In the post-pandemic era, digital transformation is given more precedence than ever. Brands are, therefore, implementing robust ERP solutions to keep abreast with the evolving market. In fact, the worldwide ERP market is expected to make $86.30 billion by the year 2027.
Now, does your company –
- Use a separate software package for its manufacturing processes and a separate package for accounting?
- Personnel loses precious time entering the same data into more than one system?
- Have loads and loads of spreadsheets to deal with manually?
- Run an in-house system that is exposed to several risks?
If yes, then you need Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technology. But that can be a problem as the G2 platform showcases over 400 ERP companies fighting for attention.
Top 10 ERP Technologies to Consider in 2022
Don’t fret! Compiled below are the top 10 ERP technologies for 2022 chosen based on criteria such as ease of usability, suitability for organizational sizes, integration with third-party apps, scalability, and overall performance.
1. SAP ERP – Best for All Kinds of Businesses
Source: Dreamstime
The German juggernaut, SAP, is also a legacy vendor, dominating the market since 1972. This ERP system’s problem was convincing users of the on-premise S4/HANA to migrate to the SAP cloud.
Thankfully, with the launch of Rise – a program designed to help customers learn about cloud migration – the tide has again turned in favor of SAP. In fact, the company’s CEO, Christian Klein, is expecting cloud revenue to reach a whopping $25 billion by 2025.
Both emerging players and well-established ones such as Pfizer, Phillip Morris, and Johnson & Johnson use SAP for enterprise resource planning.
With that being said, let’s condense the top features of SAP ERP –
- Financial management
- Sales and customer management
- Purchasing and inventory control
- Business intelligence
- Analytics and reporting
Some top reasons SAP is among the leading ERP technologies of 2022 –
- Advanced Analytics using AI and ML, which reduces time-to-market
- Mobile-friendly to keep track of information on-the-go
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks, NetSuite, MS Dynamics, and similar software
- Constant innovations and upgrades
- Fewer customizations needed
- Low-risk implementation methodology
Keep in mind these downsides as well –
- Business re-alignment may be needed
- High cost of integration
2. Microsoft Dynamics 365 – Best for Scaling through Strong CRM
Source: Cosmoconsult
Before Dynamics, Microsoft was a household name for its Office 365 suite. Over the years, the company has successfully created a one-stop solution for all CRM + ERP needs – enter the Dynamics 365 ERP.
The MS Dynamics 365 ERP may not be suitable for all types of businesses. Just look at some of the company’s top clients, and you’ll get the picture – L’Oreal, Mercedes-Benz, Coca-Cola, Miami HEAT, etc.
So, what features place MS Dynamics 365 among the leading ERP technologies in 2022?
- Data unification through integration with LinkedIn Sales Navigator
- Personalized sales documents
- Augmented predictive forecasting
- Intuitive tools such as Outlook, Excel, and SharePoint to streamline workflows
- Flow visualizations and snapshots for pipeline tracking and analysis
Here are the benefits of MS Dynamics 365 ERP –
- Seamless integration with Zoho, Shopify, QuickBooks, etc.
- Easy to access, use, and implement
- Wholly customizable
- Constant upgrades
- Adaptable to business needs
- Better customer experience
Also, take a look at some snags –
- High cost of implementation and integration
- Advanced features not so intuitive
- Some features might be difficult to understand
3. Oracle ERP Cloud – Best for Risk Management
Source: Cross
Not investing in risk management is perhaps the riskiest thing a business can do, and Oracle understood this need before others. Yes, this ERP solution scores better than SAP in this area.
With top risk management features such as SoD Analytics and deep access, automated ERP configuration, AI-driven audit and fraud monitoring, etc., Oracle stands by its motto of “can’t break it, can’t break in.”
Some of the top clients of this ERP solution include LinkedIn, Facebook, Cisco, Motorola, Arrow Electronics, and more.
Here are the top features Oracle boasts of as one of the best ERP technologies in 2022 –
- Order management
- Risk management, governance, and compliance
- Accounting
- Enterprise performance management
- Revenue recognition
- Procurement
The main benefits of using Oracle ERP are –
- Complete business view through real-time insights into every department
- Easy automation of manual processes
- Enhanced collaboration
- Top-class risk management
- A vast range of business requirements supported with minimal configuration
Some drawbacks are as follows –
- A clunky dashboard that might make navigation difficult
- Lack of native connectors to other systems
4. IFS Applications ERP – Best for Project and Asset Management
Source: Facebook
This European-based company might be a reasonably new player in the ERP market, but one that is outperforming itself with each passing year.
IFS Applications ERP is not for every business out there; neither is the company trying to be everything to everyone. The software is mainly suitable for businesses operating in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.
Features that make IFS ERP one of the most developing ERP technologies –
- Sales and service
- Human capital management
- Project management
- Supply chain and manufacturing management
- Financial management
Why choose IFS ERP for your organization?
- Mobile-friendly interface
- Solid asset and project management capabilities
- Easy integration with MS Dynamics 365, FYIsoft, etc.
- Compatible with different industrial needs
There can be some drawbacks, like –
- Lack of dashboard
- High-volume and complex warehouse management is unavailable
5. Deltek Vision ERP – Best for Professional Services Firms
Source: Research
Efficient project management can be unnerving, as profits are directly linked to project cycles. Deltek Vision is also a highly focused ERP tool that aims at helping project managers. It offers real-time insights that help early identification of problems and easy resolution.
The solution includes a single system for tracking resource planning, project management, and financial data. This ERP solution can cater to the needs of all sizes of businesses and is available both as a cloud-based as well as an on-premise solution.
