Best ERP Systems for SME and Enterprise
The best ERP systems for small business, midsize business (SME) and enterprise. Compare the most important ERP software manufacturers. Find the top ERP companies for each industry.
ERP Systems for Small Business
ERP systems for small businesses map central business areas such as accounting, merchandise management, customer relationship management (CRM) and project management in a standardized solution. The aim is to reduce manual and duplicate work, automate simple processes and maintain an overview of the entire company – a clear advantage for small businesses with limited resources. The best-known ERP solutions for small businesses include Uniconta, Topix and Business Central (Microsoft Dynamics 365).
Some ERP software manufacturers already offer ERP software for the self-employed and micro-enterprises. This involves the simple handling of basic processes, particularly in the areas of merchandise management and finance (see also: Who needs ERP software? and also: What goals are achieved with ERP software?).
ERP Systems for Midsize Business (SME)
ERP systems for SMEs offer comprehensive functions for mapping almost all business areas such as finance, sales, purchasing, warehouse, production, customer relationship management (CRM) and human resources in one integrated solution. The focus here is on flexibility, scalability and seamless integration with other software solutions – ideal for dynamic and competitive companies with diverse requirements. The leading ERP systems in the SME sector include SAP (with Business One and Business ByDesign), Microsoft (with Dynamics 365 Business Central and Finance & Supply Chain Management), Abas ERP and Sage (various solutions).
The large ERP software manufacturers offer industry solutions for almost all sectors, while hundreds of smaller ERP providers have tailored their software to the requirements of one or more industries. The wide range of ERP solutions makes selecting the right software for SMEs a challenging task.
Best ERP Systems for Midsize Business (SME)
ERP Systems for Enterprise
ERP systems for large companies offer extensive, highly customizable functions to cover complex processes in all business areas. The global orientation of these solutions supports multinational corporations in managing international business processes across different locations and countries. Modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and process mining support data-based decisions in real time and are the central driver for digital transformation and innovation in large companies. Leading ERP solutions in this segment are SAP S/4HANA, Infor CloudSuite, Epicor Kinetic and Oracle ERP Cloud.
Best ERP Systems for Enterprise
Top 5 ERP Systems
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Compare the most important ERP systems
The following table gives you an overview of the company size and industry focus for which the most important ERP systems are suitable. It also shows that the major ERP software manufacturers offer several products with different target groups:
| ERP Company | Profile | Products | Target Group (Company Size) | Industry Focus |
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| SAP | SAP is the ERP market leader with highly scalable ERP systems for mapping complex, global business processes. Outstanding is the broad functional depth across all business areas and the high degree of innovation in the solutions. The platform automates reports, supports precise forecasts, and offers high security through integrated compliance tools. → more details |
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| Microsoft | Microsoft offers comprehensive ERP solutions with seamless integration into familiar Microsoft products like Office and Teams. The applications are particularly user-friendly, flexibly customizable, and easy to scale. The platform connects real-time data from various departments with intelligent agents for predictive analytics and process automation. → more details |
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| Sage | Sage focuses on simple, practical ERP solutions that adapt well to company-specific business processes. The systems impress with clear structures and lean processes that enable quick usage. → more details |
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| Infor | Infor impresses with industry-specific ERP systems focused on user-friendliness and visually appealing dashboards. The software enables particularly visual and role-based control of business processes. → more details |
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| Oracle | Oracle offers highly scalable ERP solutions with comprehensive functions for complex, international corporate structures. The integrated data structure enables excellent analysis, planning, and control functions. → more details |
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| Epicor | Epicor offers deeply integrated manufacturing control and real-time production data with its ERP solutions. The solution enables high transparency and control over all production-related processes. → more details |
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| Abas | Abas ERP offers comprehensive functionalities for manufacturing and logistics with high adaptability to specific process landscapes. Particularly noteworthy is the longevity of the solution while maintaining high upgrade capability. → more details |
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| Uniconta | Uniconta offers a lean, fast ERP solution with strong API integration for individual extensions. The platform provides high performance even with growing data volumes. → more details |
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| Topix | Topix offers an ERP solution with clear structure and high performance. Outstanding is the user-friendly design that enables intuitive work. → more details |
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SAP is the ERP market leader with highly scalable ERP systems for mapping complex, global business processes. Outstanding is the broad functional depth across all business areas and the high degree of innovation in the solutions. The platform automates reports, supports precise forecasts, and offers high security through integrated compliance tools.
