ERP SOFTWARE SIMPLIFIED
ERP Software Selection Simplified
The phrase "ERP software selection simplified" can sound like an oxymoron because ERP selection is often complex, time-consuming, and high-stakes—the opposite of “simple.” Choosing the right ERP involves evaluating business processes, technical requirements, scalability, budget, vendor fit, and more.
However, this apparent contradiction can be reconciled when the selection process is guided by:
-
A proven methodology,
-
Expert consulting,
-
Clear business objectives,
-
And a narrowed list of right-fit Tier and vertical/horizontal options.
So, while ERP selection is inherently complex, it can be simplified with the right approach.
ERP Software Tiers
To help simplify the hundreds of choices available, ERP software is grouped into tiers based on company size and complexity. Tier 1 is for large global enterprises, Tier 2 suits mid-sized companies with industry needs, and Tier 3 is for small businesses with basic requirements.
Tier 1 ERP
-
Designed for large, global enterprises
-
Handles complex operations, multi-site, multi-currency, multi-language
-
Highly customizable and scalable
-
Longer, more expensive implementations
-
Examples: SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Fusion, Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O
Tier 2 ERP
-
Built for mid-sized companies, often with multiple locations
-
Offers strong industry functionality with moderate customization
-
Can be horizontal (general use) or vertical (industry-specific)
-
Faster and more affordable than Tier 1
-
Examples: SAP Business One, Acumatica, NetSuite, Infor SyteLine
Tier 3 ERP
-
Designed for small businesses or startups
-
Focuses on basic functions like accounting, invoicing, and inventory
-
Mostly horizontal, sometimes niche vertical versions exist
-
Easy to implement, low cost
-
Examples: QuickBooks, Zoho Books, Xero
ERP Software Tiers: Horizontal vs. Vertical

Tier 1 ERPs are horizontally architected, giving them broad flexibility and scalability. They become vertical through add-ons, configurations, and industry templates—especially useful for regulated or complex verticals.
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 2 ERP systems are either horizontal or vertical. Horizontal ERPs, such as Acumatica and SAP Business One, offer broad, flexible functionality across various industries and typically require customization. In contrast, vertical ERPs like Aptean and SyteLine are built for specific industries, featuring preconfigured features that allow for faster implementation and less customization.
Tier 3 ERP systems are typically horizontal and limited.
Filling the Gaps: 3rd Party Add-Ons
A Tier 2 horizontal ERP system can meet approximately 80% of your requirements, and for certain companies, it may meet 100%. The idea behind horizontal ERP systems is to use third-party add-ons, often referred to as bolt-ons, to enhance a general-purpose ERP solution. This enables the system to cater to industry-specific needs or provide features that the core system lacks.
Common Gap Areas Filled by Add-ons
-
Advanced manufacturing (APS, MES, QMS)
-
Field service management
-
EDI integration
-
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
-
E-commerce and CRM enhancements
-
Complex project/job costing
-
Industry-specific compliance (e.g., FDA, ITAR, CMMC)

Advantages
-
Faster time-to-value than building customizations
-
Leverage proven industry solutions
-
Flexibility and scalability
-
Lower upfront development costs
Risks
-
Integration complexity
-
Version compatibility and maintenance
-
Vendor reliability and support concerns
-
Data silos if not well-integrated
ERP Software Quick Reference Charts
Situation | Best ERP Fit | Approximate Users* |
---|---|---|
Affordable, straightforward ERP | SAP Business One | 80,000+ |
Looking for modern cloud ERP with manufacturing
| Acumatica
| 14,000+ |
Multi-site, multi-entity with global scope | NetSuite | 30,000+ |
Deep manufacturing (APS, job costing, etc.) | Infor CSI (SyteLine) | 5,000+ |
Strong Microsoft shop with light MFG needs | Business Central | 45,000+ |
* Approximate users are classified as total companies using the software, not individual users at companies.
Feature / ERP System | Acumatica | Dynamics 365 BC | NetSuite | Infor SyteLine | SAP Business One |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deployment | Cloud / Hybrid | Cloud / On-prem / Hybrid | Cloud-only | Cloud / On-prem / Hybrid | Cloud / On-prem |
Licensing Model | Resource-based | Named / Device-based | Named user (subscription) | Named user (subscription) | Named user (subscription) |
Core Strength | Manufacturing & Distribution | Financials & Integration | Multi-entity / Scalability | Advanced Manufacturing | Finance + Light Manufacturing |
Manufacturing Features | Strong (MRP, BOM, WIP, Routing) | Moderate (via 3rd-party ISVs) | Moderate (via add-ons) | Very Strong (APS, MRP, Shop Floor) | Moderate (core BOM & MRP) |
Financial Management | Strong | Very Strong | Very Strong | Strong | Strong |
Multi-Entity / Multi-Currency | Yes | Yes (with add-ons) | Yes (native) | Yes | Yes |
Customization / Extensibility | Very High (xRP platform) | High (Power Platform, AL) | Moderate | High | Moderate |
Reporting & Dashboards | Embedded BI + Power BI | Power BI, Jet Reports | Native analytics + SuiteAnalytics | ION + Birst | Crystal Reports, SAP Analytics |
User Experience (UI/UX) | Modern, responsive, web-based | Clean, MS-style, role-based
| Mature but dated interface | Functional, somewhat dated | Simple, older interface |
Implementation Time | 3–12 months | 3–12 months | 6–12 months | 6–12 months | 3–12 months |
Typical Company Size | 10–500+ employees | 10–250 employees
| 50–1000+ employees | 50–500+ employees | 10–200 employees |
Take the Guesswork Out of ERP Selection
Let Champion Business Solutions guide you to the right ERP solution—tailored to your industry, your size, and your goals.
Contact us today for a free consultation.