I’ve worked with various teams—sales, marketing, finance, and project management—and I’ve seen firsthand how enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems can be both incredibly helpful and a source of endless headaches.
I love how best ERP systems promise streamlined operations, better insights, and a unified view of the business. But sometimes it doesn’t take long before you’re asking, why is this so complicated? Or why can’t it just do what we need it to do?
I’ve been through it all: trying to adapt an ERP system to fit business processes it wasn’t designed for, seeing teams learn systems that feel anything but user-friendly, and even the discovery of hidden costs after the implementation is already underway.
I know these challenges quickly compound when you try to 'get it right' during ERP software selection process. You'll probably agree with me that a wrong choice disrupts workflows, demoralizes employees, and wastes precious resources.
“Despite its challenges, ERP remains an essential part of the tech stack of companies with complex operations, regardless of their size and industry. This is due to the fact that ERP provides an integrated system that streamlines operations across the organization and provides functionality for multiple departments, from accounting to logistics and manufacturing, oftentimes including sales and human resources.
Some challenges still remain, such as integration and flexibility, as well as the cost of implementation, maintenance, and support. It is safe to say that ERP is here to stay and will keep its critical role in helping companies improve productivity and profitability.”
- Gabriel Gheorghiu, Research Principal, G2
Whether you’re upgrading from an outdated solution or exploring ERP systems for the first time, I want to help you identify red flags and choose a system that aligns with your needs. That’s why I teamed up with Gabriel Gheorghiu, our resident ERP expert, and worked with folks from all kinds of teams that rely on ERPs to help you find the best ERP systems out there.
*These ERP systems are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. Most ERP companies provide pricing details upon request. I have included pricing information only for ERP systems that publicly share their pricing plans.
An ERP system brings all your core business departments like finance, HR, supply chain, and sales into one place to make things run smoother, keep data accurate, and help you make better decisions.
I spent weeks teaming up with our in-house ERP experts and teams that actually use it—sales, marketing, finance, and project management—to figure out what ERP systems do well, where they struggle, and if they’re worth your time. I also used AI to analyze product reviews on G2, digging into real users' needs, motivations, and pain points. On top of that, I checked out G2’s Grid Reports to see how these ERP software compare. All that research led to this list of the best ERP systems, made just for you.
After exploring ERP systems, I found that the best ones integrate key business processes like finance, HR, and supply chain into one platform. They offer real-time data for smarter decision-making, are scalable to grow with your business, and have user-friendly interfaces with strong customer support, making them essential for streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
When I started evaluate ERP systems, I focus on a few critical factors to ensure the system is a perfect fit for the business. Here’s what I look for:
By focusing on these factors, you can confidently choose an ERP system that meets current needs and sets you up for long-term success. Over the past few weeks, I tested over 20 ERP software solutions. The top 10 that made the list stood out for their ability to meet business needs, ease of integration, user-friendly design, and overall cost-effectiveness.
To be included in the ERP software category, a product must:
When I worked with NetSuite, I found it to be technically robust, cloud-based ERP solution that brings all core business functions like finance, CRM, inventory, and e-commerce onto a single, unified platform.
What I found impressive was its real-time visibility into financial and operational data, which makes decision-making more informed and strategic. Its flexibility is amazing too, with a high level of customization for workflows, reports, and dashboards, so I can tailor it to fit specific business needs perfectly. Plus, its scalable architecture handles growing transaction volumes and user bases without skipping a beat, making it ideal for businesses preparing to expand.
NetSuite also excels with its integration capabilities. Its application programming interfaces (APIs) make connecting with third-party applications straightforward, ensuring smooth data flow across systems. I also appreciated its automation tools, which reduce manual work and boost efficiency across departments.
I’ve also found some challenges. Implementing NetSuite can be a complex process, requiring time, expertise, and thorough training for teams to fully adopt it. The pricing is something I always kept in mind, as the subscription fees, add-on modules, and ongoing maintenance can add up quickly, especially for smaller businesses. I noticed occasional performance issues, like system sluggishness or downtime, which can be frustrating during busy periods.
