10 Greatest ERP Programs Put To the Take a look at: My Verdict

I’ve labored with numerous groups—gross sales, advertising, finance, and challenge administration—and I’ve seen firsthand how enterprise useful resource planning (ERP) methods could be each extremely useful and a supply of countless complications.

I really like how greatest ERP methods promise streamlined operations, higher insights, and a unified view of the enterprise. However typically it doesn’t take lengthy earlier than you’re asking, why is that this so difficult? Or why can’t it simply do what we want it to do?

I’ve been by all of it: attempting to adapt an ERP system to suit enterprise processes it wasn’t designed for, seeing groups be taught methods that really feel something however user-friendly, and even the invention of hidden prices after the implementation is already underway. 

I do know these challenges shortly compound while you attempt to ‘get it proper’ throughout ERP software program choice course of. You will in all probability agree with me {that a} flawed alternative disrupts workflows, demoralizes workers, and wastes treasured assets.

Whether or not you’re upgrading from an outdated resolution or exploring ERP methods for the primary time, I wish to enable you establish crimson flags and select a system that aligns along with your wants. That’s why I teamed up with Gabriel Gheorghiu, our resident ERP knowledgeable, and labored with of us from every kind of groups that depend on ERPs that can assist you discover the very best ERP methods on the market.

After exploring ERP methods, I discovered that the very best ones combine key enterprise processes like finance, HR, and provide chain into one platform. They provide real-time information for smarter decision-making, are scalable to develop with what you are promoting, and have user-friendly interfaces with sturdy buyer assist, making them important for streamlining operations and enhancing effectivity.

My tackle what units greatest ERP methods aside

Once I began consider ERP methods, I deal with a couple of vital elements to make sure the system is an ideal match for the enterprise. Right here’s what I search for:

• Matches enterprise wants: I began by making certain the ERP system matches particular enterprise processes and necessities that almost all customers need. It has to deal with all of the necessities, like finance, HR, provide chain, and challenge administration, whereas additionally addressing any industry-specific wants. For me, if it doesn’t assist the best way the enterprise works in the present day and the place it’s headed, it’s not the correct alternative.
• Scalability: I additionally evaluated whether or not the ERP software program can develop with the enterprise. An excellent ERP system ought to deal with elevated workloads, assist extra customers, and adapt to enterprise or course of adjustments with out inflicting main disruptions. 
• Integrations: An ERP system additionally has to work seamlessly with present instruments, whether or not it’s CRM software program, e-commerce platforms, or different specialised functions. If it doesn’t combine nicely, it creates extra issues than it solves. I examined how simply the ERP communicates with different methods to make sure easy information movement throughout the group.
• Ease of use: If the ERP system isn’t intuitive, it may well result in frustration and low adoption charges amongst your workforce members. That is why I paid shut consideration to the coaching and assets the seller supplies. For me, an excellent ERP goes past providing nice options. It makes it simple for individuals to truly use these options.
• Whole value of possession (TCO): I additionally appeared into the prices, not simply the upfront price ticket. This contains implementation, licensing, customization, coaching, ongoing upkeep, and upgrades. Understanding the long-term monetary dedication helps keep away from disagreeable surprises down the road. I at all times suggest evaluating the TCO towards the worth the ERP resolution brings to the desk.
• Vendor repute: Lastly, I thought-about the seller’s monitor report. I learn evaluations, checked out their buyer base, and even talked to present customers after I might. Figuring out I can depend on the seller for assist with implementation, troubleshooting, and updates provides me peace of thoughts.

By specializing in these elements, you’ll be able to confidently select an ERP system that meets present wants and units you up for long-term success. Over the previous few weeks, I examined over 20 ERP software program options. The highest 10 that made the checklist stood out for his or her capacity to fulfill enterprise wants, ease of integration, user-friendly design, and total cost-effectiveness.

To be included within the ERP software program class, a product should:

• Basic ledger, accounts payable/receivable, budgeting, and money administration options
• Human assets performance like recruiting and payroll, or integration with HR and payroll options
• Primary gross sales and buyer administration options or integration with CRM options
• Capabilities to create quotes, gross sales orders, and returns
• Buying workflows and buy order administration
• Work with stock and warehouse administration software program for selecting, packing, and delivery
• Supply superior provide chain modules, together with demand planning and transportation administration for distribution corporations
• Present manufacturing modules like invoice of supplies (BOM), manufacturing useful resource planning (MRP), and high quality administration options for manufacturing corporations
• Characteristic reporting and analytics for all of the modules included within the ERP resolution

Once I labored with NetSuite, I discovered it to be technically sturdy, cloud-based ERP resolution that brings all core enterprise features like finance, CRM, stock, and e-commerce onto a single, unified platform.

