for managing shop floor operations and scheduling. The system's real-time data capabilities help you monitor production and identify bottlenecks quickly, while its focus on quality control helps teams ensure their products meet industry standards. Along with these features, DELMIAWorks offers customizable dashboards that allow you to track key metrics relevant to your operations.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include inventory and materials requirement planning (MRP) capabilities, enabling manufacturers to manage raw materials, track stock levels, and reduce waste. The system supports end-to-end traceability, which is especially useful for regulatory compliance and recalls.

Integrations include SOLIDWORKS, QuickBooks, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, Oracle, SAP, Infor, and Epicor.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time production monitoring
  • Efficient quality control features
  • Advanced scheduling tools

Cons:

  • Complex setup process
  • May require additional modules

Best for manufacturing and distribution

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

SYSPRO is an ERP solution tailored for the manufacturing and distribution sectors, helping businesses manage their supply chain, inventory, and production processes. It serves mid-sized to large enterprises, enhancing operational efficiency and visibility.

Why I picked SYSPRO: SYSPRO’s focus on manufacturing and distribution makes it ideal for businesses in these industries. The tool's supply chain management capabilities help you streamline logistics and improve inventory accuracy, while its production management features allow you to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce waste. The system also offers real-time visibility into operations, aiding in better decision-making.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include tools for materials requirements planning and advanced planning and scheduling. The software also offers real-time inventory tracking with multi-locational support for further insight into company processes.

Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, QuickBooks, Sage, SAP, Oracle, Infor, PayPal, and Amazon.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tailored for manufacturing and distribution
  • Advanced supply chain management
  • Real-time operational visibility

Cons:

  • Requires industry-specific knowledge
  • May need additional customization

Best for food and beverage industry

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Aptean is an ERP solution tailored for the food and beverage industry, designed to help businesses manage their unique processes. It supports operations like production planning, inventory control, and quality assurance.

Why I picked Aptean: Aptean’s ERP solutions include strong tools for recipe and formula management, lot traceability, quality control, regulatory compliance (such as FDA and FSMA), and shelf-life tracking, which are vital for maintaining product safety and consistency. Unlike generic ERP platforms, Aptean offers pre-configured modules designed specifically for food and beverage manufacturers and processors, enabling faster implementation and more relevant insights. 

Standout features & integrations:

Features include detailed traceability that helps you track ingredients from suppliers to customers. The system also offers flexible reporting tools that allow you to analyze your operations and make informed decisions.

Integrations include Microsoft Dynamics, QuickBooks, Salesforce, SAP, Oracle, Infor, Sage, IBM, and Epicor.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive traceability
  • Flexible reporting tools
  • Effective quality management

Cons:

  • Complex setup process
  • Limited flexibility for non-food sectors

Other On Premise ERP

Here are some additional on premise ERP options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. IFS

    For global operations

  2. Sage ERP

    For accounting features

  3. Acumatica

    For business expansion

  4. ERPNext

    For educational institutions

  5. MuleSoft

    For API integration

  6. Odoo

    For open-source flexibility

On Premise ERP Selection Criteria

When selecting the best on premise ERP to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like data security and system customization. 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 accounting
  • Handle inventory and supply chain
  • Support human resources management
  • Provide customer relationship management
  • Enable production and manufacturing processes

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Industry-specific modules
  • Advanced analytics and reporting
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Multi-language and currency support
  • Mobile access capabilities

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive user interface
  • Easy navigation
  • Customizable user experience
  • Clear and accessible design
  • Balance of power and simplicity

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Access to templates and guides
  • Interactive product tours
  • Chatbot support for new users
  • Webinars for in-depth learning

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • Availability of 24/7 support
  • Access to a dedicated account manager
  • Comprehensive knowledge base
  • Responsive email and chat support
  • Regular updates and maintenance

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Flexible pricing plans
  • Clear cost structure
  • Inclusion of essential features in base plans
  • 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:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on feature usefulness
  • Comments on system reliability
  • User opinions on ease of use
  • Reports on customer support experiences

How to Choose On Premise ERP

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:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityEnsure the ERP can grow with your business. Look for solutions that can handle increased data volume and additional users without compromising performance.
IntegrationsCheck if the ERP integrates with your existing software. Seamless data flow between systems can save time and reduce errors.
CustomizabilityMake sure the system can be tailored to your specific processes. Customizable dashboards and workflows can enhance your team's productivity.
Ease of UseLook for an intuitive interface that your team can navigate easily. A user-friendly design minimizes training time and increases efficiency.
BudgetConsider the total cost of ownership, including implementation and maintenance. Ensure the ERP fits within your financial constraints.
Security SafeguardsVerify that the ERP offers robust security features to protect sensitive data. This includes encryption, access controls, and compliance with regulations.
SupportEvaluate the level of customer support provided. Access to a dedicated support team can be crucial during implementation and troubleshooting.
Industry FitEnsure the ERP caters to your industry-specific needs. Solutions with tailored features can better support your business operations.

