Examples of Leading ERP Systems Across 10 Categories

In this article, we’ll explore examples of leading ERP solutions across ten popular categories, providing a comprehensive guide to the best options on the market.

ERP systems are indispensable tools that can improve the way businesses operate. 

Whether you’re a small business looking to streamline your processes or a large enterprise needing a robust solution to handle complex operations, an ERP system exists for you. We’ll share our insights and experience to help you understand different ERP examples and how they can benefit your business.

What are Enterprise Resource Planning Systems?

Let’s take a quick step back and review the fundamental aspects that make these software systems exceptional.

ERP systems are comprehensive software platforms that integrate and manage all core business processes. These systems provide a unified database where various business functions, such as finance, human resources, supply chain, manufacturing, and customer relationship management (CRM), can be managed seamlessly. 

By centralizing data and processes, these systems help organizations simplify operations, improve data accuracy, and enhance decision-making capabilities.

What Types of Businesses Benefit from an ERP System?

ERP platforms are versatile and can benefit a wide range of businesses, regardless of their size or industry. Here are some examples:

• Small Businesses: Even small enterprises can benefit from an ERP solution by automating routine tasks, improving inventory management, and enhancing customer service. Examples include retail shops, small manufacturers, and service providers.
• Medium-Sized Enterprises (Mid-Market): These businesses often have more complex needs than small businesses but don’t require the extensive capabilities of large enterprises. Mid-market companies benefit from ERP systems through improved resource planning, better financial management, and enhanced supply chain management.
• Large Enterprises: Large corporations with multiple departments, extensive supply chains, and global operations rely heavily on ERP systems to maintain efficiency and control. They benefit through advanced analytics, comprehensive reporting, and robust process automation.

More on How Businesses Benefit from ERP

Here are some examples of how different business functions benefit:

• Finance: ERP systems automate financial processes, ensuring accurate accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. This leads to better financial control and compliance with regulations.
• Human Resources: From payroll management to recruitment and employee performance tracking, ERP systems streamline HR processes, making them more efficient and less time-consuming.
• Supply Chain Management: ERP systems enhance supply chain visibility, optimize inventory levels, and improve supplier relationships, resulting in reduced costs and increased efficiency.
• Manufacturing: Manufacturing ERP systems integrate production planning, quality control, and maintenance management, helping manufacturers reduce waste, improve product quality, and increase production efficiency.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): ERP systems centralize customer data, enabling better customer service, targeted marketing, and improved sales processes.

ERP is not a one-size-fits-all purchase, and different solutions fall under different categories that might appeal to buyers. The subsequent sections will provide detailed examples of different ERP platforms categorized by their unique features and benefits.

ERP System Examples

Enterprise Resource Planning systems come in various forms to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Here are examples of systems categorized by their unique features and benefits:

1. Comprehensive ERP Solutions

Comprehensive ERP solutions provide extensive functionality across multiple business areas, making them ideal for organizations seeking an all-encompassing system.

2. Turnkey ERP Solutions

Turnkey ERP solutions are designed for quick deployment with minimal customization, making them ideal for businesses that need a ready-to-use system.

3. Highly Customizable

Highly customizable ERP solutions are ideal for businesses with unique needs that require tailored solutions.

4. Small Business ERP Systems

ERP systems tailored for small businesses focus on essential functionalities and affordability, making them accessible for smaller enterprises.

5. Mid-Market ERP Systems

Mid-market ERP systems are designed for medium-sized businesses that need more advanced features than small-business ERP solutions.

6. Large Enterprises

ERP systems for large enterprises are designed to handle the extensive needs of big corporations with complex business operations.

7. Industry Specific

Industry-specific ERP solutions are tailored to meet the unique requirements of particular sectors.

8. Cloud-Based ERP

Cloud-based ERP systems offer flexibility and scalability, with the added benefit of remote access and lower upfront costs.

9. On-premise ERP

On-premise ERP solutions are installed locally on a company’s servers and provide complete control over the system and data.

10. ERP with Artificial Intelligence

Systems with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities provide advanced analytics, predictive insights, and automation.

Examples of ERP Deployment Options

ERP platforms can be deployed differently to suit a business’s specific needs and preferences. 

