Best Enterprise Resource Planning Software of 2026

Here's what we'll cover:

What you need to know about enterprise resource planning software

What is enterprise resource planning software?

Essential features of enterprise resource planning software

Benefits and competitive advantages of using enterprise resource planning software

How to choose the best enterprise resource planning software for your business

Software related to enterprise resource planning

More resources for your enterprise resource planning journey

What you need to know about enterprise resource planning software

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software combines core business functions such as finance, HR, supply chain, and more to streamline operations and enhance decision-making.

Our platform features over 790 distinct ERP products, reflecting the diversity and depth of solutions available. Additionally, we analyzed insights from 5,771 verified reviews over the past year to ensure our recommendations are based on user experiences and satisfaction. [1]

What’s it going to cost? Entry-level plans typically range from $20 to $2,100 monthly, ideal for small businesses seeking basic integration. Mid-range plans are priced between $53 and $21,000, suitable for companies requiring more comprehensive functionality and customization. The most advanced plans, costing anywhere between $55 and over $22,500 per month, come with extensive features tailored for large enterprises with complex needs. [2]

Selection prep: First-time buyers should assess key factors such as its ability to integrate with existing systems, its scalability for growth, and support for compliance within specific industries. Ask potential vendors detailed questions, such as:

• How does this ERP system utilize AI and machine learning to automate operations and support advanced decision-making?

• Can this ERP tool handle the complexities of process manufacturing, including comprehensive management of materials, routings, and production schedules?

• What capabilities does the platform offer for enhancing distribution, warehouse management, and logistics efficiency?

• Is the ERP system designed to effectively manage operations across multiple companies, countries, and regulatory frameworks within a single cloud-based system?

• How does the software enhance financial management processes, and what measurable impacts can this have on operational efficiency and transparency?

With a comprehensive selection of over 790 ERP products, choosing the right software can be a challenging process. Our experienced software advisors, Taylor Phillips, Lindsay Robbins, Isaac Routh, and Nathan Pozen, who have years of experience speaking with ERP software buyers, will guide you through the process. If you’re ready for a consult, schedule a call to discuss your needs.

What is enterprise resource planning software?

Enterprise resource planning software is an integrated system that manages essential business processes in one cohesive environment. It synchronizes information across finance, human resources, sales, supply chain, and other departments, providing a single source of truth that improves operational efficiency and decision-making accuracy.

The core functions of ERP software include financial management, which automates accounting tasks and manages financial data; inventory management, which monitors stock levels and manages supply chain operations; and CRM, which enhances customer relationship management by tracking interactions and sales. These integrated functionalities lead to significant benefits such as improved financial accuracy, optimized inventory levels, reduced costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Building on these integration benefits, Phillips emphasizes some practical advantages: "If you're going to have accounting built in with your inventory management and warehouse, having everything reflected in your financial ledger is always good." 

Essential features of enterprise resource planning software

Choosing the right ERP software entails thoroughly understanding its core and common features. Core features like financial management and integrated business operations are fundamental to all ERP systems, serving as the backbone for efficient business management. After analyzing reviews and engaging with ERP software providers, we've identified several common features that enhance these essential functionalities.

Core ERP software features

Common ERP software features

As businesses expand, particularly large enterprises, the complexity of managing procurement processes increases significantly. An ERP system with integrated strategic sourcing capabilities—procurement, contract management, and supplier management—is essential. These features ensure that enterprises can handle large-scale procurement activities efficiently, maintain robust supplier relationships, and manage contracts effectively, all within a single system.

Routh highlights the significance of these features, saying, "Strategic sourcing is crucial, especially for enterprise companies looking for a comprehensive procurement system. It's about having a unified system that manages everyday buying and selling and broader strategic elements like contract negotiations and ongoing supplier relationships.

Benefits and competitive advantages of using enterprise resource planning software

Based on insights from our proprietary bank of user reviews and expert feedback, ERP software offers critical benefits, such as:

• Accelerated business scaling: ERP systems facilitate rapid growth by integrating essential business functions and providing the agility needed to capitalize on market opportunities and drive substantial business expansion.

• Precision in project execution: By offering advanced resource management and real-time budget tracking, ERP software enables precise control over project timelines and financials, significantly enhancing project delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.

• Optimized operational efficiency: ERP platforms enhance efficiency by automating routine operations and streamlining complex processes, reducing overheads and increasing department productivity.

