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You’ve heard of ERPs and have a general understanding of what they do but aren’t sure how or if they can add value and contribute to your current business process and systems.

I'll give you an explanation of ERPs including how they work and deliver value. 

We’ll also demonstrate how companies can benefit from an ERP using real-life examples of Amazon, Starbucks & Toyota.

Key takeaways:

  • ERP systems integrate business processes and data, improving decision-making and efficiency across functions like finance, HR, and supply chain, beneficial for various industries and business sizes.
  • ERPs centralize data management, combining diverse applications into one system for streamlined information flow, enhanced security, and automated workflows, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

Now let’s quickly run through the basics of an ERP software system.

What Is An ERP?

An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is a powerful software platform that integrates business data, process, and function into a unified system that streamlines management and facilitates data-driven decision-making.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software systems are used by companies to drive efficiency and generate a big-picture view of the business, automating processes and data across business functions including:

  • Financial management. This function involves managing the company's finances, including accounting, budgeting, risk management, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial regulations.
  • Human resources. This module handles employee-related tasks such as recruitment, payroll, training, benefits administration, and performance management, streamlining the HR process.
  • Project management. This function aids in planning, executing, and monitoring project-related activities, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Warehouse management. This focuses on the operations of a warehouse, including inventory management, order fulfillment, and the efficient storage and retrieval of goods.
  • Supply chain management: This involves overseeing and managing the entire supply chain, from procurement of raw materials to the delivery of finished products, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Risk management: This function identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks to the business, ensuring continuity and sustainability in operations.
  • Inventory management. This module manages inventory levels, tracks stock movements, and helps in forecasting demand to ensure optimal inventory levels and reduce holding costs.

ERPs utilize a central database to store data, information and processes, offering valuable business intelligence capabilities to help streamline business processes drive efficiency, and reduce costs.

Who Uses ERP Systems?

Industries in which ERPs are commonly utilized are:

  • Healthcare
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Manufacturing
  • E-commerce
  • Non-profits/governments.

But any business or organization that wants to benefit from the integration of business processes can benefit from an ERP solution—this includes mid-market and small businesses.

According to digitalistmag.com, as a business grows in complexity with new products and service offerings, financial functions can quickly become overwhelmed.

Because of this, small and mid-size businesses experiencing these growth complexities should consider an ERP system.

How Does ERP Software Work? 

ERP systems consolidate disparate systems within an organization into a single, unified system

This integration allows different departments such as finance, human resources, and supply chain management to access and share a common data source, fostering improved communication and coordination across the organization.

At its heart, an ERP system relies on a central database. This database stores all the critical business data, ensuring that every department uses consistent and up-to-date information.

When data is entered or updated in one part of the system – say, a sales order is placed – the relevant information automatically updates across all related areas. 

For example, inventory levels adjust, financial records reflect the new sale, and the procurement module updates if more materials are needed.

By streamlining data flow and automating many business processes, ERP software enhances efficiency, reduces the risk of errors, and provides valuable insights through data analysis and reporting features. 

This comprehensive approach supports better strategic planning and decision-making, making it an invaluable tool for businesses seeking to optimize their operations.

While traditionally ERPS have been on-premise, modern cloud-based ERPs and SaaS (Software as a Service) systems like Acumatica remove the need to manage complex hardware.

3 Real-life ERP System examples From Amazon, Starbucks & Toyota

Now let’s take a look at three well-known companies and discuss the ERP vendors they use.

We’ll review the capabilities of the system and pricing and show you examples of what the software looks like, to help you choose what’s the best fit for your business. 

Stay up-to-date on all things HR & leadership.

Stay up-to-date on all things HR & leadership.

1. Amazon using SAP

Amazon uses an ERP software called SAP (Systems Analysis and Program Development).

SAP was created in Germany in 1972 by five former IBM employees who envisioned a software integration of all business and data processing in real-time.

It’s regarded as being best ERP software for advanced analytics using AI and machine learning

Stand-out SAP features

SAP features include:

  • Financial management
  • Human resources management (SAP SuccessFactors)
  • Supply chain management
  • Customer relationship management (SAP C/4HANA)
  • Analytics and reporting (SAP Analytics Cloud)
  • Manufacturing and production planning
  • Project and portfolio management
  • Database and data management
  • Enterprise asset management
  • Research and development/engineering:
  • Procurement and networks
  • Enterprise performance management
  • Internet of Things (IoT) and digital supply chain

SAP examples

Here we have an example of a SAP customization:

SAP S4 Hana Cloud Interface Screenshot
Customized SAP S/4 Hana Cloud interface.

On the left, a menu allows users to choose which area of business they’d like to view – from marketing to third-party order fulfillment, all aspects of the business are provided

Here’s an example of a SAP ERP with a focus on shipment:

SAP ShipERP Screenshot
SAP ShipERP.

This customized solution provides shipment details, a tracking tool, and the ability to view reports.

SAP ERP Interface Screenshot
SAP ERP interface.

SAP Pricing

SAP ERP pricing depends on business requirements and is unit priced per user. As of 2022, SAP ERP pricing is: 

  • Knowledgeable License: $3,213 per user, or $108 per user per month
  • Restricted License: $1,666 per user, or $56 per user per month
  • SAP Business One Limited License: $56 per user per month
  • SAP Business One Professional License: $108 per user per month

Smaller ERP solutions, such as SAP Business One and SAP Business ByDesign, can cost between $10,000 and $250,000 per year for software licensing. 