What I discovered spectacular was its real-time visibility into monetary and operational information, which makes decision-making extra knowledgeable and strategic. Its flexibility is wonderful too, with a excessive degree of customization for workflows, reviews, and dashboards, so I can tailor it to suit particular enterprise wants completely. Plus, its scalable structure handles rising transaction volumes and consumer bases with out skipping a beat, making it perfect for companies getting ready to develop.

NetSuite additionally excels with its integration capabilities. Its software programming interfaces (APIs) make connecting with third-party functions easy, making certain easy information movement throughout methods. I additionally appreciated its automation instruments, which scale back guide work and enhance effectivity throughout departments. 

I’ve additionally discovered some challenges. Implementing NetSuite is usually a advanced course of, requiring time, experience, and thorough coaching for groups to totally undertake it. The pricing is one thing I at all times saved in thoughts, because the subscription charges, add-on modules, and ongoing upkeep can add up shortly, particularly for smaller companies. I observed occasional efficiency points, like system sluggishness or downtime, which could be irritating throughout busy durations.

Buyer assist is one other space the place I’ve seen room for enchancment. Whereas it’s obtainable, resolving extra technical points usually takes longer than I’d like, so I made positive to have both inner experience or dependable exterior consultants available. 

What I dislike about NetSuite:

• I discovered the implementation course of to be difficult and costly, particularly with the extra prices for superior modules and upkeep.
• I’ve skilled occasional system slowdowns, and the shopper assist can typically be much less responsive than I’d like.

What G2 customers dislike about NetSuite:

“The implementation course of was insufficient. There wasn’t ample evaluation of the prevailing workflows by the NetSuite subject material specialists to find out (a) how NetSuite might accommodate present workflows or (b) if present workflows wanted to alter to accommodate NetSuite processes or maybe leverage NetSuite options and features. Equally, the coaching was missing. It was extra an indication of default NetSuite options quite than coaching on the product as put in and configured in the environment. Whereas extra coaching and assist is offered for a payment, the fundamental implementation and coaching must be strengthened to assist a profitable preliminary adoption.”

– NetSuite Overview, Richard Okay.

When utilizing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Enterprise Central, I discovered it to be a sturdy, cloud-based ERP resolution that integrates important enterprise features like finance, gross sales, stock, and customer support.

What stood out to me is how seamlessly it linked with different Microsoft merchandise, like Workplace 365 and Outlook. I used to be additionally impressed by its monetary administration instruments which offered our workforce real-time insights into accounting, budgeting, and monetary efficiency.

I additionally appreciated the flexibleness of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Enterprise Central. I might customise workflows and reviews to suit particular enterprise wants. Plus, the power to combine with third-party functions lets us develop its performance as wanted. 

I felt the educational curve was steep, particularly for these new to ERP methods, so coaching is crucial to get essentially the most out of it. Our workforce additionally realized that customization could be advanced and create points throughout system upgrades, which could require extra developer assist. I additionally did not like how licensing charges and the price of superior options or customizations can shortly add up.

What I dislike about Microsoft Dynamics 365 Enterprise Central:

• I felt that getting began could be difficult, particularly for these new to ERP methods. It takes time and coaching to totally perceive and use all its options.
• Whereas I recognize the customization choices, they’ll typically make issues overly advanced and result in points throughout system upgrades.

What G2 customers dislike about Microsoft Dynamics 365 Enterprise Central:

“It presents challenges emigrate enterprise information and workflows to totally different platforms or resolution suppliers.”

– Microsoft Dynamics 365 Enterprise Central Overview, Ramy S.

I like how SAP S/4HANA Cloud simplifies each day operations, reduces upkeep time, and enhances total productiveness. This cloud-based ERP system supplies real-time information entry, which helped our workforce entry correct insights and make knowledgeable choices. 

I additionally recognize its sturdy information modeling options, which assist superior reporting and predictive analytics. The system’s capacity to course of giant volumes of knowledge in-memory permits for fast and correct reporting, making it simpler to forecast tendencies and make strategic plans. Moreover, our workforce appreciated how SAP S/4HANA Cloud presents sturdy connectivity with different SAP options and third-party instruments, enabling easy information change and course of automation.