• Strategic data utilization: With robust analytics and reporting tools, such systems transform raw data into actionable insights, empowering businesses to make informed strategic decisions that align with long-term goals.

• Integrated workflow dynamics: ERP software ensures streamlined operations through systematic automation and process standardization, minimizing disruptions and enhancing operational consistency and reliability.

How to choose the best enterprise resource planning software for your business

1. Define your requirements

Identifying the right ERP software starts with clearly understanding why it’s essential for your business. Consider what challenges you aim to solve with ERP, such as improving efficiency, ensuring data consistency, or supporting growth. Knowing these key drivers helps pinpoint the system that best matches your operational goals.

Assess your business processes and needs

Evaluating the complexity of your business processes is crucial when considering ERP software. Based on our analysis, smaller companies, representing 47% of our user base, particularly benefit from the enhanced coordination and data integration that ERP provides. 

Despite representing smaller percentages, sectors like IT (8%), retail (5%), and construction (4%) also show significant uptake of ERP systems, indicating the broad applicability of these solutions across various industries. Understanding which departments and functions will benefit most can guide your selection to ensure the ERP software aligns with your business needs.

Understand the software cost and its ROI

Have a clear understanding of the initial investment and ongoing operational costs for the ERP system you eventually choose. In fact, you should assess these expenses in the context of the software’s capability to enhance business efficiency and growth over time. Below, we break down the pricing tiers to help you align your budget with the functionalities most crucial for your operations.

• Entry-level plans (from $20 to $2,100 per month): Ideal for small businesses, these plans typically include basic financial management, inventory control, and customer relationship management.

• Mid-range plans (from $53 to $21,000 per month): Suitable for medium-sized businesses, these plans offer more advanced features, including comprehensive analytics, greater customization options, and broader support for processes like supply chain management and HR.

• Advanced plans (from $55 to $22,500+ per month): Designed for large enterprises, these plans provide extensive features tailored for complex needs. They support global operations with full customization, sophisticated data integration, and high levels of automation.

As we consider ERP software’s cost implications, it’s important to recognize the scale and scope of the investment. Pozen articulates a common perspective: "Generally, the bigger the software, the more costly it is. Startups want all these features because they lack them, but these systems aren't modular—they come as a big, integrated package."

Furthermore, transitioning from manual processes to an automated ERP system represents a significant shift. Robbins explains the tangible benefits of this transition: "Many who switch to ERP are coming from manual processes like using Excel or pen and paper. While initially free, these methods are cumbersome. Moving to a costlier ERP system significantly eases operational burdens, offering efficiencies worth the investment."

Be aware of software limitations

While ERP software provides extensive benefits for streamlining business operations, it’s also important to be aware of certain limitations that could impact its effectiveness. Based on sentiment analysis from more than 500 verified user reviews in the past year, we've identified several common challenges, including complex implementation processes, high ongoing maintenance costs, integration difficulties, slow resolution times, and occasional performance issues during system updates.

These challenges can significantly affect operational efficiency, especially when timely and precise data management is crucial. Here are some specific strategies to effectively address these drawbacks:

• Choose ERP systems that offer scalability to handle increasing data loads without compromising performance.

• Select an ERP platform that provides robust integration tools or pre-built connectors to integrate with existing systems and reduce compatibility issues.

• Partner with ERP providers known for strong customer support and quick response times for minimizing downtime during and after implementation.

• Invest in ERP systems that allow extensive customization, particularly in reporting features, to tailor the software to your specific business requirements.

• Work with your ERP vendor to schedule regular updates and provide continuous training for your team to adapt to new features and changes.

Understand compliance and security demands

When selecting ERP software, it's essential to consider the regulatory compliance needs and data security standards critical to your industry. These include compliance with standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO for industries like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. ERP systems must ensure robust data security measures to protect sensitive information against breaches and cyber threats. Additionally, they should offer features that support audit trails, access controls, and data encryption.

Plan for integration with existing systems

When selecting an ERP system, assess your current IT infrastructure to understand integration capabilities and identify potential challenges with existing systems. Our analysis indicates a strong buyer preference for ERP solutions that offer robust integration capabilities. Common must-have integrations for ERP software include:

• Accounting and finance systems: To ensure financial data consistency across business operations.

• CRM tools: For a unified view of customer interactions and sales data.

