There is no quick and easy answer to the question: what is the best ERP software for SMEs? There are many ERP solutions for small businesses available on the market. In this article we will consider not only which are the best programs based on a company's size and industry, but also discuss the process to follow for your business to implement the right ERP solution.
The best ERP Solutions for SMEs (Edition 2024)
1. Sage 200
Sage 200 is the ERP solution for SMEs looking for an all-in-one business management tool. It is a software with commercial, financial and operational modules adapted to any industry. In fact, it includes useful functionalities such as the management of complex, multi-location warehouses, which are ideal for the distribution, manufacturing or service sectors.
Here's a simple explanation of how it works. It operates in the cloud and provides cross-platform access from any computer or mobile device running Android or iOS. The platform is very easy to use and the initial setup does not take long.
Integrations are a key part of Sage 200. In this case it offers compatibility with Office 365 applications. This means that you will be able to work directly with Word, Excel or Outlook without leaving the program and share those documents with your team.
On the other hand, it allows connection with your business bank accounts to automate transactions and reconciliations at the accounting level. Considering that small and medium-sized companies are subject to strict regulations, the financial automation of Sage ERP is a plus that brings reliability.
Pricing: Sage 200 features two plans: 'Advanced Extra', suitable for micro and small businesses, and 'Advanced Extent' with more advanced features. You can request a personalized demo on their website.
Web: sage.com
2. a3ERP
Another of the best ERP for SMEs is a3ERP from Wolters Kluwer. It is for several reasons that we will explain below, but the summary is that it is an intuitive software, with a first-class support and adaptable to the particularities of small businesses. It is so customizable that you can say that there is a version of a3ERP for every size and structure of SME.
With a3ERP you avoid the problem of oversized software, that is, having a system with functions that you will never use. For example, the most economical plan for micro-SMEs, a3ERP base, includes the modules most used by small companies: customers and suppliers, accounting plan, invoicing, etc. To this, you can optionally add verticals for construction, manufacturing or workshops if your activity requires it.
Like Sage, connections to third-party applications play an important role. There is integration with Office 365 and a banking connection. You also have the guarantee of using a system adapted to the legislation, firstly because it is compatible with the SII for sending information to the AEAT, and secondly because it issues electronic invoices in the format required by the administration.
Rates. a3ERP is available in four versions: Base, Plus, Professional and Premium. The website has a comparison of functionalities. You can request additional information, a quotation or a trial at the following link:
Web: wolterskluwer.com
3. myGestión
A fantastic option to manage your company's tasks quickly and easily. myGestión has configuration and customization options that adapt to the user. It offers permanent technical support for use and for the initial data upload.
With this ERP for SMEs, the manager can work on the move and manage both billing and the company's warehouse. Among the most interesting options it provides is the possibility of having a POS for 5€ per month, or connecting Prestashop to the system.
Rates: the cost is 14.95€ per month and includes one user. Each additional user costs €7.95 per month.
4. Cloud Management
Most of the ERP's we find in the market are generic, that is, they can be used by SMEs of any sector. But there are businesses that require special modules that are only available in the so-called vertical solutions. You can find more information in our article Vertical ERP vs Horizontal ERP.
Cloud Gestion includes the functionalities of any software of its kind, and also markets versions adapted to certain sectors such as: construction, SAT, distribution, etc.
Rates: Cloud Gestion's pricing structure is "different". The amount is annual and includes the purchase of the ERP plus hosting and support during the first year: Lite 350€, Pro 750€ and Business 1250€.
5. Clickgest
Clickgest offers an ERP for small businesses with a modular structure to cover basic needs. By default it includes a sales and purchasing module and a customer management system (CRM). The main advantage is the scalability of the product, if later our company grows we can hire other options such as Inventory or Accounting connected with the electronic VAT declaration system.
Rates. Clickgest has three plans:
4 Steps to follow when choosing an ERP software for SMEs
1. Define the company's real needs
It must be clear that what you are looking for is a more agile management, so that complicating things by adding functions to the system that are not really necessary is a mistake.
An ERP for SMEs is an eminently practical tool and therefore the first thing to define is what aspects really need automation.
Therefore, an assessment of the needs of the SME is essential when choosing an ERP. Once it is clear what these needs are, it is much easier to decide on one solution or another.
2. Platform selection: On-premise or in the cloud
The type of ERP software you choose will depend on the size and needs of your company. There are ERP solutions for small businesses in the cloud that are affordable compared to on-premise systems. An on-premises system is ideal for companies that have their own infrastructure and do not want to synchronize critical business data, such as product pricing and supplier information.