Customer support is another area where I’ve seen room for improvement. While it’s available, resolving more technical issues often takes longer than I’d like, so I made sure to have either internal expertise or reliable external consultants on hand.
“Having everything in one spot makes my day so much easier. I can pull financial reports while also checking on how customer relationship management (CRM) leads are doing for sales. It's pretty easy to integrate with other systems if your existing NetSuite environment is well set up and well understood. I feel like I can set up my reports pretty intuitively and that my opportunities for customization are almost endless, with some obvious caveats.”
- NetSuite Review, Lilly W.
“The implementation process was inadequate. There wasn't sufficient analysis of the existing workflows by the NetSuite subject matter experts to determine (a) how NetSuite could accommodate existing workflows or (b) if existing workflows needed to change to accommodate NetSuite processes or perhaps leverage NetSuite features and functions. Similarly, the training was lacking. It was more a demonstration of default NetSuite features rather than training on the product as installed and configured in our environment. While additional training and support is available for a fee, the basic implementation and training need to be strengthened to support a successful initial adoption.”
- NetSuite Review, Richard K.
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When using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, I found it to be a robust, cloud-based ERP solution that integrates essential business functions like finance, sales, inventory, and customer service.
What stood out to me is how seamlessly it connected with other Microsoft products, like Office 365 and Outlook. I was also impressed by its financial management tools which provided our team real-time insights into accounting, budgeting, and financial performance.
I also liked the flexibility of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. I could customize workflows and reports to fit specific business needs. Plus, the ability to integrate with third-party applications lets us expand its functionality as needed.
I felt the learning curve was steep, especially for those new to ERP systems, so training is essential to get the most out of it. Our team also realized that customization can be complex and create issues during system upgrades, which might require additional developer support. I also didn't like how licensing fees and the cost of advanced features or customizations can quickly add up.
“It's simple to set up, easy to use, and requires no technical expertise. It works flawlessly with all of the tools I already have. I use it frequently for everything from forecasting and number crunching to managing sales and inventory.”
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Review, Aashu K.
“It presents challenges to migrate business data and workflows to different platforms or solution providers.”
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Review, Ramy S.
I like how SAP S/4HANA Cloud simplifies daily operations, reduces maintenance time, and enhances overall productivity. This cloud-based ERP system provides real-time data access, which helped our team access accurate insights and make informed decisions.
I also appreciate its robust data modeling features, which support advanced reporting and predictive analytics. The system’s ability to process large volumes of data in-memory allows for quick and accurate reporting, making it easier to forecast trends and make strategic plans. Additionally, our team liked how SAP S/4HANA Cloud offers strong connectivity with other SAP solutions and third-party tools, enabling smooth data exchange and process automation.
During testing, we realized that its complexity can lead to a steep learning curve, requiring thorough training for teams to fully use its capabilities. While customization is possible, the cloud version has certain limitations, making it harder to adapt the system to unique business needs.
Speaking of implementation, I felt that it’s a resource-intensive process that demands detailed planning and skilled personnel, which can extend timelines and increase expenses.
“SAP S/4HANA Cloud has been a transformative solution for our enterprise, effectively addressing our complex challenges related to security, reliability, and compliance. This comprehensive product has not only provided a seamless transition to the cloud but has also ensured that our data and operations remain secure throughout the process. By offering end-to-end security measures and compliance support, SAP S/4HANA Cloud has enabled us to focus on business growth while trusting in the reliability of our cloud infrastructure.”
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud Review, Matt W.
“The expenses of transitioning to S/4HANA are significant and encompass licensing fees, software upgrades, education, consulting services, and disruptions to business operations. Evaluating the advantages and drawbacks before deciding and implementing them is wise.”
- SAP S/4HANA Cloud Review, Anthony C.
Using Sage Intacct offered our team a transformative experience for managing complex financial operations.