Implementing SAP B1 or SAP Business ByDesign can cost between $50,000 and $500,000.

2. Starbucks - using Oracle ERP

Starbucks uses Oracle ERP, a cloud-based software solution used to automate back-office processes and day-to-day business activities. 

It’s a business management software suite that includes financial management, supply chain management, project management, accounting, and procurement.

It’s regarded as being the best ERP software system for end-to-end analytics.

Stand-out Oracle ERP features

Oracle ERP features include:

  • Financial management
  • Procurement
  • Project management
  • Risk management and compliance
  • Supply chain management
  • Enterprise performance management
  • Human capital management
  • Customer relationship management (CRM)
  • Analytics and business intelligence
  • Asset management
  • Order management
  • Manufacturing management

Oracle ERP examples

Oracle ERP Dashboard Screenshot
Oracle ERP dashboard.

The Oracle ERP above shows revenue analyses and includes information you need to know at-a-glance including: 

  • Revenue
  • Expenses
  • Sales data
  • Inventory management
  • Operations updates

Check out this next Oracle example – it demonstrates the way you’re able to have all business needs listed in a Navigator section, allowing users to view all areas of a business on one screen:

Oracle ERP Screenshot
Oracle ERP allows the user to view all areas of a business on one screen and includes identifying information.

Oracle ERP pricing

As of December 2023, Oracle's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Cloud service costs $625 per month or $7,500 per year. However, a minimum of ten users is required for purchase, even if you only need five. 

This means a base cost of $75,000 per year. 

Oracle ERP Cloud has three pricing tiers: 

  • Financial Reporting plan: $175 per month
  • Advanced Financial Controls: $80 per user per month
  • Advance Access Controls package: $150 per user per month

Financial reporting compliance starts at $175 per user per month. Additional financial controls add an additional $80 per user per month. Access controls add an additional $150 per user per month.

3. Toyota - using Microsoft Dynamics 365

Toyota Industries Corporation is Toyota’s head company. It wanted to expand its reach globally to offer high-quality services like improved operational management accuracy, a paperless system, reduction of work hours, and increase in overall efficiency.

So, Toyota chose Microsoft Dynamics 365 for the job. Dynamics helps manage the after-sales service skills and operations for distributors offering services to their products to customers all over the world.

Stand-out Microsoft Dynamics 365 features

  • Sales
  • Customer service
  • Field service
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Supply chain management
  • Human resources
  • Commerce
  • Project operations
  • Analytics and AI.

How Toyota uses Dynamics

Here’s an example of a Dynamics Summary page. This section allows the company to view budget information, opportunities for sales, and timelines.

Dynamics ERP User Dashboard Screenshot
Dynamics ERP provides a user dashboard to view multiple areas of business at once.

Here’s an example of a Microsoft Dynamics Sales page – notice the ability to create a timeline of events and a customer relationship rating.

Dynamics ERP Sales Page Screenshot
Dynamics ERP sales page.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing

Microsoft Dynamics 365 pricing varies depending on the service. 

  • Sales Professional: $65 per user per month for the first license, and $20 per month for each additional license
  • Sales Enterprise: $95 per user per month for the first license, and $20 per month for each additional license
  • Customer Service Professional: $50 per user per month for basic customer service capabilities
  • Customer Service Enterprise: $95 per user per month for advanced customer service
  • Customer Insights: From $1,500 per tenant per month.

Benefits Of An ERP Implementation

As you're considering investing in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to transform your business operations, you'll discover there are significant benefits which include:

  • Improved Efficiency: ERP systems automate and streamline business processes, significantly reducing manual labor and eliminating operational inefficiencies.
  • Enhanced Data Analysis and Reporting: They provide real-time data analysis and comprehensive reporting capabilities, facilitating better decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Integrated Business Processes: By consolidating functions such as finance, HR, and supply chain management into one system, ERP ensures consistency and accuracy of information across the organization.
  • Cost Reduction: ERP systems contribute to reducing operational and administrative costs by enhancing efficiency and productivity, positively impacting the business's financial health.
  • Improved Collaboration and Productivity: The shared data environment and improved workflows fostered by ERP systems enhance inter-departmental collaboration, leading to increased overall productivity.

Implementing an ERP system can significantly transform your business with smoother, more streamlined operations, better data management, cost savings, and enhanced productivity.

Choosing The Best ERP For You

With multiple options among enterprise resource planning systems, it can be tough to decide which is best for your specific needs.

It's a dynamic market - companies and technology are growing and expanding, and new companies coming on board provide competition for the old.

For example, Infor, a new ERP solution, appears to have recently surpassed all three ERP giants we discussed above – SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft.

Best ERP Example Shortlist

Here's my pick of some of the best ERP software on the market today covering functionality, usability, and pricing.

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By Kim Behnke

Kim Behnke is an HR Tool Expert & Writer for People Managing People. She draws on her 9 years of human resources experience and her keen eye for systematic processes to support her analyses of the top HR tools on the market. She is passionate about maximizing efficiencies and streamlining workflows to ensure internal systems run smoothly. Kim's HR experience includes recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training and development, policy development and enforcement, and HR analytics. She also has degrees in psychology, writing, publishing, and technical communication, and recently completed a Certified Digital HR Specialist program through the Academy to Innovate HR. When away from her desk, she can usually be found outside tending to her ever-expanding garden.