→ more details Products:- SAP S/4HANA
- SAP Business One
- SAP Business ByDesign
- Mid-market
- Large enterprises
- Distribution
- Services
- Manufacturing
- Administration
Microsoft offers comprehensive ERP solutions with seamless integration into familiar Microsoft products like Office and Teams. The applications are particularly user-friendly, flexibly customizable, and easy to scale. The platform connects real-time data from various departments with intelligent agents for predictive analytics and process automation.
→ more details Products:- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations
- Mid-market
- Large enterprises
- Distribution
- Services
- Manufacturing
- Administration
Sage focuses on simple, practical ERP solutions that adapt well to company-specific business processes. The systems impress with clear structures and lean processes that enable quick usage.
→ more details Products:- Sage 100
- Sage 50
- Sage X3
- Small businesses
- Mid-market
- Distribution
- Services
- Manufacturing
- Administration
Infor impresses with industry-specific ERP systems focused on user-friendliness and visually appealing dashboards. The software enables particularly visual and role-based control of business processes.
→ more details Products:- Infor LN
- Infor M3
- Infor CloudSuite
- Mid-market
- Large enterprises
- Distribution
- Services
- Manufacturing
Oracle offers highly scalable ERP solutions with comprehensive functions for complex, international corporate structures. The integrated data structure enables excellent analysis, planning, and control functions.
→ more details Products:- Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP
- Oracle NetSuite
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Mid-market
- Large enterprises
- Distribution
- Services
- Manufacturing
- Administration
Epicor offers deeply integrated manufacturing control and real-time production data with its ERP solutions. The solution enables high transparency and control over all production-related processes.
→ more details Products:- Epicor Kinetic
- Epicor Prophet 21
- Mid-market
- Large enterprises
- Distribution
- Manufacturing
Abas ERP offers comprehensive functionalities for manufacturing and logistics with high adaptability to specific process landscapes. Particularly noteworthy is the longevity of the solution while maintaining high upgrade capability.
→ more details Products:- abas ERP
- Mid-market
- Large enterprises
- Manufacturing
Uniconta offers a lean, fast ERP solution with strong API integration for individual extensions. The platform provides high performance even with growing data volumes.
→ more details Products:- Uniconta
- Small businesses
- Mid-market
- Distribution
- Services
- Manufacturing
Topix offers an ERP solution with clear structure and high performance. Outstanding is the user-friendly design that enables intuitive work.
→ more details Products:- Topix ERP
- Small businesses
- Mid-market
- Distribution
- Services
- Manufacturing
ERP Systems in the US and UK
There are now more than 700 ERP system providers in the US and UK. ERP systems are used by small business, mid-sized enterprises as well as large enterprises. 95% of all companies with 20 or more employees use ERP software – as the studies cited in our ERP guide prove.
ERP Systems Global Market Share (Worldwide)
In terms of the number of global users with ERP systems, the largest market shares are held by ERP software manufacturers SAP (33.8%), Microsoft (8.5%), Odoo (5.9%) and Oracle (4.2%). They are followed by Workday, Sage and Infor. The remaining share is distributed among several thousand ERP providers worldwide.
The larger ERP software manufacturers often offer several industry-neutral ERP products, while the smaller ERP companies tend to specialize in one or more industries. Many ERP software manufacturers now mainly offer cloud ERP systems, but also classic on-premise software that is installed at the customer’s premises or at a hosting service provider. Our ERP guide takes a closer look at the topic of ERP cloud software.
ERP Systems US Market Share
The major players on the US market are ERP software manufacturers SAP (14.1%), Microsoft (14.1%), Oracle (14.1%) and Workday (14.1%) who have an equal share by number of users. Behind them, Infor, Sage, Epicor and Deltek have managed to secure a larger slice of the pie. The remaining share is covered by hundreds of other ERP vendors.
