Independent Overview of Leading ERP Software

In one of our recent Transformation Ground Control podcast episodes , I explored the strengths and weaknesses of leading ERP systems with guest Sam Gupta of ElevatIQ . Our discussion centered around Third Stage Consulting Group 's 2025 Top 10 ERP Rankings , an independent ranking of systems designed to provide insight into the best ERP options available. We covered the impact of cloud technology, the evolving role of AI, and critical factors that organizations should consider when selecting and implementing an ERP.

This article delves into the key themes from our conversation, highlighting system strengths, industry-specific applications, and how businesses can make well-informed ERP choices that align with their long-term goals. You can also watch the full interview below:

Purpose and Limitations of ERP Ranking as a Decision-Making Tool

The 2025 Top 10 ERP Rankings list from Third Stage Consulting ranks systems based on various criteria, including breadth of functionality, cost, risk, potential ROI, and future-state roadmaps. While these rankings can help companies start their ERP journey, Gupta pointed out that comparing ERP systems is inherently difficult since each solution has unique strengths, industry specialties, and ecosystem attributes.

Both Gupta and I emphasized that this list is meant to guide companies rather than serve as a final answer. While Microsoft Dynamics, for instance, scored highly due to its expansive ecosystem and strong integration with other Microsoft products, Gupta advised companies to carefully evaluate specific products within Dynamics 365 rather than seeing it as a “one-size-fits-all” solution. ERP selection is ultimately about finding the best fit, not simply picking a high-ranking system.

To mitigate common pitfalls, we recommended that companies establish clear selection criteria tailored to their industry and operational needs. For example, manufacturing firms require specific functionalities like inventory management and quality control, while service organizations need strong project management and CRM capabilities. Additionally, companies should consider the system’s ease of implementation and overall support ecosystem—factors that can impact user adoption and long-term success.

Microsoft Dynamics: The Ecosystem Powerhouse with Customization Risks

微软 Dynamics 365 emerged as the top-ranking ERP system in our list, primarily due to its extensive functionality and ability to integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft tools, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Power Platform. This suite is particularly beneficial for organizations looking for a modular approach, as it allows for flexibility in scaling and adapting to various industries. The vast Microsoft ecosystem also enables organizations to draw from a global network of resellers and partners, making it an appealing choice for companies in multiple regions.

However, the extensive customization capabilities that make Dynamics 365 attractive also carry risks. As Gupta noted, the system's modularity can lead to over-customization, which, in turn, may complicate implementation, create dependency on third-party developers, and hinder scalability. Customization can be beneficial in tailoring processes to specific needs, but companies should avoid over-customizing to the extent that future upgrades become costly or that internal teams become overly dependent on external consultants.

A real-world example Gupta shared was of a mid-sized manufacturer that implemented Dynamics 365 to streamline its order-to-cash process. Initially, they achieved significant productivity improvements by automating order management workflows. However, the company’s IT department heavily customized the system to include unique reporting and tracking functionalities, which led to issues during system upgrades. The lesson? While Dynamics 365’s customization options offer flexibility, companies must prioritize balance and invest in robust governance models to control changes.

Oracle NetSuite: Functional Maturity with Cost Concerns

Oracle NetSuite is another strong contender, especially for small and mid-sized businesses due to its mature cloud capabilities and breadth of functionality. It excels in finance, e-commerce, and inventory management, making it a suitable choice for retail, distribution, and service-based organizations. However, both Gupta and I pointed out that NetSuite’s cost structure can be problematic. While the system is often marketed as a low-cost solution with its “Sweet Success” methodology, customers frequently experience unexpected cost escalations in subscription fees post-implementation.

The Sweet Success model, which is meant to offer a rapid, standardized implementation within 90 days, can also be misleading. While small organizations can benefit from a quick setup, larger or more complex businesses often find the standard approach insufficient for their needs. A case in point involved a healthcare organization that attempted to implement NetSuite in 90 days but ultimately needed six months due to customizations and regulatory compliance requirements.

Gupta suggested that companies looking to adopt NetSuite should carefully evaluate the cost structure, including potential add-ons and long-term subscription fees. By asking for detailed cost breakdowns and planning for possible expansion expenses, companies can avoid budget surprises and ensure they get lasting value from their investment.

AI in ERP: A Long-Term Investment or Immediate Need?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a focal point for ERP vendors, with all major systems, including SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and Infor, heavily investing in AI to enhance data analytics, automate workflows, and improve decision-making. AI capabilities, such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and robotic process automation, are valuable for data-rich industries like healthcare, finance, and retail. However, Gupta and I agreed that, for many organizations, AI benefits are more of a long-term goal than an immediate priority.

For example, a retail client of ours saw substantial gains from AI-driven inventory management, allowing them to better predict demand and minimize stockouts. However, the implementation was costly, and results took over a year to materialize fully. Gupta advised companies to approach AI with a pragmatic lens, starting with small-scale AI pilots in areas like customer support or sales forecasting to build experience without overwhelming resources.

It’s also essential to evaluate whether the organization has the data infrastructure and digital maturity to support AI. For smaller organizations, the cost of implementing AI and hiring skilled resources to maintain it can outweigh the benefits in the short term. Companies considering AI should ask whether it aligns with their immediate business needs and whether they have the resources to drive its implementation successfully.

SAP S/4HANA: A Complex Transition with Clear Industry Strengths

SAP S/4HANA is a powerful ERP solution well-suited for large enterprises, especially those in complex industries like manufacturing, supply chain, and finance. SAP has maintained its reputation as a reliable system for enterprises requiring extensive functionality and robust data processing. However, the transition from SAP ECC to S/4HANA represents a significant architectural shift. As Gupta pointed out, S/4HANA’s cloud-based, in-memory database model requires a different skill set, more rigorous project planning, and deeper financial investment than previous SAP systems.

