What is an ERP system?
An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is a software suite typically for mid / large-sized businesses that manages and integrates key business functions, including marketing, accounting, sales, costing, strategic planning, and the delivery of manufactured and service-based products.
While there are many reasons to look seriously at an ERP system I have found these are some of the most expressed:
- Improving internal business processes.
- Improving company performance.
- Reducing IT expenses and labor costs.
- Improving interactions between internal employees and external organizations.
If this is you and your small to medium-sized company,I have some good news. Below is a great resource to start your journey of choosing an ERP.
Top 4 Enterprise Resource Planning Solutions You Should Consider.
While there are literally hundreds if not thousands of ERP solutions to choose from, the below 4 Enterprise Resource Planning solutions are by far the most asked about at Coolearth Software. Let’s take a peek:
Northlake Partners, Northscope ERP – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A very focused ERP solution. Not trying to be everything to everyone. Northscope ERP takes a hands-on approach to customizing a solution. Let’s face it, no two F&B companies are the same and flexibility is crucial.
Northscope ERP software offers step-by-step guidance for food manufacturers, giving them the tools to build their business. Their software is reasonably priced, easy to use, industry-specific, flexible and fully supported. Five stars for focus, flexibility and support. Resource: NLP
Infrastructure: On-Premise, Remote
Website: https://thenlp.com/
Pricing: Free consultation to discover needs and pricing
QuickBooks Enterprise ERP – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
An entry level ERP designed for companies that find traditional ERP solutions cumbersome and bloated for their needs. QuickBooks Enterprise is a robust, end-to-end management solution.
They offer integrated additional features into an industry standard solution such as QuickBooks delivering all the functionality you need at a fraction of the price of a traditional ERP typically. Rated 4 stars for QuickBooks (large base and support) integration but they have pricey plans not conducive for small businesses. Resource: Cloudwalks
Infrastructure: On-Premise and Cloud Based
Website: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/enterprise/erp/
Pricing: (local and cloud) https://quickbooks.intuit.com/desktop/enterprise/hosting-pricing/
ERPNext (open source) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Open-source, easy to use and customize, actively maintained, economical (the on-premise/self-hosted version is free) and well supported.
An open source, web-based business management system for small and medium businesses in professional services, health care, education, non-profit and agriculture that need to manage employee, customer and financial data. A cloud manufacturing ERP software that simplifies the production cycle, helps track material consumption, exhibits capacity planning, handles subcontracting, and more.
ERPNext is designed for self-implementation, and most companies don’t need any help. However, the company provides videos and other resources to assist with the implementation process. ERPNext offers organizations that sign up for paid accounts one-on-one sessions with its support team to help configure the system. 4 stars for price point and focus. Resource: Better Buys
Infrastructure: Cloud Based
Website: https://erpnext.com/
Pricing: https://erpnext.com/pricing
Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Business Central is a NAV-based ERP app that is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. In the Business Central ERP application, you will find all the tools necessary to manage accounting and backend operations, which also covers manufacturing, warehouse, and supply chain management.
Added bonus: Dynamics 365 is a Microsoft product and as a Microsoft product it integrates easily with other Microsoft programs your company is probably already using such as Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, or Word. With this seamless integration workforce productivity should improve. Rated 4 stars for small / mid-sized business focus and Office compatibility. Resource: EPC Group
Infrastructure: Cloud based and On-Premise
Website: https://dynamics.microsoft.com/en-us/business-central/overview/
Pricing: https://dynamics.microsoft.com/en-us/business-central/pricing/
In closing
While Coolearth Software isn’t an ERP company, we are always integrating with one. All in all the above ERPs would work for any F&B plant. It really boils down to you and your support teams comfort zone and in-house standardization.
Let us know if you would like to learn more about our solutions and any ERP integration you might be interested in. Give us a call at (206) 770-9061 (option 1)
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