Best ERP Software for Small Business
Selecting the best ERP software for your small business can be a game changer. The right software helps enable the processes, visibility and efficiency you need to operate smarter and accelerate your next stage of growth.
You might be evaluating ERP because you’re outgrowing an existing system, whether that’s QuickBooks or another accounting platform. You might be dealing with a mess of disconnected applications, spreadsheets, and manual processes, or an ERP that no longer fits where your business is headed. You might be growing with new locations, more customers and transactions, increasingly complex inventory and operations, or the need for better reporting and automation.
Whatever prompts the search, the goal is to find an ERP that can support your business today while providing the scalability and capabilities needed for tomorrow.
ERP Software Options for Small Businesses
Factors for finding the right ERP software for your small business could include: your industry, operational complexity, growth plans, existing technology environment, and budget. Here are a few ERP platforms that may be worth evaluating:
Oracle NetSuite
Oracle NetSuite is a modern, robust cloud ERP platform that combines financial management with capabilities like inventory and order management, CRM, e-commerce, reporting and analytics. It is designed to support you as you grow and your operational and financial requirements become more complex.
NetSuite has been repeatedly recognized as a market leader in cloud ERP software. For a small business, NetSuite can be particularly relevant when the goal is to move beyond basic accounting or disconnected systems and bring financial and operational processes together on a scalable cloud platform.
Acumatica
Acumatica is another cloud ERP platform that combines financial management with business management functionality. Its platform is available in different editions and can be configured to address different business requirements. Businesses evaluating Acumatica should look closely at the functionality they need, available integrations, scalability and the implementation approach for their particular requirements.
Sage
Sage offers several business and financial management products, including Sage Intacct, a cloud financial management and accounting platform used by small and midsize organizations. Sage Intacct is particularly focused on financial management, with capabilities around accounting, reporting, automation and multi-entity financial management. There can be a learning curve and some complexity around advanced configuration and reporting.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is Microsoft’s ERP solution for small and midsize businesses. It provides financial management alongside capabilities for sales, purchasing, inventory, project management and other business processes, with integration across the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
How to Compare ERP Options for Small Business?
Evaluate ERP software against the requirements that matter most to your business.
Consider:
- Functionality: Does the software support the financial and operational processes you need?
- Scalability: Can it accommodate additional users, locations, entities and complexity as you grow?
- Integrations: Can it connect with the other systems your business relies on?
- Usability: Will your team be able to adopt and use the software effectively?
- Implementation: What level of internal resources, configuration, data migration and training will be required?
- Support: What resources will be available during implementation and after go-live?
- Cost: What will the software, implementation and ongoing support cost over time?
The best ERP software for your small business is ultimately the platform that provides the right combination of capabilities, scalability, and value for your specific business.
What Should You Look for in Small Business ERP Software?
- Financial Management
- Inventory and Supply Chain
- Order Management
- CRM and Customer Data
- Reporting and Analytics
- Integrations
- Scalability
- Automation and AI
- Security
- Implementation and General Support
What Should You Look for in Small Business ERP Software?
Top Modules and Functionality
Once you’ve identified ERP software packages worth considering, compare them based on the capabilities that matter most to your business.
Financial Management
Your ERP should provide the financial visibility and controls you need to run your business. At a minimum your software should include general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management and multi-entity accounting. The goal is to have accurate financial information connected to the operational activity driving it.
Inventory and Supply Chain
For businesses that buy, sell, manufacture or distribute products, inventory management can be one of the biggest reasons to move beyond basic accounting software. Look for capabilities that support inventory visibility, purchasing, replenishment, warehouse operations, demand planning and supply chain management as appropriate for your business.
Order Management
An ERP should help connect the process from order through fulfillment and financial reporting.
Consider whether the system can support your current sales channels and whether it can accommodate additional channels or increasing order volume as your business grows.
CRM and Customer Data
Depending on your business model, integrating customer and sales information with financial and operational data can provide a more complete view of the customer relationship. Consider how your ERP will work with your CRM and whether you need native CRM functionality or an integration with another platform.
Reporting and Analytics
One of the biggest advantages of an ERP is having access to business information without relying on manual spreadsheet consolidation. Look for real-time dashboards, financial reporting, operational reporting, and analytics that help decision-makers understand what’s happening across the business.
Integrations
Your ERP doesn’t necessarily need to replace every system you use. Consider how it will integrate with e-commerce platforms, CRM, payroll and HR systems, banking, shipping, EDI, payment platforms and other applications that are important to your business.
Scalability
Think beyond your current employee count and revenue. Ask whether the ERP can support additional users, locations, entities, products, transactions, business units and processes as your company grows.