It’s a cloud-based ERP solution built with financial management at its core, and what stands out for me is its intuitive, user-friendly interface that reduces the learning curve and boosts productivity. The system offers powerful features like automated accounts payable and receivable, robust general ledger functionality, advanced purchasing workflows, and highly detailed financial reporting.
I particularly value its ability to deliver real-time insights, thanks to its advanced analytics tools, which keep me informed about every aspect of our business’s financial health.
I also like how Sage Intacct connects effortlessly with third-party tools like Salesforce, payroll systems, and expense management software, creating a unified ecosystem. I also appreciate the multi-entity management feature which simplifies consolidations, currency conversions, and inter-entity transactions, making it ideal for businesses with subsidiaries or global operations. Its scalability ensures it can handle increasing transaction volumes and users as our business grows, without sacrificing performance.
While the reporting tools are comprehensive, I found that customizing them can be more complex than expected, often requiring advanced knowledge or support from a consultant. Some integrations, especially with more specialized tools or configurations, can be challenging to set up and maintain.
“What I like best about Sage Intacct is that it's modern and sleek with a very clean user interface that's easy to use. It also contains a lot of powerful features to make it easier to run our accounts department and perform various tasks such as raising invoices on the accounts receivable and accounts payable side, making payment runs, sending out remits and statements, receiving payments, and allocating them to invoices. Plus, the system is cloud-based, which makes it easy to implement and integrate into the business.”
- Sage Intacct Review, Hon-Wai P.
“The service process is never as easy as I want it to be. You have to log into the community. Additionally, some modules are better than others. The prepaid expense module has glitches that you learn to work around, but limit full functionality. I also wish the app was more dynamic, as I am frequently on the move.”
- Sage Intacct Review, Kendall W.
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When we first started using Acumatica, what struck us was how seamlessly it brought everything together.
It’s a cloud-based powerhouse that can handle our core business processes, from finances and inventory to CRM and beyond. The interface is clean and user-friendly, which means we can focus on getting work done instead of figuring out how to use the system. It’s designed for efficiency, and that shows in how smoothly it integrates operations across our business.
What I love most about Acumatica is its flexibility. I can customize workflows, reports, and dashboards to tailor everything to how our teams work. And Acumatica scales effortlessly, handling increased transactions and users without missing a beat. Plus, since it’s cloud-based, we can access everything from anywhere, whether we are in the office or on the go.
Implementing Acumatica took us some effort since it’s not a plug-and-play solution. The setup process required planning and expertise, especially when integrating it with our existing systems. And while the pricing model is fair, the cost of add-ons and customizations can creep up, so it’s something we had to budget for. Advanced features, like automation and custom reporting, also took a bit of time to master.
“Powerful but easy to use with a fairly simple interface and clean design. Because it's built for the cloud, the features are extensible through their entire marketplace of partners that add amazing functionality. It's amazingly fast, too. You would think that it's a native application with the way it generates reports and completes robust tasks. The feature set is constantly growing because of the yearly release cycle, so new features are always on the horizon.”
- Acumatica Review, Georgy D.
“As a user of the payroll module, I think having a human resources information system (HRIS) would greatly enhance the payroll processing. There is quite a disconnect between HR functionality in the system that needs to be done outside of the system.”
- Acumatica Review, Jennifer G.
When we tested SAP ECC or SAP ERP Central Component, we loved how it's built to handle complexity with precision and efficiency.
For us, it acted as a command center that connected every part of our business, from finance and sales to inventory and supply chain. The sheer range of its modules, like Financial Accounting, Materials Management, and Sales & Distribution, gave us the tools we need to streamline operations across departments, all while keeping everything in sync.
We also loved SAP ECC's flexibility. We could pick and choose the modules we need, customizing the system to fit our unique business processes. As our company grows, SAP ECC grows with us, scaling effortlessly to handle more users, transactions, and even global operations.
Plus, I loved how we could connect SAP ECC with other SAP tools, like Business Warehouse, and even non-SAP systems. This created a seamless flow of data, saving us from the headaches of disconnected platforms and manual workarounds. For specialized needs, the industry-specific features feel like they were made just for our business.
