Best Enterprise Resource Management Software Shortlist
Here’s the shortlist of the best tools that I’ll cover in this article.
As your company grows and more data becomes available, a viable option to make sense of all that data is to adopt enterprise resource planning software. Although not popular among SMBs, this software helps you consolidate all that information, which will help your organization become more data-driven and productive.
Your operation can positively benefit from adopting an enterprise management solution as you gain access to more real-time data and use it to make decisions that affect things like your e-commerce strategy, field service SLAs, and even how you communicate with a client at the POS.
In this guide, I’ll help you find the right tool for your organization. However, if you have general questions on the topic, you can head to the FAQ section of this article.
What is Enterprise Resource Management Software?
Enterprise ERP software is a scalable modular system that can help your business manage various business functions, such as invoicing, accounting, procurement, warehousing, human resource management, and other vital applications. These ERP modules let your business implement an enterprise resource management system without spending enormous amounts of money.
You can quickly add modules to the system’s core features as soon as you need them. Therefore, the right platform for your company depends on your needs. Any ERP vendor who provides these tools , whether proprietary or open-source, incorporates the best business practices in their solutions.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Enterprise Resource Management Software
You can use the simple overviews of each tool below to understand how each tool stands out from other enterprise resource management software. Feel free to check out how I picked the tools on this list at any time.
Wrike
Best for resource visibility
Wrike brings all work together in a single platform to help teams gain more visibility regarding project resources and remove complexities.
Why I picked Wrike: The software will help your business simplify resource management with its visibility capabilities, so your teams can do their best work. Wrike can help you control resource management by understanding your teams’ work capacity so you can allocate resources effectively. The tool’s features allow you to delegate tasks effectively, get your team’s availability, and assign resources to upcoming projects.
Wrike suits mid-sized businesses and large enterprises requiring teams to collaborate in real-time when working on complex projects. The platform integrates with over 400 applications that will help you simplify tasks and keep your favorite tools. Wrike also helps organizations with multiple teams with pre-built templates designed for different groups that enable you to kick-start your project planning.
Wrike Standout Features and Integrations
Features include strategic planning, portfolio management, project management, corporate development, request management, status tracking, Gantt chart, Kanban board, backlog management, and budgeting tools.
Integrations include Pipedrive, Widen Collective, Bynder, Jotform, DoorLoop, Hubstaff, HoneyBook, Basecamp, Acuity PPM, MediaValet, Userback, Resource Guru, Zendesk, Salesforce, and Mailchimp.
Pros
- Centralizes team conversations.
- Updates automatically adjust all deadlines.
- Customizable individual and team dashboards.
Cons
- Some automations are difficult.
- Complex interface for new users.
monday.com
Best for project collaboration
monday.com provides high-level collaboration features to help your teams work together effectively.
Why I picked monday.com: With monday.com, you can ensure straightforward, effective communication between your team members to increase project collaboration. It brings your teams together on one shared platform to ensure everyone is on the same page. You can use monday.com to remove communication silos, allocate organizational resources, and make real-time changes to ensure your projects progress to completion.
monday.com helps businesses of all sizes and across all industries improve project management and workflows. It’s a cloud-based, no-code solution that enables organizations to provide an efficient work environment where teams can assign tasks, automate work, and share files. monday.com can manage everything from simple to complex projects while ensuring straightforward communication and resource utilization efficiency.
monday.com Standout Features and Integrations
Features include Gantt chart, project dashboards, resource management, milestones, progress sharing, dependencies, project templates, feedback management, customer relationship management, and workflow management.
Integrations include Clockify, Twilio, Pipedrive, Orange Logic, PandaDoc, Jotform, DoorLoop, Stripe, 6clicks, Contractbook, Basecamp, FleetUp, MindCloud, Userback, and SiteDocs.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop functionality.
- Creates custom dashboards.
- Easily organizes work.
Cons
- Automation can be complex.
- Mobile app lacks some features.
Microsoft Project
Best for integrating with other Microsoft products
Microsoft Project provides nearly anything when it comes to project management, along with the ability to integrate with Microsoft’s enormous number of products.
Why I picked Microsoft Project: The platform is an enormous tool that can do almost any project management task. If your business already uses one of Microsoft’s other systems, adding Microsoft Project into the mix gives you all the necessary parts to run your projects. For example, you can manage document storage by integrating the platform with Microsoft Teams or create checklists with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Microsoft Project works well for any sized business that needs a simple tool to plan projects and enhance collaboration. It’s a flexible solution for project management and tracking that is a part of the Microsoft Office 365 ecosystem. Microsoft Project will help you execute projects with various tools, such as built-in templates, scheduling tools, and mobile device access.
