Choosing an ERP package: Which system is right for your business?
An ERP system helps you work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. But how do you choose the right ERP system for your organization? At Logres, we help you find the best ERP system that seamlessly aligns with your business processes and growth goals.
What exactly is an ERP package?
An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is software that integrates and centralizes various business processes into a single system. These include processes such as inventory management, finance, production planning, customer management, and logistics.
An ERP system ensures that all departments within your company have access to the same up-to-date information, which facilitates collaboration and prevents errors. This allows business processes to run more efficiently, saves you time and money, and improves decision-making.
Are you still using accounting software? Then read about what changes when you switch from accounting software to SAP Business One.
Logres not only helps you choose the right package, but also ensures its successful implementation.
Why switch to an ERP system?
- More Efficient Business Operations: Automate Manual Tasks and Avoid Duplicate Data Entry.
- Up-to-date information: real-time insights help you make faster and better decisions.
- Collaborate without barriers: departments work from the same up-to-date data.
- Save costs: through process optimization and better resource management.
Not sure if the time is right? Our knowledge base lists five signs that you’re ready for an ERP system. And once you’ve made the decision, our step-by-step guide to switching ERP systems will help you navigate the pitfalls.
Which ERP package is right for your business?
Not every ERP system is suitable for every organization. The size of your business, the complexity of your processes, and the industry in which you operate determine the ideal choice. At Logres, we primarily help small and medium-sized businesses make the best choice, and we’ve been doing so for over thirty years.
If you operate across borders, languages, currencies, and local VAT rules also come into play. You can read more about this in “The Best ERP for International Companies.”
If you’re specifically looking at SAP, you’ll quickly come across several packages. You can find out which ones they are and what types of companies they’re intended for on the page about the SAP ERP system.
What industry are you in?
Every industry has its own requirements: traceability, shelf life, batch registration, or fast order fulfillment. Find out what matters in your sector.
Wholesale
Import & ExportMachinesChemical raw materialsTechnical wholesalersPackagingFood & BeverageHealthService wholesale
Process Industry
Chemical industryPharmaFood & BeverageHealthPersonal careFeedPlastics
Do you handle your own manufacturing? Then the best ERP system for manufacturing companies will lay out your options for you.
Industry-specific ERP or all-round ERP?
Do you work in a specific niche and is it time to digitize your business processes? Then you are often faced with the choice between an ERP package specifically tailored to your industry or a larger ERP package that is partially customizable. But which is the best choice?
In the world of ERP packages, there are a few major players, but also many smaller providers offering packages specifically tailored to certain industries. For example, Logres’ clients have often dealt with ERP vendors that specialize in the chemical, food, or packaging industries.
In the knowledge base, you can read a more detailed comparison: an ERP package tailored to your industry or an all-around ERP package.
| Aspect | Industry-specific ERP | All-round ERP (SAP Business One) |
|---|---|---|
| Connection to processes | ✔️ Tailored to sector-specific workflows | ✔️ Flexible for various sectors |
| Laws and regulations | ✔️ Pre-configured for industry standards | ✔️ Customizable with add-ons |
| Implementation speed | ✔️ Often faster through standardization | ⚠️ More alignment needed |
| Scalability & flexibility | ❌ Limited when it comes to growth or changes | ✔️ Modular and scalable |
| Support & updates | ⚠️ Limited with smaller vendors | ✔️ Broad, international support |
| Vendor lock-in | ⚠️ High: depending on 1 supplier | ✔️ Low: large partner network worldwide |
A great custom ERP package
Flexibility and scalability are major advantages of larger software packages. Because all business processes can be managed from the same database, there is also greater flexibility. This ensures that all your employees are working with the same data, which offers significant benefits for collaboration and maintaining a clear overview within your company.
There are also many integrated add-ons available to customize the ERP package for your business. Knowledge of SAP Business One is widespread and international. This means you’re not locked in “forever,” and long-term support is well taken care of.
ERP for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: What Should You Look For?
1. Easy integration
Integrates seamlessly with your current systems and software.
