Top 10 ERP Systems for 2025: The Best Solutions for Your Digital Transformation Journey

Selecting the right ERP system is one of the most critical decisions any business can make, especially in today’s digital world. ERP systems play a crucial role in managing and automating various back-office functions, from finance and supply chain management to human resources and customer relationships. With the number of ERP solutions available, choosing the right system can be overwhelming. Each ERP offers distinct features tailored to different industries, company sizes, and business models.

Every year at Third Stage Consulting , we take a deep dive into the best ERP systems available in the marketplace. We evaluate these systems based on factors like functionality, ease of implementation, cost, and the supporting ecosystem. This year, 2025, is particularly noteworthy as we’ve revamped our methodology to place more emphasis on real-world implementation outcomes and feedback from independent sources. We now consider factors such as implementation timeframe, risks, and overall ecosystem support—critical elements often overlooked in traditional ERP evaluations.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 ERP systems for 2025, counting down from #10 to #1, discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and providing insights on which systems might best meet your organization’s needs. You can also watch my video analyzing this top 10 list:

Methodology for Evaluating the Top ERP Systems

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand the methodology used to rank these ERP systems. Traditionally, we’ve focused on criteria such as functionality, total cost of ownership, and vendor market share. While these metrics remain important, our methodology for 2025 includes the following key updates:

1. Implementation Success Factors: We’ve put more weight on factors like implementation time, risks, and overall project success. An ERP system can offer robust functionality, but if it’s difficult or expensive to implement, it may not deliver the value organizations expect.
2. External Data and Real-World Feedback: In addition to Third Stage’s internal knowledge and research, we’ve incorporated independent data sources. This includes feedback from real-world users, industry experts, and other research firms, offering a more well-rounded perspective.

With this enhanced methodology, let’s now look at the top 10 ERP systems for 2025 and explore their features, strengths, and weaknesses.

10. Odoo

Odoo is an open-source ERP system that has gained a loyal following, particularly among small businesses and startups. Its modular design allows companies to start with the features they need and add more as their business grows, making it a highly flexible and cost-effective solution.

Strengths:

• Modular and Flexible: Odoo’s modular architecture allows businesses to start small and add more features as needed, making it a highly flexible ERP solution. This is particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses that don’t need a full ERP system from day one.
• Cost-Effective: As an open-source platform, Odoo is often more affordable than traditional ERP systems, making it a great option for budget-conscious businesses.
• Strong Developer Community: Odoo has a large and passionate developer community, which provides a wide range of third-party modules and customizations.

Weaknesses:

• High Configuration Needs: While Odoo’s flexibility is a strength, it also requires significant configuration work upfront. Businesses may need to invest considerable time and resources into customizing the system to meet their specific needs.
• Limited Scalability: Odoo works well for small businesses, but it may not scale effectively for larger enterprises with more complex operations. Companies that outgrow Odoo may need to transition to a more robust ERP system.

9. Acumatica

Acumatica is a cloud-native ERP solution that has gained popularity in the small and mid-market space. Known for its flexibility, ease of use, and affordable pricing, Acumatica is a great option for businesses looking for a modern ERP system that can grow with them.

Strengths:

• Cloud-Native Flexibility: Acumatica is built for the cloud, offering businesses the flexibility and scalability they need as they grow. Its open API makes it easy to integrate with other systems, allowing businesses to customize their ERP environment.
• Ease of Use: Acumatica’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for employees to learn and use the system, reducing training time and improving overall user adoption.
• Affordability: Acumatica is one of the more affordable ERP solutions on the market, making it a great choice for small and mid-sized businesses that need a powerful ERP system without breaking the bank.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Scalability for Larger Organizations: While Acumatica works well for smaller businesses, it may struggle to meet the needs of larger enterprises with more complex operations. Businesses that are growing rapidly may find that Acumatica lacks the depth of functionality needed to support their expansion.
• Developing Partner Ecosystem: Acumatica’s partner ecosystem is still developing, which can make it more difficult to find reliable implementation partners, particularly in certain regions or industries.

