The 10 best small business ERP systems for 2024

From managing inventory and sales to keeping track of finances and payroll, staying organized as a small business can be a challenge. This is where a small business ERP (enterprise resource planning) system comes in. 

The best small business ERP systems act as a centralized hub, streamlining and integrating critical business functions like accounting, inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and more. 

By eliminating data silos and automating tasks, a small business ERP can significantly improve efficiency and profit margins. Here are the top 10 ERPs for small businesses to consider, including the best cloud ERPs, ERP software for businesses looking to scale, and standard ERPs.

Methodology: The best small business ERP systems are easy to use, scalable, and offer automation for business processes. We compiled this list by reviewing an array of ERPs specifically designed or suited for small businesses. This list also includes a variety of on-premise, cloud, and hybrid solutions for businesses with varying data security needs. 

Table of contents:

• 1. Cin7
• 2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
• 3. NetSuite
• 4. Acumatica
• 5. IFS Cloud
• 6. Odoo
• 7. QuickBooks
• 8. Sage Intacct
• 9. SAP Business One
• 10. TallyPrime
• What is a small business ERP?
• How to choose an ERP system for your small business
• Scale your small business with Cin7
• Frequently asked questions

1. Cin7

Cin7 is one of the best small business ERP systems, offering a powerful, cloud-based interface specifically designed for the needs of scaling small and midsize businesses with the Core solution. Cin7 also offers the Omni solution for SMBs that need native EDI or 3PL connections or are multi-entity businesses.

Unlike traditional ERP software, which can be complex and expensive, Cin7 makes planning affordable and easy to use with fast implementation in just a few weeks, compared to the months required by other solutions. 

Despite its user-friendly interface, Cin7 boasts advanced features like warehouse management, point of sale, advanced manufacturing capabilities, real-time inventory tracking, and robust third-party logistics (3PL) management that make ERPs a worthwhile investment.

Price

• $349/mo for Standard Core Plan
• $599/mo for Pro Core Plan
• $999/mo for Advanced Core Plan
• Contact for an Omni quote

Features

• Centralized system: Unify your team with a centralized system for all your data, giving each team member real-time visibility into every product and order at every stage. This eliminates information silos and improves collaboration.
• Simplify fulfillment: Manage all your fulfillment needs with a single platform, from direct-to-consumer to B2B, EDI requiring retailers, or complex 3PL scenarios. Seamlessly integrate distributors, 3PL providers, and your commerce channels. 
• Effortless EDI: Fulfill electronic data interchange (EDI) orders easily using an intuitive dashboard and step-by-step guide. No need for specialized EDI expertise.

2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a cloud-based ERP hosted by Microsoft’s secure Azure cloud infrastructure. It offers a unified suite of preconfigured processes and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Outlook, Excel, and Teams to streamline workflows.

With features like real-time business intelligence through Power BI and an app source ecosystem for industry-specific add-ons, Business Central allows you to tailor the system to your unique needs. It’s best for small businesses that process up to 500 transactions per day. 

Price

• $70/mo/user for Essentials Plan
• $100/mo/user for Premium Plan

Features

• “Tell Me” search: Instead of wasting time navigating menus, type what you’re looking for into the “Tell Me” search bar and the system will redirect you to the relevant function, report, or data. 
• APIs and VS Code integration: The system provides access to application programming interfaces (APIs) and integrates with Visual Studio Code (VS Code), a popular coding editor. This allows small businesses to leverage pre-built extensions or tailor the software to perfectly match their unique workflows. 
• AI-powered workflows: Streamline repetitive tasks and optimize processes like automating your inventory reordering or streamlining invoice processing. It can also automate billing and accounting tasks to cut down on time spent on manual data entry.

3. NetSuite

With robust accounting, order processing, inventory management, and even production and supply chain tools, NetSuite seamlessly integrates everything your business needs into a single cloud-based platform. It’s made for companies looking to scale to a larger organization or enterprise level.

NetSuite also offers pre-built dashboards and reports tailored to different user roles, providing a clear understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs). It also allows for a phased implementation approach so businesses can adjust the system to their specific needs and gradually add functionalities as they grow.

