How Much Does an ERP Cost? - Brainsell (2024)

ERP systems can be a powerful tool that helps streamline your business operations when implemented correctly. However, ERP implementations can be unnecessarily costly if you’re not careful.

Whether it is a first-time ERP implementation or a migration from an old system to a new one, the total cost for an ERP will depend on several factors. It can include—but is not limited to—company size, project scope, licensing model, and complexity.

In fact, BrainSell sees ERP implementations range anywhere between $2,000 and $70,000, on average. The ERP software itself can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per year depending on the product and your specific needs.

So, how much would an ERP cost you? Read on to learn more about what ERP implementations entail so you can gain a better understanding of how much an ERP project may cost you.

ERP License Costs

Software licenses are a confusing subject as it pertains to cost. Every vendor offers a unique pricing model with different contract terms.

This can complicate budgeting for licensing requirements and forecasting ERP costs. Here are the most common licensing models we see:

Named Licensing

Named user licenses are ones that are personalized to a specific individual. The named user is the only one who can access the software on a single system, but they have full access to the software’s features and functions. Named user licenses typically cost more than other types of licenses but offer more flexibility and security. For example, if an organization has a team of five people who need to access the ERP software, they will need five named user licenses.

Concurrent licensing

Some software companies offer concurrent user licenses versus named licenses. This model enables a specified number of users to simultaneously use a single ERP solution. Users do not own their licenses. However, they are limited in the available number of users allowed to access their system at once. For example, if you have 200 people using your ERP, but 50 users require the same software license, only 50 people are allowed into the network simultaneously.

[Learn More: What is the Difference Between Named and Concurrent User Licenses?]

Cloud ERP (SaaS) vs. On-Premises (Permanent) Costs

Cloud ERP is typically an annual subscription charge that includes the product’s license, hosting, and product support. On-Premises Software is a one-time upfront cost that is part of your capital expenditure (CapEx) and a way to acquire the rights to use the software vendor’s IP. However, the user pays an additional annual service fee to receive product updates or support.

You can learn more about the differences between cloud and on-premise solutions here.

Factors That Affect ERP Costs

An ERP implementation is more than just a software purchase. Various factors can affect ERP pricing, including:

  • Company Size: smaller businesses may only require a few weeks or months of consulting services, while larger companies may need ongoing support from a trusted partner. Larger companies spend more on ERP implementations because they have more employees and data to migrate onto the new system.
  • The number of entities: The number of entities, such as divisions, locations, and business units, can affect ERP pricing. The number of Tax IDs can also affect ERP pricing. ERP systems often need to be configured for multiple Tax IDs.
  • Historical Data: how granular do you want to get with your historical data migration? Obviously, all your data is preferred. But that is a heavy lift that will accrue additional costs depending on the data needed to migrate to your new system.
  • The number of users: The number of ERP users can affect ERP pricing. A business user costs much more than an employee user. So, it’s crucial to identify who on your team will be doing admin work and who needs to add transactions, for example. Not every user needs to have admin privileges.
  • The number of business systems: ERP systems need to be integrated with other business systems, such as CRM, employee management, and eCommerce platforms. The number of business systems that need to be integrated affects ERP pricing.
  • Complexity: ERP systems can be as simple or complex as the user needs, which can significantly impact pricing. Modules tend to be a la carte after the core financial functionalities of the platform, meaning you can tailor your ERP to meet your exact needs.
  • Customized reporting: what reports will you need, and what are the data sources for those reports?
  • Level of automation: How automated do you want the system to be? How reliant do you still want to be on Excel and your initial processes? How much work/life balance do you want your financial team to have?

[On-Demand Webinar: 10 Ways to Improve Your Business with Actionable Finance Data]

Ongoing Costs to Consider

In addition to the implementation cost, ERP software often incurs recurring costs that do not include base pricing.

Some examples are:

  • Additional User Costs: Adding users as you grow can cause your software subscription cost to increase over time. Ensure you have the appropriate number of user seats as needed.
  • Customization: ERP systems are not one size fits all. Many businesses need to customize their ERP system to fit their specific business processes. Many ERPs have system marketplaces that can take your ERP to the next level through easy-to-setup third-party integrations.
  • Training: ERP training is often required for employees to learn how to use the new system.
  • Support: ERP support is often required to keep the system running smoothly. However, cloud financial systems like Sage Intacct automatically update your system quarterly, so you no longer need to worry about IT-related downtimes with your system.

