ERP eCommerce: Guide to ERPs in eCommerce, and 14 eCommerce ERP Systems to Consider

Selling online comes with a host of three letter acronyms. AOV, CAC, LTV – whether you’re a small business selling online for the first time or a huge multinational with dozens of commerce sites, you understand and measure these acronyms to determine the health of your commerce operation.

For some businesses, especially manufacturers and distributors with B2B and B2B2C business models, another three letter acronym is paramount to commerce success: ERP. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and systems help centralize business data and management. ERP software is widespread, with ERP solutions making up 17% of global software spend and 5% of total IT spend – hundreds of millions of dollars in total.

For businesses, having your commerce tech stack integrated with a strong, performing, industry-friendly ERP means operating efficiently and offering better customer experiences. Learn more about ERPs, why many businesses want to maintain their choice of an ERP, the value of a flexible commerce solution that can integrate your chosen ERP, and notable ERP systems that manufacturers and distributors should consider based on industry, use case, and business needs.

What are ERPs – and why is an ERP essential for manufacturers and distributors?

An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a comprehensive software solution that integrates and manages a company’s core business processes across departments such as finance, human resources, procurement, manufacturing, supply chain, and customer relationship management (CRM). By consolidating these operations into a single platform, ERPs provide a unified source of real-time data that facilitates fast decision-making and improves operational efficiency. In fact, 50% of businesses achieve a return on investment (ROI) from ERP systems within two years, with 28% seeing it within just one year.

For manufacturers and distributors, an ERP can provide value by centralizing operations and optimizing key processes such as inventory management, production planning, and order fulfillment. Manufacturers often deal with complex supply chains and require accurate forecasting to avoid stockouts or excess inventory. ERPs enable real-time visibility into inventory levels, demand trends, and production schedules, allowing manufacturers to manage resources effectively and reduce waste. For distributors, an ERP ensures smooth logistics and distribution, improving tracking of shipments, managing warehouses, and ensuring that products are delivered on time.

ERPs, eCommerce, and the value of an ERP integration

When we talk to manufacturers and distributors that sell online or want to sell online, they frequently mention that they need to integrate an ERP into their commerce solution.

ERPs are especially critical for manufacturers and distributors that sell online because they integrate commerce operations with back-office systems, tying together online platforms, inventory systems, and supply chains. These businesses sometimes need to manage both B2B and B2C channels while maintaining control over production, inventory, and customer orders. An ERP ensures that online sales are automatically reflected in inventory levels, production schedules, and financials, preventing the issues of overselling, understocking, or being forced into rate limiting. The real-time data integration provided by an ERP is essential for delivering a seamless customer experience and for ensuring that manufacturers and distributors can scale their online sales without operational bottlenecks and negative shopper experiences.

For manufacturers that sell configurable products or custom solutions, cloud-based ERPs are especially popular, and provide huge flexibility and scalability. Since configurable products often require custom specifications and result in complex pricing, an ERP can ensure that every custom order is accurately translated into production requirements, preventing errors in manufacturing, delays in fulfillment, or misquotes and other poor customer experiences. Ultimately, an ERP ties together commerce and business operations – about 60% of manufacturers identify real-time access to business operations as the top benefit of cloud-based ERP systems.

14 ERP Systems to Consider for Manufacturers and Distributors

Here are 14 ERPs for manufacturers and distributors that sell online to consider.