Customized integration is another advantage of on-premise installation. On the other hand, cloud-based ERP software platforms offer optimal use of resources, fast ROI, automatic updates and data integrity. The fees are monthly and you won't have hardware-related problems.
3. Scalability and security features
ERP for SMEs are not short-term solutions. Although they have to be implemented based on current needs, they must always have flexibility, or in other words, scalability.
It must be considered that these systems will operate within the company for at least 5-10 years, and that is a period of time in which any company can undergo major changes.
Scalability and speed are not enough without adequate security. The key security feature is the ERP's user-tracking capability. The system must track all user logins and logoffs, transactions and other activities that take place during each connection.
4. Choosing not just a system, but a technology partner
There is no doubt that technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. Therefore, when choosing an ERP for SMEs it is as important to assess the technological adaptation capacity of the company that is going to implement it as the system itself.
It is basically a question of having, not a supplier, but an ally that can respond to the challenges of technological evolution.
It is necessary to evaluate what is known as the product roadmap, which consists of the temporary planning by the company implementing the ERP in the SME, of the technologies to be integrated according to the objectives set, but also the company's capacity to successfully face the adaptation to new technologies.
The best ERP Solutions for SMEs (Edition 2024)
1. Sage 200
Sage 200 is the ERP solution for SMEs looking for an all-in-one business management tool. It is a software with commercial, financial and operational modules adapted to any industry. In fact, it includes useful functionalities such as the management of complex, multi-location warehouses, which are ideal for the distribution, manufacturing or service sectors.
Here's a simple explanation of how it works. It operates in the cloud and provides cross-platform access from any computer or mobile device running Android or iOS. The platform is very easy to use and the initial setup does not take long.
Integrations are a key part of Sage 200. In this case it offers compatibility with Office 365 applications. This means that you will be able to work directly with Word, Excel or Outlook without leaving the program and share those documents with your team.
On the other hand, it allows connection with your business bank accounts to automate transactions and reconciliations at the accounting level. Considering that small and medium-sized companies are subject to strict regulations, the financial automation of Sage ERP is a plus that brings reliability.
Pricing: Sage 200 features two plans: 'Advanced Extra', suitable for micro and small businesses, and 'Advanced Extent' with more advanced features. You can request a personalized demo on their website.
Web: sage.com
2. a3ERP
Another of the best ERP for SMEs is a3ERP from Wolters Kluwer. It is for several reasons that we will explain below, but the summary is that it is an intuitive software, with a first-class support and adaptable to the particularities of small businesses. It is so customizable that you can say that there is a version of a3ERP for every size and structure of SME.
With a3ERP you avoid the problem of oversized software, that is, having a system with functions that you will never use. For example, the most economical plan for micro-SMEs, a3ERP base, includes the modules most used by small companies: customers and suppliers, accounting plan, invoicing, etc. To this, you can optionally add verticals for construction, manufacturing or workshops if your activity requires it.
Like Sage, connections to third-party applications play an important role. There is integration with Office 365 and a banking connection. You also have the guarantee of using a system adapted to the legislation, firstly because it is compatible with the SII for sending information to the AEAT, and secondly because it issues electronic invoices in the format required by the administration.
Rates. a3ERP is available in four versions: Base, Plus, Professional and Premium. The website has a comparison of functionalities. You can request additional information, a quotation or a trial at the following link:
Web: wolterskluwer.com
3. myGestión
A fantastic option to manage your company's tasks quickly and easily. myGestión has configuration and customization options that adapt to the user. It offers permanent technical support for use and for the initial data upload.
With this ERP for SMEs, the manager can work on the move and manage both billing and the company's warehouse. Among the most interesting options it provides is the possibility of having a POS for 5€ per month, or connecting Prestashop to the system.
Rates: the cost is 14.95€ per month and includes one user. Each additional user costs €7.95 per month.
4. Cloud Management
Most of the ERP's we find in the market are generic, that is, they can be used by SMEs of any sector. But there are businesses that require special modules that are only available in the so-called vertical solutions. You can find more information in our article Vertical ERP vs Horizontal ERP.
Cloud Gestion includes the functionalities of any software of its kind, and also markets versions adapted to certain sectors such as: construction, SAT, distribution, etc.
Rates: Cloud Gestion's pricing structure is "different". The amount is annual and includes the purchase of the ERP plus hosting and support during the first year: Lite 350€, Pro 750€ and Business 1250€.
5. Clickgest
Clickgest offers an ERP for small businesses with a modular structure to cover basic needs. By default it includes a sales and purchasing module and a customer management system (CRM). The main advantage is the scalability of the product, if later our company grows we can hire other options such as Inventory or Accounting connected with the electronic VAT declaration system.
