VSEs and SMEs: yes, even your company needs an ERP!
Which ERP for your SME ? Which ERP for your VSE?
No, ERP software is not just for large organisations! As well as helping you to manage your commercial and logistics activities, it is a real Swiss Army knife for your small or medium-sized business.
It helps you grow and manage performance, while reducing costs.
So what exactly are the advantages of an ERP, and why adopt one when you're (still) a small business?
Find out more about our selection criteria for choosing the best ERP for your business, as well as our selection of ERP solutions tailored to the needs of VSEs and SMEs, depending on their sector of activity.
The advantages of an ERP for a VSE/SME
A modular solution
ERP (enterprise resources planning) is software made up of a set of modules that communicate with each other and enable you to manage :
- production
- logistics, stocks
- orders, invoices and suppliers,
- purchasing and sales
- human resources
- accounting, etc.
Also known as ERP (enterprise resource planning) software , it offers :
- a single database, where data is standardised, centralised, contextualised, updated in real time and accessible at all times ;
- a 360° view of the company's operational activities, enabling it to be managed more effectively.
Supporting growth
As they grow, VSEs and SMEs tend to equip each department with tools to manage their specific needs: software for accounting, software for stock management, and so on.
The result? The result is an accumulation of software that doesn't communicate with each other. Information is not easily accessible, and is sometimes entered several times in different ways. All this leads to a high risk of errors and wasted time, which can undermine a company's productivity.
💪 By using an ERP in your SME or VSE :
- you optimise your management processes thanks to centralised data management;
- information is consistent and updated on all media and sites, for all your teams;
- the information system is unique and integrates ;
- internal and external communication is made easier;
- you reduce information management costs;
- you can get to grips with a single tool more quickly;
- productivity is increased;
- your business costs and timescales are more under control.
How do you choose your ERP? Selection criteria
This is a question not to be taken lightly, because this tool will become the guarantor of your operational efficiency, productivity, profitability and competitiveness.
Take the time to evaluate the market to find the management solution that meets your needs and your budget. Here are a few criteria to help you make your choice.
| Criteria | Explanations |
| Free or paid ERP and open source ERP |
|
| Functional coverage |
|
| Interoperability with other software |
|
| Modularity |
Your business is unique. Drawing up a set of specifications is a useful way of listing the requirements that your ERP tool needs to meet, depending on :
|
| Mobility | If you have teams in the field, a mobile application connected to your tool could be a decisive criterion for sharing information and processing data in real time. |
| Data reliability and protection |
|
| Ease of use |
|
| Customer support | To make sure you have the answers to all your questions in the event of a problem (bug, loss of data) or incomprehension about how to use the system itself, we recommend that you contact our customer support team.The services of a support team, preferably free of charge, are very much appreciated. |
What's the best ERP for SMEs and VSEs? ERP comparison table
Check out our ERP comparison table for small and medium-sized businesses, to help you find the management software that meets your needs and those of your business sector.
We've chosen to offer you only software in SaaS mode, i.e. online, so you don't have to worry about hosting.
What's more, an à la carte subscription, usually on a monthly basis, meets your need for flexibility.
What's more, many solutions offer a trial version, so make the most of it!
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What are the best ERPs for VSEs (and small SMEs)?
Axonaut, suitable for tradespeople and service professions
Axonaut is a comprehensive, mobile solution for monitoring customer relations, quotes, invoices, accounting, stock management and project management.
Its functional coverage is extensive: electronic signature of your documents, online payment, complete CRM equipped with a customer portal, or even generation of sales statistics.
💪 One of its strong points: your VSE or small SME will benefit from the same options as a large company, with invoicing based on the user, not the service. What's more, support is free.
Axonaut
Dolibarr ERP, available as open source
Dolibarr is an ERP and CRM package available as an open source version. Popular, it is regularly updated and its user forum is very active in the event of technical problems.
Stock management, order management, margin tracking, shared diary - it's a complete package. It can also be used to send out mass mailings, manage sales opportunities, manage accounting, invoicing, or even manage call-outs, track leave and absences, expense reports, and more.
💪 Dolibarr is free of charge in open source version, paying for a SaaS subscription.
Dolibarr ERP CRM
Holded, the software for automating management processes
From a single platform, continuously enhanced by a team of technicians based on customer feedback, you can access your invoicing, accounting, CRM, team, project management and inventory modules.
Particularly suited to very small businesses, Holded is an intelligent, intuitive tool with a streamlined design, allowing you to focus on increasing business and automating management processes.
💪 Two packages are available: freelance and enterprise, to meet your specific needs and budgets.
Holded
incwo, complete software for managing your business and your point of sale
incwo is the software made in France that lets you manage all your activities in a single interface. As well as being able to connect to your own software via APIs, incwo offers a wide range of functions: ERP, CRM, stock management, quotations & invoicing, product catalogue, HR, pre-accounting, reporting, etc. You can even manage and automate your production workflows for better resource allocation.