The traditional user interface can feel a bit clunky and outdated, especially when compared to newer ERP systems with sleek, modern designs. It’s functional, but getting our team up to speed took some time and training. Implementing SAP ECC required meticulous planning, skilled expertise, and a significant financial investment. Maintenance and upgrades also require ongoing attention and resources.
I sometimes wish the system offered real-time analytics instead of relying on batch processing, which can delay insights when we need them most. And while we appreciate its customization capabilities, setting everything up can get complicated, often needing external consultants to get it right.
“I love the extensive functionality and integration capabilities offered by SAP ECC. It offers a selection of modules and features that facilitate the efficient management of various functions, including finance, sales, purchasing, and manufacturing. By visualizing real-time data, the system enables better decision-making and increases operational efficiency. Additionally, SAP ECC’s robust reporting and analytics capabilities help generate valuable insights and enhance business expansion.”
- SAP ECC Review, Mahmoud A.
“One of the major things I disliked about SAP ECC is the learning curve and cost associated with the software. Due to its complexity, there is often a steep learning curve associated with SAP ECC. New users might require extensive training to effectively use the system. Also, implementing and maintaining SAP ECC can be expensive, not only in terms of software licenses but also in terms of hardware, training, and ongoing support.”
- SAP ECC Review, Bhavesh G.
Deltek Costpoint stood out to me for its focus on compliance and regulatory support for government contractors It’s designed to handle the complexities of meeting the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) requirements, taking a lot of the stress out of ensuring government contractor businesses stay audit-ready.
I love the built-in tools for tracking indirect rates, managing time and expense reporting, and maintaining accurate project accounting. I’ve found that this level of compliance integration is something other ERP systems often struggle to match.
Another feature I truly appreciate is its workforce management capabilities. Deltek Costpoint also manages wide range of functionalities from automating payroll processes to tracking employee hours and project allocations. We love how the talent management tools help businesses with hiring and onboarding, which saves companies time and ensures they can find and retain the best talent for projects.
Implementing Deltek Costpoint was a detailed and resource-intensive process. It took us careful planning, technical expertise, and a significant time investment to configure it properly and integrate it with our existing systems. While the interface is intuitive once you’re familiar with it, mastering its full capabilities meant investing in thorough training for our team.
I noticed performance can sometimes be an issue, particularly when processing large data sets or running complex queries. These moments of slowdown can disrupt workflows.
“I have used Deltek Costpoint for over 25 years. It is the most robust and customizable program I've ever seen for project-based accounting and finance. No other program can compare to the Cost Pool features in Costpoint for indirect rate management, as well as having the ability to perform all other functions needed for optimum financial reporting and compliance.”
- DelTek Costpoint Review, Michele W.
“I don't like that in order to reverse a prior invoice, you have to reverse all of the invoices that came after it. Not only is this time-consuming, but if rate updates occurred since the subsequent invoices were first posted, you could come up with different totals when they are re-calc'd. And if the customer already paid those subsequent invoices, it really complicates things. I also wish there was more functionality for collections – ways to notify us when it's time to follow up, a greater character limit, etc. We ended up opting for a different tool to track collection statuses.”
- Deltek Costpoint Review, Deanna U.
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Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne felt like a dynamic ERP system that keeps everything running smoothly, no matter how complex things get. Its comprehensive suite of features spans finance, manufacturing, sales, and distribution, giving me everything we need to manage operations in one place.
The real-time reporting and analytics are a standout for me. Having instant insights into key performance indicators allows us to make decisions with confidence, knowing we have the data to back them up. The seamless integration capabilities mean we don’t have to worry about disconnected systems or manual data entry—it’s all connected, efficient, and reliable. I also love how robust and stable the system is, handling our business’s growth and complexity with ease.
The implementation process required time, resources, and expertise to get everything set up correctly. And while the system’s functionality is incredible, it has a steep learning curve. It took thorough training to get our team comfortable using it effectively.