1. Oracle NetSuite ERP Cloud: Oracle ERP Cloud is designed for large enterprises and offers advanced analytics, automation, and integrated supply chain management. For manufacturers, Oracle’s solution is particularly useful for managing complex global supply chains and providing real-time insights into production and inventory levels​.
2. Acumatica: Acumatica’s flexible cloud platform is particularly valuable for manufacturers and distributors due to its strong support for multi-channel distribution and advanced inventory management. It offers real-time data access and mobile-friendly features, making it ideal for businesses that require scalability and customization​.
3. Epicor: Epicor is known for its deep focus on manufacturing industries, particularly in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Its ERP solution helps manufacturers streamline production and improve lead times through advanced scheduling and real-time data tracking, improving overall operational efficiency.
4. Sage X3: Sage X3 is a comprehensive ERP system tailored for mid-sized manufacturers and distributors, offering advanced capabilities in supply chain management, production planning, and inventory control. It excels at helping businesses manage growth by improving operational efficiency and reducing administrative overhead​.
5. Distribution One: This ERP is specifically designed for wholesale distributors, offering features like order management, warehouse tracking, and accounting. It’s particularly valuable for distributors needing to manage large inventories and complex fulfillment processes​.
6. DDI System: Focused on distribution, DDI System’s ERP offers tools for managing inventory, procurement, and customer service. It is especially valuable for businesses in wholesale distribution that need to automate order processes and improve customer relationship management.
7. SAP S/4HANA: SAP S/4HANA is a powerful ERP solution for manufacturers, offering advanced features for managing complex supply chains, production processes, and global operations. It leverages real-time data processing, enabling manufacturers to optimize production, reduce waste, and improve overall efficiency
8. SYSPRO: SYSPRO is designed specifically for manufacturing and distribution businesses, offering robust tools for inventory management, order tracking, and production scheduling. It is particularly valuable for manufacturers with complex production processes that require tight integration across departments​.
9. Microsoft Dynamics 365: This ERP system offers strong integration with other Microsoft tools and is valuable for manufacturers and distributors due to its advanced analytics, AI-driven insights, and automation capabilities. It helps businesses optimize production and improve demand forecasting.
10. Infor CloudSuite: Infor CloudSuite offers specialized ERP solutions for manufacturing and distribution industries, with features like demand planning, inventory management, and supply chain optimization. Its cloud-based architecture ensures scalability and flexibility, ideal for businesses managing complex supply chains.
11. Plex Systems: Plex is a cloud-based ERP that specializes in manufacturing operations, offering real-time production management, quality control, and supply chain visibility. It is particularly suited for industries like automotive and food and beverage manufacturing, helping companies integrate shop floor and business operations seamlessly.
12. IFS Applications: IFS is known for its flexibility and is particularly strong in supporting asset-intensive industries such as aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing. Its ERP solution helps manufacturers manage complex operations, from production to maintenance, with robust tools for project management and supply chain visibility​.
13. QAD: QAD is designed specifically for global manufacturers, especially in industries such as automotive, life sciences, and food & beverage. It focuses on streamlining production, supply chain management, and regulatory compliance, making it valuable for manufacturers dealing with complex, regulated environments.
14. Odoo: Odoo is an open-source ERP system that is highly customizable, making it a flexible choice for smaller manufacturers and distributors looking to stand up a solution fast. Its modular approach allows businesses to pick and choose the functionalities they need, such as inventory management, MRP, and CRM, making it scalable for small to medium enterprises​.

Integrate Your Preferred ERP Into Our Flexible Commerce Platform

Needing a strong, industry-specific ERP shouldn’t shackle you to a clunky homegrown commerce solution or prevent you from offering elevated shopper experiences.

We say all the time that so-called “B2B commerce” is B.S. Commerce is commerce, buyers are buyers, and even if you’re a manufacturer or distributor, your shoppers are modern internet users. They’re conditioned to expect D2C-level shopping experiences – and a flexible commerce platform that can integrate with a powerful ERP makes those experiences possible even for manufacturers and distributors with demanding requirements.

Elastic Path Composable Commerce is a platform that is purpose-built for the needs of manufacturers and distributors, and has a demonstrated history of allowing fast, simple integrations with tools like CPQs and ERPs.

Just consider some of our existing customers that integrated their preferred ERP into our merchandising platform:

• Astrak Group, which sells earthmoving equipment, was able to quickly launch a fast, high-performing parts site in the U.S. with their existing ERP.
• IMI Norgren, a world leader in motion control, fluid technology, and precision engineering, brought along their industry-specific ERP when they used Elastic Path to expand commerce globally.
• Serena & Lily, a branded manufacturer that sells highly configurable furniture online, easily integrated their ERP with our platform to bring design-driven D2C merchandising experiences to life.

Want to learn about how our flexible commerce platform can meet your business’s ERP needs? Schedule time with our team so we can hear about your ERP, your products and business, and what commerce experiences you want to bring to life.