Small business CRM software for 2021: Reviews and Comparison

Unveiling the Key to Successful Management with the Best SaaS ERP

By Nicole Hirsh & Coralie Petit
Updated: June 10, 2024, first publication: January 2020

You may have heard about it, but truly, what is a SaaS ERP?

If you’re willing to implement this tool in your company, rest assured: definition, guide and best tools… By the end of your reading, you’ll know everything to successfully manage tasks!

Let’s begin, shall we?

The Basis of the ERP

What is an ERP Software?

Enterprise Resource Planning systems, referred to as ERP, are comprehensive management software solutions that centralize all of your company’s activities within a single software environment.

They are composed of various modules that cater to different aspects of business management, all built on a unified database. This modular approach covers:

  • Sales and Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Manages sales processes and customer interactions.
  • Accounting Management: Facilitates financial tracking and coordination with accountants.
  • Invoicing: Manages quotes and invoice processing.
  • Payroll Management: Oversees payroll and employee compensation.
  • Purchasing Management: Handles procurement processes.
  • Stock Management: Manages inventory and stock levels.
  • Product Management: Oversees product lifecycle and details.

👉 Modern ERP solutions are designed for collaboration, allowing information to be easily shared across the organization. Employees can access the data they need quickly and independently, fostering a more efficient and informed workplace.

What is the Difference Between Cloud ERP and SaaS ERP?

When discussing modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, the terms "Cloud ERP" and "SaaS ERP" often come up. While they are related, they are not synonymous. ☝️

Cloud ERP refers to ERP software hosted on a vendor's or third-party provider's cloud infrastructure. Users access the system via the internet, eliminating the need for on-premises servers and Extensive IT maintenance. The cloud model offers flexibility, scalability, and remote accessibility, which is ideal for businesses with distributed operations.

On the other hand, SaaS ERP is a type of Cloud ERP delivered as a subscription service over the internet. Businesses pay a recurring fee, which includes:

  • updates,
  • maintenance,
  • deployment,
  • and support.

What are the Advantages of Management Software Packages?

Task Automation ⏲️

Automating tasks significantly reduces the time spent on routine activities, allowing you to focus on high-value issues and core business functions.

☝️ For operational teams, ERP solutions enable faster task execution and improved efficiency.

✌️ For management, ERPs provide essential tools for informed decision-making.

Process Optimization 🔧

ERP systems streamline and optimize business processes by centralizing data within a single platform.

This centralization enhances performance, leading to reduced operational costs and more efficient management of your business.

Centralization of Activities 📍

An integrated ERP system unifies all business operations, providing employees with access to a single, shared work environment.

This centralization promotes better data visibility and enhances collaboration across different departments.

Market Differentiation 🎨

ERP systems boost productivity and profitability, serving as a catalyst for company growth.

By improving the quality of service and meeting customer demands more effectively, ERPs help you differentiate your business in the market and foster stronger customer commitment.

How to Choose a Management Software?

Pinpoint Functional Requirements

Each company has unique functional requirements.

As such, it is crucial to identify which features are essential and which are optional for your operations.

👉 Choosing the best ERP systems allows your company for customization and adaptation to meet your specific needs.

Define Your Company Profile

Consider your company's size and industry when selecting an ERP solution.

In fact, some ERP systems are tailored to SMEs, while others are better suited for large enterprises.

👉 Understanding your company profile ensures you choose a solution that fits your scale and industry requirements.

Is There Any Free ERP?

Dolibarr, the Open Source ERP

Dolibarr, the open source ERP

Dolibarr is aimed in particular at small businesses, self-employed entrepreneurs and associations.

Dolibarr management solution is modular: you only activate the modules you need. You are therefore using a fully customized and customizable solution.

This tool emphasizes simplicity:

  • Of installation
  • Of use
  • Development, to make changes and adapt it even more to your company
Dolibarr ERP CRM

+200 reviews

ERP & CRM Simple Business Management Software
Learn more about Dolibarr ERP CRM

… And are they Worthy?

Hidden Costs

While some ERP software is marketed as free, there are often hidden costs involved. 😮‍💨

To fully utilize these solutions, you might need to pay for additional features, such as SaaS hosting or premium upgrades… Be cautious!

Reduced Functional Scope

Free ERP tools typically offer basic features only, which comes to be limiting soon enough.

As such, to access advanced functionalities and create a robust solution, you may need to purchase optional add-ons or upgrades.