Rates. Clickgest has three plans:
- ERP Lite (1 user included): 12 € per month
- ERP Premium (2 users included): 25 € per month
- ERP IGlobalgest (more than 15 users); 15 € per month.
6. STEL Order
If our business is based on the provision of technical assistance services (TAS) Stel Order has an advanced module to manage installations and maintenance. In addition, it combines the functionalities of an excellent ERP for SMEs and a CRM.
Hosted in the cloud, it offers the advantages of mobility and access at any time and place, from a device connected to the internet. It has App's compatible with Android and iOS.
Rates: from 30€/month with discounts if we make an annual payment.
7. Odoo
Odoo includes CRM, website, invoicing, accounting, manufacturing, warehouse and inventory management, project management, etc. It has an open source and free community version, but the installation in this case has to be done on a company server. On the other hand, there is the commercial version of Odoo that in addition to offering an ERP in the cloud makes available to users a professional support service.
Pricing: In the commercial version prices are determined according to the modules contracted and users. Free trial for 15 days.
8. ev4
An ERP for SMEs practically tailor-made, since eV4 markets different modules and two versions: standard (generic), and another specialized in certain sectors (clinics, real estate, transport, etc).
It has a document management system that allows sharing documents with external users. It also integrates a connection with PrestaShop, to synchronize virtual stores. ev4 users highlight the excellent quality-price ratio and the efficient solution to incidents.
Rates: from 20€/month
ERP solutions for medium and large SMEs
A medium-sized SME has no more than 250 employees and a turnover of less than 50 million euros per year. If the entity has more employees and more turnover, then it is a large enterprise.
What are the ERPs for medium and large SMEs that stand out in the market?
9. Sap Business One
Sap Business One is a software designed to accompany the company in its growth and evolution. It optimizes the key processes of medium and large companies. It generates strategic information about the business, which allows decisions in real time and without loss of time. Offers versions installed on local servers or in the cloud. Integrates a Business Intelligence module.
Rates: a price simulator is available on the Sap Business One website, but to know the final amount we must request a quote. The price of the license can be around 1000€, to which a monthly fee per user should be added.
10. Business Central
Microsoft also has its own business application platform: Dynamics 365. It is a marketplace that operates from the cloud with CRM solutions, business intelligence, productivity tools, and of course the ERP for SMEs called Business Central.
The connection of Dynamics 365 applications offers a complete solution for the management of medium and large companies.
Rates: The basic version of Business Central is priced at €59 per month per user. A premium version is available for €84.30/month/user.
Modules that we will find in these ERP for SMEs
The ERP for SMEs are composed of modules that allow the integration of the different areas of the company. What are the available modules?
Basic modules of ERP's for Small Businesses
These are the essential ones for the software to be useful:
Some companies require special modules that fit their specificities and work systems. We present some of them that are frequently incorporated to the basic ones:
When it comes to ERP for SMEs, every business is different.
When it comes to finding ERP solutions for small businesses, every SMB is different. Even if your functional needs are similar to those of another company, there are other factors that play a role in choosing an ERP tool:
If our business is based on the provision of technical assistance services (TAS) Stel Order has an advanced module to manage installations and maintenance. In addition, it combines the functionalities of an excellent ERP for SMEs and a CRM.
Hosted in the cloud, it offers the advantages of mobility and access at any time and place, from a device connected to the internet. It has App's compatible with Android and iOS.
Rates: from 30€/month with discounts if we make an annual payment.
7. Odoo
Odoo includes CRM, website, invoicing, accounting, manufacturing, warehouse and inventory management, project management, etc. It has an open source and free community version, but the installation in this case has to be done on a company server. On the other hand, there is the commercial version of Odoo that in addition to offering an ERP in the cloud makes available to users a professional support service.
Pricing: In the commercial version prices are determined according to the modules contracted and users. Free trial for 15 days.
8. ev4
An ERP for SMEs practically tailor-made, since eV4 markets different modules and two versions: standard (generic), and another specialized in certain sectors (clinics, real estate, transport, etc).
It has a document management system that allows sharing documents with external users. It also integrates a connection with PrestaShop, to synchronize virtual stores. ev4 users highlight the excellent quality-price ratio and the efficient solution to incidents.
Rates: from 20€/month
ERP solutions for medium and large SMEs
A medium-sized SME has no more than 250 employees and a turnover of less than 50 million euros per year. If the entity has more employees and more turnover, then it is a large enterprise.
What are the ERPs for medium and large SMEs that stand out in the market?
