5 examples of ERP solutions that will take your business to the next level!
Looking for an ERP example to test... and approve? SAP, Microsoft, Sage... some of the biggest names in IT solutions have developed their own Enterprise Resource Planning platforms.
Over the years, these tools have become indispensable. By centralizing all company processes and data, they are proving to be serious helpers to productivity and performance.
If you'd like to take the plunge, this article is for you: to help you understand what these Integrated Management Software packages have to offer, we reveal which are the best-known and most effective ERP software packages on the market, and why.
But before we go any further, let's take a look at the characteristics of this type of platform.
What is ERP?
Definition of ERP software
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), also known as PGI (Progiciel de Gestion Intégré), is a system used by companies to manage and automate all their operational and administrative processes.
It centralizes the management of a wide range of operations through the provision of various modules, dedicated for example to :
- accounting,
- human resources management
- sales
- production
- logistics,
- planning.
What's more, ERP streamlines workflows by consolidating data and providing a real-time overview of your company's activities. It also facilitates interdepartmental communication, by eliminating information silos.
The different types of ERP
Since every company has different requirements and resources, there are several categories of ERP:
- General-purpose ERP: contains the basic functionalities needed by most organizations.
- Business or specialized ERP: in contrast to the previous category, this is adapted to specific needs or industries. E.g.: for construction, healthcare, e-commerce, education, etc.
- Open source ERP: its code is accessible and modifiable. Perfect for building a solution that's both tailor-made and cost-effective!
👉 We'll come back to this category of ERP in detail later in the article. - Cloud ERP : hosted on remote outsourced servers and accessible via the Internet. Perfect for avoiding maintenance costs!
- SaaS ERP: a distribution model where the software package is offered as an online service, usually on a subscription basis.
- Proprietary ERP: its source code is owned by the company developing it. To use it, you'll need to spend a lot of money.
- Mobile ERP: a version of ERP optimized for smartphones and tablets.
With that said, let's get down to the ERP examples you're looking forward to 😀.
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 Furious |  Microsoft Dynamics 365 |  Oracle ERP Procurement Cloud |  Sage 300 |  SAP S/4HANA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For companies with 2 to 250 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For all companies |
| See software | See software | See software | See software | See software |
| Learn more about Furious | Learn more about Microsoft Dynamics 365 | Learn more about Oracle ERP Procurement Cloud | Learn more about Sage 300 | Learn more about SAP S/4HANA |
Furious
Furious is an all-in-one business software package, designed specifically for companies that sell man-hours/fees/assignments. It is therefore perfectly suited to the needs of agencies, consulting firms, service companies, ESNs and engineering companies.
Developed to optimize processes and boost the profitability of professionals, Furious integrates numerous functionalities grouped into different modules: sales management, projects and schedules, production, finance and pre-accounting, HR and cash management.
Where Furious ERP makes the difference is in its ability to understand the specific problems of its target market, and how to solve them. For example, it enables you to closely monitor all aspects of a project (profit, deadlines, quality, etc.), effectively manage the associated budgets, and intelligently manage staffing. And thanks to its numerous automations, you can save time on all these tasks.
Last but not least, the solution's analytical power. With more than 200 thematic dashboards and sales projections, Furious is an invaluable ally for judiciously steering your operations and making the best strategic decisions.
Furious
Microsoft Dynamics 365
In the ERP/CRM family, Microsoft Dynamics 365 stands out for its power and flexibility, so rich is its functionality. This software is designed to meet the varied needs of companies of all sizes and in all sectors, from SMEs to large corporations, whether they operate in industry, healthcare or distribution. Big names such as Coca-Cola, HP and Siemens have all been won over.
More concretely, Microsoft Dynamics 365 includes a wide range of modules to support different processes: sales, marketing, human resources, supply chain, finance, project management and more. This suite of tools makes it undeniably one of the most comprehensive ERPs on the market.
All these business applications are designed to integrate easily with each other, but also with other Microsoft products such as Office 365. In this way, you create a fluid, automated working ecosystem that's 100% aligned with your reality in the field. The icing on the cake is that these solutions can be deployed rapidly, enhancing your agility!
Last but not least, it's worth noting that Microsoft remains at the forefront of innovation. The publisher is constantly evolving its ERP in line with new technologies, enriching it with artificial intelligence, for example.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Oracle
Oracle ERP, also known as Oracle ERP Cloud, is a suite of management solutions offered by Oracle Corporation. Aimed at a wide range of organizations, from SMEs to large global groups, its customers include companies such as FedEx, Dropbox and Wendy's.
In terms of functionalities, Oracle's ERP supports the following operations: financial steering, project management, purchasing, risk management and compliance, enterprise performance management, production and supply chain. It also includes advanced analytical functions, including predictive analysis.
The system is characterized by its built-in artificial intelligence, enabling you to automate your most time-consuming business processes and tasks to the maximum, thus significantly boosting your productivity. But Oracle's AI technology also promises to make better decisions, by anticipating the new realities likely to impact your business.