ERP Systems UK Market Share
The major players on the UK market by number of users are ERP companies SAP (19.7%), Microsoft (19.7%), Oracle (14.8%) and Sage (9.9%). Followed by ERP software manufacturers Infor, Epicor , Workday and Deltek who also play a significant role. The remaining share is covered by hundreds of other ERP vendors.
The Most Important ERP Software Manufacturers in Detail
ERP consulting companies regularly evaluate the most important ERP systems (just like we do). These rankings are not automatically a recommendation for your selection process, but the reasons for the ratings can provide you with interesting input for your project. This video evaluates 10 ERP systems: Infor CloudSuite, Oracle Fusion ERP Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP S/4HANA, Oracle NetSuite, IFS, Salesforce / Force, Epicor, Workday, Odoo.
Below we describe the most important ERP software manufacturers:
Small businesses, SMEs and large companies benefit from the solutions of the most important ERP system vendors. They are among the award-winning top ERP system providers for a wide range of industries.
SAP
SAP is the global market leader in the ERP sector with over 400,000 customers in more than 180 countries. The global partner network comprises several thousand certified implementation and sales partners.
SAP’s ERP portfolio is broadly based. SAP S/4HANA Cloud is aimed at large companies with complex requirements, while SAP Business ByDesign was designed specifically for the upper midmarket. SAP Business One is tailored to small and medium-sized companies and offers a streamlined entry into the SAP world.
SAP focuses on end-to-end digitization of all business processes – from finance and human resources to purchasing, production, customer service and supply chain. Innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning are also made accessible to smaller customers across the entire product portfolio.
Microsoft
Microsoft’s business applications are used by over 300,000 companies worldwide and are among the fastest growing ERP solutions in the midmarket and large enterprise segment. A broad partner network of over 10,000 certified providers ensures customized implementations in almost all industries.
The portfolio comprises several products, including Dynamics 365 Business Central for small and medium-sized companies and Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations for larger organizations with complex processes. All modules are closely integrated with the Microsoft world – in particular Microsoft 365, Teams and Power BI.
The focus is on seamless integration, intuitive usability and a high degree of flexibility in the cloud. Companies benefit from automation through AI functions, a modern user interface and the ability to model processes individually. Dynamics 365 is particularly attractive for companies that already work in the Microsoft ecosystem and are looking for a future-oriented, cloud-based ERP platform.
Oracle
Oracle is one of the largest providers of business software in the world, with over 28,000 ERP customers in more than 190 countries. The solution is mainly sold directly by Oracle, supplemented by numerous international implementation partners.
The flagship product is Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, which is aimed at medium-sized to large companies with complex, global requirements. In addition, NetSuite ERP is an independent cloud solution specifically for small and medium-sized companies with an international focus.
Oracle stands for deeply integrated ERP, HCM and SCM functionality in an end-to-end cloud-based architecture. The platform offers comprehensive reporting, planning and automation functions, which are supplemented by integrated AI functionalities. Companies benefit from high scalability, regulatory security, automated workflows and a globally proven system landscape – ideal for corporations, global SMEs and fast-growing companies with complex requirements.
Infor
Infor has over 65,000 customers worldwide and is active in more than 175 countries. The solutions are offered through its own sales channels and a broad partner network, particularly in the industrial, distribution and service sectors.
The most important products are Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine) for medium-sized manufacturing companies, Infor M3 for large international companies in the process industry and industry-specific CloudSuites for sectors such as fashion, food and automotive supply.
Infor focuses on so-called “industry clouds” – i.e. specially preconfigured solutions for individual industries. The platform is cloud-based, uses artificial intelligence (Infor Coleman) and is fully scalable via the AWS infrastructure. Customers benefit from industry-specific expertise, fast time-to-value, integrated analytics and a flexible architecture for international and complex requirements.
Sage
Sage has over 2 million customers worldwide, many of them in the small and medium-sized enterprise segment. The solutions are sold through more than 1,000 partners who offer individual consulting and industry solutions.