Microsoft Project Standout Features and Integrations
Features include Gantt charts, project planning, interactive dashboard, customizable templates, task editing and updating, project scheduling, interactive roadmaps, timesheet submission, and resource management.
Integrations include Wrike, ProjectManager, WorkOtter, Journyx, Office Timeline, Project Insight, Assai, TimeControl, PMWeb, GanttPRO, OneDesk, Zoho Projects, Microsoft Power BI, and Roadmap.
Pros
- Great for presenting vital information.
- Excellent project monitoring capabilities.
- Integration with all Microsoft tools.
Cons
- Doesn’t provide real-time updates.
- Steep learning curve.
ProjectManager.com
Best for balancing team workloads
ProjectManager helps businesses balance their team’s workload to understand who has too many or too few assignments.
Why I picked ProjectManager: The platform can enable your business to easily reallocate resources from the tool’s workload dashboard. ProjectManager can help you understand when your team members aren’t available so you can identify which resources are available. You can use the tool to track your team’s expenditures in real-time as they log their hours, making it simple to control team budgets.
ProjectManager is an excellent option for any sized business needing a solution to unite its team members, whether remote or on-premises. It’s powerful enough to help your leadership teams make data-driven decisions and manage projects with various complexity levels. ProjectManager also gives your teams innovative tools to provide everyone simple access to overviews and detailed, real-time status.
ProjectManager Standout Features and Integrations
Features include project time tracking, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, task lists, team management, time tracking, one-click reports, project planning, capacity monitoring, milestone tracking, project templates, and collaboration tools.
Integrations include GoToWebinar, Pipedrive, Basecamp, Harvest, LiveAgent, Zendesk, Salesforce, Microsoft 365, WordPress, Slack, Hubspot CRM, Asana, Zoho CRM, Dropbox, and Evernote.
Pros
- User-friendly UI.
- Gantt charts provide excellent visualizations.
- Excellent scheduling capabilities.
Cons
- No process automations.
- There are some bugs.
SAP ERP
Best for large organizations
SAP ERP helps large enterprises ease data processing and information flow between departments.
Why I picked SAP ERP: This tool helps larger enterprises grow even further without the limitations you might find in other enterprise resource management software. SAP ERP centralizes various business workflows in one location, such as order management, human resources, and financial management. It makes it easy to get statistical insights and share these details throughout multiple departments.
SAP ERP works if your business operates in different countries worldwide. The tool’s currency conversion capabilities make it an excellent choice for international business. Also, SAP ERP’s automation feature makes connecting workflows throughout your enterprise possible so your teams can spend time on other valuable tasks.
SAP ERP Standout Features and Integrations
Features include accounting integration, order management, reporting and analytics, purchase order management, financial reports, real-time upload and download, work schedule management, and inventory management.
Integrations include Cleo Integration Cloud, TrueCommerce, MV2, Journyx, Medius, ImpactECS, Proactis, OnPlan, Repsly, incentX, Vertex, Envoy B2B, OnScreen, TouchBase, and Convertigo.
Pros
- Extensive data management and storage.
- Very customizable for your needs.
- Manages all business processes.
Cons
- Can be slow and unstable.
- UI is complex to learn.
Infor
Best industry-specific solution
Infor provides several industry-specific software solutions that will help increase the efficiency of critical operations.
Why I picked Infor: The vendor provides multiple software options that fit various industries for organizations that operate within them. Infor’s solutions focus on meeting the requirements of different sectors that require enhanced enterprise resource management software. You can take advantage of the platform’s industry-specific capabilities, so you can focus on developing your business processes.
Infor works well for any sized business in almost any industry. The various solution options provide data and analytic capabilities that enable quick, data-driven decisions that align with departmental objectives. Infor allows your business to scale quickly thanks to its secure hosting, which helps you spend less time managing infrastructure as you grow.
Infor Standout Features and Integrations
Features include financial control, planning and scheduling, task optimization, quality management, multisite support, inventory management, financial calendars, compliance controls, and compliance reports.
Integrations include ProLinc, ENVISION, TimeLinx, CyberPlan, OnScreen, OKKAMI, Eventix, SimpleLegal, Responder360, Vertex, Titan CMS, and SkyStem ART.
Pros
- Very easy to use.
- Easy to download reports.
- Accessible from anywhere.
Cons
- No forecasting capabilities.
- Support takes too long.
Resource Guru
Best for monitoring resource usage
Resource Guru helps businesses ensure their teams do their best work by monitoring resource usage.
