To find the best ERP system for your business, explore 2025’s top 8 ERP platforms, with tips for finding the right fit and simplifying integration.
The Value of Choosing the Right ERP System
Choosing the right enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can significantly impact a business’s ability to scale. As companies grow and adapt, leaders find themselves at a crossroads: it’s time to upgrade or replace their existing ERP solution. Whether moving from legacy software or exploring modern platforms for the first time, understanding today’s top ERP systems will help you make the right call.
To examine which ERP is best for your business, we’ll explore the platforms shaping 2025 and how they can help you build a competitive advantage through modern transformation.
ERP Deployment Models
Before comparing platforms, it’s important to understand the three core ERP deployment models. Each carries advantages and tradeoffs affecting timelines, complexity, and long-term scalability.
The On-Prem ERP Model
On-premise ERP systems reside locally on a company’s servers, giving internal teams complete control over data and infrastructure. They suit businesses with strict regulatory requirements or highly sensitive information. However, they typically involve greater upfront investment and ongoing maintenance.
The Cloud-Based ERP Model
Cloud ERP systems are hosted remotely and accessed via the internet. They eliminate the need for internal hardware, offering greater flexibility, lower initial costs, and more frequent updates. These systems are especially attractive to small and medium-sized businesses that may be unable to support a full IT team.
The Hybrid ERP Model
Hybrid ERP blends on-prem and cloud-based components, offering flexibility for companies with mixed needs. While it combines control with scalability, it can also introduce complexity, especially when coordinating across internal and external teams.
These ERP migration tips can help you prepare for your ERP transition.
Must-Have ERP Features for Growing Businesses
A modern ERP platform should act as a unified platform for managing core business functions across departments, including:
Financial management: Track budgets and manage cash flow in real time.
Supply chain and inventory management: Optimize procurement and inventory across locations.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Centralized customer data improves engagement and support.
Data analytics and business intelligence: Reporting and analytics tools uncover trends and support strategic decisions.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Automate forecasting, identify anomalies, and streamline processes.
Mobile accessibility: Enable on-the-go access to dashboards across devices.
Data security, compliance, and risk management: Protect sensitive information while meeting regulatory requirements.
Enterprise application integration: Ensure smooth connection with existing tools and systems.
Streamlined ERP integration for EDI: Avoid disruptions in transaction flow and simplify ERP integration from day one.
Top 8 ERP Systems for 2025
1. Oracle NetSuite
Oracle NetSuite is one of the most widely used cloud-based ERP systems for fast-growing and mid-market companies. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for financial management, order processing, inventory, supply chain, and CRM.
Benefits:
Cloud-native with automatic updates and high availability
Modular and scalable for growing businesses
Strong financials and built-in CRM functionality
As a cloud-native platform,NetSuite supports remote access, automatic updates, and real-time visibility into key metrics. Its modular architecture makes it easy to scale and tailor based on business needs.
2. Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics 365 blends ERP and CRM capabilities within a unified platform, making it a strong choice for companies that want tight integration with Microsoft tools. It supports supply chain and revenue management, project operations, and human resources. AI and automation features are also available through Microsoft’s Power Platform.
Benefits:
Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure tools
Broad functional coverage for ERP and CRM needs
Strong analytics and automation support via Power Platform
Businesses already using Microsoft 365 benefit from familiar interfaces and built-in connections to tools like Excel, Teams, and Power BI.
3. SAP S/4HANA
SAP S/4HANA is an enterprise-grade ERP system built for large organizations and complex supply chains. SAP ERP platforms offer powerful production planning, finance, and compliance management tools. S/4HANA is designed for scalability and performance in both on-premise and cloud-based deployments.
Benefits:
Built for large, complex, multi-location enterprises
Deep functionality in manufacturing, procurement, and compliance
Flexible deployment options: cloud, on-premise, or hybrid
Many companies chooseSAP ERP platforms to gain deeper control over global operations and high-volume data processing.
4. Acumatica
Acumatica Cloud ERP is tailored for small and midsize businesses looking for a flexible, user-friendly solution. It offers financials, project accounting, distribution, and customer management modules. Acumatica’s unique pricing model — based on resources consumed, not user count — makes it cost-effective for growing teams with many users.
Benefits:
Flexible, cloud-native platform with mobile access
Unlimited users under a consumption-based pricing model
Strong developer support and open APIs for custom integration
5. Epicor
Epicor Kinetic ERP is designed for manufacturers and distributors, particularly in industries like automotive, industrial machinery, and building materials. It includes strong tools for production management, supply chain execution, and financial oversight. Its modular approach allows companies to choose only the capabilities they need.
Benefits:
Built specifically for manufacturing and distribution use cases
Flexible, modular platform with industry-specific depth
Offers cloud-based and on-premise deployment options
6. Plex Systems
Plex Systems delivers cloud-native ERP specifically for manufacturers. It features strong tools for quality management, production control, inventory, and traceability. It's well-suited for discrete and process manufacturers in highly regulated industries like food and beverage or automotive.
Benefits:
End-to-end manufacturing platform with MES and QMS included
Real-time production tracking and traceability
Native cloud design with mobile-first capabilities
7. Infor
Infor provides industry-specific ERP solutions that cater to manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and other supply chain–driven industries. Cloud-based ERP systems are built to help growing businesses get the most out of their production planning and vendor management.
Benefits:
Tailored for specific industries like manufacturing and distribution
Strong supply chain visibility and inventory control tools
Built-in analytics and AI features
8. Sage
Sage 300 offers ERP software geared toward small and midsize businesses looking for control over financials, operations, and inventory. It streamlines supply chain activities with modular capabilities that offer room to grow.
Benefits:
Budget-friendly for growing businesses
Simplifies core supply chain tasks like purchasing and order management
Quick deployment and user-friendly learning curve
How to Choose the Best ERP System for Your Business
A platform’s feature set and integration capabilities should align with your operations, your team, and your long-term goals.
As you evaluate ERP systems, consider the following:
Industry alignment: Find a platform that will support your specific sector, workflows, compliance requirements, and business model.
Core functionality: Look for finance, inventory, CRM, and supply chain management support.
Scalability and deployment: Choose between cloud, on-premise, or hybrid models based on growth plans and IT resources.
Ease of integration: Your ERP should work with existing tools and partners without excessive customization.
User experience: Look for a system intuitive enough to support user adoption across teams.
Understanding the difference between ERP and CRM can clarify what to prioritize. If you rely on EDI, replacing your existing ERP system shouldn’t create onboarding or implementation roadblocks.
Orderful simplifies ERP integration by connecting directly with leading ERP platforms, reducing onboarding time and minimizing migration disruptions.
Modernize Your ERP System Without Breaking Your Supply Chain
Choosing the right ERP with the tools to support it is critical. Orderful simplifies the EDI/ERP integration process, helping maintain supply chain continuity, protect critical business data, and onboard partners faster.
No matter which ERP you choose, talk to an EDI expert today to ensure a smooth, streamlined transition with Orderful’s modern integration approach.