Sage offers various ERP products for different target groups: Sage 100 is aimed at small and medium-sized companies, while Sage X3 is designed in particular for larger medium-sized companies with an international focus. Both solutions can be modularly expanded and flexibly adapted.
The focus is on rapid implementation, comprehensive business management functionality and a high level of user-friendliness. Sage has been established for decades, particularly in the field of accounting and controlling. Companies appreciate its ease of use, high level of adaptability and process automation options. Sage ERP is particularly suitable for growing companies with high reporting and compliance requirements.
Epicor
Epicor is a global ERP provider with over 20,000 customers in more than 150 countries. It is distributed via a global partner network and its own subsidiaries in the most important markets, including German-speaking countries.
Epicor’s ERP solutions are primarily aimed at medium-sized industrial companies. Epicor Kinetic, a cloud-based platform for manufacturing companies, and industry-specific solutions for the manufacturing, automotive supply, retail and distribution sectors are particularly popular.
Epicor attaches great importance to industry-specific functionality, modern cloud architecture and easy customizability. The software is particularly interesting for companies that want to map complex production processes while remaining agile. Customers benefit from a modern user interface, extensive process automation, strong manufacturing expertise and high scalability – both locally and internationally.
Abas
Abas has over 4,500 customers worldwide and an international network of over 100 sales partners. The ERP solutions are primarily aimed at medium-sized industrial companies, particularly in the areas of mechanical and plant engineering, series production and make-to-order production.
The focus is on the abas ERP solution, which can be operated both on-premises and in the cloud. It supports companies along the entire value chain – from purchasing, production and warehousing to sales, service and finance. Thanks to its modular architecture, abas ERP can be flexibly adapted to individual requirements.
Particular attention is paid to the end-to-end digitalization of business processes in production. Companies benefit from a high degree of automation, powerful reporting, multilingualism and global multi-client capability. Regular updates ensure long-term future-proofing, while the high level of customizability enables a precise mapping of business processes.
Uniconta
Uniconta is a modern, fully cloud-based ERP solution for small and medium-sized companies in the retail, service and production sectors. Over 4,000 companies already rely on Uniconta, supported by a constantly growing partner network with over 80 sales partners.
The focus is on fast and uncomplicated implementation. Uniconta combines financial accounting, merchandise management, project management and CRM in a lean and user-friendly platform. Thanks to numerous add-ons and interfaces, uniconta can be flexibly expanded and integrated into existing IT landscapes.
Customers particularly appreciate its ease of use, transparent structure and rapid availability. As uniconta was developed as a pure cloud solution, there is no need to invest in local IT infrastructure. Companies benefit from a short project duration, low operating costs and maximum flexibility – ideal for fast-growing companies with modern requirements.
Topix
Topix offers a particularly user-friendly complete ERP solution for small and medium-sized companies in the retail, service and trade sectors. Over 1,200 customers rely on the software, which is known above all for its ease of use, quick implementation and good customizability. It is distributed by around 40 qualified partners in German-speaking countries.
The modular solution covers all relevant areas – from merchandise management, accounting and project management to CRM and service. Supplementary modules enable individual extensions depending on industry and company size.
Topix impresses with its intuitive user interface, short training times and comparatively low entry costs. Companies that are looking for a solid ERP basis without complex processes will particularly benefit from the clearly structured software. The solution can be operated both locally and in the cloud and is therefore flexibly scalable.
ERP Selection for Small Business, Midsize Business (SME) and Enterprise
What’s the best way to proceed with ERP selection? Our free guide ERP system selection and ERP implementation in 5 steps provides you with a tried-and-tested roadmap and valuable tips, including for the essential ERP selection process. The ERP specifications template 360° is a tried-and-tested and popular tool for creating specifications and the entire tendering process. As a special service, we determine the top 5 ERP systems for your company – free of charge and without obligation.
Top 5 ERP Systems
Determine the top 5 ERP systems for your company with pinpoint accuracy from 700+ vendors – free of charge and without obligation.
Around 500 companies use our efficient services and tools for their ERP software selection – every year.