ERP Software

ERP Software Systems for Small Businesses

Enterprise Resource Planning or ERP software system solutions used to be solely for big businesses.  In the 1990s a small business couldn’t fathom the idea of having an ERP software system because of the price and the functionality, which wouldn’t suit small business needs.  Today, however, things have changed and ERP software systems for small businesses are very prevalent.  In fact, the small business industry is a large and profitable industry that is targeted by many ERP software system vendors.

Today ERP software systems are made affordable and functional for small businesses.  Small businesses may opt for an on-site proprietary Enterprise Resource Planning software system, a SaaS (Software as a Service) ERP software solution, or even a free ERP software solution.  That’s right, open source Enterprise Resource Planning software solutions are free for the taking.  One well known vendor that offers a free ERP software solution for small and medium sized businesses is a company called Compiere.  Opentaps in another free Enterprise Resource Planning software solution.  Open source ERP software solutions can be downloaded from the vendor’s website.  Vendors provide two versions of the Enterprise Resource Planning software, which includes the compiled version and the un-compiled version.  Providing both of these versions enables customers to more easily perform needed customizations.

Openbravo ERP, Jazz ERP, CK-ERP, and Keen CRM ERP are all examples of open source ERP software solutions.  These solutions are specifically intended for small businesses.  Even though small businesses typically have fewer employees when compared to large businesses, they still have important processes that need automating, finances that need controlling, supply chains that need enhancing, and employees that need to be managed.  All of these needs can be fulfilled with a small business ERP software system.  After all, it’s not fair for only large businesses to get all the benefits of an ERP solution when small businesses need to operate efficiently too.

All ERP software systems differ in functionality, platform, processes, and methodology.  They are just as unique as every small business.  It’s important for small businesses to research the Enterprise Resource Planning vendor and the ERP solution in order to make a well informed decision as to whether the software will meet expectations and fulfill needs.  It’s a good idea to implement an ERP software system selection process and stick to it when selecting an ERP solution.

Written by :

kristine H