2. User-friendly system
Easy to use for quick adoption by employees.
3. Scalable Solution
Flexible and easily adaptable to your company’s growth.
4. Clear Costs
A transparent and affordable investment with no hidden costs.
5. Local Support
Direct communication with people who know your business, even after the system goes live.
6. Future-proof
Updates and new features, so you won’t have to switch again in five years.
Choosing an ERP Package: 7 Helpful Tips
It’s not uncommon for companies to give a great deal of careful thought to choosing an ERP system. And rightly so, because implementing an ERP system in your organization can be a major change to your day-to-day operations. Plus, you want to make sure your investment pays off.
Given the expected implementation time, you’ll want to avoid making the wrong choice. Our consultants have been doing this work for over thirty years and can answer many of your questions based on their own experience. We’ve compiled seven golden tips for a successful ERP selection:
1. Determine what you need
An RFI (Request for Information) document is a way to quickly narrow down the options between suitable and less suitable software systems. You don’t necessarily have to do this yourself: our consultants can help you draft an RFI.
2. Learn from industry peers
If possible, stop by a company you know and ask if the employees there are satisfied and what advice they have for you.
3. Let the system adapt to you
An ERP package should simplify your business processes, not complicate them. Do you have to make too many adjustments? If so, the ERP package is apparently unable to meet this expectation and is therefore not a good choice for you.
4. Keep it simple
ERP packages often offer a wide range of features. But can you narrow down those choices to just the options you actually need? Implementing an ERP package often goes much more smoothly if users aren’t bogged down by a jungle of options that won’t actually be used in practice.
5. Involve your employees
Of course, you don’t want the selection process to be long and drawn-out. However, the success of the implementation often depends on the support of your employees. They often provide valuable input, have the necessary process knowledge, and their involvement ensures buy-in.
6. Use your common sense
Endless lists of pros and cons aren’t always necessary when you objectively and critically compare two or three ERP packages. The comparison between SAP Business One and Exact Online Premium clearly illustrates how such a comparison works.
7. Ask for a customized demo
Challenge us to give you a demo based on a business case you provide.
Which ERP modules are important for your organization?
An ERP package consists of modules. Which ones you need depends on your processes. You’ll find a complete overview in the ERP Modules from A to Z, and for trading companies, the best ERP system for purchasing and sales gets right to the heart of the matter.
| ERP module | Description | SAP Business One | Wholesale |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRM | Customer management, sales opportunities, and marketing automation. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Financial | Accounting, reporting, invoicing, and financial administration. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Procurement Management | Management of procurement processes and suppliers. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Production Planning / Assembly | Planning, work orders, and production process management. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Project Management | Planning, budget management, and administrative oversight of projects. | ✔️ | – |
| Sales Management | Quotes, order management, and customer relationship management. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Analyses & reports | Advanced dashboards and reports for management insights. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Inventory Management & Logistics | Optimization of inventory levels and warehouse management. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Integration | Seamless integration with existing systems and applications. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Inter-Store & Intercompany | Manage multiple branches and companies from a single system. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Marketing & Communications | Management of marketing campaigns and customer communications. | – | ✔️ |
| Service & maintenance | Service contracts, maintenance scheduling, and after-sales management. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Click on a checkmark to view the module.
Implementing ERP: How Do You Do It Successfully?
An ERP implementation is more than just installing software. At Logres, we take a structured approach in which we map out your specific business processes and actively involve your employees in every step of the process. This approach has been shaped over more than thirty years by the projects we’ve completed.
Learn more about our approach to discover how we build buy-in, avoid resistance, and ensure a seamless transition to the new system.
Here’s how Logres works
- Introduction: We’d like to get to know you and your business first to understand what your company needs. This can take place in person or online, possibly involving several meetings.
- Demo: Based on your company profile, we’ll show you which ERP package and additional solutions best meet your needs.
- Proof of Concept: When in doubt, we provide additional certainty by further developing specific topics and testing them in detail.
- Business Blueprint: We map out your business processes, align them with the chosen ERP system, and work with you to determine the optimal configuration.