Throughout testing, we realized that its complexity can result in a steep studying curve, requiring thorough coaching for groups to totally use its capabilities. Whereas customization is feasible, the cloud model has sure limitations, making it tougher to adapt the system to distinctive enterprise wants.

Talking of implementation, I felt that it’s a resource-intensive course of that calls for detailed planning and expert personnel, which may prolong timelines and enhance bills.

What I dislike about SAP S/4HANA Cloud:

• I felt that the platform is very advanced, and it takes numerous coaching and time for groups to totally perceive and use its options successfully.
• The excessive licensing charges and resource-intensive implementation course of make it a big funding, particularly for smaller organizations.

What G2 customers dislike about SAP S/4HANA Cloud:

Utilizing Sage Intacct supplied our workforce a transformative expertise for managing advanced monetary operations.

It’s a cloud-based ERP resolution constructed with monetary administration at its core, and what stands out for me is its intuitive, user-friendly interface that reduces the educational curve and boosts productiveness. The system presents highly effective options like automated accounts payable and receivable, sturdy normal ledger performance, superior buying workflows, and extremely detailed monetary reporting.

I significantly worth its capacity to ship real-time insights, due to its superior analytics instruments, which preserve me knowledgeable about each facet of our enterprise’s monetary well being.

I additionally like how Sage Intacct connects effortlessly with third-party instruments like Salesforce, payroll methods, and expense administration software program, making a unified ecosystem. I additionally recognize the multi-entity administration function which simplifies consolidations, foreign money conversions, and inter-entity transactions, making it perfect for companies with subsidiaries or world operations. Its scalability ensures it may well deal with rising transaction volumes and customers as our enterprise grows, with out sacrificing efficiency.

Whereas the reporting instruments are complete, I discovered that customizing them could be extra advanced than anticipated, usually requiring superior data or assist from a guide. Some integrations, particularly with extra specialised instruments or configurations, could be difficult to arrange and preserve. 

What I dislike about Sage Intacct:

• Whereas the reporting instruments are highly effective, I discover customizing them overly advanced, usually requiring further coaching or guide assist.
• The beginning value of $400 per consumer per 30 days, together with extra prices for modules and customers, can add up shortly, which is a problem for smaller companies.

What G2 customers dislike about Sage Intacct:

“The service course of is rarely as simple as I need it to be. You must log into the neighborhood. Moreover, some modules are higher than others. The pay as you go expense module has glitches that you just be taught to work round, however restrict full performance. I additionally want the app was extra dynamic, as I’m often on the transfer.”

– Sage Intacct Overview, Kendall W.

Once we first began utilizing Acumatica, what struck us was how seamlessly it introduced the whole lot collectively.

It’s a cloud-based powerhouse that may deal with our core enterprise processes, from funds and stock to CRM and past. The interface is clear and user-friendly, which implies we will deal with getting work finished as a substitute of determining how one can use the system. It’s designed for effectivity, and that exhibits in how easily it integrates operations throughout our enterprise.

What I really like most about Acumatica is its flexibility. I can customise workflows, reviews, and dashboards to tailor the whole lot to how our groups work. And Acumatica scales effortlessly, dealing with elevated transactions and customers with out lacking a beat. Plus, because it’s cloud-based, we will entry the whole lot from anyplace, whether or not we’re within the workplace or on the go.

Implementing Acumatica took us some effort because it’s not a plug-and-play resolution. The setup course of required planning and experience, particularly when integrating it with our present methods. And whereas the pricing mannequin is honest, the price of add-ons and customizations can creep up, so it’s one thing we needed to price range for. Superior options, like automation and customized reporting, additionally took a little bit of time to grasp.

What I dislike about Acumatica:

• I spotted that establishing Acumatica required cautious planning and technical experience, which made the onboarding course of longer than I anticipated.
• Whereas the fundamental instruments are easy, mastering the extra superior options like automation and customized reporting took our workforce time and additional coaching.

What G2 customers dislike about Acumatica:

“As a consumer of the payroll module, I believe having a human assets data system (HRIS) would vastly improve the payroll processing. There’s fairly a disconnect between HR performance within the system that must be finished outdoors of the system.”

– Acumatica Overview, Jennifer G.

Once we examined SAP ECC or SAP ERP Central Part, we beloved the way it’s constructed to deal with complexity with precision and effectivity.

For us, it acted as a command middle that linked each a part of our enterprise, from finance and gross sales to stock and provide chain. The sheer vary of its modules, like Monetary Accounting, Supplies Administration, and Gross sales & Distribution, gave us the instruments we have to streamline operations throughout departments, all whereas retaining the whole lot in sync.