Here are some top features of the Vision ERP –
- Risk, Modeling, and Schedule Quality
- Resource management
- Winsight analytics
- Earned value management
- Project visibility and control
- Resource planning
What makes Vision ERP one of the top ERP technologies –
- Seamless integration with various third-party apps
- Project management solutions based on industry verticals
- Top-class customer support
- Excellent security
Here are some downsides to also consider –
- Slow and time-consuming
- Clunky and not-so-friendly UI
6. Acumatica ERP – Best UI in Terms of Ease of Use
Source: Swktech
If you’re looking for a cloud-based ERP solution that can be deployed in both the public and private cloud, then Acumatica should be your pick. Such a flexible deployment model has enabled the company to earn top clients such as Mozaic, Erickson International, etc.
Given the system’s well-balanced features, it’s important to remember that this ERP solution is best suited for small to mid-sized enterprises. As such, scalability is again a strong area for Acumatica.
Given below are the top features of the Acumatica ERP –
- Financial management
- Retail eCommerce
- Construction and distribution
- Project accounting
- Field service
You should choose Acumatica because of benefits like –
- UI that is easy to use and understand
- Excellent scalability
- Over 200 third-party app integrations
- Highly customizable
- Top-notch deployment versatility
Are there any downsides to this ERP? Yes –
- Confusing pricing
- Time-consuming and confusing implementation
7. Epicor ERP – Best for Mid-Sized Enterprises
Source: Mis-c
If there is one ERP company that has narrowed down its niche to the T, it is Epicor. Focusing solely on the scalability of mid-sized or challenger-stage firms, Epicor is an end-to-end solution to their needs.
Again, though the solution is well-adjusted to various industry verticals, it fits the manufacturing sector’s needs like a glove. From Make-to-Order (MTO) to mixed-mode, all requirements are covered.
Some of the top features of Epicor ERP include –
- Human capital management
- Production management
- Project management
- Supply chain management
- Financial management
- Planning and scheduling
Here’s why Epicor made it to the list of top 10 ERP technologies for 2022 –
- Deployment flexibility
- Highly collaborative via modular and connected systems
- Advanced analytics and IoT for real-time scalability
- Mobile service management
Some cons of the software to remember –
- Not designed for immense volumes of data
- Complex implementation and customization
8. Sage Intacct – Best for Automation of Complex Processes
Source: Dsdinc
Sage Intacct seems to be the ERP with the most adventurous spirit. From the most basic business processes to the most complex ones, Sage Intacct boasts of taking care of them all.
In fact, the company considers itself the answer to firms wanting to outgrow entry-level solutions offered by QuickBooks and those wanting to replace the obsolete on-premise MS Dynamics system.
So, what features does it boast? Take a look –
- Accounting and business processes
- Live dashboards with real-time reporting
- Revenue recognition
- Financial management
- Advanced expense and time management
Why is Sage Intacct popular as one of the top ERP technologies?
- Easy to implement and use
- Instant insight into business growth through 24×7 access to real-time information
- Configuration capabilities that offer business flexibility
- Highly scalable as per business needs
- Reduced IT costs
Some cons of the software include –
- Not too intuitive
- High learning curve
9. Odoo ERP – Best in Terms of Operational Capabilities
Source: Solutionsoodles
Again, a new name in the ERP space, Odoo has successfully built a global client base of over 5 million users. This open-source CRM + ERP software is suitable for small to mid-sized businesses.
Given the full range of its offerings, some top clients of the company include Pentaho, OpenBravo, Ada International, and Agile Business Group, among others.
Some key features that rank it among the top ERP technologies are –
- Sales and service
- Accounting
- HR & payroll
- Manufacturing and inventory control
- Project management
Top reasons for the software’s market growth include –
- Cost-effective ERP software
- One-stop-management solution
- Constant innovations and updates
- Easy to set up and use
- Scalable as per the organization
There are a few snags as well –
- Maintenance issues
- Limited customer support
10. Infor ERP – Best for Scalable Automation
Source: Information
If you’re looking for great features on a budget, then Infor ERP is among the best ERP technologies. It is best suited for the manufacturing sector, specifically for mixed-mode and discrete manufacturers. Still, it has modules that can cater to different industry verticals.
Plus, if you have never used an ERP before, Infor’s interface is intuitive and comfortable enough to navigate easily. What’s more, the company offers full mobile support to help you with implementation.
Some top features of Infor ERP include –
- Human resource management
- Manufacturing management
- Inventory management
- Sales management
- Product technology
Succinctly putting, here are the top benefits of the software –
- Top-class user experience
- Enables advanced planning and scheduling
- Cost-effective
- Industry-specific solutions
- Easily customizable
There are certain drawbacks too –
- Complex due to high customization options
- Limited customer support
Most Common FAQs
1. What are some of the top benefits of using ERP technologies?
In a nutshell, ERP technologies enable you to have your company at your fingertips. With total visibility, you enjoy better customer service, improved analytics and reporting, data security, shorter sales cycles, and better efficiency.
2. How can I choose the best ERP system for my business?
Start by identifying your business’ current weaknesses and the goals for implementing an ERP solution. Once done, research and compare vendors serving your particular industry, ERP needs, etc. For this, look into the history and client base of the vendor.
Set up demos from each of the selected vendors, and finally, check the pricing and implementation policies (the features mentioned above, pros, and cons will help you understand the drift!).
3. Are there any risks involved with ERP technologies?
Some risks could include not choosing the right ERP solution for your business, insufficient staff training, lack of proper technical infrastructure, and unavailability of team leaders.
Let’s Wrap Up!
So there you have it; a massive zoom-in to the top 10 ERP technologies for 2022 and each of their salient features. The best part of the above listicle is that the featured ERP software’s benefits span company sizes, industry verticals, organizational needs, etc.
In a nutshell, you should be able to find the ERP solution that is a bang for the buck for your business’s unique requirements.