The Best ERP Software Systems for SMEs in 2021
Long gone are the days where ERPs are only realistic solutions for the big budgets provided by large scale enterprises. These days, ERP systems are both financially feasible and effective for small and medium sized businesses.
After all, businesses of all sizes share similar challenges of staying organized, efficient, and profitable. The right business management software will allow your SME to accomplish these goals while adapting to the intricacies of your business.
Business management software unequivocally helps businesses achieve more—95% of adopters say that their business processes are improved. At the end of the day, the right process management software will make your business more productive and profitable.
When it comes to finding the right software, here are some features that you should look for:
Accounting and financial reporting
Centralized document management
Client and contractor management
Customer and vendor management portals
Mobile device compatibility
CRM and sales
Project and task management
Applicant tracking system
Inventory management
Custom productivity reporting
Intra-company communication
Knowledgeable, in-house customer support
With so many software solutions out there, it can be tough to know exactly what you need. But don’t worry, there’s good news—finding an ERP software system for your SME has never been easier.
We know that finding a trusted business intelligence software is a long and tedious process. We’re here to help. Our software experts have compiled a comprehensive breakdown of the top 20 ERP software systems for SMEs on the market in 2021.
*Note: Our ERP software reviews are for informational purposes only. We encourage you to perform research and demo systems to achieve the most comprehensive comparison.
1. Striven
Striven is an all-in-one software solution that combines accounting, CRM, project management, HR, operations, and more into one, easy to use interface. Striven is a diversely capable software solution that supports both front and back-office personnel. Striven’s extremely customizable software suits a variety of industries such as professional services, manufacturing, construction, and real estate.
Highlights:
Full-stack, scalable, customizable business management suite
Natively integrated complete system
Detailed financial and productivity reports generated in seconds
Communication portals for customers, vendors, and subcontractors
Project, task, and time management w/ interactive calendars
Full CRM dashboard
Applicant tracking system
Inventory management
Customizable dashboards for each employee
Employee biographies and a company newsfeed for remote culture building
What Sets It Apart: Striven’s expert team of business analysts personally see to your success. From training and onboarding, technical support, and business-specific customizations, the Striven support staff is available 24/7. On top of that, Striven’s automation capabilities allow you to work more efficiently.
Pricing: Free trial and custom demo, packages begin at $35/user.
More info: Striven Wins 5+ Best Of 2021 Awards
2. Brahmin Solutions
Brahmin is an operations management platform that provides growing businesses with tools equipped to sell products and services directly to consumers and businesses.
Highlights:
Automated inventory management
Batch and expiry tracking
Manage multiple locations and warehouses
What Sets It Apart: Brahmin allows you to add custom line item notes on any sales order.
Pricing: Plans start at $199.
3. Odoo
Odoo’s suite of integrated apps focus on delivering CRM and ERP functionalities that allow businesses of any industry to handle various front and back office processes.
Highlights:
POS transactions
Track employee timesheets
Custom invoice development
What Sets It Apart: For those that are extremely tech-savvy and want to do their own modifications, the entirety of Odoo’s suite is run with an open-source model.
Pricing: Plans vary by industry.
4. Cetec
Cetec is an ERP software solution that is primarily used by manufacturers and distributors.
Highlights:
Quoting and job costing
Track shop floor environments
Communication centric customer portals
What Sets It Apart: Cetec ERP allows businesses to track materials and analyze audit trails.
Pricing: Starts at $40/month per user.
5. Tally
Tally ERP is a software solution that focuses on generating efficiency through its accounting and inventory management solutions.
Highlights:
Customizable reports
Easy and efficient stock movement
Bespoke development
What Sets It Apart: Tally offers a free, lifetime customer service program for all users.
Pricing: Plans start at $81/three months.
6. ePROMIS
ePromis ERP is an all-in-one business management software that handles ERP, CRM, and business intelligence capabilities using an AI powered, mobile-first platform.
Highlights:
Supply chain management software
Financial report generation
Procurement management capabilities
What Sets It Apart: ePromis uses AI powered technology to produce better managerial efficiency metrics, advanced fraud prevention, and better budget management strategies.
Pricing: Plans vary by industry and modules selected.
7. Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a customer-centric interface that handles various processes including CRM, customer data management, and customer service.
Highlights:
Allows for swift transition to the cloud
Offers self-service HR experiences
Friction-free digital selling interface
What Sets It Apart: They are backed by Microsoft’s global cloud network and support teams.
Pricing: Varies by plan, package, industry, and company size.
8. Quickbooks
Quickbooks by Intuit is an accounting software package that tracks processes such as inventory, invoicing, automated billing, and contractor management.
Highlights:
Smart accounting dashboard
Automated payroll reports
Integrates with e-commerce platforms
What Sets It Apart: The ease of access and intuitive design allows for all types of small businesses to take advantage of its features.
Pricing: Starts at $20 for the most basic package.
9. Netsuite
Netsuite by Oracle is a unified business management suite that handles financial management, order management, supply chain management, and other business intelligence processes.