We additionally beloved SAP ECC’s flexibility. We might choose and select the modules we want, customizing the system to suit our distinctive enterprise processes. As our firm grows, SAP ECC grows with us, scaling effortlessly to deal with extra customers, transactions, and even world operations.

Plus, I beloved how we might join SAP ECC with different SAP instruments, like Enterprise Warehouse, and even non-SAP methods. This created a seamless movement of knowledge, saving us from the complications of disconnected platforms and guide workarounds. For specialised wants, the industry-specific options really feel like they had been made only for our enterprise.

The normal consumer interface can really feel a bit clunky and outdated, particularly when in comparison with newer ERP methods with smooth, trendy designs. It’s useful, however getting our workforce on top of things took a while and coaching. Implementing SAP ECC required meticulous planning, expert experience, and a big monetary funding. Upkeep and upgrades additionally require ongoing consideration and assets.

I typically want the system supplied real-time analytics as a substitute of counting on batch processing, which may delay insights after we want them most. And whereas we recognize its customization capabilities, setting the whole lot up can get difficult, usually needing exterior consultants to get it proper.

What I dislike about SAP ECC:

• The interface feels previous and clunky, which makes it tougher for brand spanking new customers to be taught and slows down adoption inside our workforce.
• Implementing and sustaining SAP ECC requires numerous time, experience, and monetary funding, which may really feel overwhelming, particularly throughout preliminary setup.

What G2 customers dislike about SAP ECC:

“One of many main issues I disliked about SAP ECC is the educational curve and price related to the software program. Because of its complexity, there may be usually a steep studying curve related to SAP ECC. New customers may require intensive coaching to successfully use the system. Additionally, implementing and sustaining SAP ECC could be costly, not solely by way of software program licenses but in addition by way of {hardware}, coaching, and ongoing assist.”

– SAP ECC Overview, Bhavesh G.

Deltek Costpoint stood out to me for its deal with compliance and regulatory assist for presidency contractors  It’s designed to deal with the complexities of assembly the Protection Contract Audit Company (DCAA), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Price Accounting Requirements (CAS) necessities, taking numerous the stress out of making certain authorities contractor companies keep audit-ready.

I really like the built-in instruments for monitoring oblique charges, managing time and expense reporting, and sustaining correct challenge accounting. I’ve discovered that this degree of compliance integration is one thing different ERP methods usually wrestle to match.

One other function I really recognize is its workforce administration capabilities. Deltek Costpoint additionally manages wide selection of functionalities from automating payroll processes to monitoring worker hours and challenge allocations. We love how the expertise administration instruments assist companies with hiring and onboarding, which saves corporations time and ensures they’ll discover and retain the very best expertise for tasks. 

Implementing Deltek Costpoint was an in depth and resource-intensive course of. It took us cautious planning, technical experience, and a big time funding to configure it correctly and combine it with our present methods. Whereas the interface is intuitive when you’re conversant in it, mastering its full capabilities meant investing in thorough coaching for our workforce.

I observed efficiency can typically be a problem, significantly when processing giant information units or operating advanced queries. These moments of slowdown can disrupt workflows. 

What I dislike about Deltek Costpoint:

• Getting Deltek Costpoint up and operating was a protracted and resource-intensive course of for us. It required vital planning and technical experience to configure the whole lot correctly.
• Whereas the system is highly effective, mastering its huge performance took numerous coaching. Plus, I’ve skilled occasional slowdowns when working with giant information units, which could be irritating throughout busy instances.

What G2 customers like about Deltek Costpoint:

“I do not like that in an effort to reverse a previous bill, you need to reverse the entire invoices that got here after it. Not solely is that this time-consuming, but when price updates occurred because the subsequent invoices had been first posted, you could possibly provide you with totally different totals when they’re re-calc’d. And if the shopper already paid these subsequent invoices, it actually complicates issues. I additionally want there was extra performance for collections – methods to inform us when it is time to observe up, a better character restrict, and so forth. We ended up choosing a distinct instrument to trace assortment statuses.”

– Deltek Costpoint Overview, Deanna U. 

Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne felt like a dynamic ERP system that retains the whole lot operating easily, irrespective of how advanced issues get. Its complete suite of options spans finance, manufacturing, gross sales, and distribution, giving me the whole lot we have to handle operations in a single place.