Regularly updated and evolving, Oracle is therefore an example of the perfect software package, capable of accompanying you throughout your company's growth.
Oracle ERP Procurement Cloud
Sage 300
Sage 300 all-in-one business management software, designed primarily for small and medium-sized businesses, has already won over more than 40,000 customers worldwide. Developed by Sage, the historic ERP publisher, it offers a suite of modules dedicated to accounting, operations and distribution.
It includes many useful functions for financial, purchase order and inventory management. Sage 300 also offers payment tools (PayPal, Stripe, etc.), which can be integrated directly into your invoices for faster payment.
Sage 300 is appreciated for its ability to support multinational operations: you can manage your finances in multiple currencies and locations. The software also integrates seamlessly with your existing applications. So you can deploy a fluid and robust working ecosystem.
Finally, if you want to enhance the solution, it's easy to add other Sage modules (manufacturing and distribution, productivity enhancement, etc.). We're thinking in particular of analytical tools such as Sage Data & Analytics, which provides powerful financial reports to significantly increase your sales.
Sage 300
SAP S/4HANA
SAP S/4HANA is a new-generation cloud ERP designed for fast-growing companies. It brings together all the key functions required for efficient, responsive business management:
- Analyze data in real time: access dynamic dashboards to make informed decisions, without waiting for the end of the month.
- Automate financial processes: accounting, closing, compliance... everything runs in the background.
- Optimize the supply chain: inventory management, demand forecasting, logistics tracking, all in real time.
- Plan and monitor production: adapt resources, schedules and costs in just a few clicks.
- Manage human resources: recruitment, talent management, payroll, training - everything is centralized.
- Connect ERP to other business tools: native compatibility with other SAP solutions and possible integrations with third-party systems.
What sets it apart? A healthy dose of AI, machine learning and real-time analytics for faster, more accurate decisions. In short, an ERP that anticipates, rather than reacts.
The platform is modular and adapts to every sector of activity: industry, retail, healthcare, energy, etc. All this, with rock-solid scalability to support the expansion of companies with 51 to 5,000 employees. Customers include Bosch, Skoda and FC Bayern.
It's the perfect solution for CFOs, CTOs and innovation managers who want to get on with their digital transformation!
SAP S/4HANA
👉 To complete this list of ERP software, discover our selection of over 100 Enterprise Resource Planning platforms.
What are the differences between proprietary ERP and open source ERP?
Proprietary ERP or open source ERP?
This is the dilemma facing any company about to install an ERP system.
So what's the difference between the two?
A proprietary ERP refers to a platform offered by a specific publisher, for which you have to pay a license or subscription fee.
💡 If you're looking for an example of a proprietary ERP, refer to the software listed above.
An open source ERP, on the other hand, features publicly accessible and modifiable code, making it a decidedly flexible and customizable tool. Opting for this type of platform therefore means reducing the costs associated with its acquisition, including those arising from custom developments.
☝️ On the other hand, beware of the myth that open source is free. In fact, it is often necessary to pay for certain modules or extensions.
One of the other advantages of open source ERP lies in its large community of developers and contributors, guaranteeing continuous improvement.
On the downside, however, it requires technical skills for implementation, customization and maintenance.
What are the advantages of ERP?
Finally, a quick reminder of all that ERP has to offer!
- ✅ S ave time and increase productivity. By automating processes and harmonizing data, ERP saves teams considerable time in their day-to-day tasks.
- ✅ Cost savings. Using this type of software means saving resources. That's how you save money!
- ✅ Real-time visibility. ERP provides an instant overview of business and administrative activities. This in turn facilitates informed decision-making.
- ✅ Access to information. Gone are the days when teams spent hours searching for information: everything is centralized within the tool! This makes communication and coordination between employees much smoother.
- ✅ Flexibility. Thanks to its modular nature, ERP is capable of supporting any type of company. Companies can select their functionalities according to their needs and budget.
- ✅ Data management. The software centralizes and manages data, reducing duplication and other inconsistencies.
- ✅ Process optimization. An ERP helps identify bottlenecks in your processes, with a view to improving them.
- ✅ Resource management. With an ERP, you can allocate human, financial and material resources more efficiently.
In conclusion
You've just seen some of the best-known ERPs on the market. And there are many more to choose from, for companies of all sizes and industries.
The main aim of this article is to help you understand what these software packages are capable of. How they can help you solve your own problems.
All that's left is to find the rare gem that will take your business to the next level 🚀.
Article translated from French
Currently Editorial Manager, Jennifer Montérémal joined the Appvizer team in 2019. Since then, she's been putting her expertise in web copywriting, copywriting and SEO optimization to work for the company, with her sights set on reader satisfaction 😀 !
Trained as a medievalist, Jennifer took a break from castles and manuscripts to discover her passion for content marketing. She took away from her studies the skills expected of a good copywriter: understanding and analyzing the subject, rendering the information, with a real mastery of the pen (without systematically resorting to a certain AI 🤫).
An anecdote about Jennifer? She distinguished herself at Appvizer with her karaoke skills and boundless knowledge of musical nanars 🎤.