Highlights:
Procurement services
Intuitive budgeting and forecasting interface
Financial management dashboard powered by data
What Sets It Apart: Netsuite runs on and is backed by Oracle’s powerful cloud ERP systems.
Pricing: Available once a consultation is scheduled.
10. Acumatica
Acumatica’s General Business ERP software enables you and your entire organization to work from anywhere by enabling remote access to accounting, CRM, financials, and more.
Highlights:
Project cost and budget tracking
Visibility of pre and post sale contracts
Advanced data analysis toolkit
What Sets It Apart: Reports generated by Acumatica’s proprietary business intelligence software have been proven effective during the remote work era.
Pricing: Varies by product and by industry.
11. DELMIAworks
DELMIAwork’s combination of factory floor process control and monitoring, coupled with ERP functionality, eliminates data silos and provides manufacturers overall organizational visibility.
Highlights:
Identify bottlenecks and other constraints
Rules-based pick and put away functionality
Demand planning
What Sets It Apart: DELMIAworks has a mobile app that helps employees on the shop floor communicate and make faster decisions.
Pricing: Available upon request.
12. Alere
Alere is ERP software for growing businesses that offers fully integrated CRM, data acquisition, and document management capabilities.
Highlights:
Automatic period closings
Drop shipping capabilities
Create and execute direct mail campaigns
What Sets It Apart: Alere allows users to create internal hyperlinks within the system.
Pricing: Available upon request.
13. Katana
Katana is a production planning software platform that includes real-time inventory control and optimization, sales order fulfillment, and shop floor control.
Highlights:
Ability to create multi-level product recipes with subassemblies
Automated inventory transactions
Drag-and-drop priorities of customer orders
What Sets It Apart: Katana is able to seamlessly integrate with Quickbooks, Shopify, and other outside platforms that businesses already use.
Pricing: Free trial available, lowest plan begins at $99.
14. QT9 ERP
QT9 ERP unifies all of a businesses manufacturing, sales, inventory, purchasing and financial management functions.
Highlights:
Generate job travelers and work orders
Electronically approve documents
Intuitive shop floor management capabilities
What Sets It Apart: Inventory management is made simpler with QT9 ERP by including serial number and lot number traceability.
Pricing: Free trial available, further pricing available upon request.
15. Brightpearl
Brightpearl is designed to support operational agility for retailers and wholesalers striving to boost sales, exceed consumer expectations, and respond quickly to changing markets.
Highlights:
KPI based inventory forecasting
Automate all repeatable order tasks
Access to full customer audit trail
What Sets It Apart: Brightpearl’s shipping management integrates with Amazon FBA and 3PL providers.
Pricing: Available upon request.
16. Genius ERP
Genius ERP is an end-to-end manufacturing ERP software solution for SMEs handling make-to-order, engineer-to-order, and other “to-order” processes.
Highlights:
Meet delivery targets for long-lead items
Vendor management interface
Generate NCRs and monitor corrective practices
What Sets It Apart: Genius ERP allows you to take CAD designs and turn them into BOMs and RFQs.
Pricing: Available upon request.
17. Bizowie
Bizowie is a cloud ERP that combines warehouse management, CRM, EDI, and shipping into a single integrated platform.
Highlights:
Automate day-to-day ecommerce processes
Improves warehouse stock control
Customizable management and KPI dashboards
What Sets It Apart: Bizowie includes a field service management suite that includes dispatching, billing, and management interfaces.
Pricing: Not available on site.
18. UA Business Cloud Software
UA Business Cloud is an ERP solution for growing businesses that offers accounting, supply chain, human capital, and other services.
Highlights:
Accruals, reversing, and recurring journals
Pricing matrices and revaluations
Manage employee 401k, benefits, and other financial information
What Sets It Apart: UA Business Cloud includes a shared document repository to track observations and deficiencies within your business.
Pricing: Not available on site.
19. Accolent ERP
Accolent ERP is a software developed by ADS Solutions and powered by Amazon Web Services that provides accounting, CRM, and other processes for distribution-focused businesses.
Highlights:
Create, track, and manage prospect records
Real-time inventory status tracking
Automated purchasing functionalities
What Sets It Apart: Accolent ERP allows customers to select freight vendors and get real time rates from carriers directly within the app.
Pricing: Available upon request.
20. BizAutomation
BizAutomation is a cloud ERP suite that offers management solutions to small businesses that include CRM, distribution, e-commerce, and project accounting.
Highlights:
Live shipping rates featured in platform
Skill grading HR portal
Subcontractor and partner portals
What Sets It Apart: BizAutomation allows you to create, save, and share search templates.
Pricing: Plans start at $24.95 per user per month.
Contact a Small Business ERP Software Expert
Finding the best business management software for your SME can be a difficult process. With so many good options, the ideal solution will be one that is customizable, easy to use, and fits your budget. Our technology advisors are available to help you with your search process— reach out to us anytime.
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