Why I picked Resource Guru: The software helps your business assign work and create well-balanced schedules quickly. With Resource Guru, you can monitor how your team uses your available resources and ensure everyone has what they need when they need it. You can use the platform to manage your team members, equipment, and meeting rooms in one place. Resource Guru also helps you analyze resource utilization rates across multiple projects to provide more accurate forecasting.
Resource Guru works well with small, medium, and large businesses that require efficient resource scheduling tools. It provides daily scheduled emails and personal dashboards to ensure everyone is up to date with their work. Resource Guru will help you eliminate over-allocated resources to keep workloads under control and ensure your projects are successful.
Resource Guru Standout Features and Integrations
Features include resource scheduling, leave management, capacity planning, resource management, meeting room booking system, project scheduling, and project forecasting reports.
Integrations include Wrike, Basecamp, Slack, Microsoft Outlook, Teamwork, Zapier, Google Calendar, Wufoo, Podio, Zoho Flow, Easyflow, and Stackreaction.
Pros
- Excellent user interface.
- Gives a good view of tasks.
- Provides valuable information details.
Cons
- Needs more customization options.
- Completed projects aren’t removed automatically.
Smartsheet
Best for accurate project planning
Smartsheet provides resource management capabilities that enable effective project planning.
Why I picked Smartsheet: This software provides flexible project management capabilities, so you can get an overview of your team’s work. You can use the platform’s timesheet data to manage work times, fees, and expense budgets to identify at-risk projects and make necessary resource adjustments in real-time. Smartsheet will also help you accurately plan your projects thanks to its project pipeline forecasts.
Smartsheet is an excellent choice for companies of all sizes that need more effective resource management software for successful projects. Smartsheet visualizes complex data to help you identify project trends and plan for business growth. You can use the platform to confidently schedule projects based on your team’s capacity and track their progress.
Smartsheet Standout Features and Integrations
Features include dynamic resource planning, interactive team scheduling, team tracking, staffing needs forecasting, utilization reporting, data visualization, drag-and-drop tools, resource allocation, skills tracking, and filtered search.
Integrations include Desktop.com, Grow, Zapier, Wufoo, Shift, iCIMS, Teamstack, OnSched, Shopping Feed, and NextProcess.
Pros
- Creates effective work schedules.
- Easy to use.
- Simplifies project workflow tracking.
Cons
- No user security levels.
- Updates don’t save automatically.
Acumatica
Best for workflow automation
Acumatica offers enterprise resource management modules that automate various business workflows.
Why I picked Acumatica: The platform leverages robust artificial intelligence to help your business with workflow automation and simplifies many necessary but less complicated processes. Acumatica includes modules for everything your business needs and automates them for you. It contains modules for warehouse management, IT, and accounting and financial planning departments.
Acumatica is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses looking for a cloud-based enterprise resource management software to get real-time insights from anywhere. The primary goal of the software is to improve business efficiency via cross-module workflows and high adaptability through low or no-coding capabilities. Acumatica offers industry-specific solutions that fit your organization, so you’ll see that you’re not getting the same cookie-cutter software.
Acumatica Standout Features and Integrations
Features include financial management, construction management, customizable workflows, item management, warehouse automation, customer management, user-level permissions, and sales order management.
Integrations include TrueCommerce, Medius, TopBuilder, EBizCharge, SPS Commerce, Proactis, UnForm, FastBound, incentX, Vertex, Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, and Hubspot Operations Hub.
Pros
- Excellent up-to-date help articles.
- Easy to navigate.
- Flexible, cloud-based platform.
Cons
- Confusing to search for specific data.
- Creating reports is complex.
Kantata
Best for project forecasting
Kantata is a cloud-based resource management platform that provides accurate forecasts to enhance operational performance.
Why I picked Kantata: This tool provides a full suite of forecasting tools to help ensure your business is ready for future projects. Kantata simplifies forecasting and resource utilization to enhance your teams’ efficiency with powerful planning capabilities. You can use the data it provides to respond to supply and demand changes and explore how they will impact your company’s revenue, margins, and timelines.
Kantata helps any sized professional service business, especially in marketing, advertising, engineering, and management consulting. Kantata’s architecture enables your business to bring on the best teams and see real-time progress against project timelines and budgets. The platform provides a collection of excellent operational management, business intelligence, and workflow optimization features.
Kantata Standout Features and Integrations
Features include performance metrics, strategic planning, visual analytics, budgeting and forecasting, profitability analysis, content management, financial reporting, task management, and version control.
Integrations include BambooHR, Hubstaff, Desktop.com, Gigasheet, Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Slack, Hubspot CRM, Jira, Time Doctor, Quickbooks, Google Drive, and Zapier.
Pros
- Provides accurate forecasting.
- Simple collaboration capabilities.
- Customizable reports and metrics.
