Compare the Top ERP Systems for 2024

Are you tired of sorting through endless ERP options? Our comprehensive comparison guide helps you find the perfect enterprise resource planning system, focusing only on proven, feature-rich solutions. 

Instead of drowning in vendor lists and spreadsheets or browsing countless websites with unreliable information, you’ll discover how to efficiently evaluate systems that align with your specific needs.

Think of it as your expert roadmap to the ideal ERP: Using our comparison tool alongside this guide, you’ll quickly filter through top-tier solutions to find systems that check all your boxes. 

We’ve done the initial research, verified the capabilities, and created a clear path to help you confidently make an informed decision.

The ERP software market is set to continue rapid growth in 2025, with the global ERP market projected to reach $78.40 billion by 2026, driven by the need for cost-effective solutions and increasing digitization.

In this competitive market, numerous ERP systems have emerged as leaders, offering gold-standard features and capabilities to improve core business processes and manage essential business functions.

To help businesses navigate this complicated technology market, we have a detailed side-by-side comparison of the best ERP software systems and their key features.

Selection Criteria for the Top ERP Systems

To select the top ERP systems, we have utilized a comprehensive, unbiased evaluation process, taking into account a full analysis of the features suitable for most businesses.

We consider many factors, including:

• Vendor credibility and reliability
• Deployment options
• Market sentiment & customer reviews
• Unique features
• Limitations
• Software design & usability

We also consider other important factors relevant to the manufacturing industries we serve.

We have assessed and compared many ERP systems by utilizing these criteria, providing you with a well-rounded comparison of the best available options, and narrowing this comparison to the Top 10 overall.

It’s important to note that selecting an ERP solution is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each organization has unique needs and requirements and must consider various factors. This is a good place to start your search, but don’t assume these systems are all right for your business. Use the various category filters in the comparison tool to narrow down or expand your options. This decision tool aims to provide you with an accurate and relevant list of ERP systems catering to modern businesses’ diverse needs.

Selecting the Best ERP Systems for Manufacturers

You will find many challenges in your day-to-day operations as a manufacturing business. To overcome these challenges, you can implement ERP software into your company. Some benefits of using an ERP system are:

• Improved financial performance through better insights into information flow from front-to-back office processes
• Reduced errors and waste in your supply chain operations
• Reduced costs due to reduced manual data entry and improved inventory management
• Improved accuracy of data and easier access to information and data management
• Enhanced quality of service because reporting tools help detect problems at an early stage and allow for corrective action before the problem escalates
• Increased efficiency due to reduced manual work and lower costs

The main struggles of manufacturing businesses are the same for all companies, but they are magnified in a factory setting. An ERP system helps you overcome these challenges by integrating data from disparate systems and providing a single view of your business operations. You’ll be able to get information on orders, inventory levels, vendors, sales history, and more.

A Manufacturing ERP system will integrate processes into a single platform. In simple terms, an ERP system helps you manage your manufacturing business efficiently by linking various departments and functions within an organization to a shared database.

Clearly, the benefits of finding the proper enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solution are numerous, and our goal is to help you find the right fit without the headache.

Once you have a list of questions and challenges you need to solve, you can use our ERP comparison tools to narrow your options and find the best fit for your business. We also offer free advice and product recommendations if you want one-on-one assistance. Also, check out our Manufacturing ERP Systems Buyers Guide, it is packed full of info for manufacturing businesses evaluating ERP systems.

Choosing the right ERP system for your business is a decision that can significantly influence your organization’s operations and success. Therefore, we have prepared a step-by-step guide to facilitate this crucial selection process:

1. Identify Your Business Needs: Start by understanding and outlining your specific needs. Consider what problems or inefficiencies you are hoping the ERP software solution will resolve.
2. Understand Your Industry: Every industry has its unique needs and operational nuances. Selecting an ERP system that’s tailor-made or adaptable to your industry’s requirements is essential.
3. Evaluate Your Company Size: Your business’s size will play a role in determining the scale of the ERP solution needed. Larger organizations may need a comprehensive suite, while smaller companies might require a more targeted solution.
4. Consider Your Budget: While ERP systems are an investment, it’s essential to consider your budget constraints. Remember that the most expensive solution is not always the best for your business.
5. Check Technological Compatibility: Ensure the ERP system is compatible with your existing technological infrastructure. It should ideally support integrations with your current systems and tools.
6. Review the System’s Features: Take a close look at the features each ERP system provides and ensure they align with your business needs.
7. Request a Demo and Custom Pricing: Before finalizing an ERP system, ask for a demo or trial period. This gives you a firsthand experience of how the system works and if it matches your expectations. Also, a custom pricing quote will allow you to evaluate actual costs for your configuration.
8. Consider Future Scalability: Choose an ERP system that can grow with your business. The system should be flexible enough to handle increased users, processes, and data.
9. Support and Training: Evaluate the support and training services offered by the ERP vendor. They must provide adequate support for implementation, troubleshooting, and user training.

