What is ERP?


Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a business software solution that consolidates the management of core business operations across various departments such as finance, sales, inventory, human resources, manufacturing, and more, all on a single platform.

Rather than handling tasks separately or relying on manual methods, ERP systems digitalize, streamline, and integrate business processes, providing a comprehensive and cohesive approach across your entire organization.  

How does an ERP system operate?

Cover core business processes

ERP offers integrated modules and functionalities to oversee critical business areas such as sales, procurement, inventory, and accounting. It also includes additional modules like manufacturing, human resources, e-commerce, point of sale, and more. 

Consolidate and distribute data

Master data is standardized and centralized in one location. This allows your transactional data (purchase orders, quotations, invoices, etc.) and business documents (taxes, HR data, inventory levels, etc.) to be easily accessed and shared with the appropriate personnel.

Live reporting and analytics

With centralized data in one location, ERP systems offer reporting tools and metrics to visualize your business information. This helps analyze and assess business performance, forecast trends, and make data-driven decisions.  

Data protection

ERP systems facilitate high-level data governance through access control, setting permissions for each data type and user to manage business documents and processes. 

Streamline workflow

ERP streamlines each step of your workflow. You can automate the procurement process based on future production plans, generate invoices automatically based on sales orders and shipped quantities, and much more.

Connect with other software

An ERP can be integrated with existing systems, such as CRM platforms, e-commerce solutions, or BI tools, to address specific business requirements while maintaining data accuracy and security. 

Advantages of an ERP System

Leverage ERP advantages to boost productivity and drive revenue growth.

Boost productivity

ERP allows for better management of business operations and workforce, helping your team enhance productivity and efficiency through automated tasks and effective communication tools.

Concentrate on expanding your business while the system handles the rest. 

Enhance customer service

Data centralization in ERP provides a comprehensive view of everything from inventory to customer trends, boosting sales opportunities.

It accelerates order processing and improves inventory management, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction through personalized services. 

Lower costs

ERP minimizes manual work, eliminates data errors, and breaks down information silos by providing a single source of truth, particularly benefiting your accounting team.

This results in significant cost savings, better margin control, and increased ROI over time. 

Improve regulatory compliance

ERP systems provide an audit trail that records every data change and user activity, ensuring transparency for regulatory compliance.

As your business evolves and regulations shift, ERP systems can adapt to meet new requirements.  

ERP Modules and Capabilities

Begin using ERP with the essential modules and features that meet your current needs.

Financial moduleSales modulePurchase moduleInventory moduleManufacturing moduleHuman Resources moduleServices moduleWebsite & E-Commerce module

Financial module

An ERP system's core offers real-time financial data, providing a clear view of financial status, better control of daily operations, and more accurate reporting.

ERP Features:

  • General ledger
  • Accounts receivable & payable
  • Accounting reconciliation
  • Legal statements
  • Bank statements
  • Asset, expense & revenue management
  • Reporting & analytics

Sales module

Serves as a command center for your sales team, streamlining the sales process, closing more deals, and delivering personalized service experiences to customers across all touchpoints.

ERP Features:

  • Sales order processing
  • Sales reporting and analytics
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)
  • Point of sales management

Purchase module

Simplify the procure-to-pay process by managing supplier relationships, purchase orders, inventory, and invoicing. This ERP module integrates seamlessly with the financial and inventory systems to enhance procurement efficiency and control costs.

ERP Features:

  • Purchase request management
  • Purchase order management
  • Purchase invoicing management
  • Vendor management
  • Purchase reporting and forecasting

Inventory module

The ERP Inventory module lowers inventory costs and enhances customer satisfaction by automating workflows and optimizing stock levels across locations and sales channels.

ERP Features:

  • Real-time inventory tracking
  • Serial/Lot Tracking
  • Multi-/warehouse management
  • Multi-location management
  • Replenishment Management
  • Product management & traceability
  • Inventory reporting and analytics
  • Barcode

Manufacturing module

Streamline and automate your manufacturing process with ERP’s robust manufacturing module. It facilitates resource planning and production scheduling to optimize your production pipeline, lower costs, and enhance supplier relationship management.

ERP Features:

  • Order management
  • Planning & Scheduling
  • Shop Floor
  • Quality Control
  • Master Data Management
  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)
  • Manufacturing reporting and analytics

Human Resources module

The ERP’s human resources module centralizes all HR data into one system, allowing your HR team to efficiently manage employee information, performance, time off, payroll, and expenses. This streamlines processes, saves time, and ensures accuracy and compliance with regulations.

ERP Features:

  • Human resource management
  • Approval
  • Time-off
  • Performance
  • Documents
  • Reporting and analytics

Services module

ERP systems offer specialized field service modules equipped with robust process tracking and communication tools, enabling your team to deliver exceptional service and boost customer satisfaction.

ERP Features:

  • Task management
  • Invoicing
  • Communication
  • Helpdesk tickets
  • Customer Portal
  • Reporting

Website & E-Commerce module

Launch your online store with the ERP e-commerce module. Easily create a B2B or B2C website, customize its look and feel with user-friendly tools, add products, integrate payment gateways, and keep inventory information up to date.

ERP Features:

  • Website editor
  • Multi-website & Multi-store
  • Social media and marketing integration
  • Customer Portal
  • Checkout process management
  • Shipping management
  • Reporting and analytics

ERP Ecosystem

What to Consider Before Choosing an ERP System

Comprehensive ERP Systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics)

Fully integrated ERP systems provide extensive business functionalities, making them suitable for large enterprises and corporations. However, they tend to be budget-intensive and are often not affordable for small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

Industry-Specific Applications (Salesforce, Trello, HubSpot)

Flexible and user-friendly solutions, such as Salesforce, Trello, and HubSpot, focus on specific processes or workflows rather than attempting to streamline entire business operations. This targeted approach makes them simple and affordable for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

Modular Systems (Odoo)

Modular systems like Odoo combine the strengths of large ERPs and vertical apps. As an open-source ERP, Odoo offers a modular platform with extensive functionalities and automation. It is flexible and budget-friendly for SMEs, while also being scalable and customizable for large enterprises. 

More about Odoo ERP

ERP Deployment Options

Cloud ERP

ERP software hosted in the cloud by a vendor allows you to access the system from any device with an internet connection, at any time.  

On-premise ERP

The traditional model involves managing your ERP software and data on in-house servers and hardware, providing complete control and flexibility.

Hybrid ERP

ERP deployment with a hybrid approach combines on-premise and cloud solutions. Critical data and core functionalities are maintained on-premise, while less sensitive data is managed in the cloud.

Revolutionize your business with a cloud-based Odoo ERP

At ERP Cloud, we've chosen to focus exclusively on providing Odoo ERP solutions. Here’s why:

Comprehensive ERP Platform

Eliminate standalone systems and data silos. With our ERP platform, your data is centralized and accessible in one unified system.

Easy to use for non-tech-savvy users

Simple for anyone to learn and navigate, with an intuitive interface that requires no technical knowledge! 

Cost-effective for businesses of all sizes  

Start with the essential modules and expand as needed. We offer flexible pricing plans to match your requirements.

Adaptable to your needs 

Highly customizable to fit your business needs, with the ability to scale as your business grows. 

Request Odoo ERP Demo