8. IFS

IFS is a specialized ERP solution designed for asset-intensive industries like aerospace, defense, construction, and energy. With deep functionality for project management, asset management, and field service, IFS is a top choice for organizations in these sectors.

Strengths:

• Strong Industry Focus: IFS is built specifically for asset-intensive industries, offering deep functionality for managing assets, projects, and field service operations. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses in sectors like aerospace, defense, and utilities.
• Flexible Deployment Options: IFS offers flexibility in how it can be deployed, with options for cloud, on-premise, or hybrid models. This allows businesses to choose the deployment method that best suits their needs.
• User-Friendly Interface: IFS has worked to create a modern, intuitive user interface that makes it easier for employees to navigate the system and complete tasks.

Weaknesses:

• Not Ideal for Non-Core Industries: While IFS excels in asset-intensive industries, it may not be the best fit for businesses outside of these sectors. Companies in retail, financial services, or other non-asset-intensive industries may find that IFS lacks the breadth of functionality they require.
• Smaller Ecosystem: Compared to some of the larger ERP vendors, IFS has a smaller ecosystem of partners and third-party developers. This can make it more difficult to find specialized implementation support or customizations.

7. Workday and Salesforce (Joint Offering)

In a unique partnership, Workday and Salesforce have joined forces to offer a combined solution that leverages Workday’s human capital management (HCM) and financial capabilities alongside Salesforce’s CRM and platform services. This collaboration provides businesses with a powerful ERP-like solution, particularly for organizations that rely heavily on HCM and CRM functionalities.

Strengths:

• Best-in-Class HCM and CRM: Workday is known for its strengths in human capital management and financials, while Salesforce is a leader in customer relationship management. Together, these two systems offer a best-in-class solution for managing HR, financials, and customer interactions.
• Cloud-Native Systems: Both Workday and Salesforce are cloud-native solutions, offering businesses the flexibility and scalability of a modern SaaS model. This makes them ideal for companies looking to fully embrace the cloud.
• Strong Ecosystems: Both Workday and Salesforce have robust ecosystems of third-party developers and partners, offering businesses a wide range of add-ons and customizations.

Weaknesses:

• Integration Complexity: One of the main challenges of this joint offering is that businesses are still dealing with two separate systems. While the partnership offers some integration capabilities, managing multiple platforms can add complexity and risk to the implementation process.
• Not a Full ERP System: Although the Workday and Salesforce partnership offers many of the features found in a traditional ERP system, it is not a full-fledged ERP. Businesses that need more comprehensive functionality across departments (such as supply chain management) may find the combined solution lacking.

6. Epicor Kinetic

Epicor Kinetic has gained significant traction in the manufacturing and distribution industries, particularly in the mid-market. Its focus on industry-specific functionality and modern, user-friendly design makes it an attractive option for businesses looking for a tailored solution.

Strengths:

• Tailored for Manufacturing and Distribution: Epicor Kinetic is optimized for businesses in manufacturing and distribution, offering deep functionality for production management, inventory control, and supply chain operations.
• Modern User Interface: Epicor has invested heavily in creating a user-friendly and modern interface, making the system easier to use for employees at all levels.
• Flexible Deployment Options: Epicor Kinetic can be deployed in the cloud, on-premise, or in a hybrid environment, giving businesses flexibility in how they manage their ERP infrastructure.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Scalability: While Epicor Kinetic works well for mid-sized businesses, it may lack the scalability needed for larger enterprises with more complex needs. Larger organizations may find that they outgrow the system as their operations expand.
• Smaller Ecosystem: Compared to larger ERP providers, Epicor has a smaller ecosystem of partners and third-party developers. This can make it more challenging to find qualified implementation partners or to customize the system to meet specific needs.