Price

• Contact for an annual license fee quote

Features:

• Financial management: NetSuite automates processes like accounts receivable (AR), accounts payable (AP), and tax management. It also has a comprehensive general ledger and real-time cash flow insights for a clear understanding of financial health.
• Warehouse management: The software utilizes radio frequency (RF) devices to streamline tasks like putaway and picking to cut down on manual data entry and misplaced stock. Wave management and cartonization further optimize order fulfillment. 
• Scalability: NetSuite is designed to grow alongside your small business. The modular approach allows you to start with the functionalities you need most, like robust accounting or efficient inventory management. As your business expands, simply add new modules without costly upgrades or data migrations.

4. Acumatica

To accommodate businesses with varying data security preferences, Acumatica provides multiple deployment options: cloud-based, on-premise, and hybrid. It can work as a manufacturing ERP or function for other specific industries like retail or distribution.

The platform has powerful customization tools for reports and dashboards, ensuring everyone has the real-time insights they need to make informed decisions in their specific role. With advanced features like project accounting and a digital document system, Acumatica is a good choice for small businesses with big aspirations.

Price

• Contact for a quote

Features:

• Project accounting: This built-in feature simplifies complex billing and ensures accurate cost tracking for projects of all sizes. 
• Full relational database export: Acumatica’s automatic backups and snapshot feature (copy complete or partial company data) ensures you can always access your data. This simplifies data migration and gives you the flexibility to move to another system if needed.
• Mobile-friendly: You don’t need an additional app to use Acumatica from any device, anywhere. It’s designed to resize every page and every screen to whatever device you’re using.

5. IFS Cloud

IFS Cloud offers a comprehensive suite that works for a wide range of industries. Lobbies provide customizable dashboards with information specific to your industry and role. 

What sets it apart is cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning (ML) to optimize processes and empower data-driven decision-making. You can automate repetitive tasks, optimize production schedules, and even predict customer needs. These features help give small businesses an edge in operating with greater efficiency and agility.

Price

• Contact for a quote

Features:

• Remote assistance: IFS Cloud integrates augmented reality (AR) video calls, allowing real-time remote assistance across service, maintenance, and other areas for faster issue resolution.
• Machine learning: Leverage embedded machine learning for demand planning and sales opportunity scoring. The model uses AI to explain the reasoning behind ML outputs.
• Branded experience:  You can personalize the user interface with your brand colors, logo, and other imagery across touchpoints within IFS Cloud.

6. Odoo

Odoo offers an open-source ERP system that’s highly customizable and remarkably affordable. Its modular designer lets you choose only the functionalities you need.

Plus, Odoo’s commitment to open-source development fosters a community with a wealth of resources, ensuring the system stays innovative and adaptive to evolving business needs. The Standard plan is an online deployment, but on-premise and hybrid deployment options are available with the Custom plan. 

Price

• $0 for One App Free
• $24.90/mo/user for Standard Plan
• $37.40/mo/user for Custom Plan

Features:

• Odoo Studio: Available with the Custom Plan, Odoo Studio lets users automate tasks, design custom screens and reports, and even create webhooks.
• Boundless business apps: Odoo’s open-source development model has led to the world’s largest business app store with over 40,000 community-built apps. There’s a pre-built solution for nearly any business need. 
• Sales templates: Odoo streamlines the sales process with pre-built templates for professional quotes. Generate polished proposals in minutes, complete with clear pricing customers can easily review and accept.

7. QuickBooks

While not a full-fledged ERP system, QuickBooks can be a decent option for small businesses that specifically need finance features. It addresses key needs for small businesses, including accounts payable management, streamlined tax processes, bank reconciliation tools, and in-depth reporting. 

It also offers some inventory management features like monitoring the cost of goods, tracking product levels, and receiving automated inventory notifications. This can offer small business owners a user-friendly way to manage basic finance and inventory needs. 

Price

• $15/mo for Simple Start Plan
• $30/mo for Essentials Plan
• $45/mo for Plus Plan
• $100/mo for Advanced Plan

Features:

• Receipt management: Snap photos of receipts on your smartphone for easy expense tracking. 
• Comprehensive tracking: Gain a clear understanding of your business health with detailed tracking features that let you monitor income, expenses, mileage, invoices, project profitability, and more. 
• Tax categories: Maximize your tax deductions with QuickBooks’ automated expense categorization. The software automatically sorts your business expenses into the appropriate tax categories, ensuring accurate records and simple tax filing.

8. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is a robust, AI-powered ERP system with a modular design so you can choose the functionalities you need most. The cloud-based platform also offers implementation services to help make your business transition as smooth as possible.

The solution integrates with Salesforce for aligned finance and sales operations, as well as APIs for any other integrations. Membership also includes access to masterclasses, learning resources, certifications, and an active online community. 

Price:

• Contact for a quote

Features:

• Accounts payable automation: Free your team from tedious data entry with automated bill entry and payment processing. 
• Automated revenue recognition: Sage Intacct automates revenue recognition calculations, ensuring compliance with ASC 606 and IFRS 15 standards.
• Multi-entity consolidation: Sage Intacct consolidates financial data across your entire organization for a unified view to manage multiple entities, locations, or subsidiaries with ease.

9. SAP Business One

SAP Business One is a traditional ERP system available in both on-premise and cloud deployments, designed with small businesses in mind. If you’re looking to streamline and unify your business functions without extensive customization, SAP Business One is a great option. 

While it may have fewer customization options than competitors, it’s still a flexible, modular solution that gives you powerful features with a simple user interface. There’s also lots of support, with a learning hub, training courses, and certifications, so you can get the most out of the product.

Price

• Contact for a quote

Features:

• Procurement: Manage everything from requisition requests and purchase orders to goods receipts and returns to simplify your purchasing processes. SAP Business One also enhances auditability by matching documents, providing clear information trails, and handling multiple currencies.
• Marketing campaign management: Boost your sales and profitability with the ability to create, manage, and analyze your marketing activities in the same platform.
• Customer management: Gain a complete view of your customer base. You can synchronize and manage all your customer contacts from Microsoft Outlook to centralize your customer data. 

10. TallyPrime

TallyPrime is one of the most intuitive ERPs for small businesses, as it’s specifically designed to be easy for people without IT or accounting backgrounds to use. Easy navigation paired with simple workflows makes it an easy solution to get up and running quickly. 

However, it still has enough flexibility to adapt to different purchase and sales processes. From inventory management with multiple units of measure support to streamlined accounts receivable and payable functionality, TallyPrime helps you gain complete control over your business.

Price

• $81/3 mo for Silver Plan
• $243/3 mo for Gold Plan

Features:

• Easy multitasking: You can view reports, switch between companies, or analyze data, all while being in your original task (like working on a voucher entry). 
• Share invoices: TallyPrime offers additional ways to easily share invoices or ledger reports like WhatsApp, PDF, JPEG, or Excel. Pre-designed message templates further streamline communication.
• Multiple price levels: Create different price lists for wholesalers, retailers, or specific customer groups. Assign these price lists to your products and enjoy automatic price and discount applications within orders and invoices.

What is a small business ERP?

An ERP, or enterprise resource planning system, is essentially an all-in-one software for managing various aspects of your company. Imagine having finance, inventory, customer data, and even HR all working together seamlessly. 

A small business ERP caters specifically to the needs of smaller companies. This means it’s designed to be more affordable, easier to implement, and manageable with fewer resources.

Benefits of an ERP system for small businesses

Since an ERP system streamlines critical functions like accounting, inventory, customer relations, and HR, it can be a game-changer for small businesses. The best small business ERP systems save time, reduce errors, and provide valuable insights to help smaller companies grow. 

Some other benefits include: 

• Improved productivity: An ERP automates tedious tasks like data entry and order processing, freeing up employees to focus on higher-value activities that drive sales and growth.
• Quick reporting: An ERP system provides real-time data and customizable reports. This allows you to track everything from inventory levels to sales performance and make data-driven decisions faster.
• Better growth opportunities: By giving you a consolidated view of your business health, an ERP can help you identify areas for improvement and capitalize on new opportunities. For example, you can use sales data to target specific markets or optimize inventory levels to avoid stockouts.
• Accurate data management: Say goodbye to scattered spreadsheets. An ERP creates a single source of truth for all your business data, eliminating errors and inconsistencies that can lead to costly mistakes.
• Compliance: An ERP can help ensure you stay compliant with ever-changing tax laws and industry regulations by automating reporting and streamlining data collection.
• Increased flexibility: Many ERP systems are cloud-based, allowing you to access your data and manage your business from anywhere, on any device. This scalability also makes it easier to adapt to changing needs as your business grows.

