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Types of ERP Systems in 2025 and Making the Right Choice

Written by DynaTech Systems | Jan 6, 2025 11:18:15 AM

The COVID-19 pandemic completely disrupted the global supply chain. It was after this particular period that organizations across the entire globe started becoming more and more competitive. They started giving a lot of significance to all the aspects of their business. This includes manufacturing, services, HR, procurement, supply chains, project management, sales, customer support, etc. ERP systems have gained a lot of popularity for companies that want to accelerate their productivity and survive any kind of supply chain challenges while saving money and resources. 

The enterprise resource planning (ERP) software market was valued at USD 54.76 billion in 2022, and according to Grand View Research, it is projected to grow from 2023 to 2030 at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 11.0%. 

If you are in a confusion about choosing the best ERP software available in the market, this blog is just meant for you. This blog shares insights on what an ERP system is, which different types of ERP systems are available in the market, their advantages, disadvantages, and much more. We have also shared information on how to choose the right ERP solution for your business and why choosing the best ERP solution can make a difference for your firm.  

Read on this blog till the end as we have also shared the best ERP solution for you towards the end. 

What Are ERP Systems and their Core Concept?

Enterprise Resource Planning systems are centralized platforms that integrate core business functions, such as finance, human resources, supply chain, inventory, and customer relationship management, into one unified solution. By automating repetitive tasks and consolidating data, ERP enables businesses to enhance operational efficiency and make informed decisions. ERP systems are categorized based on deployment methods, functionality, and industry-specific requirements.  

How do ERP systems work?

An ERP system is necessary to accelerate the efficiency of any organization. It helps to seamlessly manage and elevate the resource utilization of any company. It also helps to increase or decrease the number of resources without affecting the quality or performance of the business. ERP systems cover various aspects of business operations and offer: 

  • An integrated system 
  • A unified database  
  • Real-time insights 
  • Support for all apps 
  • Common user interfaces across multiple apps or components 
  • On-premise, cloud-hosted, or SaaS deployment 

ERP software has the capability to collect and analyze data across different departments. It then prepares reports based on the user preferences. It offers the business with a 360-degree view of its performance. 

Type of ERP System 

Overview 

Examples 

Best Suited For 

On-Premise ERP Systems 

Deployed locally on company hardware and servers, offering full control over data and customization. 

SAP ECC, Oracle E-Business Suite 

Large enterprises with robust IT teams and compliance needs. 

Cloud ERP Systems 

Hosted on vendor’s servers and accessed online, offering scalability and flexibility for remote work. 

Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, Workday 

Businesses of all sizes, especially SMBs needing affordability. 

Hybrid ERP Systems 

Combines on-premise and cloud, managing some modules locally while leveraging the cloud for others. 

Infor CloudSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Hybrid 

Companies transitioning from legacy systems or needing dual setups. 

Open-Source ERP Systems 

Provides access to source code for complete customization and tailored processes. 

Odoo, ERPNext 

Businesses with technical expertise requiring niche solutions. 

Custom-Built ERP Systems 

Fully tailored ERP solutions designed to meet specific business requirements and processes. 

Custom-developed  

Organizations with unique processes or underserved industries. 

 The Different Types of ERP Systems 

1. On-Premise ERP Systems

Overview: These systems are deployed locally on your company’s hardware and servers. They offer maximum control but require substantial IT infrastructure and management. 

Advantages: 

  • Full control over customization and data security. 
  • Suitable for industries with strict compliance regulations. 

Disadvantages: 

  • High initial costs for infrastructure and implementation. 
  • Requires a dedicated IT team for maintenance and updates. 

Examples: SAP ECC, Oracle E-Business Suite. 

Best Suited For: Large enterprises with robust IT teams. 

2. Cloud ERP Systems

Overview: Cloud-based ERP systems are hosted on a vendor’s servers and accessed via the internet. These solutions are highly scalable and offer flexibility for remote work. 

Advantages: 

  • Lower upfront costs with a subscription-based model. 
  • Accessible from anywhere, supporting remote work. 
  • Automatic updates managed by the vendor. 

