ERP Comparison Guide - UK's Top 12

All data in the guide was attained using a number of sources, including industry standard, vendor sites, review sites such as Capterra, TrustPilot, PCMag, Software Connect, and G2. This ERP comparison guide should act as a rough estimate of ERP suitability and a more-in depth analysis is encouraged as your search narrows.

1. Netsuite
2. Sage 200 Cloud
3. Sage 300
4. Sage X3
5. Intact iQ
6. Brightpearl
7. Khaos Control
8. Odoo
9. SAP Business One
10. Epicor
11. Kerridge K8
12. OrderWise

Next steps for your business 

When making ERP comparisons, sometimes you need to go beyond the software. Think more holistically. Consider every aspect and discover just what kind of program your business is finding itself purchasing.

The upgrade contingency – is it disruptive?

When finding a new provider, you can’t just think about the software in its current state. Any ERP provider worth your time will be working on upgrades, patches, and overall improvements for the foreseeable future.

Of course, you shouldn’t make judgements about ERP comparison based on what future upgrades may contain. But you can make decisions based on how smoothly these new features enter your system. Is the installation process automatic? Is it something your IT staff need to oversee? How much communication does your provider offer?

Your ERP software will be evolving and changing, much like the wider marketplace. With so much change coming, disruption isn’t something you can afford. You need to be confident that any software changes should slot in seamlessly. Be sure to factor upgrade procedures into your ERP comparison decision-making process.

The seasonality situation – is it flexible?

Your ERP provider has to consider the seasonality of your sector. Very few businesses experience consistent levels of demand throughout the year. Most B2C firms are finding an ever-growing segment of their annual sales come in an intense four-month window between November and February. While B2B companies also have their own seasonal intensities, either indirectly echoed by the B2C winter season, or by the specific demands of their own sector.

This is why it’s vital to consider the overall level of flexibility built into your ERP system. Can it perform just as well completing dozens of orders one week, and then thousands the next? How much data can it process? Does it require cutting edge hardware to remain optimised, or is it more adjustable and configurable as the situation requires?

When making a comparison, you need to find the system for all seasons. Since ERP systems connect with every process your business uses, you cannot afford an inconsistent or unstable performance. That’s why you need to make sure that the ERP system you choose is ready for anything. Drought or deluge, feast or famine, make sure you choose the very best ERP software possible.

The partnership position – is it supportive?

As well as the software itself, you also need to consider the business you are purchasing from. Buying from a vendor means you are working with experts in selling. They understand the software very well indeed. They’ve worked with lots of other businesses, so they know what companies require, and how to show it to them. But how present will they be once the purchase is complete?

When making a comparison, ask yourself about the business you are purchasing from “do these people seem like supportive partners?”. ERP vendors can’t make software upgrade suggestions. They can’t implement new features or adjust existing ones to better suit your business’s needs. All they can do is sell you what they already have on offer.

When doing your research, you need to seek out businesses that go beyond working as mere providers. You need to be working with a specialist that has proven itself to be proficient and professional in the role of a partner. The kinds of experts that demonstrate strong connections with their clients. Companies that balance vast resources with clear and responsive communication.