Top ERP Systems For Small Business?
Answers
Hi Anon,
It would help if you gave us some background to focus a response. While there are many systems out there, not all systems fit well with all industries. What is key is knowing YOUR organization's requirements and marrying those with ERP functionality.
Some data points that would help include (even if rounded/approximate):
1. Revenue range
2. Likely number of users/remote-mobile users
3. Product manufacture/distribution; services; hybrid of product and services?
4. Multi location? Multi currency? Multi-company? Intercompany trading?
But first:. What key 3-5 problems are you trying to solve?
Best regards
1
Hi Anon,
As Len points out, knowing a bit more would help.
In any case, if you haven't already, you should definitely get your free copy of
"The Proformative Community Guide To ERP Selection & Implementation:"
https://www.proformative.com/whitepapers/proformative-community-guide-erp-selection-implementation
This would be the exact document you should read, almost regardless of your situation.
Enjoy!
Best... Sarah
Hi all,
I will speak for my niche: wholesale distribution and light manufacturing for companies ranging between $20M and $200M.
I am a big fan of ADempiere, free and open source ERP, for this space. If you have 25 or more users in the system, the incremental ROI is somewhat staggering. Here is link to qualify that statement: http://www.chuckboecking.com/blog/bid/182005/ADempiere-Open-Source-ERP-ROI. ADempiere is a good and capable product that gets everyone on the same system, passing the same data around your organization, and writing the same data down to the GL.
To maximize success with ADempiere, you should have one or more technical resources on staff that have a decent understanding of databases and programming. Having these resources helps you maximize efficiency and frees you from the financial grips of typical ERP consultants.
It is worth saying that ADempiere is not for everyone. If you are less than about $10M and you do not technical resources, you will feel somewhat trapped. It is configured like a tier 1 ERP system with all the typical clearing accounts for buying and selling products and services. There are definitely easier products available.
Based on user feedback, NetSuite is the best small-scale ERP for wholesale distribution. I have not personally used it; however I have spoken with 10+ companies that do, and they love it. They go so far as to brag about how much better and more efficient the world is with NetSuite. There are generally two complaints from NetSuite users: (1) is when user counts grow, so do yearly license fees; (2) is when processes become more complex, SaaS ERP cannot compare to ADempiere in terms of solving unique requirements.
I hope this helps!
Regards,
Chuck Boecking
www.chuckboecking.com
Hi Len,
$20 million+, 9 main users, two locations (but some individuals working remotely), two currencies and primarily parts distribution. Our main goals are better supply chain
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