Disadvantages: 

  • Dependency on internet connectivity. 
  • Potential concerns around data privacy and vendor lock-in. 

Examples: Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, Workday. 

Best Suited For: Businesses of all sizes, especially SMBs, looking for affordability and scalability. 

3. Hybrid ERP Systems

Overview: These systems combine on-premise and cloud features, allowing businesses to manage specific modules on-premise while leveraging cloud for others. 

Advantages: 

  • Flexibility to adapt to specific business needs. 
  • The gradual transition from legacy systems to modern infrastructure. 

Disadvantages: 

  • Integration challenges between on-premise and cloud components. 
  • Higher costs due to dual management. 

Examples: Infor CloudSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Hybrid  

Best Suited For: Companies transitioning from legacy systems to modern cloud-based ERP applications. 

4. Open-Source ERP Systems

Overview: These systems provide customizable ERP solutions with open access to source codes. 

Advantages: 

  • Highly customizable to fit niche business processes. 
  • Cost-effective in terms of licensing fees. 

Disadvantages: 

  • Requires significant technical expertise for implementation and support. 
  • Limited vendor support compared to proprietary solutions. 

Examples: Odoo, ERPNext. 

Best Suited For: Businesses with technical expertise seeking highly tailored solutions. 

Generic or Industry-Specific ERP Systems 

Such ERP solutions offer a wide range of features to businesses across different industries. They render seamless financial management and accounting tools but often lack in specialized operations. They are mostly cost-friendly as compared to their alternatives. They cater to the unique requirements of different sectors: 

  • Manufacturing ERP Systems: Designed for supply chain optimization, production planning, and inventory management. 
  • Non-Profit ERP Systems: Tailored for donor management, volunteer coordination, and fundraising. 
  • Retail ERP Systems: Focused on omnichannel sales, inventory tracking, and customer insights. 

These solutions often include pre-configured workflows and modules tailored to industry processes, reducing implementation time. They have various modules like: 

  • Accounting and financial management 
  • Customer relationship management (CRM) 
  • Business intelligence (BI) 
  • Analytics 
  • Human resources (HR) 
  • Inventory management 
  • Supply chain management 
  • Planning and forecasting 
  • Manufacturing

How to Choose the Right ERP System

With a wide list of ERP systems software available, selecting the right one can be challenging. Here’s a checklist to guide your decision: 

  1. Define Your Business Goals: Identify the core issues you want to solve with an ERP system. 
  2. Assess Deployment Needs: Choose between cloud, on-premises, or hybrid based on your operational and budgetary requirements. 
  3. Consider Industry Fit: Opt for industry-specific solutions, such as retail ERP for omnichannel sales or manufacturing ERP for production planning. 
  4. Evaluate Vendor Support: Ensure the vendor provides robust post-implementation support and training. 
  5. Leverage ERP Consulting Services: Engage expert consultants to analyze your needs, recommend the best system, and oversee implementation. 

Why ERP Consulting Services Are a Game-Changer

Navigating through the list of ERP systems software can be overwhelming. This is where ERP consulting services step in. With deep domain expertise, consultants analyze your business needs, recommend the right system, and oversee implementation. 

Benefits of ERP Consulting Services 

  • System Evaluation: Identify the best ERP for your business. 
  • Customization: Tailor ERP modules to match your processes. 
  • Implementation Support: Streamline deployment while minimizing disruptions. 
  • Training: Empower your teams with the knowledge to use the system effectively. 

At DynaTech, our ERP consulting services ensure seamless ERP adoption, from planning to post-implementation support. 

Final Thoughts 

Choosing an ERP is not just about selecting software; it’s about transforming your business. Whether you’re eyeing a cloud ERP system, exploring on-premise ERP applications, or needing guidance from expert ERP consulting services, making an informed decision is key to long-term success. 

Let DynaTech help you navigate the complex world of ERP with ease. As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, we specialize in implementing tailored ERP solutions that meet the unique needs of every industry. Ready to take your business to the next level? 

Contact DynaTech System today and discover the perfect ERP system for 2025!