Here are the main deployment options:

Cloud-Based ERP

Cloud-based ERP systems are hosted on the vendor’s servers and accessed online. This deployment model offers several advantages:

• Flexibility and Scalability: Cloud ERPs can easily scale up or down based on business needs. This makes them ideal for growing companies or those with fluctuating demands.
• Lower Upfront Costs: Since the infrastructure is managed by the vendor, businesses save on hardware and maintenance costs. The subscription-based pricing model also helps in managing budgets more effectively.
• Remote Access: Employees can access the system from anywhere with an internet connection, facilitating remote work and improving collaboration across different locations.

On-Premise ERP

On-premise ERPs are installed locally on a company’s servers and managed by its IT staff. This deployment model provides certain benefits:

• Control and Security: Businesses completely control their ERP system and data. This is crucial for companies with stringent security requirements or regulatory compliance needs.
• Customization: On-premise ERP systems can be heavily customized to meet specific business processes and requirements.

Hybrid ERP

Hybrid ERP solutions combine elements of both cloud-based solutions and on-premise deployments. This model allows businesses to maintain certain functionalities on-premise while leveraging the cloud for others. The hybrid approach offers several advantages:

• Flexibility: Businesses can choose which modules to run on-premise and which to host in the cloud based on their specific needs and preferences.
• Cost Management: A hybrid approach can help manage costs by using cloud services for less critical functions while keeping sensitive or critical data on-premise.
• Gradual Transition: Companies can gradually migrate to the cloud without completely overhauling their existing infrastructure, reducing disruption to operations.

The choice of ERP deployment depends on a business’s specific needs, preferences, and resources. A cloud-based ERP system offers flexibility and lower costs, and most of our clients choose cloud solutions.

On-premise ERP provides control and customization, and hybrid ERP combines the best of both worlds for a tailored approach.

ERP Module Examples and Their Functions

ERP software comprises various modules, each designed to manage specific business functions. 

These modules integrate seamlessly to provide a unified system that enhances efficiency and data accuracy across an organization. By adopting an ERP software system with multiple modules, businesses can streamline processes, reduce redundancies, and improve overall performance.

Here are some examples of common ERP modules and their functions:

Financial Management

• Functions: General ledger, accounts payable and receivable, fixed assets management, financial reporting.
• Benefits: Ensures accurate financial data, streamlines accounting processes and provides detailed financial insights for better decision-making.

Human Resources (HR)

• Functions: Payroll, recruitment, employee records, performance management, benefits administration.
• Benefits: Automate HR processes, improve employee data management, and enhance payroll accuracy.

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

• Functions: Inventory management, order processing, procurement, logistics, supplier management.
• Benefits: Optimizes inventory levels, improves supplier relationships, and enhances order fulfillment efficiency.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

• Functions: Sales tracking, customer service management, marketing campaigns, customer data management.
• Benefits: Enhances customer service, improves sales processes, and enables targeted marketing efforts.

Manufacturing

• Functions: Production planning, scheduling, quality control, shop floor management, bill of materials.
• Benefits: Streamlines manufacturing processes, improves product quality, and reduces production costs.

Project Management

• Functions: Project planning, resource allocation, time tracking, project costing, risk management.
• Benefits: Ensures projects are completed on time and within budget, improves resource utilization, and enhances project visibility.

Sales and Distribution

• Functions: Sales order processing, pricing and promotions, distribution management, and sales forecasting.
• Benefits: Streamlines sales processes, optimizes distribution networks, and enhances sales forecasting accuracy.

Procurement

• Functions: Purchase order management, supplier evaluation, contract management, procurement analytics.
• Benefits: Improves procurement efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures compliance with procurement policies.

By understanding the functions and benefits of these common ERP modules, businesses can better assess their needs and select ERP software that provides the right mix of modules.

Examples of Challenges that ERP Systems Solve in Manufacturing Industries

Enterprise Resource Planning solutions help manufacturing industries overcome various challenges by streamlining processes, improving data accuracy, and enhancing overall efficiency. 

Here are examples of challenges that ERP solutions address in different manufacturing sectors:

Food & Beverage

Challenge: Regulatory Compliance and Traceability

Solution: ERP software ensures compliance with food safety regulations by providing detailed traceability of ingredients and finished products. It tracks batches, manages recalls, and generates compliance reports.

System: BatchMaster Manufacturing helps food and beverage manufacturers comply with industry regulations and maintain product quality through robust traceability features.