- Business Software Implementation: We carry out the implementation carefully, with clear agreements and a structured, pragmatic approach.
- Go-Live: During the go-live phase, we are closely involved, train employees, and ensure a smooth transition with a backup plan.
- Support Desk Assistance: After the system goes live, we offer full support through our support desk for user questions and technical issues.
- Further Development and Optimization: We provide proactive advice for continued growth and digitization, taking into account updates and new features.
ERP Package Costs: What Factors Affect the Price?
The cost of an ERP package depends on various factors, such as:
- Number of users and required licenses.
- Modules and Level of Customization.
- Implementation Costs and Support.
- Maintenance and support.
An ERP system requires an investment, but delaying the decision also costs money. Read why inaction is more expensive than you think, or learn how to make smarter choices using cost scenarios in SAP Business One.
Cloud, on-premises, or hybrid ERP?
Cloud ERP
Hosted in the cloud, lower startup costs, flexible scalability.
On-premise ERP
In-house management of servers and data, higher initial costs, greater control.
Hybrid ERP
A combination of cloud-based and on-premises solutions, with flexible customization options.
Logres' ERP solutions: SAP Business One and Wholesale
Current ERP trends to consider
- AI and automation: Smart ERP systems are automating increasingly complex tasks, such as inventory forecasting and invoice processing.
- Mobile Access and Apps: User-friendly mobile apps are becoming increasingly important, giving employees real-time access to business data anytime, anywhere.
- Sustainability and ESG: ERP modules for sustainability (ESG) reporting, which are becoming increasingly important for modern organizations.
More about ERP trends
Common Mistakes in ERP Selection (and How to Avoid Them)
Choosing an ERP package isn’t something you do every day. Many companies make the same mistakes in this process, such as lacking clear goals, insufficient support from employees, and a lack of training and guidance.
By clearly defining your goals in advance, you can avoid confusion and disappointment later on. Involving employees early on also fosters enthusiasm and builds support.
And with quality training and support from Logres, you can ensure that your new ERP system is implemented quickly and effectively. This helps you avoid pitfalls and get the most out of your investment.
Why Choose Logres?
You’ll choose an ERP package only a few times in your career. The company that implements it will then determine—for years to come—the difference between a system that works for you and one that gets in the way.
Since 1993, Logres has been guiding small and medium-sized businesses through exactly that step, in the wholesale and process industries. Over thirty years of experience has yielded something you can’t get from a demo: the pattern behind the question. Where a standard package will fall short, where customization pays for itself, and where you’re better off adjusting your own workflow.
You don’t realize the value of an ERP partner until something doesn’t go according to plan. If you operate in batches, this article about ERP implementation partners for the process industry will help you make that decision.
In practice, this means consultants who want to understand your processes first before discussing software. Consultants who aren’t afraid to tell you when something isn’t a good idea. And a support team that sticks with you after the system goes live—because that’s when the real work begins.
Where off-the-shelf solutions fall short, custom extensions have been developed over the years—specifically for the processes in these industries that operate slightly differently than the software was originally intended.
Curious to know who you’re dealing with? On the “About Logres” page, you can read about the company’s history, meet the specialists, and in the customer testimonials, companies themselves share their experiences with the process.
Getting Started with ERP?
Discover how Logres can support your company in choosing and implementing the ideal ERP package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ERP and CRM?
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) are both business systems, but they focus on different aspects of the organization.
An ERP system supports and integrates multiple business processes, such as finance, procurement, production, logistics, and inventory management. The goal is to streamline internal processes and make them more efficient.
A CRM system, on the other hand, focuses specifically on managing customer relationships. It supports sales, marketing, and customer contact by, for example, centrally storing information about leads, customer conversations, and quotes.
In short: ERP helps your business run more smoothly internally, while CRM helps you manage customer relationships more effectively externally. Modern ERP solutions, such as SAP Business One, often include a CRM module.
Does every business need ERP?