5. Oracle NetSuite

Oracle NetSuite is one of the leading cloud-native ERP solutions, particularly well-suited for small and mid-market businesses. Known for its ease of deployment and user-friendly interface, NetSuite is a top choice for growing companies that want a scalable solution without the complexity of larger ERP systems.

Strengths:

• Cloud-Native Solution: NetSuite was one of the first ERP systems built entirely for the cloud, and it continues to be a leader in cloud ERP. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses that want to avoid the hassle of managing on-premise infrastructure.
• Ease of Implementation: NetSuite’s implementation methodology, particularly the SuiteSuccess approach, is designed to simplify and speed up deployment for small and mid-market businesses. This makes it an attractive option for organizations that need to get up and running quickly.
• Focus on Small to Mid-Sized Businesses: NetSuite offers a comprehensive range of features for small and mid-market companies, from financials and CRM to supply chain management and inventory control.

Weaknesses:

• Scalability for Larger Organizations: While NetSuite works well for smaller companies, it can struggle to meet the needs of larger organizations with complex business requirements. Larger companies may find the system lacks the scalability and depth of functionality required.
• Limited Customization: NetSuite’s cloud-native architecture comes with some limitations in terms of customization. Businesses that need highly specialized features or workflows may find that NetSuite’s standardized approach doesn’t meet their needs.

4. Infor CloudSuite

Infor CloudSuite is another strong contender in the ERP space, particularly for industries like manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare. Known for its vertical-specific capabilities, Infor provides a more focused solution compared to larger, more generalized ERP systems.

Strengths:

• Industry-Specific Focus: Infor has tailored its solutions to meet the specific needs of industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and distribution. This vertical focus ensures that businesses in these sectors can leverage features specifically designed to meet their unique challenges.
• Flexible Deployment Options: Infor CloudSuite offers flexibility in deployment, allowing businesses to choose between cloud, on-premise, or hybrid models. This makes it an adaptable solution for organizations at different stages of digital transformation.
• Modern, Intuitive User Interface: Infor has invested heavily in creating a user-friendly interface, which makes the system easier to use compared to some of its competitors.

Weaknesses:

• Complexity from Acquisitions: Infor has grown through acquisitions, which has led to some complexity in integrating the various systems under the CloudSuite umbrella. This can result in challenges during implementation, particularly for businesses that need to integrate multiple Infor solutions.
• Limited Breadth Outside Core Industries: While Infor is highly specialized in certain industries, businesses outside of those sectors may find that the system lacks the breadth of functionality offered by more generalist ERP providers.

3. SAP S/4HANA

SAP S/4HANA continues to hold its position as one of the most dominant ERP solutions in the market, particularly for large, multinational corporations. Its robust functionality, combined with SAP’s extensive ecosystem, makes it a go-to choice for organizations looking to manage complex, global operations.

Strengths:

• Comprehensive Functionality: SAP S/4HANA offers a broad range of functionality across industries, from manufacturing and logistics to finance and supply chain management. It is especially useful for large enterprises with complex needs.
• Real-Time Analytics: One of SAP’s key strengths is its ability to provide real-time analytics and data processing. This is crucial for businesses that need to monitor operations across different regions and departments in real-time.
• Strong Ecosystem: SAP’s ecosystem is one of the most robust in the world, with numerous partners and integrators available to support implementations and customizations.

Weaknesses:

• High Complexity and Risk: Implementing SAP S/4HANA is no small task. The system is complex, and the implementation process can be both time-consuming and costly, especially for businesses migrating from older SAP systems like ECC.
• User Interface Needs Improvement: Despite its robust functionality, SAP S/4HANA’s user interface isn’t as intuitive or modern as some of its competitors. This can lead to longer training times and lower user adoption rates.

2. Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP

Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP is a powerhouse in the ERP world, particularly well-suited for large enterprises that require an extensive range of functionality across multiple departments and geographies. Known for its flexibility, scalability, and comprehensive feature set, Oracle Fusion offers an ideal solution for organizations looking for a robust, future-proof ERP system.