One example we discussed involved a global manufacturing company that recently transitioned from SAP ECC to S/4HANA. The project, initially estimated at 18 months, took 24 months due to challenges in adapting their business processes to S/4HANA’s cloud structure. Additionally, the cost of training internal teams and restructuring workflows created financial strain. However, the end result was a more agile, data-driven organization capable of making real-time decisions based on advanced analytics.

For companies considering S/4HANA, Gupta recommended building a comprehensive change management strategy, especially if migrating from SAP ECC. The scale and complexity of the system require dedicated resources and a clear roadmap, and organizations should brace for the possibility of higher-than-expected costs. Moreover, the phased approach allows companies to adjust their timelines and budgets while gradually building user proficiency in the new system.

Infor CloudSuite: Ideal for Asset-Intensive Industries

恩富软件 CloudSuite ranked highly on our list for its industry specialization and strong functionality in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and distribution. The system’s flexibility, coupled with its industry-specific modules, makes it well-suited for asset-intensive industries that require robust asset management and field service capabilities.

A key differentiator for Infor CloudSuite is its dedication to industry-specific needs. A construction company, for example, implemented Infor CloudSuite and reported significant improvements in resource allocation and job costing. The system’s integrated analytics and IoT capabilities allowed them to track equipment health and optimize asset utilization across multiple sites. This level of specialization is often unavailable in general-purpose ERPs, making Infor a compelling choice for companies in niche sectors.

However, as we pointed out, Infor’s strategy of bundling applications under the CloudSuite brand can sometimes lead to confusion. Prospective customers may struggle to understand the specific functionalities they’re purchasing. To avoid misaligned expectations, Gupta advised companies to thoroughly investigate the modules included in their CloudSuite package and confirm how well they align with specific business requirements.

Epicor and IFS: Targeted Solutions for Niche Markets

Both Epicor and IFS offer industry-focused solutions, but they cater to different niches. Epicor Kinetic, for example, is tailored for mid-sized manufacturing and distribution companies. It offers deep functionality in inventory management, production planning, and quality control. The private equity funding Epicor recently received has stabilized its product roadmap and accelerated its cloud transformation, though its cloud offerings still lack the polish of competitors like SAP or Oracle.

艾菲诗软件 , on the other hand, has carved out a unique space in asset-intensive industries, such as aerospace, utilities, and field service. With a focus on asset management and operational efficiency, IFS offers a solution that’s particularly strong in field service and maintenance-heavy environments. For instance, an energy company we worked with used IFS to streamline its maintenance operations, improving equipment uptime and reducing maintenance costs by more than 20% annually. However, as we discussed, IFS’s narrow focus limits its applicability for companies outside of asset-heavy industries.

IFS also stands out for its dedication to field service. By integrating IoT data, predictive maintenance, and mobile-friendly solutions, IFS enables real-time field updates and asset management. This level of specialization provides unmatched value for companies in sectors like construction and energy but may not suit general-purpose manufacturing or retail businesses.

Workday and Salesforce: Non-Traditional ERP Options for HCM and CRM Needs

The inclusion of Workday and Salesforce in our Top 10 ERP list may seem surprising, as these systems are traditionally viewed as HCM and CRM solutions, respectively. However, both vendors have expanded their functionality in recent years. Workday, with its strong financial management and HR capabilities, has been adopted as a core system for several large companies, particularly in the service sector.

Similarly, Salesforce has grown beyond its CRM roots to offer a more comprehensive suite of tools, especially with its Force platform, which allows for third-party integrations to provide ERP-like functionalities. The recently announced partnership between Workday and Salesforce indicates that they may increasingly position themselves as a viable ERP alternative for certain industries.

That said, companies considering these systems should understand that they often require significant third-party applications to achieve the functionality of a full ERP. For example, a professional services firm using Workday for HCM and Salesforce for CRM had to integrate third-party project management tools to create a complete solution. While it was highly effective for their needs, Gupta and I cautioned that companies seeking a more traditional ERP experience might be better served by a fully integrated suite from SAP, Oracle, or Infor.

ERP Implementation Considerations

One of the most important themes from our conversation was that ERP success depends as much on people and processes as it does on technology. Gupta emphasized the need for a strong change management strategy, particularly for systems like S/4HANA and Dynamics 365, which require extensive customization or adaptation to cloud architecture. Change management encompasses user training, process reengineering, and long-term support planning, all of which are crucial for user adoption and overall success.

For example, a manufacturing firm that adopted Microsoft Dynamics faced resistance from its workforce due to inadequate training. Despite the system’s potential, the company struggled with user errors and inefficiencies until they invested in a comprehensive training program and designated internal champions. This experience underscores the importance of preparing users and aligning the ERP system with actual day-to-day operations.

Choosing the Right ERP for Your Business

As we wrapped up our discussion, we reiterated that ERP selection is as much about aligning with strategic goals as it is about functionality and rankings. Each of the systems on this list has unique strengths, and organizations should select a solution that aligns with their industry, business processes, and long-term goals.

In summary:

• Define requirements early to ensure the system aligns with operational needs.
• Consider total cost of ownership, including hidden costs such as customization, training, and long-term maintenance.
• Evaluate the ecosystem to ensure robust implementation and support resources.
• Prioritize change management to foster user adoption and ensure alignment with organizational culture.

With thoughtful planning and a focus on long-term value, companies can achieve a successful ERP implementation that drives growth and operational efficiency. By balancing functionality, cost, and scalability, organizations can select the right ERP system that truly meets their needs in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

You can also download our 2025 Digital Transformation Report to access our complete independent ranking of top 10 systems in the industry, including the strengths and weaknesses of each. You can download the report here .