💪 One of its strengths lies in its customisation and specific development capabilities, so you can adapt the solution to your needs (and not the other way round). You can count on a skilled team to support you and answer your questions.
incwo
jeboostemaboite, the all-in-one French ERP
jeboostemaboite is an all-in-one French business management software package designed to provide an effective response to three major challenges facing very small businesses: saving time on administrative tasks, boosting visibility with prospective customers and building customer loyalty.
To do this, this ERP integrates a wide range of functions, from CRM and marketing to invoicing, stock management and website creation. All of this through an ergonomic interface that's easy to learn and customise.
💪 jeboostemaboite is available at the single, attractive price of €59.90 ex VAT/month. All features are included in this plan, with no hidden charges, and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
SAP Business One for business process automation
SAP Business One helps small businesses centralise their data and exploit its full potential. This cloud ERP solution is invaluable for automating business processes, exploring new opportunities and boosting productivity.
It also makes it easier to plan, automate and make decisions, so you can accelerate your growth.
💪 Its intuitive interface lets you manage all your activities on a computer, mobile or tablet: accounting, financial analysis, sales, customer journey, etc.
SAP Business One
Teamleader for agencies
Teamleader is an all-in-one tool built around 3 essential pillars: sales, billing and organisation. The solution has a modern, easy-to-use interface that gives you a 360° overview, plus task automation for improved productivity and decision-making (pipeline view, filter, etc.). Teamleader is also an ideal project management and time tracking tool for collaborating with all employees.
💪 Thanks to its wide range of functions, Teamleader is self-sufficient. The tool touches on all the dimensions needed for good business management and provides you with tailored support.
Teamleader
Vitisoft, for winegrowers, merchants and wine merchants
Vitisoft allows winegrowers to focus on their core business while managing their production, stocks and cash flow. It also handles administrative and customs tasks.
The dashboard offers a cross-sectional view of key information and figures: customer follow-up (CRM), stock management, invoices, customs obligations, etc., everything is integrated. When an order is entered, one click is all it takes to generate an order form for the order preparer, another for the carrier, and the order form is e-mailed to the customer.
💪 The good news is that customer support is unlimited.
XT ERP, the management software for flexible, responsive VSEs
XT ERP is a full SaaS ERP that can be built to suit your needs, like open source, but hand-in-hand with the publisher, for optimum customisation with no technical skills required.
It has a wide range of functions, from CRM to sales management, production management and time and attendance management. It does not offer an accounting module, but interfaces very well with other accounting solutions.
💪 Its flexible, interactive planning is ideal for companies with variable schedules that need to retain flexibility and responsiveness.
XT ERP
Which ERP should you choose for your SME?
Akuiteo, the ERP for service companies
Do you work in a service company managed on a project, business or assignment basis? Then Akuiteo's functionalities are designed with you in mind.
More specifically, the software includes a number of standard modules, such as CRM, sales and purchasing management, accounting and cash management. But what sets the solution apart is its vertical approach. In fact, thanks to its dedicated functionalities, it perfectly addresses the challenges faced by specific service companies, such as software publishers, consultancies, design offices and accounting firms.
💪 The software also incorporates an EDM, with electronic signature and archiving with probative value for your documents.
Akuiteo
Axelor, the low-code Open Source ERP
Axelor offers a host of native functionalities for SMEs. From CRM to accounting, HR to supply chain, the platform is designed to cover all your needs.
The tool also lets you create and customise your own business applications, without coding, thanks to the integrated BPM. So you have an ERP perfectly tailored to your constraints and processes.
💪 Strength: flexibility! Each module can operate independently or communicate freely with the others.
Axelor
Karanext, the ERP that will save you precious time
Karanext is a complete, modular, all-in-one ERP, CRM and HR suite that digitises all your company's processes and gives you a 360° view of your business.
Specifically designed for SMEs, it helps you to improve your performance and manage your business through advanced, 100% customisable functionalities: automatic generation of contracts, automation and dematerialisation of accounting entries, complete HR management (employee portal, recruitment, etc.), real-time reporting tools, simplified management of customers and partners, and much more!
💪 We particularly like the ease with which it can be implemented, its ergonomic interface and its ultra-smooth operation.
Kafinea, the complete software package for managing your business
Kafinea is an all-in-one solution with several modules to suit all your needs. Do you want a 360° view while managing your accounts? Kafinea makes it possible, with software that's easy to learn. As a bonus, you save time by easily connecting your industrial systems and other software.
💪 Kafinea's strong point lies in its automation and workflows, which facilitate exchanges between employees while increasing their productivity.
Kafinea
Netsuite, supporting the growth of international organisations
Netsuite is a cloud ERP with a wide range of functions, enabling you to manage all your company's activities in a unified way. Finance, accounting, customer relations, stocks, purchasing, sales and e-commerce: all data is centralised and accessible at all times.