Distribution

Challenge: Inventory Management and Order Fulfillment

Solution: ERP systems optimize inventory levels, reduce stockouts, and streamline order processing. They provide real-time visibility into inventory and automate order fulfillment processes.

System: Epicor Prophet 21 offers advanced inventory management and order processing capabilities, helping distributors improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Automotive

Challenge: Supply Chain Complexity and Production Scheduling

Solution: ERP software manages complex supply chains by coordinating suppliers, optimizing inventory, and scheduling production to meet demand. They enhance visibility and communication across the supply chain.

System: Global Shop Solutions provides robust supply chain management and production scheduling features tailored to the automotive industry.

Aerospace and Defense

Challenge: Compliance with Strict Regulations and Quality Standards

Solution: ERP systems ensure compliance with stringent industry regulations and quality standards. They manage documentation, track parts and materials, and provide audit trails.

System: Epicor Kinetic offers comprehensive compliance management and quality control features, helping aerospace and defense manufacturers meet industry requirements.

Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology

Challenge: Batch Management and Regulatory Compliance

Solution: ERP systems manage batch production processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. They track batches, manage formulations, and generate compliance reports.

System: Deacom ERP provides advanced batch management and compliance features, ensuring pharmaceutical manufacturers adhere to industry regulations.

Energy

Challenge: Asset Management and Maintenance

Solution: ERP systems manage assets and maintenance schedules, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of equipment. They provide real-time data on asset performance and maintenance needs.

System: Infor CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise offers comprehensive asset management and maintenance planning features, helping energy companies optimize operations and reduce costs.

Our comparison tools are categorized by industry and have helped thousands of businesses find the best system for their unique challenges. Industry-specific needs are critical when selecting an ERP system, and our platform is designed to assist businesses in making informed decisions to address their specific requirements.

Case Studies of Successful ERP Implementation Examples

Implementing an ERP system can significantly improve a business. This section presents real-world examples from various industries, showing the impact of ERP solutions.

These case studies illustrate how businesses have addressed challenges like inefficient processes and data silos. They highlight the benefits of a new ERP implementation or upgrading an outdated system.

Reid MFG Case Study by Cetec ERP

Reid MFG, a rapidly growing Oklahoma-based custom cabinets and door systems manufacturer, faced challenges with data integration between quoting and production processes. Implementing Cetec ERP provided a cost-effective solution, enabling real-time data entry and tracking on the shop floor through mobile tablets. This integration improved operational efficiency, provided real-time job tracking, and enhanced profitability, allowing Reid MFG to address issues promptly and improve overall workflow with minimal training.

Epec Engineered Technologies Case Study for Netsuite ERP

Epec Engineered Technologies, a custom electronics design and manufacturing leader, upgraded from an outdated, on-premise ERP to NetSuite ERP for its superior customization and end-to-end manufacturing capabilities. This transition allowed Epec to effectively integrate its global operations, including several Asian manufacturing sites, enhancing real-time data access and global scalability. The implementation enabled seamless onboarding of acquired companies, support for remote work, and improved coordination with international partners, significantly optimizing production and vendor management.

Oil Industry Supplier Case Study for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

An oil industry supplier transitioned from an on-premises Microsoft Exchange server to Microsoft 365 in the Azure cloud, facilitated by Velosio’s expertise in cloud solutions. This move enhanced communication flexibility, scalability, and security, meeting the industry’s evolving demands. The cloud-based setup enabled cost-effective scalability, improved financial planning, and bolstered security measures such as encryption and multi-factor authentication. Additionally, the migration ensured business continuity with reduced risks of disruptions, supporting the supplier’s long-term operational needs.

We Offer More Than Examples

Given the many options available, choosing the right ERP system for your business can be complex. We offer tools and resources to help you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.

Use Our ​“Best Fit” ERP Comparison Tool

Our ​“Best Fit” Comparison Tool is designed to simplify the ERP selection process. This tool allows you to compare different ERP solutions based on various criteria, such as industry suitability, company size, deployment options, and specific functionalities. 

By inputting your business requirements, the tool generates a list of systems that best match your needs, providing a clear and concise comparison to help you make an informed decision. You can even request complimentary demos and price quotes for each system that appeals to you.

Get Personalized Selection Help

In addition to the comparison tool, we offer personalized selection help. Our team of ERP experts can provide tailored recommendations based on your unique business requirements. We can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you choose the ERP system that aligns with your goals and budget.