Top 7 Best ERP System for Small Business in Canada | 2024
ERP for small businesses is essential because they rely on disconnected tools or manual processes. It leads to inefficiencies, errors, and missed opportunities, which doesn’t allow them to grow.
Small businesses can overcome challenges such as data silos, poor visibility into operations, and cumbersome manual processes by using the ERP software. With a variety of ERP solutions available, however, it can be challenging to find one that aligns with business needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the top ERP systems for small businesses, and which one is best for your organization. Before this, let’s see what is ERP system first.
What is ERP System?
ERP systems are designed to streamline and automate business processes. They connect various departments, such as accounting, inventory, customer management, and HR, into a single system. This ensures that your business can operate efficiently with real-time insight. Small businesses can use ERP systems to eliminate the need for multiple disconnected systems for various purposes.
Top ERP Software for Small Business
We have a team of 135+ experts that test and review the top ERP systems for small businesses. Our team has considered the points, like improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, growth with your business, and better decision-making, before suggesting the following ERP Software for small business.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Dynamics 365 Business Central, an ERP for small business, is designed to help SMBs manage aspects of their operations, like finance, sales, and service. It offers a unified platform that automates routine tasks, reduces errors, and focuses on growth.
In addition to this, Microsoft ERP seamlessly integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem to provide seamless communication and data sharing. Dynamics BC also offers various add-ons and customization options to fulfill business requirements.
Key Features
- Multiple device access
- Out-of-the-box integrations
- In-built AI assistant, Copilot
- Limited CRM
- Heavy customization
NetSuite
NetSuite is an ERP system software example that helps small businesses manage finances, operations, customer relationships, and more. It’s ideal for businesses that anticipate scaling quickly and need a solution to grow with them.
Additionally, NetSuite’s strong focus on scalability makes it a solid choice for businesses planning for rapid growth.
However, it might be expensive for very small businesses compared and require expertise due to complex customization. NetSuite might be difficult to implement compared to other ERP software for small business.
Key Features
- Comprehensive business view
- Pre-built role-based dashboards
- Access real-time inventory
- Handles multi-location inventory
- Support global business management
Acumatica
Acumatica, cloud-based ERP systems is known for its flexibility and scalability, making it ideal for small businesses looking to grow. It provides industry-specific solutions for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Acumatica offers a unique pricing model, making it particularly attractive for small businesses with many users. Its flexibility allows businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
However, its features are not as extensive as other ERP for small business. Acumatica reporting capabilities can also be limited.
Key Features
- Manage multiple projects
- Get real-time finance insight
- Customize workflow
- Strong mobile capabilities
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is a leading accounting software with ERP capabilities that is a good fit for small businesses with strong accounting needs. It’s especially popular among businesses that prefer on-premises solutions rather than cloud-based systems.
It offers advanced inventory management, customizable user roles, and payroll features at an affordable price point for smaller teams. However, it has limited scalability and lacks integration.
Key Features
- Robust reporting
- Easy barcode creation
- Automated stock level updates
- Automated data entry
- User based access
GeniusERP
GeniusERP is the best cloud ERP for small businesses with manufacturing needs. It provides features for production planning, inventory control, and shop floor management.
The best cloud based ERP for small business supports custom order management. This ensure that small manufacturers can efficiently handle complex orders while minimizing waste and production downtime.
However, it is not suitable outside of manufacturing and has a higher learning curve for non-technical users.
Key Features
- Smart scheduling
- Manage production
- Track required materials for production
- Automates supplier relationships
- Get real-time visibility
Odoo ERP
Odoo, an open-source ERP for small business, allows small businesses to build their solution by selecting the modules they need. It's highly customizable, with modules for inventory, accounting, CRM, eCommerce, and manufacturing.
However, ERP system Odoo setup can be complex, especially in case of customizations. You are required to pay extra for add-ons and customizations.
Key Features
- Over 30 different modules
- Highly customizable
- Affordable pricing
- eCommerce integration
- Integrated CRM
SAP Business One
SAP Business One offers in-depth business management solutions, including accounting, purchasing, and inventory management, to SMBs. It provides robust reporting capabilities and facilitates industry-specific add-ons.