9. Sap Business One
Sap Business One is a software designed to accompany the company in its growth and evolution. It optimizes the key processes of medium and large companies. It generates strategic information about the business, which allows decisions in real time and without loss of time. Offers versions installed on local servers or in the cloud. Integrates a Business Intelligence module.
Rates: a price simulator is available on the Sap Business One website, but to know the final amount we must request a quote. The price of the license can be around 1000€, to which a monthly fee per user should be added.
10. Business Central
Microsoft also has its own business application platform: Dynamics 365. It is a marketplace that operates from the cloud with CRM solutions, business intelligence, productivity tools, and of course the ERP for SMEs called Business Central.
The connection of Dynamics 365 applications offers a complete solution for the management of medium and large companies.
Rates: The basic version of Business Central is priced at €59 per month per user. A premium version is available for €84.30/month/user.
Modules that we will find in these ERP for SMEs
The ERP for SMEs are composed of modules that allow the integration of the different areas of the company. What are the available modules?
Basic modules of ERP's for Small Businesses
These are the essential ones for the software to be useful:
- CRM Customer Relationship Management. Manages each customer's information. It records their history, details of purchases, calls and inquiries.
- Sales. Connected to CRM, includes orders and their follow-up, generates invoices, issues reports. Contributes to the attraction of potential customers.
- Purchasing. Manages all processes involved in the procurement of raw materials or items.
- Financial and accounting. Simplifies and automates accounting processes. Facilitates the management of payroll, budget, invoicing programs and banks. Controls cash flow.
- Production. Controls the use of raw materials, synchronization of processes, quality evaluation.
- Inventory. Helps the company keep track of stock and locate items in the warehouse.
- Human Resources. Facilitates the selection and training of new employees. It tracks the productivity of each worker.
Some companies require special modules that fit their specificities and work systems. We present some of them that are frequently incorporated to the basic ones:
- POS. Allows the control of cash movements in a fast, simple and effective way.
- Connection with Prestashop. Allows to connect multiple stores in the same system and synchronize with the online store.
- Logistics. Includes the management of incoming and outgoing items and internal logistics (warehouse locations and zones).
- Manufacturing. Manages work orders, lists of materials in the different production areas, planning of manufacturing processes.
- Marketing. Organizes the different activities of the company related to advertising and promotions.
- Projects. Plans, budgets and executes projects or tasks.
When it comes to ERP for SMEs, every business is different.
When it comes to finding ERP solutions for small businesses, every SMB is different. Even if your functional needs are similar to those of another company, there are other factors that play a role in choosing an ERP tool:
- Skills and availability of internal resources
- Current systems
- Processes and structures within the company
- Budget
- Timelines
Each of these factors along with other elements influence the ERP solution for SMEs that best suits your business.
4 Steps to follow when choosing an ERP software for SMEs
1. Define the company's real needs
It must be clear that what you are looking for is a more agile management, so that complicating things by adding functions to the system that are not really necessary is a mistake.
An ERP for SMEs is an eminently practical tool and therefore the first thing to define is what aspects really need automation.
Therefore, an assessment of the needs of the SME is essential when choosing an ERP. Once it is clear what these needs are, it is much easier to decide on one solution or another.
2. Platform selection: On-premise or in the cloud
The type of ERP software you choose will depend on the size and needs of your company. There are ERP solutions for small businesses in the cloud that are affordable compared to on-premise systems. An on-premises system is ideal for companies that have their own infrastructure and do not want to synchronize critical business data, such as product pricing and supplier information.
Customized integration is another advantage of on-premise installation. On the other hand, cloud-based ERP software platforms offer optimal use of resources, fast ROI, automatic updates and data integrity. The fees are monthly and you won't have hardware-related problems.
3. Scalability and security features
ERP for SMEs are not short-term solutions. Although they have to be implemented based on current needs, they must always have flexibility, or in other words, scalability.
It must be considered that these systems will operate within the company for at least 5-10 years, and that is a period of time in which any company can undergo major changes.
Scalability and speed are not enough without adequate security. The key security feature is the ERP's user-tracking capability. The system must track all user logins and logoffs, transactions and other activities that take place during each connection.
4. Choosing not just a system, but a technology partner
There is no doubt that technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. Therefore, when choosing an ERP for SMEs it is as important to assess the technological adaptation capacity of the company that is going to implement it as the system itself.
It is basically a question of having, not a supplier, but an ally that can respond to the challenges of technological evolution.
It is necessary to evaluate what is known as the product roadmap, which consists of the temporary planning by the company implementing the ERP in the SME, of the technologies to be integrated according to the objectives set, but also the company's capacity to successfully face the adaptation to new technologies.