Automation and AI
Modern ERP systems increasingly use automation and AI to reduce manual work and help businesses make better use of their data. Depending on the platform, this may include automated workflows, forecasting, anomaly detection, AI-assisted reporting, intelligent recommendations and other capabilities. When evaluating AI features, focus on practical business value rather than simply checking whether a vendor has added “AI” to its product description.
Security
Your ERP will contain some of your most important business and financial information. Evaluate the vendor’s approach to security, user permissions, data protection, backups, compliance and access controls.
Implementation and Support
The software is only one part of an ERP project. Consider how much internal time your team can dedicate to implementation, how data will be migrated, what training will be required and what support will be available after go-live. An experienced implementation partner can be particularly valuable for a small business that doesn’t have a large internal IT or ERP team.
How Much Does Small Business ERP Software Cost?
What Factors Affect ERP Cost for Small Business?
Several factors can affect the cost of implementing and operating an ERP system.
- Number of users: More users generally mean a larger software investment, depending on the vendor’s pricing model.
- Modules and functionality: The capabilities you need—such as inventory, manufacturing, advanced financials or CRM—can affect the overall cost.
- Customization: The more extensively an ERP needs to be customized, the more time and resources may be required to implement and maintain it.
- Implementation approach: Implementation costs can vary depending on the complexity of your requirements and the level of assistance your business needs.
- Support requirements: Ongoing consulting, technical support and optimization can be part of the long-term cost of an ERP system.
The cheapest ERP isn’t necessarily the least expensive option. Software that will have to be replaced in three years can ultimately cost more than a scalable platform implemented correctly from the beginning.
Top ERP for Growing Businesses
NetSuite for Small Business
As an ERP Consulting firm in the industry for 30+ years, we’ve identified NetSuite as the leading cloud ERP for small and growing businesses. We’ve helped several businesses make the switch from QuickBooks or other solutions that no longer support your business or future vision.
Affordability
While the cost to purchase NetSuite software and to implement NetSuite software can vary, it’s more affordable compared to other Tier 1 ERP systems.
Scalability
NetSuite grows with you, enabling scale from startup to mid-sized business, without needing a software switch.
All-in-One Solution
NetSuite includes tools for accounting, financial management, inventory, CRM, sales, invoicing, and more.
Faster Implementation
Compared to other Tier 1 ERP software, NetSuite can be faster and more straightforward to implement.
Easier Integrations
NetSuite connects with hundreds of popular applications, including Salesforce and Amazon Business.
ERP Consultants for Small Business
Hiring an ERP Consultant for Your Small Business – How and When to Do It
Choosing and implementing an ERP system is a big step for a small business. An experienced ERP consultant can help you evaluate your options, avoid costly missteps and find a solution that fits your business—not just where you are today, but where you want to go.
When Should You Hire an ERP Consultant?
The short answer: earlier than you might think. You don’t need to have selected your software or finalized your requirements before bringing in an ERP expert. Getting guidance early can help you make better decisions from the start.
Consider working with an ERP consultant if:
- You’re not sure which ERP is right for you. A consultant can help assess your business requirements, compare software options and identify the best fit for your goals and budget.
- Your current software is holding you back. If you’re struggling with disconnected applications, manual workarounds, limited reporting or inaccurate data, an expert can help identify what’s missing and what needs to change.
- You’re planning for significant growth. Adding employees, locations, products or customers can increase operational complexity. The right ERP strategy can help you prepare for that growth.
- You’re ready to implement a new system. An experienced partner can help with project planning, data migration, configuration, testing, training and change management.
- You need help after go-live. Ongoing guidance can help your team resolve issues, improve processes and get more value from your ERP investment.
How to Choose the Right ERP Consulting Partner
Look for a partner who understands the needs of small and growing companies and can guide you through the process without adding unnecessary complexity.
Here are a few things to evaluate:
- Relevant experience: Look for experience with your industry, business processes, and ERP platform.
- A practical implementation approach: Ask how the team manages implementations including project scope, timelines, budgets and potential risks.
- Clear communication: Your consultant should explain technical decisions in business terms and work collaboratively with your team.
- Support beyond implementation: Understand what training, ongoing support and optimization services are available after launch.
- A focus on your business goals: The right partner should help you evaluate trade-offs and prioritize what matters most based on your specific situation.
Our NetSuite Consulting Team
Our team of NetSuite experts helps small businesses navigate the process of implementing NetSuite from start to finish – from evaluating if NetSuite is the right fit for your business through the entire implementation process to ongoing support and partnership. Find out more about our award-winning NetSuite consulting team.
Ready to Find the Right ERP for Your Small Business?
Selecting an ERP is a significant investment, and the best solution depends on your business. We can help you evaluate your ERP needs, compare your options, and determine whether Oracle NetSuite is the right fit for your business.