However, the SAP ERP system has a complex set-up and has higher costs compared to other ERP systems.
Key Features
- AI-driven analytics
- Clear and complete visibility
- Sales and customer management
- Purchasing and inventory control
- Business intelligence
What is the Cost of ERP Solutions?
Cost of the best ERP system for small business varies depending on the system you have chosen, and the number of licenses purchased. However, to calculate the average cost of an ERP system, you must understand the basic pricing of the solution. Check out these pricing tables to learn about the cost of the best ERP systems for small businesses.
| Product Name | License Options | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| D365 Business Central | Team Members | $10.90(CAD) per user/month |
| Essentials | $95(CAD) per user/month | |
| Premium | $135.70(CAD) per user/month | |
| NetSuite | Depend on customization | 1341.89 (CAD) per month + 132.98 CAD per user fee |
| Acumatica | Based on the resource you use | |
| QuickBooks Desktop | Gold | 30.87 CAD per year |
| Platinum | 37.96 CAD per year | |
| Diamond | 74.98 CAD per year | |
| GeniusERP | Available on request | |
| Odoo | Standard | 9.32 (CAD) per user/month |
| Custom | 14.30 (CAD) per user/month | |
| SAP Business One | Starts at 126.26 (CAD)/user/month |
Questions to Ask: While Choosing a Solution
Choosing the best ERP system for small business is necessary to take the maximum advantage of the given functionality. For this, you need to ask simple questions to ensure whether the ERP software aligns with your business goal.
Budget: What can you afford both in terms of initial implementation and ongoing costs?
Scalability: Will this ERP grow with your business, or will you need to upgrade to a more robust system in the future?
Ease of Use: Can your team easily adopt and use the system, or will it require extensive training?
Integration Needs: Does the ERP integrate seamlessly with your existing software and workflows?
Which is the Best Software: Choose the Ideal One
Choosing the best ERP for small business depends on your industry, budget, and future growth plans. For small businesses with simple needs, choose a solution that grows as your business grows and helps you manage your business process.
Thus, Dynamics Business Central, a MSFT ERP, can be a good choice for your business, as it provides long-term benefits. You can go for ERP system implementation with Dynamics Square, a Microsoft Solutions Partner. We have successfully implemented solutions tailored to your business needs. You can check out a case study about the implementation of an ERP system.
Get in touch with our consultants and get the ideal solution for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ERP system?
An ERP system is a software application that helps businesses manage their resources effectively. It integrates various business processes such as finance, human resources, and supply chain management.
Which ERP system is most used in business?
Microsoft Business Central is the best ERP system for small business because it is most widely used system in the world, including Canada. SMBs, especially, use these solutions to fulfill their business requirements.
What is tier 1 ERP system?
Tier 1 ERP systems are large-scale enterprise resource planning systems designed for large organizations with complex business processes. They are highly customizable and offer a wide range of features. For instance, Dynamics 365 Operations and Finance can be considered as tier 1 ERP systems.
How ERP system works?
An ERP system collects and stores data from various business processes. It then analyzes this data to provide insights and support decision-making. By using ERP systems, you empower your employees with the best tools to do their job.
How long does it take to implement an ERP system?
The time it takes to implement an ERP system varies depending on the organization's size and complexity. You can contact our consultants to learn more about the timeframe.
How to choose an ERP system?
When choosing ERP software for small businesses, businesses should consider their specific needs and requirements. They should also evaluate the cost, scalability, and ease of use of different systems.
How to choose the right ERP system?
The best ERP for small business is one that meets its unique needs and helps it achieve its goals. Businesses should carefully evaluate their options and select a system that is a good fit for their organization.
Vivek is a Digital marketing expert at Dynamics Square, specializing in crafting compelling content on advanced tech topics such as ERP, CRM, cloud computing, AI, ML, BI and more. His profound passion for the digital landscape has led him to explore and master diverse fields including SEO, SEM, content strategy, and data-driven marketing.