ERP Projects Can Be Daunting, But Worth It! Get Your Implementation Right the First Time with Help from BrainSell!

ERP implementations are not cheap, but the cost is often worth it for businesses that need to streamline their operations. ERP systems can save businesses time and money by automating tasks, such as order processing, inventory management, and automated payments.

If you are considering implementing an ERP system, consider the cost of the project and the ongoing costs of support and training. ERP systems can be complex, but with the help of a trusted partner, you can streamline your business operations and improve your bottom line.

At BrainSell, we “measure twice and cut once” when helping clients assess needs and gather requirements. Get in touch with us to learn more about ERP pricing and how we can help you implement an ERP system that meets your specific business needs.

Want to learn more? Grab your copy of the Intelligent Workforce Guide for Finance Teams to learn how to augment your back office with the right strategies and technology!

How Much Does an ERP Cost? - Brainsell (2024)

FAQs

How much does an ERP cost? ›

A 2022 ERP report showed that the average budget per user for an ERP project is $9,000. When you factor in how many users your system may have (especially for larger businesses), and added costs, you'll find an ERP implementation can cost anything between $150,000 and $750,000 for a mid-sized business.

How much does the average ERP cost per month? ›

To start, the average cost of ERP software is between $1,740 and $9,330 per month, though this range can significantly increase depending on your annual revenue.

How much money can an ERP system save? ›

An ERP system saves money on operational costs

Investing in an ERP system like NetSuite can reduce your overall operational costs by 20%. A large amount of these savings come from inventory control. Inventory costs will hit your business two times- carrying and handling.

Why are ERP systems worth their cost? ›

ERP can help you optimize inventory, reduce waste, and lower your cost of delivery. 3. Manufacturing ERP simplifies and streamlines your business.

Is ERP system free? ›

Using a free ERP system can be a great starting point for small businesses looking for their first system. A free ERP system is exactly that - free. These systems are typically open-source or have a free pricing tier where businesses can use the software either at its full capacity, or use limited features.

Does ERP reduce cost? ›

It is an effective way to reduce operational costs and increase profit margins within a business. Despite ERP being labeled as a single software, there are multiple different forms of ERP systems. Various modules and features can be added or removed to an ERP software to meet the unique demands of a business.

What is the most expensive ERP system? ›

Sage ERP solutions is one of the most expensive on the market, with ERP costs of $2600 per month, but this price accounts for three users.

What percentage of revenue is ERP cost? ›

The bottom line of ERP cost

But as a rule of thumb, you can plan on a software and services project that's between one and two percent of your annual revenue, including training. If your business is on the smaller side ($3,000,000 or less), you should expect the percentage to be closer to two percent of annual revenue.

What is the highest paying ERP? ›

What is the highest salary for a ERP Consultant in India? Highest salary that a ERP Consultant can earn is ₹15.5 Lakhs per year (₹1.3L per month).

Do people pay for ERP? ›

ERP costs are only for the initial purchase: Not necessarily — some vendors offer subscription-based models with ongoing support that incur costs ongoing. You'll need to consider the total cost of ownership over time. Make sure you understand the total costs from implementation through years of support.

What is the average lifetime ERP system? ›

From our research and experience, ERP systems need to be upgraded regularly. Most governments hold onto a system for 15-20 years between entire replacement projects.

Is ERP time consuming? ›

A new ERP system implementation is a time-consuming process, especially if you're using obsolete hardware. It can take as long as two years for ERP software installation. Given that fact, if you want to invest in ERP software, you should plan to avoid any disruption in business processes.

Why is ERP cost saving? ›

For one, because ERPs are comprehensive systems, they eliminate the need for separate software in each department. This saves money in terms of data re-entry (which can be costly), error reduction and the recurring costs of licenses, updates and training on software.

What are the 6 main benefits of ERP? ›

ERP management can integrate all of the different aspects of your business including purchasing, planning, inventory, sales, marketing, budgets, and human resources.

What are the 3 common types of ERP? ›

There are three main types of ERP systems that function with different deployment model options. The most common types of ERP systems include cloud ERP, on-premise ERP, and hybrid ERP.

Why people don't use ERP? ›

ERP systems can sometimes fail

With ERP software, companies often fail to follow the discipline that they follow in other areas of their business. Essential steps are sometimes missed, such as benefit analysis and risk assessment, cash flow and performance goals.