Remember, balancing your business needs, budget, and resources is the key to selecting the right ERP system. This step-by-step guide equips you with the knowledge to make an informed decision uniquely suited to your business’s requirements.

Choosing your​“Best Fit” ERP System by Industry, Company Size, and Technologies

Choosing an ERP system tailored to your business needs can sometimes be like finding a needle in a haystack. With various ERP solutions available in the market, each boasting unique features and capabilities, it can be challenging to identify the ​“best fit” for your organization. This task, however, can be simplified by focusing on three critical aspects of your business: 1) your industry, 2) your company size, and 3) the technologies you use.

Industry

Different industries have distinct operational needs, compliance requirements, and challenges. An ERP system designed for the food and beverage sector may not best fit a pharmaceutical company or a metal fabrication business. Therefore, using our comparison tool, use the ​‘Industry’ filter to narrow down ERP software designed for your specific sector.

Company Size

Similarly, the size of your company plays a significant role in determining the type of ERP system that will best suit your needs. A global enterprise with multiple locations will require a more robust and comprehensive ERP solution than a small, single-location manufacturing business looking for a small business ERP solution. Accordingly, use the ​‘Company Size’ filter on our comparison tool to find ERP systems that cater to organizations of your scale.

Technologies

The technology stacks you use or plan to use in your company also influences the ERP platform selection. The ERP system should be compatible and integrate easily with your existing technology infrastructure and be capable of supporting any planned technological changes. For example, if your business relies heavily on mobile devices, you’d want an ERP system that supports mobile access. Or, if you are looking only at cloud ERP systems, you can filter for cloud-based ERP. Use our comparison tool’s ​‘Technologies’ filter to find ERP systems that align with your technological needs.

We’ve designed our comparison tools to make the ERP selection process easier and more effective. By applying the filters for industry, manufacturing mode, company size, and technologies, you can narrow your ERP options to those most relevant to your business. The tool also lets you compare the shortlisted ERP systems side by side, helping you make a more informed decision as you narrow down your list of the top systems for your company.

“By Vendor” ERP Comparison

Our​“By Vendor” ERP comparison matrix allows for a side-by-side comparison of all ERP systems offered by a single or multiple top ERP vendors. This tool will enable you to compare a group of systems and find systems from various vendors you are familiar with. Some popular vendor comparisons include:

• Compare All Microsoft Dynamics Systems
• Compare All Oracle ERP Systems
• Compare All Epicor ERP Systems
• Compare All Oracle AND All SAP ERP Systems

Prefer Expert Selction Help?

Schedule a call with us today, or call us directly at 805−475−7650 (M‑F PST), and we will be happy to assist you.

Our experts can provide you with a proven short list of ERP systems that fit your needs. We personally analyze your requirements, handpick the ideal solutions, and connect you with the top ERP vendors for customized price quotes, demos, and next steps.

Remember, the ​“best ERP software” is not about the most popular or expensive system but the one that matches your unique business needs.
 

As you compare and select an ERP system among the top contenders for 2024, it’s critical to consider the economic factors that will shape your decision. The size of your company, your available budget, the pricing model of the system, and the costs of implementation and maintenance all play a substantial role in your selection process. We want to help guide you toward the ERP system that best aligns with your organization’s financial parameters and strategic aspirations. Consider the following factors:

Role of Company Size

The size of your company significantly influences the choice of an ERP system, affecting aspects such as scalability, functional capabilities, customization options, and overall cost. It also impacts the system’s usability and user experience, underscoring the need to choose a system that scales and evolves with your business growth.

Budgetary Considerations

Budget is a determining factor when choosing an ERP system. It directly impacts the system’s features, capabilities, and scalability. As you consider budget, evaluate factors like deployment model, software licensing agreement, number of users, the potential for scalability, return on investment, and customization options. Prioritize your business requirements, set a realistic budget, and determine the team involved in the implementation process to ensure your chosen ERP system matches your financial capabilities.

License-Based vs. Subscription-Based Pricing

When selecting an ERP system, understanding the differences between license-based and subscription-based pricing models is crucial. While license-based pricing requires a higher initial investment for a software license, subscription-based pricing typically involves regular payments, offering more flexibility and cost-effectiveness in the long run. Recognizing these differences can guide you toward your organization’s most suitable pricing model.

