Choosing ERP package: which system suits your company?
With an ERP package, 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 package that fits seamlessly with your business processes and growth goals.
What exactly is an ERP package?
An ERP (enterprise resource planning) package is software that integrates and centralizes various business processes into one system. These include processes such as inventory management, finance, production planning, customer management and logistics.
Thanks to an ERP system, all departments within your company have the same up-to-date information, making collaboration easier and preventing errors. This allows business processes to run more efficiently, saves time and costs, and improves decision-making.
Logres supports you not only in choosing the right package, but also in its successful implementation.
Why switch to an ERP package?
- More efficient operations: Automate manual tasks and avoid double entry.
- Up-to-date information: Real-time insight helps you make faster and better decisions.
- Collaboration without barriers: Departments work from the same up-to-date data.
- Cost savings: Through optimization of processes and better control of resources.
Which ERP package suits your company?
Not every ERP system is right for every organization. The size of your company, the complexity of your processes and the industry in which you operate determine the ideal choice. At Logres, we especially help SMBs make the best choice.
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 some big players, but also many smaller providers with packages specifically tailored to certain industries. Logres clients, for example, have often dealt with ERP vendors specializing in the chemical, food or packaging industries.
| 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 in case of 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
ERP for SMEs: what to look out for?
Easy integration
Fits seamlessly within your current systems and software.
User-friendly system
Easy to use for quick adoption by employees.
Scalable solution
Flexible and easily adaptable to the growth of your business.
Clear costs
Transparent and affordable investment with no hidden costs.
Choosing ERP package - what should you pay attention to?
It is not uncommon to think long and carefully about choosing an erp package. This is very appropriate, because implementing an erp package in your organization can be a drastic change to your day-to-day operations. Moreover, you want your investment to be profitable.
The expected implementation time makes you reluctant to make the wrong choice. Our consultants have dealt with it more often and can answer many of your questions from their own experience. We collected seven golden tips for a successful ERP selection:
Determine what you need
An RFI (Request For Information) document is a way to make a quick shuffle between suitable and less suitable software systems. You don't necessarily have to do this yourself: our consultants can help you prepare such an RFI.
2. Learn from industry peers
Walk into a friend's company - if possible - and ask if the employees there are satisfied and what tips they have for you.
3. Let the system adapt to you
An ERP package should make your business processes easier, not harder. Do you have to adapt too much? Then the ERP package is apparently unable to meet this expectation and thus not a good choice for you.
4. Keep it simple
ERP packages often have many options. But can you narrow down these choices to the options you need? The implementation of an ERP package often goes much faster if users are not soon bogged down in a forest of options that are not used in practice.
5. Involve your employees
Of course: you don't want the selection process to be long and syrupy. However, the success of the implementation often depends on the support of your people. Your people on the shop floor often come up with good input, have the necessary process knowledge and commitment ensures support.
6. Use your common sense
Endless lists of pros and cons are sometimes unnecessary when you soberly and critically weigh two or three ERP packages against each other.
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 to your organization?
| 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 management of production processes. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Project Management | Planning, budget management and administrative control 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 businesses from one system. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Marketing & Communications | Management of marketing campaigns and customer communications. | – | ✔️ |
| Service & maintenance | Service contracts, maintenance planning and after-sales management. | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Implementing ERP: how to do it successfully?
An ERP implementation is more than installing software. At Logres, we have a structured approach in which we map out your specific business processes and involve your employees intensively every step of the way.
Learn more about our approach to discover how we ensure support, avoidance of resistance and a seamless transition to the new system.
This is how Logres operates:
- Introduction: We like to get to know you and your business first to understand what your business needs. This can take place in person or online, possibly with multiple calls.
- Demo: Based on your company profile, we show which ERP package and complementary solutions best fit your needs.
- Proof of concept: When in doubt, we provide additional assurance by further elaborating and testing specific topics in detail.
- Business Blueprint: We map your business processes, match them with the chosen ERP system and together determine the optimal set-up.
- 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 ERP packages depends on various factors, such as:
- Number of users and required licenses.
- Modules and Level of Customization.
- Implementation Costs and Support.
- Maintenance and support.
Wholesale is specifically designed for wholesalers and trading companies, with in-depth functionality for inventory management, purchasing processes and sales optimization.
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
SAP Business One stands out for its user-friendliness, extensive functionality, and flexibility across various industries, such as manufacturing, logistics, and wholesale.
Wholesale is specifically designed for wholesalers and trading companies, with in-depth functionality for inventory management, purchasing processes and sales optimization.
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 buy-in. And with quality training and support from Logres, you can ensure that your new ERP system is adopted quickly and effectively. This helps you avoid pitfalls and get the most out of your investment.
Why Choose Logres?
- Specialist in ERP solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.
- A clear approach focused on your processes.
- Expert advice and comprehensive support.
- Proven expertise in ERP implementations.
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, purchasing, manufacturing, logistics and inventory management. The goal is to streamline internal processes and make them more efficient.
A CRM system focuses precisely on managing customer relationships. It supports sales, marketing and customer contact by centrally storing information about leads, customer conversations and quotations, for example.
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 the processes, the number of modules deployed and the degree 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.
In addition, the involvement of your team also plays a role: the better the preparation and cooperation, the smoother and faster the implementation usually goes. At Logres we work with a structured approach and clear planning, so you know in advance what to expect.
Is ERP expensive?
ERP requires an investment, but 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 map out which processes the ERP system must 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: Pay attention to whether the system is adaptable to your organization, or vice versa.
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Support: Involve employees from the beginning. Their input is valuable and increases the chances of a successful implementation.
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Limit complexity: Focus on the modules you really need, instead of trying to use all the options.
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.
Wondering how an ERP system actually triggers innovation? Read our blog: Innovate? 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 package
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).