Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System

As your business grows in size and complexity, ERP is software to streamline your business processes, automate workflow, manage centralized data, make smarter decisions, and perform better.

What is ERP?

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is business software that allows you to manage all your core business operations in the finance, sales, inventory, HR, manufacturing, and more departments on one platform.

Instead of managing tasks in separate systems or manually on paper, ERP digitalizes, optimizes, and integrates your business processes from end to end and across your teams.

What is ERP

How does an ERP system work?




Cover core business processes

ERP provides integrated modules and features to manage key business areas, like sales, purchase, inventory, and accounting. It also covers other modules, such as manufacturing, HR, e-commerce, POS, etc.




Centralize and share data

Master data is standardized and centralized in one place. From that, your transactional data (PO, quotation, invoice, etc.) and business documents (taxes, HR data, inventory levels, etc.) can be easily accessed and shared with the right people.




Automate workflow

ERP helps automate each step of your workflow. You can automate the purchase process based on the future production plan, automate invoice generation based on sales orders and shipped quantities, and so much more.




Real-time reporting and analytics

With centralized data in one place, ERP systems provide reporting tools and metrics to visualize your business data, helping analyze and evaluate business performance, forecast, and make data-drive decisions.




Data security

ERP helps to manage data governance in high level via access right setup for each data type and each user to take actions on business documents and processes.




Integrate with other software

An ERP can be connected to existing systems, such as CRM, e-commerce platform, or BI tools, to meet specific business needs while ensuring data accuracy and security.


Thanks to the integrated ERP system that helps reduce a significant amount of paperwork and manual entry, we can better allocate our human resources. Our staff volunteers can focus on more important responsibilities which add value to our humanitarian mission.

Mr. Clement Muris IT Consultant at PSE

Read the case study →

Benefits of ERP system

Take ERP advantages for enhanced productivity and revenue growth.

ERP to increase productivity

Increase productivity

ERP enables leads to better manage business operations and workforce. Your team to boost productivity and efficiency with automated tasks and effective communication tools.

Focus on growing your business and let the system care for the rest.

Improve customer service

​Data centralization in ERP gives you a clear view of everything from inventory to customer trends to increase sales opportunities.

It helps speed up order processing and better inventory management, which improves customer satisfaction with personalized services.

ERP benefit to improve customer service
ERP benefit to reduce cost

Reduce cost

ERP reduces manual work and eliminates data errors and information silos in standalone systems, providing a single source of truth, especially for your accounting team.


It leads to significant cost reductions, margin control, and increased ROI over time.

Enhance regulatory compliance

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

As your business grows and regulations change, ERP systems can adapt to meet new requirements.

ERP for regulatory compliance

​ERP modules & features

Start using ERP with the essential modules and features you need now.

Which modules are you looking for for your current business needs?

Get advice on how to choose the right ERP, modules, and features.

ERP ecosystem

What to know before selecting an ERP system.

Odoo value proposition

Large ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics)

Fully integrated ERP systems offer a wide range of business functionalities. They are suitable for large businesses and corporations but budget-intensive and not affordable for SMEs.

Vertical Apps (Salesforce, Trello, HubSpot)

Flexible & user-friendly solutions focusing 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)

The combined solutions of large ERP and vertical apps. Open source ERP like Odoo offers a modular platform with a wide scope of functionalities and automation. It is flexible and budget-friendly for SMEs while scalable and customizable for large enterprises. 

More about Odoo ERP →

​Types of ERP deployment

Cloud ERP

ERP software is hosted on the cloud by a vendor. You can access the system anytime from any device with an internet connection.

On-premise ERP

The traditional model where you manage your ERP software and data on in-house servers and hardware, allowing for 100% control and flexibility.

Hybrid ERP

ERP deployment offers a hybrid approach, combining on-premise and cloud options. Critical data or core functionalities are kept on-premise, while less sensitive data is hosted in the cloud.

​Transform your business with a cloud-based Odoo ERP

We decided to focus 100% on providing Odoo ERP solutions at Portcities. Here is why.


All-in-one ERP platform

No more standalone systems with data silos. Your data is centralized and shared in a single system.

