The Difference Between ERP vs. Accounting Software Systems

There are many different types of software systems available on the market today. Two of the most popular options for businesses are Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and accounting software. Both of these options offer a variety of benefits, but they also have some key differences that you should be aware of before making a decision.

ERP systems are designed to provide a comprehensive view of all aspects of your business. This includes everything from inventory and manufacturing to customer relationship management (CRM) and financials. Accounting software, on the other hand, is focused primarily on financial transactions and reporting.

What is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution?

An enterprise resource planning solution is a platform used for managing essential business components within a business. ERP software can make implementing resources planning easier by integrating everything required for business operations into a single software solution. ERP software also integrates planning inventory, sales, marketing finance, personnel and more.

What is the difference between ERP and financials?

Financial accounting and financial planning can be used to explain ERP applications in many ways, but financial accounting and ERP are not the same. Finance is a sub-set of ERP. Financials represents all business functions associated with the Finance department and includes modules for accounting for cash flow, subsystem accounts, payables and payables, revenue management.

What are the advantages of accounting software over ERP systems?

There are a few key advantages that accounting software offers over ERP systems. First, accounting software is generally much easier to use and implement than an ERP system. This is because it is focused on a specific area of your business, rather than trying to cover all aspects.

Another advantage of accounting software is that it can be more affordable than an ERP system. This is because ERP systems can be very complex and require a significant investment in terms of hardware, software, and training.

What are the advantages of an ERP system over accounting software?

One of the biggest advantages of an ERP system is that it can help you make better decisions by providing real-time data. This can be extremely beneficial if you need to make quick decisions about where to allocate resources or how to respond to changing market conditions. Accounting software, on the other hand, is typically more focused on historical data and can be less helpful in making real-time decisions.

Another advantage of ERP systems is that they can help you automate many of your business processes. This can save you a significant amount of time and money, as well as reducing the chance of errors. Accounting software is often used in conjunction with manual processes, which can be more time-consuming and prone to errors.

Finally, ERP systems are often more scalable than accounting software. This means that they can grow with your business as your needs change. Accounting software is often designed for smaller businesses and may not be able to keep up with the demands of a growing company.

What are the disadvantages of an ERP system?

While ERP systems offer a variety of benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of. One of the biggest disadvantages of ERP systems is that they can be complex and expensive to implement.

This is often due to the fact that they require a significant amount of customisation to fit the specific needs of your business. However a company such as Intygrate will be able to identify your exact requirements, saving you cost and increasing your efficiency. Our experienced team will also work with you to make the process as simple as it gets.

The business value of ERP systems

ERP has had a profound impact on our business life. As business data is integrated into an ERP system, businesses can easily integrate multiple departments into their workflows thereby resulting in significantly lower costs. Business advantages include:

• The ability to make better decisions based on real-time data
• Improved efficiency through automation
• The scalability to keep up with the demands of a growing business
• Reduced costs and improved profitability.

These business advantages have driven the widespread adoption of ERP systems in recent years. In fact, according to a study by Grand View Research, the global ERP market is expected to reach $41.69 billion by 2025.

What business functions can be optimised with ERP systems?

Inventory management is one of the most commonly cited benefits of ERP systems. By having all of your inventory data in one place, you can get a better overview of your stock levels and make more informed decisions about ordering and manufacturing.

ERP systems can also help you streamline your manufacturing processes by providing real-time data on production levels. This can help you identify bottlenecks and make changes to improve efficiency. In addition, ERP systems can often be integrated with other software systems, such as CRM and accounting, which can further improve your business efficiency.

For a more thorough rundown on what features ERP systems can offer, check out our article on what an ERP software solution includes.

How much do ERP systems cost?

Another key difference between ERP and accounting software is the way they are priced. ERP systems are typically much more expensive than accounting software because they require a larger upfront investment. This is because they provide a variety of modules that cover more than just finances. However, the long-term costs of an ERP system are often lower because you will likely need fewer IT resources to maintain it. Accounting software is typically less expensive to purchase and maintain, but the upfront costs can be higher.

What are the similarities between ERP and accounting software?

In terms of functionality, ERP and accounting software are quite similar. Both systems can be used to manage finances, track inventory, and streamline manufacturing processes. However, there are some key differences that you should be aware of.

The most significant difference between ERP and accounting software is the way they are priced. ERP systems typically require a larger upfront investment, but the long-term costs are often lower. Accounting software is typically less expensive to purchase and maintain, but the upfront costs can be higher.

ERP systems are also much more complex than accounting software. This is because they provide a variety of modules that cover more than just finances. As a result, ERP systems often require a larger IT infrastructure and more IT resources to maintain. Accounting software is typically much simpler and easier to use, but it may not provide all of the features and functionality that your business needs.

Cloud ERP - A new ERP delivery model

Embrace cloud delivery and software-as-a-service (SaaS) delivery. ERP software is offered as-a-service in a cloud-based environment and runs on remote servers. It periodically updates its software rather than having to upgrade the system to an on-premises platform each five years or even ten years. Cloud technology can help companies avoid buying software and hardware as well as hiring additional IT staff.

Does ERP software run on cloud?

Yes, ERP software can run on the cloud. In fact, many businesses are choosing to move their ERP systems to the cloud in order to take advantage of the flexibility and scalability that it offers.

Cloud-based ERP systems are often easier to implement and maintain than on-premise systems because they don’t require the same level of IT infrastructure. In addition, cloud-based ERP systems can be accessed from anywhere, which can help improve your business’s flexibility and agility.

Do accounting systems run on cloud?

Yes, accounting systems can run on the cloud. In fact, many accounting software vendors offer cloud-based solutions. This means that you can access your accounting data from anywhere and you don't have to worry about maintaining your own servers. Cloud-based solutions are often subscription-based, which means you pay a monthly or annual fee. This can be a more cost-effective option for small businesses because you don't have to make a large upfront investment.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use ERP or accounting software depends on your specific needs. If you need a comprehensive view of your business operations and real-time data to make decisions, then an ERP system is likely a good choice. If you are primarily concerned with financial transactions and reporting, then accounting software may be a better option.

If you are still not sure which type of system is right for you, simply send us a message and we'll be happy to help. We can help assess your specific needs and recommend the best solution for your business.