ERP Software

ERP Software Comparison

If you own a small or mid-sized business and you’re considering the implementation of an ERP framework to integrate and manage some or all of your business functions, the right research process can help you find a system that works for you and also fits your budget. A thorough ERP softwarecomparison should go beyond an examination of the two or three largest providers and their product suites. In addition to Microsoft, Oracle and SAP, you’ll want to consider some of the smaller providers with less recognizable names who have appeared on the ERP landscape during the last few years.  Some of these providers offer a host of industry specific features relevant to business managers in the apparel, pharmaceutical, construction or food and beverage industries. Many of them also offer products that are streamlined and designed to fit the more restrictive budgets of small business owners and CIOs.

But an ERP software comparison should also look beyond a list of providers and vendors. There are other means of attaining the same ERP solution goals, and your ERP software comparison should take these alternatives into account. For example, your business may not be equipped to implement a complete ERP architecture, which may involve a server or set of servers that may have to be maintained and supported by an independent IT department. If you can’t afford to own and manage this kind of complete system, consider outsourcing your ERP needs through a hosting company or ERP service provider. Your ERP software comparison process may reveal any number of hosting companies that offer varying degrees of database housing services, many of which may fit within your budget and offer faster returns on your initial ERP investment.

As you proceed with your ERP software comparison, be sure to consider open source or freeware options that can be downloaded at little or no cost over the internet. Some of these open source solutions can provide ERP services or software modules for CRM or accounting functions. This may be a fine solution for your small business, especially if your ERP requirements are general (related to HR, payroll, etc) rather than industry specific.

A complete ERP software comparison should usually begin with a full evaluation of your current functionalities. If you are currently running your accounting, customer relationship management and HR applications on legacy software systems, determine your areas of greatest weakness before you move forward with your ERP software comparison process. These are the areas in which higher expected returns on your investment may provide you with greater budget flexibility. Conduction this evaluation may also demonstrate certain business management tools on which you would prefer not to compromise. Only you can determine your level of specific software need.

Erin Sweeney

Written by :

tracey boxer