Lack of Support

Free ERP solutions often lack dedicated support. If you encounter issues with installation, usage, or updates, you may need to rely on user forums or communities for help.

Alternatively, you might need to subscribe to a paid support plan to get professional assistance.

The 4 Best SaaS ERP Software

Display in full screen

Furious

Dolibarr ERP CRM

Exact pour Commerce & Négoce

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Sage 100

For companies with 2 to 250 employees For companies with 1 to 5000 employees For companies with 1 to 50 employees For companies with more than 1 employees For companies with 1 to 250 employees

Pricing on request

Free versionFree trialFree demo

Paid version from €9.00 /month

Free versionFree trialFree demo

Paid version from €109.00 /month

Free versionFree trialFree demo

Paid version from €33.70 /month

Free versionFree trialFree demo

Paid version from €0.00 /month

Free versionFree trialFree demo
Learn more about Furious Learn more about Dolibarr ERP CRM Learn more about Exact pour Commerce & Négoce Learn more about Microsoft Dynamics 365 Learn more about Sage 100

Exact ERP System Solutions, Best for Business Processes

Manage and monitor the pace of your business with Exact ERP. Its intuitive dashboard allows you to quickly view current orders, revenue trends, tasks to be performed, etc.

Exact ERP system solutions, the ERP system for business processes

From inventory management to sales, delivery and invoicing, this online solution allows you to optimize your margins and react in the event of unforeseen events. Integrated CRM makes customer relationship management easier for you. User-friendly, transparent and intuitive, Exact is also accessible on a phone thanks to its mobile-friendly interface.

Exact adapts to your business with specialized solutions: Exact for Industry, Exact for Project Management and Exact for Trading & Distribution.

Exact pour Commerce & Négoce

Commercial management and stock monitoring software
Learn more about Exact pour Commerce & Négoce

Furious, The Holistic Solution

With Furious, manage and streamline your business operations through an intuitive interface that provides easy access to key functionalities, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

From project management to time tracking and invoicing, this powerful solution helps you optimize your processes and stay on top of your business activities. Integrated CRM features ensure seamless customer relationship management.

Accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, Furious ERP adapts to your needs with specialized modules.

Furious© Furious

Key Functionalities:

  • Comprehensive project management from quote creation to project tracking and invoicing,
  • Accurate logging of work hours and project timelines through time-tracking,
  • Efficient handling of financial operations including invoicing and expense tracking,
  • Streamlined management of customer relationships and sales processes with the integration of a CRM,
  • Numerous automation features such as automatic invoice reminders and alerts for time consumption nearing project limits,
  • Over 200 pre-configured dashboards for detailed insights into team performance, business metrics, and financials.
Furious

+200 reviews

The all-in-one solution for brilliant project management!
Learn more about Furious

Microsoft Dynamics, The Solution for Everyone

Who's it for? Companies of all sizes.

Microsoft Dynamics offers a modular management solution: you only have to activate the modules you need. You can focus on your sales and customer relationships because the tool does the work for you. Therefore, you will be using a totally customized and, at the same time, customizable solution!

Microsoft Dynamics, the completely modular management solution

This tool provides the following functionalities:

  • Sales optimization (CRM, sales management, etc.).
  • Process organization (stock, purchases, orders).
  • Project performance analysis.
  • Secure data storage and transmission for enhanced security.
  • Financial and operational management.
  • Marketing management.
Microsoft Dynamics 365

22 reviews

Cloud-based CRM and ERP combining 200 apps
Learn more about Microsoft Dynamics 365

Sage 100cloud Business Management, Designed for SMEs

Don't be fooled by the name of this solution: Sage 100 c business management is a global tool for your business management. You can focus on your sales and customer relations because the tool optimizes:

  • The management of quotations and invoices,
  • Electronic document management (EDM): dematerialize, store and send all your documents securely,
  • Customer relationship management (CRM),
  • Purchasing management,
  • Inventory management,
  • Communication through a native tool and interconnection to your social networks, etc.
Sage 100cloud business management, the solution designed for SMEs

Sage 100 c business management allows a sharp access management to share data, but restrict access according to employees, for the most sensitive data.

Sage 100

+200 reviews

the ERP solution for SMEs
Learn more about Sage 100

Will you Take the Plunge and Go For an ERP?

Business management solutions are efficient tools that allow you to potentiate the performance of your company because they optimize and improve all the processes of your business in an integrated way.

Don't wait until the activities and growth of your business force you to implement an ERP, and take the initiative and optimize your business now! 💪

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