User-friendly for non-tech whiz

Easy for anyone to learn and navigate with an intuitive interface. No technical knowledge required!

Affordable for all businesses

Install the necessary modules and expand later. Flexible pricing plans to fit your needs.

Flexible to your needs

High customization to meet your business requirements. Scale it up when your business grows.

Real businesses, real results

Our clients use Odoo to achieve their business goals. They are growing with the ERP.

We are looking for a more customer-centric and CRM centric software. SAP is a very traditional ERP system. NetSuite, on the other hand, is very US-centric [...] So, Odoo is a logical step for us.

Pavel Sodomka • CEO of Simple Hardware

Frequently asked question (FAQ)

ERP systems integrate and streamline business operation processes across all departments, eliminating isolated data pockets and fostering better communication. Standalone systems only focus on specific processes, creating data silos and requiring manual workarounds and reconciliations between different software programs.

ERP and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) are both business software solutions, but they focus on different aspects:

  • ERP: manages all core business processes, including CRM functionalities like sales, marketing, and customer service, as well as inventory, accounting, human resources, and more.
  • CRM: focuses on managing customer interactions and relationships throughout the customer lifecycle.

Some businesses use separate ERP and CRM systems, while others prefer an all-in-one ERP solution like Odoo, which includes CRM functionalities. Read more here.

The total cost of ownership (TCO) of an ERP system depends on your specific business needs. Here's a breakdown of the key factors:

  • Implementation cost: the cost of ERP implementation services, such as business analysis, module implementation, any integration or customization requirement, and localization needed.
  • License cost: the license cost of the chosen ERP model (per user or subscription fee)
  • Hosting cost: the cost of the hosting solution you choose for your ERP system. Depending on your business size, needs, and resource capacity, you should consider cloud, on-premise, and hybrid hosting types.
  • Hardware cost (On-Premise Only): If you choose on-premise deployment, you'll need servers and storage to run the software, which will increase the initial investment.
  • Ongoing costs: the recurring software support and maintenance costs after your ERP deployment.

​The duration of ERP system implementation varies depending on solution scope, complexity of business requirements, and customization level. Implementing core functions can take a few months, while extensive requirements and complex customization can take a year or more. 

Key stages include planning, configuration, data migration, training, and testing. Effective project management and collaboration between the organization and ERP vendor are crucial for a smooth and timely implementation process.

Some challenges associated with ERP implementation include:

  • Cost: ERP systems can be a significant investment, with various costs such as licensing, implementation services, ongoing maintenance, and hosting. Ensure you carefully define your business needs and budget for an ERP project.
  • Complexity: Implementing the right ERP system can be complex due to configuration, data migration, customization, and user training. For success, ensure you have an experienced IT team or work with a dedicated ERP implementation partner.
  • Change Management: Employees might resist change and require proper training on the new system. Ensure effective communication, training, and user support.

Here are some steps to help you choose the right ERP system:

  • Identify your business needs: Determine the key functionalities you require from an ERP system.
  • Shortlist and Evaluate Vendors: Research to evaluate and compare various solutions' features, pricing, and scalability.
  • Get demos and quotes: See the software in action and get quotes from potential vendors.
  • Consider your implementation partner: Choose a qualified partner to help you with implementation and ongoing support.

See more tips to choose your best ERP solution!!

Yes. ERP systems can integrate with other business systems depending on your specific needs. Most ERP vendors offer pre-built connectors or APIs to facilitate this integration. 
Do you know Odoo is one of the most robust integrated ERP solutions? It provides a wide range of built-in connectors or a flexible API for easy integration with your existing software, ranging from E-commerce platforms, CRM, payment gateways to accounting/payroll systems, social media channels, or other ERPs. Explore more Odoo integration solutions!

ERP systems are widely used across many industries, providing numerous benefits for businesses. Here are some of the industries that commonly use ERP systems:

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail/Wholesale
  • Services
  • Distribution
  • Logistics
  • and more!

Ready to take the next step on digital transformation with an ERP system?

We go with you to find the right IT solution for your business growth!

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