Implementation and Maintenance Costs

The costs associated with implementing and maintaining an ERP system can vary significantly, depending on your organization’s size, complexity, and the chosen vendor. Implementation costs include software installation, data migration, user training, and system testing. It’s important to note that the initial investment may be substantial, but it’s a crucial step toward optimizing your business operations.

On the other hand, maintenance costs are ongoing expenses ensuring your ERP system remains up-to-date and functional. These costs typically encompass system updates, technical support, and potentially additional user training as the system evolves.

For a deeper dive into the subject of pricing, please read our ERP pricing guide. Considering these costs will aid in budget planning and enable you to choose an ERP system that aligns with your organization’s financial capabilities and strategic goals.

The ERP landscape constantly changes and introduces new trends and benefits, significantly affecting business operations. This section will discuss the advantages of ERP systems, including AI and machine learning, cloud capabilities, improved security measures, and support for remote work. We aim to keep you informed on the latest developments in the ERP market.

Cloud ERP for Modern Businesses

Cloud functionality in ERP systems is proving to be more than just a trend – it’s now a cornerstone for many efficient and modern business operations. It ensures the scalability of IT infrastructure while providing a host of benefits, from cost-efficiency to heightened security and improved collaboration.

One of the primary advantages of cloud-based ERP software is the seamless accessibility to real-time, updated information, regardless of location. This ubiquity of access enhances productivity by allowing quick and informed decision-making, irrespective of where your team members are.

Moreover, cloud ERP systems serve as an enabler for today’s flexible and often remote workforce. They simplify access to critical data and resources for personnel working from various locations. This flexibility empowers organizations to stay agile and responsive, adjusting swiftly to the modern workforce’s evolving demands.

In a nutshell, embracing cloud functionality in ERP systems allows businesses to stay adaptable, efficient, and future-ready, making it a significant component in the toolbox of successful organizations today.

Harnessing the Power of AI and Machine Learning in ERP Software

We talk to many business executives who want to be sure their next ERP selection includes a systems with the latest AI. As we advance into the digital age, integrating AI and machine learning into ERP software is no longer just a perk but an essential component. These technologies bring transformative capabilities to ERP software, helping automate tasks, analyze vast amounts of data, identify intricate patterns, and provide valuable insights. These, in turn, can significantly streamline business processes, boost productivity, and reduce operational costs.

AI and machine learning can work harmoniously within an ERP system, creating a more dynamic and responsive business tool. Using AI allows for the automation of complex tasks, freeing your workforce to focus on strategic objectives rather than routine operations. Machine learning, on the other hand, uses algorithms to identify patterns within large volumes of data, learning from it and making accurate predictions.

These algorithms can power decision-making processes, providing predictive insights based on historical data and trends. They enable the ERP system to not only react to business processes but also anticipate changes and adapt accordingly. This proactive approach can lead to enhanced efficiency, decreased risk of human error, and improved decision-making capabilities across the entire organization.

In a world where data is king, harnessing the potential of AI and machine learning in ERP systems can empower businesses to stay ahead of the curve and navigate the complexities of their industry with greater precision and confidence. We know AI will evolve greatly with ERP in the year ahead, be sure the system you chose is not left behind on this critical technology evolution.

Prioritizing Security: A Hallmark of Top ERP Systems

As businesses become more entrenched in the digital landscape, the security of ERP software has emerged as a critical consideration. The best ERP software solutions are those that place a high priority on robust security measures to protect your data and operations. Key features of enhanced security in these systems include:

1. Secure Server Configuration: This ensures the proper settings are in place to protect data stored on the server.
2. Security Logging: Keeping a detailed record of system activities aids in detecting and investigating potential security incidents.
3. Encrypted In-system Communication: This safeguards data as it travels within the system, preventing unauthorized access.
4. Data Security: This includes encryption of data at rest, ensuring sensitive information is safe even when stored in the system.
5. Risk-based Vulnerability Management: This involves identifying and addressing potential security weaknesses based on their risk level.
6. Multi-factor Authentication: This provides an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple credentials to access the system.
7. Continuous Threat Monitoring: This includes constant surveillance for internal and external threats to detect and respond to potential security issues promptly.

By incorporating these security measures, businesses can protect their data and operations from potential security breaches and threats. This facilitates their ERP system’s smooth and secure functioning, contributing to overall business resilience and peace of mind.

Remote Work Support and Mobile ERP

As remote work becomes more prevalent in today’s business landscape, the significance of mobile ERP systems has grown exponentially. Systems that offer Mobile ERP provide remote employees access up-to-date information from any location, enhancing productivity and decision-making.

Moreover, mobile ERP enables managers to oversee the work of their teams and keep track of business operations, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration across the organization. By embracing remote work support with a mobile ERP software, businesses can adapt to the changing workforce dynamics and maintain their competitive edge in the market.

