ERP Software for Small Businesses

For the last two decades, ERP software vendors have concentrated on the large corporate market for revenues to drive growth. Now, many influential software companies are recognizing the potential of ERP to provide value to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and are developing ERP software for small businesses. More SMEs are looking for a better way to analyze and interpret their supply chain and customer data, and software giants, including Microsoft and SAP, are stepping up with solutions.

Types of ERP Software for Small Businesses

Small businesses are very likely to already be using a number of Microsoft products, such as Word and Excel. This makes Microsoft’s ERP solution, Microsoft Dynamics, a powerful and logical choice for many SMEs. Microsoft Dynamics is an ERP software solution that is viable for SMEs in a number of industries. Its use of familiar Microsoft Windows icons and features mean that most employees are quickly productive with the solution.

Microsoft Dynamics is a great ERP for SMEs because the solution has a number of features that SMEs will want. Microsoft ERP has financial management tools and functionality that will allow a business to gain a new perspective on financial management, forecasting, and accounting. Financial reports can be quickly and easily shared on a company portal for access by employees who have a need for the information. Microsoft Dynamics also works directly with all Microsoft Office programs to facilitate a seamless and easy transition.

For SMEs that are looking to improve their supply chain management, Microsoft Dynamics offers that solution as well. This ERP software for small businesses gives businesses the ability to streamline supply chain processes to get the right goods to the right people at exactly the right time. It also features dynamic inventory control tools that provide real-time visibility into all data and automatic notifications that help a company align customer demand with inventory management, purchasing, and distribution. The end result is more satisfied and loyal customers who will spread positive word-of-mouth advertising for a firm.

Software giant SAP offers an ERP software for small business called SAP Business One. This ERP software for small businesses solution enables a company to manage critical business functions, including sales, distribution, and accounting, from one easy to use, integrated, on-site system. SAP Business One is unique in that it works well with a number of add-on programs from other vendors, including Microsoft, to address any and all business process needs and requirements.

ERP Software for Small Business Software-as-a-Service

For businesses looking for a more economical ERP solution, SAP offers its Business By Demand through a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. The solution delivers the benefits of a large scale ERP solution to SMEs without the large investment in IT infrastructure.

The software is designed to enable best process practices for managing financial, customer relationships, supply chain, logistics, and human resources. Because it is a SaaS solution, a business does not have to concern itself with lengthy installations, upgrades, maintenance, and hardware. SAP Business by Demand is a perfect solution for a company that wants to concentrate on their business and not on IT.

ERP software for small businesses is now available with as many options as those intended for Fortune 500 counterparts. For any business looking to grow and compete in today’s global marketplace, ERP functionality is a valuable solution.