Strengths:

• Comprehensive Feature Set: Oracle Fusion provides a full suite of ERP tools, covering everything from financials and procurement to human capital management and supply chain operations. This makes it a one-stop solution for large organizations with diverse needs.
• Open Architecture and Integration: One of Oracle Fusion’s standout features is its open architecture, which allows businesses to integrate it with other systems easily. This makes it a flexible option for organizations that use a variety of business applications.
• Strong Cloud and AI Capabilities: Oracle Fusion is a cloud-native ERP system that incorporates AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics. This gives businesses a competitive edge by enabling data-driven decisions and process automation.

Weaknesses:

• Complex and Costly Implementations: Oracle Fusion’s rich feature set comes with a downside—implementations can be complex and costly, particularly for smaller organizations or those with limited IT resources. The upfront costs, as well as ongoing support and maintenance, can be prohibitive for some businesses.
• Integration Challenges: While Oracle Fusion offers strong integration capabilities, managing multiple Oracle modules (like JD Edwards or Hyperion) within the same ecosystem can be challenging, requiring significant technical expertise.

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (D365 F&O) takes the top spot again for 2025. As one of the most comprehensive ERP systems on the market, it strikes a balance between scalability, flexibility, and ease of use, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes—from small and mid-sized enterprises to large multinational corporations. It is particularly well-suited for businesses that are already embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Strengths:

• Tight Integration with Microsoft Tools: D365 F&O integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products like Power BI, SharePoint, and Office 365. This allows users to leverage familiar tools, enhancing the user experience and reducing training time.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Microsoft D365 F&O can scale according to business needs, making it equally suitable for mid-sized businesses and large enterprises. Its modular architecture allows businesses to deploy only the features they need.
• AI and Machine Learning Capabilities: D365 F&O incorporates AI-driven insights that enable organizations to make data-driven decisions and automate processes.

Weaknesses:

• Implementation Complexity: Due to its vast feature set and flexibility, D365 F&O implementations can be complex, particularly for businesses without significant experience in ERP deployments. Organizations often underestimate the time and resources required to deploy the system fully.
• Partner Ecosystem Variability: Microsoft’s partner ecosystem is vast, but not all partners deliver the same quality of service. This variability can result in inconsistent implementation outcomes, so businesses need to carefully vet their chosen partner.

Honorable Mentions

In addition to the top 10, the following ERP systems deserve an honorable mention. These systems offer strong functionality and may be a better fit for specific industries or business models:

• Sage X3: Sage X3 is a solid choice for small and mid-market organizations, particularly in manufacturing and distribution. It offers many of the features found in larger ERP systems but at a more affordable price point.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central: While D365 Finance & Operations took the top spot, Microsoft’s Business Central is a great ERP option for smaller businesses. It provides many of the same features in a more compact, affordable package.
• Aptean: Often overlooked, Aptean offers ERP solutions specifically designed for manufacturing, food and beverage, and distribution industries. It’s a hidden gem for businesses in these sectors looking for a highly specialized ERP system.

Conclusion

Selecting the right ERP system depends on your organization’s specific needs, industry, and long-term goals. The top 10 ERP systems for 2025 represent a range of solutions, from small and mid-market ERP options like NetSuite and Acumatica to large, complex systems like SAP S/4HANA and Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best ERP for your business will depend on factors such as your industry, budget, and growth trajectory.

At Third Stage Consulting , we help organizations navigate the complexities of ERP selection and implementation. If you’d like more personalized advice on which ERP system is best for your digital transformation, feel free to contact us . Additionally, our 2025 Digital Transformation Report offers a more detailed analysis of these systems, as well as best practices for achieving ERP implementation success.

We’d love to hear your thoughts—did we miss any ERP systems you think should be on the list? Let us know in the comments below.