The actual-time reporting and analytics are a standout for me. Having instantaneous insights into key efficiency indicators permits us to make choices with confidence, understanding now we have the info to again them up. The seamless integration capabilities imply we don’t have to fret about disconnected methods or guide information entry—it’s all linked, environment friendly, and dependable. I additionally love how sturdy and steady the system is, dealing with our enterprise’s progress and complexity with ease.

The implementation course of required time, assets, and experience to get the whole lot arrange appropriately. And whereas the system’s performance is unbelievable, it has a steep studying curve. It took thorough coaching to get our workforce comfy utilizing it successfully. 

We additionally observed Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne turns into a considerable funding with licensing charges, customizations, and ongoing upkeep. 

What I dislike about Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne:

• Setting it up was a serious challenge that required vital time, assets, and experience, making the method difficult for our workforce.
• The system’s huge performance meant our workforce wanted intensive coaching, and the licensing, customization, and upkeep prices make it a big funding.

What G2 customers dislike about Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne:

“Whereas Oracle JD Edwards could be personalized to fulfill particular enterprise wants, it requires extra time and assets to make the mandatory adjustments. This is usually a problem for companies with restricted assets.”

– Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Overview, Kaushal Z.

Utilizing Odoo ERP made us really feel like having a totally customizable and versatile system at our fingertips.

From a technical perspective, Odoo’s open-source nature is a large benefit. It allowed us to customise workflows, dashboards, and even the core performance to fulfill our particular wants. The system is constructed on Python, and whereas we wanted expert builders to fine-tune some options, the customization choices had been almost limitless. We run Odoo on a Linux-based surroundings, which we’ve discovered to be essentially the most steady and environment friendly setup. Whereas it may well function on Home windows, Linux gave us higher efficiency and neighborhood assist, which is a big bonus.

To get the very best efficiency, we’ve had to make sure our {hardware} meets Odoo’s necessities. For smaller deployments with as much as 10 customers, a dual-core CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 10 GB of storage are ample. Nonetheless, as our operations expanded, we scaled as much as a quad-core CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and 50 GB of storage to deal with bigger datasets and extra customers. 

We felt that implementing the system was a posh course of that required planning and technical experience, particularly when integrating third-party functions or customizing the supply code. Its intensive performance meant we needed to make investments time in coaching our workforce to make use of it successfully. Moreover, whereas the interface is user-friendly, we’ve often skilled slowdowns when dealing with giant information volumes, which could be irritating.

Buyer assist has been hit and miss for us. Whereas there’s loads of community-driven assist obtainable, official assist can typically be inconsistent, which made resolving vital points a bit difficult. 

What I dislike about Odoo ERP:

• It required us technical experience and numerous planning, particularly when integrating third-party functions or customizing options.
• Whereas the neighborhood is useful, I’ve discovered the official assist to be hit and miss, which could be irritating after I run into vital points.

What G2 customers dislike about Odoo ERP:

“Though Odoo ERP is very customizable, the method could be advanced and requires an excellent understanding of each the platform and its underlying code. For companies with out in-house technical experience, this will result in reliance on exterior builders, which can enhance prices and time for implementation.”

– Odoo ERP Overview, Khurshid A.

SAP Enterprise ByDesign‘s cloud-native structure supplies unmatched scalability.

It lets us add customers, modules, and functionalities as our enterprise grows without having vital {hardware} investments. The system is designed to deal with advanced workflows and presents sturdy information safety, adhering to strict compliance requirements, which is reassuring for delicate enterprise operations.

I recognize how the embedded analytics instruments ship real-time insights by customizable dashboards, enabling us to observe key efficiency indicators (KPIs) and achieve deeper visibility into operations. 

Efficiency-wise, SAP Enterprise ByDesign usually handles duties effectively, however I’ve encountered occasional slowdowns, significantly when processing giant datasets or operating advanced queries. I’ve discovered these efficiency points to be irritating throughout vital operations, requiring technical changes or assist. 

What I dislike about SAP Enterprise ByDesign:

• Whereas the system is flexible, I’ve discovered the customization choices a bit restrictive, which typically requires workarounds or exterior integrations to fulfill particular wants.
• Often, I skilled slowdowns with giant datasets, and the pricing can really feel steep, particularly for smaller companies, making it a big funding.

What G2 customers dislike about SAP Enterprise ByDesign:

“SAP Enterprise ByDesign does lack in fast buyer assist for any points confronted. Although nearly all points are solved, the assist has usually taken a very long time to answer complaints raised by our organisation. This will trigger frustration.”

– SAP Enterprise ByDesign Overview, Syed Umer W.

Trying to implement ERP? Study the very best practices to observe for ERP implementation.