We also noticed Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne becomes a substantial investment with licensing fees, customizations, and ongoing maintenance.
“Oracle regularly releases updates, enhancements, and new features for JD Edwards EnterpriseOne to keep up with changing business requirements and technology advancements.”
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Review, Vaibhav K.
“While Oracle JD Edwards can be customized to meet specific business needs, it requires additional time and resources to make the necessary changes. This can be a challenge for businesses with limited resources.”
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Review, Kaushal Z.
Using Odoo ERP made us feel like having a fully customizable and versatile system at our fingertips.
From a technical perspective, Odoo’s open-source nature is a huge advantage. It allowed us to customize workflows, dashboards, and even the core functionality to meet our specific needs. The system is built on Python, and while we needed skilled developers to fine-tune some features, the customization options were nearly limitless. We run Odoo on a Linux-based environment, which we’ve found to be the most stable and efficient setup. While it can operate on Windows, Linux gave us better performance and community support, which is a significant bonus.
To get the best performance, we’ve had to ensure our hardware meets Odoo’s requirements. For smaller deployments with up to 10 users, a dual-core CPU, 2 GB of RAM, and 10 GB of storage are sufficient. However, as our operations expanded, we scaled up to a quad-core CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and 50 GB of storage to handle larger datasets and more users.
We felt that implementing the system was a complex process that required planning and technical expertise, especially when integrating third-party applications or customizing the source code. Its extensive functionality meant we had to invest time in training our team to use it effectively. Additionally, while the interface is user-friendly, we’ve occasionally experienced slowdowns when handling large data volumes, which can be frustrating.
Customer support has been hit or miss for us. While there’s plenty of community-driven help available, official support can sometimes be inconsistent, which made resolving critical issues a bit challenging.
“Although Odoo ERP is highly customizable, the process can be complex and requires a good understanding of both the platform and its underlying code. For businesses without in-house technical expertise, this can lead to reliance on external developers, which may increase costs and time for implementation.”
- Odoo ERP Review, Khurshid A.
SAP Business ByDesign's cloud-native architecture provides unmatched scalability.
It lets us add users, modules, and functionalities as our business grows without needing significant hardware investments. The system is designed to handle complex workflows and offers robust data security, adhering to strict compliance standards, which is reassuring for sensitive business operations.
I appreciate how the embedded analytics tools deliver real-time insights through customizable dashboards, enabling us to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and gain deeper visibility into operations.
Performance-wise, SAP Business ByDesign generally handles tasks efficiently, but I have encountered occasional slowdowns, particularly when processing large datasets or running complex queries. I've found these performance issues to be frustrating during critical operations, requiring technical adjustments or support.
“SAP Business ByDesign does lack in quick customer support for any issues faced. Even though almost all issues are solved, the support has often taken a long time to respond to complaints raised by our organisation. This can cause frustration."
- SAP Business ByDesign Review, Syed Umer W.
NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Sage Intacct, and Acumatica.
NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Sage Intacct, and Odoo ERP.
NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Sage Intacct, Acumatica, SAP ECC, Deltek Costpoint.
Three common types of ERP systems include:
NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, and Sage Intacct.
As I dive deeper into ERP software trends for 2024, it’s clear that the landscape is evolving rapidly, shaped by technological advancements and shifting business needs. What excites me most are the key areas of focus: increased cloud adoption, IoT integration, enhanced security frameworks, supply chain resilience, the growing use of AI and machine learning, and advanced analytics. These innovations are transforming how businesses operate and adapt to a dynamic market.
I thoroughly enjoyed putting together this list of the best ERP systems. My goal was to provide a well-researched, fact-based compilation inspired by feedback from real users like you. I hope it helps you get closer to choosing the perfect ERP solution for your business. Remember, the best choice starts with understanding your unique needs and budget. Take the time to explore authentic reviews on platforms like G2—they’re invaluable in making a decision that aligns with your goals.
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