SYSPRO is a major developer in the ERP world. Since 1978, it’s built a solid reputation in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. SYSPRO is an ERP software designed for discrete manufacturing and mixed-mode operations.

Best For:

SYSPRO is best for small businesses (under 50 employees), mid-sized companies (50-200 employees), and large enterprises (over 10,000 employees). It serves various industries, including automotive, cannabis, chemicals, electronics, fabricated metal, food, and more.

Zoho Books is a popular alternative to QuickBooks Online. It’s a cloud-based accounting software that offers accounts receivables and payables functionality. It lets you manage your financials and banking, create reports, and automate your sales and purchasing workflows.

Best For:

Zoho Books is best for small businesses with up to ten employees in online retail spaces and digital marketing. It’s a great solution for growing organizations that plan to expand their functionality into inventory management, project tracking, and other areas.

8.9

Our Rating

based on our expert editorial analysis

9.1

USER RATING

based on 15 user reviews

Our Verdict:

We like SYSPRO for its user-friendliness, accessibility across devices, and extensive AI and IoT integrations. It also offers hybrid on-prem and cloud options and supports parallel accounting for global regulations.

We don’t like that SYSPRO requires 3rd party add-ons for functions like EDI and shipping notifications. It also lacks customization flexibility and doesn’t include payroll or HR modules. Additionally, there are limited training resources available.

Pros:

Mostly straight-forward and user-friendly
Accessible from any device
Built with over 40 years of manufacturer and distributor expertise
Integration with AI, MI, IoT, and Cloud-hosting
Offers hybrid on-prem and cloud platform

Cons:

3rd party add-ons may be necessary, like EDI and shipping notifications
Difficult to customize
No payroll or HR modules
Few training resources available

9.0

Our Rating

based on our expert editorial analysis

10.0

USER RATING

based on 6 user reviews

Our Verdict:

We like Zoho Books’ time-tracking features, strong inventory management, and easy integrations with other Zoho products. It also offers a free version with limited functionality but even its paid plans are less expensive than QuickBooks.

We don’t think Zoho Books is for companies searching for a comprehensive system beyond simple accounting. Zoho is an ecosystem of product suites that can integrate in a piecemeal fashion. You’ll need additional apps for inventory, CRM, and more.

Pros:

Client portal with sales and purchase approvals
Easily integrate with dozens of Zoho products
Time-tracking
Multiple sales and expense form types
Strong inventory tools included

Cons:

Difficult to modify invoices
Time tracking must be tied to projects
Maximum of 10 users
Limited bank syncing
Will require 'Zoho Inventory' if your inventory grows too large

Price Range
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
Starting Price $199/user/month
Client OS Windows, Web

Price Range
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
Starting Price $15/month
Client OS Web

Our editorial review staff has tested and reviewed SYSPRO and Zoho ERP. We’ve demoed these two solutions for hands-on insights into how they compare.

SYSPRO Overview

SYSPRO offers user-friendliness and accessibility across devices. It features extensive AI and IoT integrations and supports parallel accounting for global regulations. However, it requires third-party add-ons for functions like EDI and shipping notifications and lacks customization flexibility.

Zoho ERP Overview

Zoho ERP is known for its time-tracking features, inventory management, and simple integrations with other Zoho products. It even offers a free version with limited functionality. However, its maximum user limit is ten, and to fully benefit from its features, businesses may need to integrate additional Zoho apps for inventory, CRM, and more.

Target Market Comparison

SYSPRO is best for small to large enterprises with anywhere from 50 to over 10,000 employees. It supports the manufacturing and distribution sectors, including automotive, chemicals, electronics, fabricated metal, food, and more.

In contrast, Zoho ERP is recommended for small businesses with up to ten employees, especially in online retail spaces and digital marketing.

SYSPRO vs Zoho ERP: Which is Better for Most Businesses?

Based on our analysis, Zoho ERP is likely a better fit for most businesses. It’s user-friendly, affordable, and offers inventory management and time-tracking features. While it may require integration with additional Zoho apps, this is a small price to pay for its overall functionality and affordability.

That said, for businesses heavily rooted in manufacturing and distribution, SYSPRO might be a better fit due to its industry-specific features.

Check out our roundup of the best ERP software for additional options.

SYSPRO

★★★★★

(15)

Price Range

$ $ $ $ $

Starting Price

$199/user/month

Client OS

Windows, Web

Deployment

Cloud or On-Premises

Zoho Books

★★★★★

(6)

Price Range

$ $ $ $ $

Starting Price

$15/month

Client OS

Web

Deployment

Cloud Hosted