Why not to use ERP? ›

It's expensive. On-premise ERPs have a reputation for being expensive. At first, you incur the upfront cost to acquire the hardware and software for setting up the system at your premises. Then you must pay the IT team for regular maintenance and debugging.

What are three 3 disadvantages of ERP systems in an organization? ›

Key disadvantages include the high costs of ERP software, its complexity, slow implementation, and data migration. If you want your procurement process to be as efficient as possible, it's best to invest in a P2P solution that provides integration with an ERP system.

What are ERP benefits? ›

Increased Efficiency

One of the primary advantages of ERP is that it allows companies to automate manual and routine functions. This frees up employees to focus on more revenue-driving tasks, as well as standardize common business processes.

What is the failure rate of ERP? ›

According to Gartner, ERP implementations failure rates can exceed 75%. Meanwhile, global consultancy McKinsey estimates that more than 70% of all digital transformations fail. Understanding some of the reasons why ERP implementations fail before starting your project can help you mitigate risks and ensure success.

Is Excel an ERP? ›

ERPs are a single integrated system, making them less vulnerable to human error. On the other-hand, Excel is an extremely manual tool. Instead of being centralized and integrated like an ERP, multiple departments within your organization will rely on different sets of Excel spreadsheets containing the same data.

Who uses ERP the most? ›

Industries that benefit most from ERP
  • Manufacturing.
  • Distribution.
  • Professional Services.
  • Construction.
  • Industrial Services.
  • Healthcare.
  • Automotive Parts.
  • Transport & Logistics.
Jan 24, 2023

How much is ERP 2023? ›

Latest ERP Increase in Singapore Effective 13 February 2023

With ERP rates varying anywhere from $0.50 to as high as $5, which is lower than the $6, we saw pre-COVID-19.

How is ERP paid? ›

The ERP fee is immediately deducted from the card, so ensure that your card (e.g. NETS CashCard or CEPAS Card) has sufficient value. Save the inconvenience of having to make such checks by registering to a backend payment services. Learn where you can purchase the following stored-value cards: NETS CashCard.

How do you calculate ERP percentage? ›

The resulting quotient, expressed as a percentage, is your ERP ROI – the larger the quotient, the better the investment.
...
On its face, ERP ROI is a simple metric calculated in this way:
  1. add up the expected return from an ERP system.
  2. subtract its expected costs.
  3. divide the result by the expected cost.

What are the three largest companies providing ERP software? ›

The big three: SAP, Oracle NetSuite & Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. There are three major players to take into account in the ERP software landscape.

What ERP does Amazon use? ›

Amazon has been using SAP as its ERP system for its business processes. While the detailed SAP modules implemented by Amazon can't be predicted, some of the modules that have been implemented by Amazon include; SAP Basis / NetWeaver Administration. SAP Business Suite.

What is the hourly rate of ERP Consultant in usa? ›

Hourly Wage for ERP Consultant Salary in the United States

How much does an ERP Consultant make hourly in the United States? The average hourly wage for an ERP Consultant in the United States is $37 as of March 28, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $33 and $43.

What does the cost of ERP depend on? ›

ERP cost is determined based on the complexity and nature of the business. A discrete manufacturing business will require quite a bit of functionality to include supply chain planning, production management, quality control, etc.

What is the success rate of ERP implementation? ›

ERP ROI Statistics

Organizations use ERP to become more efficient and cut costs. Statistics on ERP return on investment (ROI) highlight the benefits of the technology. ERP implementation led to business process improvement for 95% of businesses.

Is ERP appropriate for small business? ›

The right ERP system helps a business to leverage all the resources the enterprise has access to. This improves efficiency, reduces wastage, and enhances management insights. So is ERP good for small business? Absolutely!

Is ERP a growing industry? ›

Market Growth

The global sales of ERP software have seen an uptick due to growth in the telecom and banking industries. Cloud-based ERP software offers many benefits such as improved business insight, reduced operational costs, better collaboration capabilities, increased efficiency levels, and higher user adoption.

How hard is it to build an ERP system? ›

So, as we can see, ERP solutions are very complex, and their development is a difficult process. Building a resource planning system according to customers' specifications requires an experienced team with a high level of expertise.

What is the oldest ERP system? ›

SAP. Started by a team of former IBM engineers in Germany, Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP for short) was founded in 1972 to provide business software for enterprise-level manufacturers. They released their first ERP system, R/2, in 1992.