In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different on premise ERP vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:

  • AI-Driven Insights: On premise ERPs are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence for predictive analytics and decision-making. This helps businesses forecast demand and optimize resources. Some vendors are using AI to enhance reporting and provide actionable insights.
  • Enhanced Security Protocols: With data breaches on the rise, vendors are focusing on advanced security measures. Features like multi-factor authentication and enhanced encryption are becoming standard to protect sensitive business data, which is highly beneficial for regulated sectors, like healthcare, cybersecurity, and pharmaceutical businesses.
  • Sustainability Features: More ERPs are integrating tools to track and reduce environmental impact. This includes monitoring energy consumption and waste, which is crucial for companies aiming to meet sustainability goals.
  • User-Centric Design: There's a shift towards making ERPs more user-friendly with intuitive interfaces. Vendors are redesigning dashboards and workflows to reduce complexity and improve user experience.
  • Vertical-Specific Solutions: Vendors are developing ERPs tailored to specific industries, offering features that address unique sector needs. This trend helps businesses leverage tools that align closely with their operational requirements.

What Is On Premise ERP?

On premise ERP is a type of enterprise resource planning software installed and run on a company's own servers and infrastructure. Typically used by IT professionals, operations managers, and finance teams, these tools help manage core business processes like accounting, inventory, and human resources. 

Most on premise ERP software include key features, such as security, customization, and control to support businesses in maintaining data privacy and tailoring the system to specific needs. Overall, these tools provide businesses with greater control over their data and processes.

Features of On Premise ERP

When selecting on premise ERP, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Data Security: Protects sensitive business information with advanced security measures, ensuring data privacy and compliance with regulations.
  • Customization: Allows businesses to tailor the software to meet specific operational needs and preferences, enhancing efficiency.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies navigation and reduces the learning curve, making it easier for teams to adopt and use the system effectively.
  • Advanced Analytics: Provides insights and forecasts through data analysis, helping businesses make informed decisions.
  • Integration Capabilities: Ensures compatibility with existing systems and software, allowing for smooth operations and data flow.
  • Scalability: Supports business growth by accommodating increased data and user demands without compromising performance.
  • Industry-Specific Modules: Offers tailored features for different sectors, addressing unique industry requirements effectively.
  • Real-Time Reporting: Delivers up-to-date information on business processes, aiding in quick decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Inventory Management: Helps track and manage stock levels accurately, optimizing supply chain operations.
  • Financial Management: Streamlines accounting and financial processes, improving cash flow management and financial oversight.

Benefits of On Premise ERP

Implementing on premise ERP provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Enhanced Data Security: By keeping data on your own servers, you gain more control over security measures, protecting sensitive information.
  • Customization Potential: Tailor the system to fit your specific business processes and needs, improving operational efficiency.
  • Increased Control: Maintain full authority over system updates and changes, ensuring the ERP aligns with your business goals.
  • Real-Time Insights: Access up-to-date data and analytics, helping your team make informed decisions quickly.
  • Industry-Specific Solutions: Utilize modules designed for your sector, addressing unique challenges and requirements effectively.
  • Scalable Infrastructure: Grow your business without worrying about system limitations, as on premise ERPs can handle increased demands.
  • Improved Compliance: Ensure adherence to industry regulations with comprehensive features that support audit trails and reporting.

Costs and Pricing of On Premise ERP

Selecting on premise ERP requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average initial costs, and typical features included in on premise ERP solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for On Premise ERP

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic inventory management, limited user access, and basic reporting.
Personal Plan$20-$50/user/monthFinancial management, basic customization, and limited integrations.
Business Plan$50-$100/user/monthAdvanced analytics, enhanced security features, and expanded user access.
Enterprise Plan$100-$200/user/monthFull customization, detailed support, and industry-specific modules.

On Premise ERP FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about on premise ERP:

Why would a company choose on-premise over cloud for its ERP system?

Choosing on-premise ERP allows your company to have total control over your data and infrastructure. This is particularly important for businesses with strict data security requirements or specific compliance needs. You can customize and upgrade the system extensively to fit your operations, which isn’t always possible with cloud solutions.

What is the difference between on-premise ERP and cloud ERP?

On-premise ERP is hosted on your own servers and requires you to manage the infrastructure. In contrast, cloud-based ERP systems are hosted on the vendor’s servers and accessed over an internet connection. On-premise solutions offer more complete control and customization with less downtime, while cloud systems are often easier to scale and update.

How long does it take to implement an on-premise ERP system?

ERP deployment and ERP implementation times can vary but typically takes several months to a year. The timeline depends on the complexity of your business processes and the level of customization required. Planning and involving key stakeholders early can help streamline the process.

Can on-premise ERP systems be integrated with other software?

Yes, most on-premise ERP systems offer integration capabilities. You can connect them with other enterprise software to ensure smooth data flow across your organization. It’s important to check compatibility with existing systems before implementation.

What are the maintenance requirements for on-premise ERP?

You’ll need a dedicated IT team to manage updates, security patches, and hardware maintenance. Regular maintenance ensures the system runs efficiently and securely. This can be resource-intensive but provides greater control over your ERP environment.

Is on-premise ERP more expensive than cloud ERP?

On-premise ERP often involves higher upfront costs for hardware and software licenses. However, it may offer lower long-term costs compared to subscription-based cloud ERP. Consider your budget and long-term needs when evaluating the total cost of ownership.

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Drew Robertson
By Drew Robertson

Drew currently works as the Financial Controller for Black & White Zebra, leading the finance department for the company. Prior to BWZ, he was at EY for six years, including two as a manager.

He received his undergraduate degree at the Ivey Business School in Canada and MBA from Oxford University.