What is Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software

An Enterprise Resource Planning system (or ERP for short) is software that helps businesses manage and integrate core parts of their operations (like finance, inventory, procurement, manufacturing, or HR) in one place.

Instead of having separate systems for each department, an ERP keeps everything connected, making it easier for data to flow between teams. It’s a bit like the central nervous system of a company, keeping all the parts of the company working together.

• Work from one source of truth: An ERP keeps your core business data centralized, so every team is aligned and working with the same information.
• Automate routine tasks: ERPs streamline everyday processes like order management, invoicing, or inventory tracking, so you can focus on tasks that move the business forward.
• Scale easily: As you grow, ERPs help you stay organized by standardizing processes and supporting more complex operations across departments, locations, or product lines.

• Not every ERP fits every business: Some systems are built specifically for manufacturers, others for retailers or service companies. Look for one that matches your industry and workflows.
• Implementation can be a big project: ERPs are powerful, but setting one up (or switching to a new one) can take time, money, and planning, especially if your business is already running on other systems.
• Integration matters: Make sure your ERP can connect to the tools you already use, like your ecommerce platform, PIM, CRM, or shipping software.
• Cloud or on-premise? Cloud ERPs are easier to manage and update, while on-premise solutions offer more control. The right option depends on your size, budget, and IT resources.

ERP systems grew out of manufacturing software in the 1960s and 70s, when businesses first started using computers to manage inventory and production. It wasn’t until the 1990s that ERP systems expanded beyond manufacturing to include finance, HR, and other departments. The 2010s brought cloud-based ERPs, which made the technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses. Today’s ERP systems are more flexible and connected than ever, often integrating with ecommerce, PIM, and analytics tools to support modern digital operations.

• SAP
• Oracle NetSuite
• Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Odoo
• Infor

Your ERP is the operational backbone of your business. To work well, it needs to connect to the other tools you use across your company, whether they’re for manufacturing, HR, sales, or ecommerce.

For example, ERPs work hand-in-hand with PIMs. Products often start their lives in your ERP, where they get their SKUs, pricing, and other essential details. But when it’s time to enrich that data with marketing copy, translations, and images, or to send it to your sales channels, that’s where your PIM takes over. A well-integrated ERP keeps your product data, inventory levels, and financials accurate across your whole ecosystem.