Cons
- Steep learning curve.
- The UI is outdated.
The 10 Best Enterprise Resource Management Software Summary
Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wrike Best for resource visibility | Free plan available | From $9.80/user/month | Visit Website |
2 | monday.com Best for project collaboration | 14-day free trial + freemium plan available | From $8/user/month (billed annually, min 3 seats) | Visit Website |
3 | Microsoft Project Best for integrating with other Microsoft products | 30-day free trial | From $10/user/month | Visit Website |
4 | ProjectManager.com Best for balancing team workloads | 30-day free trial | From $16/user/month | Visit Website |
5 | SAP ERP Best for large organizations | 90-day free trial | From $3,200/user for a perpetual license | Visit Website |
6 | Infor Best industry-specific solution | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
7 | Resource Guru Best for monitoring resource usage | 30-day free trial available | From $3/user/month | Visit Website |
8 | Smartsheet Best for accurate project planning | Freemium version available | From $7/user/month | Visit Website |
9 | Acumatica Best for workflow automation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
10 | Kantata Best for project forecasting | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more options that didn’t make the best enterprise resource management software list:
- Parallax
Best for digital service organizations
- Oracle NetSuite
Best for scaling and growth
- Forecast
Best for improving operational and financial management.
- Ramco ERP
Best for helping businesses thrive digitally.
- Birdview PSA
Best professional services automation solution.
- Paymo
Best for managing entire project lifecycles.
- Zoho Projects
Best for detailed project reports.
- Epicor ERP
Best modular ERP system.
- ClickUp
Best all-in-one productivity application.
- Celoxis
Best for managing diverse project portfolios.
- Runn
Best for intuitive project planning
- Mosaic
Best AI-powered resource management software.
- Saviom
Best for utilizing the entire workforce.
- Hub Planner
Best for capacity planning visualizations.
- Plex ERP
Best for providing a single source of truth.
- Odoo ERP
Best open-source enterprise resource management solution.
- Sage ERP X3
Best global enterprise resource management tool.
- SYSPRO ERP
Best for manufacturing and distribution companies.
How I Picked the Best Enterprise Resource Management Software
To build this top 10 list, I evaluated and compared a wide range of enterprise cloud-based ERP solution options with positive user ratings.
After determining my long list of top choices, I further honed my list by using the selection criteria below to see how each platform stacked up against the next one. Finally, I also drew on my years of project management experience to pinpoint the features that add value.
User Interface (UI)
A simple user interface will make it easier for you and your teams to use the new software, leading to an efficiency increase and reduced expensive mistakes.
Also, an enterprise resource management tool with a well-designed user interface will minimize training time significantly. I look for an intuitive user interface that will make navigating the software simple without relying on user guides.
Usability
Enterprise resource management software that is highly usable will help reduce frustration throughout your organization when using it. It should take a few clicks to find the feature you need. I look for tools that do what it says they can do without much trouble. You shouldn’t need to dig through several menus to find a functionality your team uses multiple times daily.
Customization
There’s no such thing as software that’s perfect right out of the box. The best ERP software is the one that lets you build a solution that works for your business operations. Enterprise resource management platform vendors typically use the knowledge they gain from thousands of customers to determine the best features for their software. But, if there’s a feature you need, the tool you use should make customization simple. Examples of these platforms include SAP Business One and Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Software Integrations
Many organizations considering new ERP software solutions, like SysPro, likely have other systems they’re not looking to change. This could be an MRP tool like Katana or a financial management tool like Sage Intacct. Therefore, I look at how your ERP implementation can help you streamline your work by connecting to other SaaS products, either through add-ons or integrations you can configure. I discuss pre-built integrations, third-party software, and custom integrations using APIs.
Pricing
When implementing a new ERP platform, various costs might be involved. For example, there will be an initial purchase amount and possibly some consulting expenses. You might also need to update your servers and networks. I look for software that provides clear pricing options, including free trials and demos, to help you determine your final cost and calculate your return on investment. I also include details on any upgrades and plan changes you are able to make.
Resource Management Software FAQ
Here are a few popular questions that other people ask about this topic.
What are the Benefits of Enterprise Resource Management Software?
What are the Key Features of Enterprise Resource Management Software?
What Other Project Management Software Should I Use?
What is enterprise project management?
How much is the ERP market worth?
What’s Next?
This list of enterprise resource management software is only the first step in selecting the right platform for your business. I understand it can be hard to select a tool at this level. Therefore, I recommend you try our tool finder. You just need to complete a form and can access free advice on what is best for you.
Related enterprise tool list:
- Enterprise Project Management Software
- Project Portfolio Management Software
- Enterprise Digital Asset Management Software
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