• Inventory management platforms: To synchronize stock levels and order data across supply chain operations.

• Human resources management systems (HRMS): For integrating payroll, benefits, and employee data with other business processes.

ERP systems with strong API support are particularly valuable as they enable effortless interactions among different modules and external platforms, ensuring that all parts of the organization are aligned and informed.

2. Make a shortlist of ERP software

With so many ERP options, selecting the right one can seem daunting. Simplifying this process begins with crafting a shortlist tailored to your unique business challenges and goals. This approach ensures a more manageable selection process and increases the likelihood of finding a system that enhances operational efficiency and supports long-term success.

Consult with ERP software advisors

When selecting the right ERP software, the expertise of seasoned advisors can be invaluable. At Software Advice, our advisors are well-versed in the intricacies of ERP systems across various industries and can provide personalized consultations to help you understand different ERP solutions' unique features and capabilities. Whether you're looking to chat online or prefer a detailed phone discussion, our advisors can help you craft a tailored shortlist of ERP options.

Explore FrontRunners for ERP software

Before consulting with our software advisors one-on-one, you might find it beneficial to gain more clarity by exploring our ERP FrontRunners report. This resource highlights ERP software that stands out regarding usability and customer satisfaction, as determined by extensive user reviews and functionality assessments. All tools featured in this report had to meet the following criteria:

• Have at least 20 unique user reviews over the past 24 months.

• Demonstrate essential functionalities, such as financial management and integrated business operations, as verified through publicly available sources like the vendor’s website.

• Maintain high user ratings for reliability and functionality.

3. Pick your best option

Selecting the ideal ERP system isn't just about shortlisting; it's about pinpointing the best fit for your unique business requirements. This stage is critical because it involves deep engagement with the potential systems to ensure they meet your current needs and are robust enough to evolve with your business. Below are key steps to help you make an informed decision.

Evaluate through demos and trials

Take advantage of demos and free trials to get hands-on with the systems on your shortlist. During these trials, it’s crucial to simulate specific scenarios that your business frequently encounters. For example, if you manage a manufacturing company, test how the ERP tool handles sudden changes in production volume or supply chain disruptions. This will give you a realistic sense of how the software performs under conditions that mirror your everyday operations.

Analyze customization and configuration options

An ERP system’s ability to adapt to your business processes is vital. Assess the customization options thoroughly. Does the software allow you to modify workflows without extensive coding? Can you easily add fields, change templates, or update processes as your business requirements change? The right ERP system should offer flexibility to configure its features to closely match your business model, ensuring that the software complements your operational style rather than forcing you to adapt.

4. Make the most of your ERP software

Implementing an ERP system is just the beginning. To truly leverage its potential, continuous engagement and strategic oversight are essential. Here’s how you can actively enhance and sustain the system’s value to your organization:

• Implement ongoing training: Regularly update and expand user training programs to cover new features and refresh essential skills. This will keep your team adept and ready to leverage the ERP system's full capabilities.

• Schedule regular system reviews: Conduct frequent reviews to evaluate the ERP system’s alignment with business goals and operational efficiency. This will ensure it adapts to changing business needs and remains effective.

• Plan for continuous improvements: Actively seek to upgrade your ERP system, incorporating new features that address evolving business challenges. This approach will keep the system modern and highly functional.

• Actively engage with support communities: Participate in ERP user communities to exchange tips and strategies and utilize your vendor’s support resources to address any issues, maintaining system reliability and performance.

Software related to enterprise resource planning

While searching for the perfect ERP solution, you may encounter various software types that offer similar functionalities or could be integrated with your ERP system to enhance its capabilities. These related software categories can provide specialized tools that complement the broad functionality of ERP systems. Here’s a look at some key software types that often align with or enhance ERP software:

• Accounting software: Manages financial transactions and reporting, essential for streamlining business finances and integrating with broader ERP solutions.

• Business performance management software: Helps in planning, monitoring, and enhancing organizational performance, aligning well with ERP tools for strategic management.

• Distribution software: Specializes in managing the logistics of distributing goods, often integrated with ERP systems to enhance supply chain visibility.

• Human resources software: Supports all aspects of HR management, from recruitment to payroll, and can be seamlessly integrated with ERP platforms for holistic management.

• Inventory management software: Focuses on tracking and optimizing stock levels, frequently integrated with ERP tools to ensure inventory accuracy and efficiency.