When choosing an ERP system, evaluating its key features is critical to ensure it aligns with your business requirements and goals. In this section, we will delve into crucial features that significantly influence the efficiency and success of your organization: Customer Relationship Management (CRM) integration, financial management, accounting, and supply chain management. A solid understanding of these features will guide you toward making an informed decision that best serves your business needs.

CRM Integration

The integration of CRM in ERP software offers a wealth of benefits. It presents a unified view of customer data, enhances productivity, streamlines operations, and serves as a single source of truth across the organization. Incorporating CRM functionality into your ERP system enables quick access to vital customer data, paving the way for improved customer service and business growth.

Financial Management and Accounting

Financial management and accounting are cornerstones of any robust ERP system. They provide a holistic view of an organization’s financials, streamline financial processes, enhance the quality of financial data and reporting, and allow for better control over cash flows and costs. A top-notch ERP system should effectively manage all financial aspects, including accounts payable, budgets, and more, empowering stakeholders to make data-driven decisions that optimize profits and curb operational costs.

Supply Chain Management

In ERP software solutions, supply chain management is crucial in optimizing the procurement and delivery of goods and services. It automates demand planning and facilitates efficient scheduling, improving efficiency and reducing costs. By integrating supply chain management features such as inventory, order, warehouse, and transportation management, an ERP system can streamline the supply chain process, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.

Human Resources Management

A comprehensive Human Resources Management module within an ERP system is essential for managing your organization’s most valuable asset — its people. It facilitates the smooth handling of core HR processes such as recruitment, onboarding, payroll, benefits administration, and performance management. A well-integrated HR module can help maintain employee data, manage talent effectively, and streamline HR operations, improving employee satisfaction and productivity.

Production Management

A Production Management module in an ERP system is essential for manufacturers to control and optimize their manufacturing operations. It provides comprehensive oversight of work orders, material requirements, machine scheduling, and production progress in real-time. This integration helps streamline manufacturing processes, improve resource utilization, and maintain quality standards while reducing production costs and lead times.

Business Intelligence and Analytics

In the era of data-driven decision-making, Business Intelligence and Analytics have become must-have features in ERP software. This module provides tools for data visualization, reporting, predictive analytics, and more. It can transform raw data into meaningful insights, helping businesses to understand trends, uncover hidden patterns, and make informed strategic decisions. With real-time analytics, companies can achieve enhanced operational efficiency and improved performance and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Selecting an ERP system from the top contenders for 2024 is a strategic decision that carries considerable weight, potentially catalyzing your organization’s growth and success. In this dynamic landscape, it’s crucial to consider factors such as your industry, company size, key features, technologies, and costs.

Utilizing our comparison tool, you can efficiently narrow your options, filtering the top ERP solutions to match your unique needs. With the ability to request complimentary demos and request price quotes from top ERP software companies, you can explore these systems in-depth, ensuring you make an informed decision.

As the ERP arena continues to evolve with the latest innovations, keeping a finger on the pulse of these developments can help your organization stay competitive. By choosing the best system for your business, you invest in a software solution and a strategic tool that can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive business growth.

If you would like help selecting the system with the best features for your business, please reach out to us, and we’ll provide expert advice and a curated list of systems just for you.

Below we answer some common questions about costs, functionality, deployment models, and change management. Whether you’re starting your research or close to deciding, these bite-sized questions provide key advice on choosing the right ERP platform to meet your business goals.

What are the key factors when selecting an ERP system?

The main factors to consider are your industry, company size, budget, business requirements, deployment model, features, scalability, and ease of use. Aligning these factors to your needs is crucial in choosing the right ERP system.

How can I determine if an ERP system fits my business well?

The best way is to define your business requirements and goals clearly. Then compare them against the capabilities and features of shortlisted ERP systems. Request demos, evaluate free trials, and read honest user reviews to assess if the system matches your needs.

What are the pros and cons of cloud-based vs. on-premise ERP systems?

Cloud ERP offers flexibility, scalability, and accessibility from any device and location. However, on-premise ERP may have more customization capabilities and can be preferred for data security reasons. Evaluate both models against your business infrastructure and goals.

How much does an ERP system cost?

Costs vary greatly based on the size of your business, number of users, deployment model, customization needs, and vendor. You should evaluate upfront costs like licensing and ongoing expenses like maintenance and support. There is a lot to cover on this topic, so we created an in-depth ERP pricing guide to help.

How can I get employees on board with a new ERP system?

Employee training, early selection involvement, and clear benefits communication are essential. Provide reassurance on job security and highlight how the ERP system will make their work easier.