Real alternatives to SAP
SAP is certainly the best-known and most widely used ERP software. But while it has its qualities, it also has its limitations. That's why a number of publishers are offering an alternative. It's up to you to find the one that's right for you. Find out more about our ERP tips.
The great SAP also has its limits
Hegemonic
If SAP is the benchmark, it's not for nothing. As one of the world's leading business software publishers, it is present in a large number of companies. So much so, in fact, that mastery of SAP has become a valued skill on a CV. This speaks for itself... but it also shows that it's not easy to use.
International
If your business is global, it has to comply with different legislation, in different currencies. These imperatives directly concern your ERP. If it can handle them, the operational gain is real. If it can't, you'll spend a lot of time reprocessing data, and risk errors. SAP's standardization of processes helps you to meet the various requirements: taxes, exchange rates, etc.
Not very pleasant
If SAP has its qualities, it also has its faults. With its austere interface, it has nothing in common with today's user-friendly solutions. The visual appearance of software is directly linked to its ergonomics. A laborious solution becomes anything but intuitive. Self-training is therefore inconceivable. Training means time for employees to get to grips with the tool. And then it's the whole structure that's affected, with the occasional slowdown in the company's productivity as a backdrop.
Costly
Choosing SAP as your ERP means embarking on a journey that rarely ends. First, there's the installation phase, when you have to configure the solution to suit your business (or sometimes vice versa, unfortunately!). Then it's time for all your departments to get to grips with the system. This is followed by workflow management and internal running-in. And very quickly, upgrades and maintenance, whose costs are not negligible, are required (with a few exceptions).
Alternatives to SAP
With this in mind, a number of software publishers have taken the plunge. Each has positioned itself in its own way, in areas not covered by SAP. So, depending on your company's profile, activity or sector, some may be better suited to your specialist needs.
Ogust for personal services activities
Ogust specializes in personal service activities: childcare, housework, home help, lessons, etc. The solution is built entirely with this in mind, notably with an adapted worker management tool. The tool takes into account all stages of recruitment, issuing employment contracts and payroll, as well as the skills and schedules of each individual. With its recently launched marketplace module (Ogustine Franchise), the publisher goes so far as to offer online sales of services, with a dedicated site and the option of online payment and reservation.
Odoo sales first
Odoo is a scalable, open-source ERP system. Ideally suited to business models whose added value is based on sales, it enables you to manage multi-channel distribution in real time. Let's say you have a store, but you also sell on your own website as well as on an Amazon-type marketplace: you wouldn't want to sell the same product twice, because your stock wouldn't be synchronized. With Odoo, there's no risk!
IOvision for international operations
IOvision is a service-oriented ERP ideal for international operations. Multi-currency, it facilitates exchanges. Even within a single structure made up of several entities or subsidiaries, for inter-company invoicing. As the publisher is an IT services company, its ability to adapt to your company's specific operations is all the greater. In terms of access rights, the solution lets you control who sees what and who can edit what. Useful for limiting malfunctions and data insecurity.
Silog ideal for project-based activities
Silog is designed for project-based activities, whether industrial or trading. The configurator and planner tools optimize work organization. Gantt charts, rate-of-return calculations and other indicators help you calculate the productivity of your projects. Initially built around CAPM (Computer-Aided Production Management) skills, this software is now complete. And its publisher supports users to ensure they get the hang of it.
Innovative Archipelia for retail
Designed as an archipelago of intelligent applications, Archipelia is a horizontal ERP designed for players in retail, trade and production. Its logistics module is particularly well-suited to all aspects of e-commerce. And its cash register 2.0 tool greatly facilitates sales and inventory flows.
Zéphir, excellence in HR
Originally an HR (Human Resources) solution, Zéphir offers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art ERP for personnel management. Its EDM (Electronic Document Management) promotes collaborative working within teams. Internal messaging systems and the dematerialization of procedures such as vacation requests reduce internal workflows, for smoother operations.
If there's one thing these alternatives have in common, it's their attractive price. To challenge SAP, these publishers aim to be more accessible. Lower costs, for solutions that are often more relevant to their niche... so why not take a look!
Article translated from French