Why do most ERP projects fail? ›

ERP implementation failure generally results from inadequate planning and resource management, coupled with a lack of awareness regarding risks. This failure can happen at multiple levels, including critical business processes that can overwhelm a technical team's ability to manage risks and manage change effectively.

What is one of the limitations of ERP? ›

ERPs Can Take a Long Time to Implement

It can take up to a year to install an ERP, depending on the modules that need to be developed, and then you need to train all of your employees on how to use the system. This process can result in significant downtime and loss of business for your organization.

What problems does an ERP solve? ›

Without an ERP system, companies waste valuable time pulling together fragmented data from different spreadsheets and sources. By integrating your current systems and work processes with an ERP solution, you can ensure that there will always be one source of all data within your organisation.

What are the biggest pitfalls when planning an ERP? ›

Using these guidelines, you can alleviate some of the initial stress by avoiding the most common ERP implementation challenges.
  • 1) Lack of planning. ...
  • 3) Picking the right software provider for your ERP project. ...
  • 4) Poor communication and feedback. ...
  • 5) Inadequate training. ...
  • 6) Time & resources. ...
  • 7) Neglecting maintenance/updates.

What is ERP in simple words? ›

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) refers to a type of software that organizations use to manage day-to-day business activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management and compliance, and supply chain operations.

What is one of the biggest advantages of an ERP system? ›

The most effective ERP solutions are modern, integrated suites that offer customers seamless data and process integration. A complete solution unites management processes across the organization, giving leaders visibility and insight into all aspects of the business.

Who will benefit from ERP? ›

Major industries that use ERP include:
  • Manufacturing.
  • Distribution.
  • Professional Services.
  • Construction.
  • Industrial Services.
  • Service Business.
  • Healthcare.
  • And more.
May 25, 2021

How much does Oracle ERP cost per user? ›

Oracle ERP Cloud can be purchased in three pricing plans, which are based on product features. A Financial Reporting plan comes for $175/month. Its Advanced Financial Controls plan for $80/user per month, while an Advance Access Control package is priced at $150/user per month.

Is QuickBooks considered an ERP system? ›

QuickBooks is not an ERP because it provides only accounting functions — just one of the components of an ERP system. ERP systems help businesses manage a wide variety of business processes, including sales and marketing, production, inventory management, procurement and more.

How much does customization ERP cost? ›

The overall cost of a custom-made ERP solution depends on the number of included modules and usually varies from $45,000 to $250,000.

How much is Oracle ERP for small business? ›

Oracle ERP Cloud

You can integrate the system with your current SaaS software solutions and leverage a range of Oracle technologies to gain a single view of business workflow. Pricing starts from $175 USD/user/month.

How much does Oracle ERP cost per year? ›

Pricing for Oracle's Enterprise Resource Planning Cloud service: $625 per month or $7500 per year.

Should every business buy an ERP package? ›

Without an ERP, odds are good that your business relies on various software integrations to streamline data and access it cross-departmentally. But integrating multiple applications isn't cheap.

Is Excel an ERP system? ›

ERPs are a single integrated system, making them less vulnerable to human error. On the other-hand, Excel is an extremely manual tool. Instead of being centralized and integrated like an ERP, multiple departments within your organization will rely on different sets of Excel spreadsheets containing the same data.

Is Microsoft an ERP system? ›

Microsoft is one of the world's leading providers of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, thanks to its Dynamics 365 ERP.

What qualifies as an ERP? ›

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) refers to a type of software that organizations use to manage day-to-day business activities such as accounting, procurement, project management, risk management and compliance, and supply chain operations.

What is the most expensive ERP software? ›

Sage ERP solutions is one of the most expensive on the market, with ERP costs of $2600 per month, but this price accounts for three users.

How much does NetSuite implementation cost? ›

NetSuite implementation costs can be between $25,000 – $100,000 depending on factors such as complexity, modules selected, company size, and more.

How to sell ERP software? ›

Selling ERP Software to Non-Techies
  1. Determine how fluent your lead is in technical software speak from the beginning.
  2. Gain insight into their challenges and goals.
  3. Don't talk about the features of your offering. ...
  4. Inform through storytelling.
  5. Give them options.
  6. Make it clear what your product can and cannot do.
Nov 8, 2018

How do you calculate ROI for ERP? ›

ROI of ERP FAQs

The formula to calculate ROI is as follows: (total value of investment - total cost of ownership) / total cost of ownership) x 100. The higher the ratio, the higher the ROI.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 6157

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.