• Logistics software: Manages the movement, storage, and processing of goods and can be integrated into an ERP system to streamline supply chain operations.

• MRP software: Designed to manage manufacturing processes, MRP software can integrate with ERP systems for comprehensive oversight.

• Project management software: Assists in planning, executing, and tracking projects, complementing ERP systems by adding project-specific functionalities.

• Supply chain management software: Provides detailed control over supply chain activities, enhancing ERP capabilities in managing complex logistics and operations.

• Warehouse management software: Optimizes warehouse operations with tools for inventory management, staff allocation, and logistics, often used alongside ERP systems to improve distribution efficiency.

• Workforce management software: Helps manage employee scheduling, time tracking, and labor compliance, integrating well with ERP tools to provide a comprehensive view of workforce efficiency.

More resources for your enterprise resource planning journey

• Cloud ERP vs. On-Premise ERP: What’s the Difference?

• 6 ERP Mobile Apps Users Love

• How To Create a Resource Plan for Your Project That Drives Results

• Project vs. Operations Management: A Guide for Growing SMBs

• How To Schedule Projects Like a Pro

About our contributors

Author

Shubham Gupta is a writer at Software Advice, specializing in project management. His focus is to guide project managers from planning to execution and beyond. His expertise also spans construction, manufacturing, and other related topics.

Shubham’s research and writing for Software Advice is informed by nearly 200,000 authentic user reviews and more than 10,000 interactions between Software Advice software advisors and project management software buyers. Shubham also regularly speaks to project managers and PMO leaders so he can provide the most up-to-date and helpful information to small and midsize businesses purchasing software or services.

Outside work, Shubham likes to explore the depth of Urdu poetry and enjoys his time with his dog.

Editor

Mehar Luthra is a team lead at Software Advice and specializes in editing reports that cover the latest trends affecting small businesses. With nearly a decade of experience, she has edited a multitude of research articles, top-rated software reports, and thought leadership articles for diverse markets such as Brazil, Japan, Canada, France, Australia, and India. She finds it particularly rewarding to produce content that provides small-business owners with practical tips and helpful advice on topics such as the digitalisation of small businesses, eCommerce trends, and HR developments.

Armed with a double bachelor’s in law (LL.B.) and business economics from Delhi University, she won a full scholarship to study for a master’s in creative writing at the National University of Ireland, Galway. In addition, she has written blog articles spanning a variety of topics such as fiction and non-fiction books, mental health and anxiety, the latest restaurants, and more. Her articles have been featured in Ireland’s national magazine The Village, among other publications. A die-hard journaling fan, she enjoys watching psychological thrillers, reading fiction books, and drinking iced coffee (even in the winter).

Advisors

Lindsay Robbins is a senior advisor. She joined Software Advice in 2023, and she is based in Austin, TX.

Lindsay works directly with small business leaders to connect them with best fit software providers. She assesses the technology needs of small businesses seeking manufacturing, business intelligence, inventory management, and ERP software through one-to-one conversations and provides a short list of potential matches.

Lindsay’s favorite part of being a software advisor is helping a wide range of buyers find the right software based on their unique needs.

Isaac Routh is an advisor manager. He joined Software Advice in 2020 as a software advisor, and now he manages a team of seven software advisors. He is based in Austin, TX.

Isaac and his team help small businesses find the right ERP, legal, business intelligence, and accounting software for their needs each year. They’re able to do this through one-to-one conversations designed to narrow down the list of potential tools to only those that are the best fit.

His favorite part of being a Software Advice advisor team manager is educating buyers and supporting small business owners.

Nate Pozen is a buyer advocate team leader. He joined Software Advice in 2021 as a software advisor, and now he manages a team of four software advisors. He is based in Austin, TX.

Nate and his team helps small businesses find the right HR, CRM, accounting, project management, and manufacturing software for their needs each year. They’re able to do this through one-to-one conversations designed to narrow down the list of potential tools to only those that are the best fit.

His favorite part of being a Software Advice advisor team manager is partnering with buyers to help them through their entire software journey.

Sources

1. Software Advice reviews data: Software Advice reviews are collected from verified users for individual software products. For this report, we analyzed reviews from April 2024 to April 2025. Read the complete methodology. 

2. Software Advice software pricing data: Only products with publicly available pricing information and qualified software products within the category, as of February 2023, are included in the pricing analysis. Read the complete methodology.