Best SAP ERP Alternatives & Competitors in 2021
SAP has always been one of the leading multinational software corporations that produces enterprise resource planning software (ERP software). The SAP ERP options available today are some of the most well known on the software market. However, their software offerings are not for everyone.
If you'd like, feel free to skip ahead to our list of the best SAP alternatives:
ERP software was originally developed for large manufacturers, with a focus on providing end-to-end capabilities between all departments. This includes sales, inventory, finance, production, and shop floor execution.
Today, the scope of ERP systems is constrained by the variety of business operations present in the market and the ability of software developers to keep up with new requirements. ERP modules are available for virtually every task, program, or function that a business performs.
Looking for an ERP system for your organization? Check out our list of the top ERP software. Or get free help from one of our software advisors.
Companies like SAP have traditionally been leaders in this space. Over time, small businesses desired to find an ERP system that helped streamline their workflows and business processes, provide visibility into their workflows, and give better financial planning and decision-making.
Companies looking for SAP ERP alternatives may want to change ERP systems for a number of reasons:
- Over-reliance on 3rd party applications
- Data kept in disparate systems
- Desire to move from an on-premise deployment to the cloud
- Looking for something less expensive
The list of alternatives below was curated by the software experts at Software Connect. This was accomplished by finding options that are traditionally reviewed alongside SAP ERP solutions.
1 NetSuite
NetSuite ERP is designed for modern companies that require cloud access and mobile-enabled tools. This works great for companies with multiple locations, as they can access the same information as another in real-time, wherever they are located. NetSuite is designed to support growing organizations, as it lets you add or customize features as your company grows.
Key features of NetSuite include financial management, fixed assets, billing and invoicing, and inventory management. The solution aims to improve employee productivity via software automation and cross-departmental system integration.
These goals are accomplished through real-time data visibility that provides for better business decision making, and the reduced technology support costs via outsourced application hosting and the elimination of dedicated server hardware investment costs.
One recent review highlighted it's accounting capabilities:
Able to customize just about everything. Integrated accounting to ERP system. Ability to build reports exactly how I want them. Able to use from anywhere with no hardware to manage. Able to audit employees work. Easy drill downs make it easy and quick to access info you need. Easy to change/fix mistakes - every record is editable. From a top level executive/accounting perspective, awesome system. Mary Adams, Adams Horse Supplies
2 Dynamics 365 Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is the successor to the popular Dynamics NAV software.
The combination of ERP and CRM products has helped Microsoft provide a true "all-in-one" tool with a layout similar to popular applications such as Microsoft Outlook and Office 365. The solution is intended for use by small and mid-market companies, providing a scalable way to get the features your business needs to be more profitable.
This system allows for cloud, on-premise, and hybrid deployments. Because of this, Dynamics 365 is thought to have much lower implementation costs. The use of applications allows you to create the type of software you need, rather than be forced to use a package loaded with bells and whistles you'll never put into practice. This provides a very intuitive software that anyone in your organization can learn quickly.
Microsoft's yearly release waves for product updates highlight plans and key milestones that allows software owners and users to see what positive changes are arriving for the systems months in advance.
One user felt the best benefit was it's scalabity:
Microsoft has swung the pendulum the other way and now has a full ERP at a very reasonable price point... ...the Essentials package takes care of everything fundamental except for manufacturing and service. The general ledger, payables, receivables, ability to cut checks, budgets, consolidations, multi-currency, are all included in Essentials. It's a mid-market ERP, so you can sell stuff and ship stuff. It's great if you need project accounting and things like that. Andrew King, WebSan Solutions
3 Oracle ERP Cloud
Oracle Cloud ERP is an integrated suite of business modules comprised of various ERP products depending on your needs. The cloud applications assist with your business functions of finance, project management, procurement, risk management, and other day-to-day activities.
The Oracle Cloud is ideal for customers seeking subscription-based access to leading Oracle applications, middleware and database services--all hosted and expertly managed by Oracle. Some of the top Oracle Cloud ERP applications include Financials Cloud, Procurement Cloud, Risk Management Cloud, EPM Cloud, and SCM Cloud.
A recent Software Connect reviewer described how it gave them a leg up over their competitors:
We wanted to be ahead of the curve so we were one of the first to go live on the ERP Cloud Financial system from Oracle. By utilizing technology, we were able to maintain our efficiency ratio which gives us a huge advantage over our competitors. We rely on Oracle to develop the best practices rather than follow the best practices. Neil Martucci, ConnectOne Bank
4 SYSPRO
SYSPRO is an ERP solution designed specifically for manufacturers and distributors. The software provides a fully integrated business solution that includes inventory, order management, production planning and scheduling, and MES. SYSPRO can be deployed in the cloud, on-premise, or through a hybrid model.
SYSPRO manufacturing software works best for discrete manufacturers of all sizes, including mixed-mode operations. Whether you run discrete manufacturing or batch processes, SYSPRO supports real-time finite production scheduling, real-time shop floor control and short/long production runs in custom job shops.
For distributors, SYSPRO gives single or multi-location distributors, wholesalers, importers or over-the-counter retail operations the tools to optimize inventory management in order to maximize profitability.
An anonymous SYSPRO user described some of their pros of using SYSPRO:
[SYSPRO] tracks inventory and costs in details. Integrates easily with MS-Office tools, especially Excel, Outlook and Word. Designed ground-up for manufacturers and distributors. Workflow - for accounting and procurement process. Pretty powerful and integrated software. Easily customizable without a developer. Stable and low total-cost compared to other ERP products. Anonymous
5 Epicor ERP
Epicor ERP is a manufacturing ERP software that helps manage your operations and profitability. The solution helps track, measure, and monitor your shop floor from raw materials to the final product. The solution aims to provide visibility into your plant operations with real-time insights. This can help reduce costs by catching issues before they arise.
Every aspect of your business can be tracked with Epicor ERP. This includes CRM needs to manage leads and customers, to planning and executing complex multi-level projects via project management. The modular approach lets you purchase the software you need, allowing you to select only the top priorities.
A recent Software Connect visitor said the following about their Epicor ERP experience:
From quote to manufacturing to sales and after sales service Epicor 10.1 does what you need it to do with real time reports that you can design and customize to fit your needs. I love the way Epicor 10.1 has all the data at my fingertips. I can see it in a query, dashboard, report or extract the data to use in other reporting packages. Chris