With a 360° view, you can improve your performance, streamline your processes and make faster, more accurate decisions.
Flexible and scalable, Netsuite boosts the growth of your start-up, VSE or SME.
NetSuite
Odoo, the open source ERP that fits all businesses
Odoo offers 45 key functionalities in 8 main modules: finance/accounting, sales/CRM, marketing, website/e-commerce, inventory/MRP, human resources, services/projects and productivity.
Complete, fully customisable and affordable, you choose your custom modules and pay only for the number of applications and users you select.
Innovative and user-friendly open source, the tool is secure and quick to install.
Odoo also allows you to connect to hundreds of commercial applications designed by experts.
Odoo
OOTI, for architects and design offices
OOTI is an ERP that adapts to your management needs, whatever your role in the studio or agency: manager, salesperson, accountant, project manager, etc.
It allows you to process administrative and commercial information, manage the progress of projects and invoicing, track budgets and the time spent on allocated tasks, as well as managing payroll, expense reports, etc.
💪 Featuring a mobile application, the software has secure access and permissions.
OOTI
SAP S/4HANA, the intelligent ERP for growing businesses
SAP S/4HANA is designed for ambitious SMEs and fast-growing companies, particularly in the manufacturing, energy, retail and professional services sectors. Its modular structure means you can adapt the tool to the precise needs of your finance, operations or supply chain teams. If you're looking for a robust solution to support your digital transformation strategy, this is a good choice!
The strength of SAP S/4HANA? An intelligent ERP capable of processing data in real time and optimising business processes through automation and AI. It offers specific modules for each business line, a modernised interface (SAP Fiori), seamless integration with other SAP tools... and a 360° view of business management, from the cloud to production.
An ERP designed for hypergrowth, combining power, innovation and customisation.
SAP S/4HANA
Sincro, for ESNs and consultancies
Sincro is a collaborative, user-friendly solution with a sales management component and a PRM (partner relationship management) intermediation component.
The interface offers several display modes thanks to intuitive widgets for managing contracts, invoicing, scheduling appointments, assigning employees, sales administration, entering and validating activity times, etc.
💪 Bonus? A mobile application for consultants and access for SMEs to business offers, published by key account partners.
Sincro ERP
FAQ on ERP for VSEs and SMEs
What is an ERP for SMEs?
ERP ( Enterprise Resource Planning) is management software that centralises all the key data for an SME. It brings together all the essential functions in a single tool: accounting, invoicing, stock, sales, projects, human resources, etc.
The aim? Gain greater visibility, productivity and responsiveness, without juggling a thousand Excel files. A good ERP acts like the conductor of your company's orchestra. It aligns all your departments with the same information in real time. 🧠
Can ERP be used by small businesses?
Yes, and it's an excellent idea! ERP systems are no longer the preserve of large organisations. Lightweight solutions designed for VSEs and SMEs enable them to manage their business without complexity.
With a modular ERP, a small business can choose only the functions it needs: invoicing, accounting, sales tracking or stock management.
It's like a digital Swiss Army knife: simple, scalable, and above all, tailored to your real needs. And the icing on the cloud 🍒 many ERP solutions can be accessed online, without any major technical investment.
How much does ERP cost for an SME?
The price of an ERP depends on your business, not some magic formula.
- Expect to pay between €20 and €100 per user per month for a cloud solution. This is the model most commonly used by SMEs: simple to deploy, with no server to manage.
- An on-premise ERP (installed locally) costs more upfront: licence, installation, maintenance... and aspirin 😅.
Open source solutions also exist. They're often free, but require a bit of elbow grease on the technical side.
👉 The right thing to do: choose an ERP tailored to your needs, not your neighbour's!
What are the disadvantages of an ERP?
Even the best management tools have their grey areas. ERP is no exception. Here are a few things to bear in mind:
- A sometimes high start-up cost, especially if you want a customised tool;
- An implementation time that can slow down momentum (allow several weeks);
- A learning curve for your teams, who are not always fans of change;
- The risk of choosing software that is too complex for your actual business;
- Dependency on the supplier, especially in cloud mode.
But don't worry: if you choose an ERP tailored to your SME, these obstacles will quickly become mere speed bumps. 🛣️
What are the differences between an ERP and a CRM?
They are often confused, but they don't do the same job.
- An ERP manages the day-to-day running of your business: accounting, stocks, projects, production, human resources... It's the operational brain. ⚙️
- CRM, on the other hand, focuses on your customers. It tracks contacts, manages sales, automates marketing campaigns and improves service. It's the commercial heart ❤️.
The two pieces of software can be connected, or even merged. But their purpose is not the same.
Choose the ERP software that's right for your business!
✅ Choose and build your ERP according to your needs and budget, and there's nothing to stop you upgrading it later as your business grows!
Hence our final piece of advice: opt for an evolving ERP that will grow with you.
Article translated from French