How to choose an ERP system for your small business

Choosing the right ERP is crucial for optimizing your business processes. However, with a vast array of options available, selecting the best ERP for your small business can feel daunting. Here are five key tips to guide you through this selection process:

1. Assign an ERP team

Implementing an ERP successfully requires a collaborative effort. Assemble a cross-departmental team representing departments like finance, sales, inventory, and IT. This team will be responsible for choosing the system, overseeing implementation, and ensuring its smooth adoption across the company.

2. Consider system factors

Beyond basic functionality, evaluate how the software would serve your small business. Here are some key questions about each element of the software:

• Cost: How much does the system cost upfront and over time (subscriptions, maintenance, etc.)?
• Scalability: Can the solution grow with your business?
• Integrations: Does it integrate with your existing software (e.g., CRM, email marketing)?
• Reporting: Does it offer robust reports and dashboards for informed decision-making?
• Usability: Is it easy for your team to learn and use?
• Accessibility: Can you access the system from anywhere, on any device?
• Security: Does the system have strong data security measures in place?

3. Choose a system type

There are three main types of small business ERPs to consider, each with advantages:

• On-premise: This traditional option installs the software on your servers, giving you complete control over your data. However, maintenance requires a significant upfront investment in hardware and IT expertise.
• Cloud-based: Cloud ERPs are hosted by the vendor and accessible via the internet. This is a popular choice for small businesses due to its affordability, scalability, and minimal IT burden. Your data is secure in the cloud, and updates happen automatically.
• Hybrid: A hybrid ERP is a combination of an on-premise and cloud-based system. This option offers more control than a pure cloud solution but may require more in-house IT expertise than a fully hosted option. Consider a hybrid model if you have specific data security needs or rely heavily on existing on-premise software.

4. Request a demo or free trial

Don’t just pick a system based on features you see listed on their website! Most ERP systems offer product demos or even free trials. This allows your team to test-drive the software and see if it’s a good fit for your workflow and user needs. During the trial, identify features you find helpful and areas that might be cumbersome or confusing.

5. Identify implementation roadblocks

Be realistic about potential challenges during implementation. ERP systems can be customized to fit your specific needs, but extensive customization can add time and cost. Another hurdle can be team resistance to change. Open communication and thorough training are key to ensuring a smooth transition.

Scale your small business with Cin7

As a system specifically designed for the needs of small and midsize businesses, Cin7 is the perfect ERP solution to help grow your small business. With robust inventory management, seamless accounting integrations, and other powerful business integration tools, Cin7 can help your business run more efficiently.

Frequently asked questions

Can small businesses use ERP?

Yes, small businesses can use ERP systems. There are now affordable and user-friendly options specifically designed to meet the needs of small businesses.

How do I choose the best ERP for my small business?

The best ERP for your small business depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like system features, scalability, cost (including upfront and ongoing fees), and ease of use.

Are ERP systems good for small businesses?

Yes, ERP systems can be very beneficial for small businesses. They can help you improve efficiency by automating tasks and streamlining workflows as well as help you make data-driven decisions based on real-time insights.

What are the different types of ERP systems?

The different types of ERP systems include on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid. The type you choose depends on your security and accessibility requirements.

How much does an ERP system cost for a small business?

Costs can vary depending on features, deployment type (cloud vs. on-premise), and number of users. Cloud-based ERPs are often more affordable for small businesses, with pricing models that scale based on usage.

What is the easiest ERP system to use?

Many cloud-based ERP systems are designed with user-friendliness in mind, with intuitive interfaces and features that require minimal training. When evaluating different options, request a demo or free trial to see which system feels most comfortable for your team.

Can QuickBooks be used as an ERP?

Yes, QuickBooks can be used as an ERP, but it may not offer the full range of functionalities found in a true ERP system, like inventory management, CRM, or advanced reporting.