Not every business necessarily needs an ERP system right away, but as your organization grows, the likelihood that an ERP solution will become indispensable increases. For example, do you work with different systems or Excel files that require a lot of manual work and are prone to errors? If so, an ERP system can be the solution.
An ERP system integrates and streamlines business processes such as finance, inventory management, sales, purchasing, and production. It provides a single source of truth and helps you work more efficiently, make better data-driven decisions, and remain scalable.
For smaller businesses or startups, ERP may still be “overkill,” but as soon as your processes become more complex or your organization grows faster, ERP becomes a logical step toward professionalization and gaining control over your business operations.
How long does an ERP implementation take?
The duration of an ERP implementation varies by organization and depends on factors such as the size of the company, the complexity of its processes, the number of modules deployed, and the extent of customization.
On average, implementation takes between 3 and 12 months. A relatively simple implementation at an SME can be completed within a few months, while larger or more complex projects require more time.
Your team’s involvement also plays a role: the better the preparation and collaboration, the smoother and faster the implementation usually goes. At Logres, we use a structured approach and clear planning so that you know exactly what to expect from the start.
Is ERP expensive?
ERP requires an investment, but it usually pays for itself quickly through cost savings and increased efficiency.
What should I pay attention to when choosing an ERP package?
Choosing an ERP package is a strategic choice that has a big impact on your organization. Therefore, think carefully about what the system should be able to do and how it connects to your processes. Important points of interest:
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Functional Requirements: Clearly identify which processes the ERP system needs to support. An RFI (Request for Information) can help with this.
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Industry experience: See what similar companies are using and ask about their experiences.
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User-Friendliness: An ERP system should make your work easier, not more complicated.
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Flexibility: Make sure the system can be adapted to your organization—not the other way around.
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Support: Involve employees from the start. Their input is valuable and increases the likelihood of a successful implementation.
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Reduce complexity: Focus on the modules you really need, rather than trying to use every single option.
What are common pitfalls in ERP selection (and how to avoid them)?
Many companies put off choosing an ERP package for a long time, often due to cold feet. Doubts such as "What if it doesn't work?" or "What if it doesn't fit our way of working?" are understandable, but unnecessary if you start well prepared. Common mistakes:
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Not setting clear goals.
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Engaging too late or too few employees.
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Staring blindly at functionalities instead of process improvement.
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Too much customization of the package, or, on the contrary, too rigid adherence to old ways of working.
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Insufficient training and guidance.
Want to make sure you're in the right place? Request a demo from us based on your own practical case. That way you can immediately see whether the package really suits you.
How does an ERP package stimulate innovation in my company?
Innovation often starts with letting go of outdated processes - and this is precisely where a flexible ERP package plays a key role. Modern ERP systems make it possible to work more efficiently, break down silos between departments and start new projects faster. This creates room for innovation, cooperation and growth.
Curious about how an ERP system actually drives innovation? Read our blog: Innovation? It starts with a good ERP package
What human errors can you prevent with an ERP package?
In organizations with many manual processes - such as order processing, inventory management and communication between departments - mistakes are often made that cost time, money and customer satisfaction. Think improperly picked products, incorrect stock levels, missed order changes or lost documents.
With a good ERP package, you digitize and automate these processes, making information centrally available and minimizing errors. That means less frustration on the work floor and a more professional customer experience.
Wondering exactly what mistakes you can avoid? Read our blog: 7 Human Errors You Can Prevent with an ERP System
Is it better to choose an industry-specific ERP package or a flexible all-round system?
It depends on your situation. Sector-specific ERP packages are often strongly geared to the processes, legislation and peculiarities within your sector, think of chemicals, food or packaging. The strength lies in recognizability and built-in industry knowledge.
At the same time, these packages come with risks: limited support, little flexibility and sometimes no full integration with other systems, such as your accounting.
An alternative is a flexible ERP package such as SAP Business One. This offers more scalability, broader functionality and can be customized. Thanks to its modular structure and broad support, you are not only looking at today, but also at the future of your organization.
Not sure which ERP system is right for a business of your size? Learn more about the ERP system for small and medium-sized businesses (5 to 250 employees).