A Quick Comparison between SAP Business One and Other ERP Systems

Businesses are always seeking to expand their operations and improve their processes. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), deploying an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is often the next step in pursuing new milestones. As SMEs take the time to research what the right ERP solution is for their respective companies, the name “SAP Business One” is bound to show up.

SAP Business One (SAP B1) is a popular ERP system that mainly targets SMEs. It is widely known for its high functionality and breadth of features while remaining flexible enough to cater to the needs of specific businesses. Companies can also find a SAP Business One partner easily because SAP has certified retailers in multiple countries.

Now, industry experts often advise to not pick an ERP solution based on popularity alone. After all, ERP solutions come in all shapes and sizes, and fame does not necessarily mean that the program is compatible with a particular company’s operations. However, SAP B1 is one of the leading ERP systems in the world for a reason, and there is a solid foundation to the system’s massive success with several kinds of enterprises.

To have a well-rounded picture of SAP Business One, here is a short comparison of how the program fares with its competition in the ERP industry.

First Look: SAP Business One Features

Like any other ERP system, SAP B1 comprises different modules that address the needs of various sectors of a company. They include:

• Banking
• Business partners
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Financials
• Human resources (HR)
• Inventory
• Manufacturing
• Material requirements planning
• Production
• Project management (PM)
• Purchasing – A/P
• Resources
• Sales – A/R
• Sales opportunities

Moreover, according to a report by Technology Evaluation Company, an independent research site, SAP B1 particularly excelled in three domains, namely:

• Human resources (80% against the industry average, 70%)
• Product Technology (74% against 66%)
• Inventory management (85%, which is only a bit short of the industry average, 86%)

Based on these modules and statistics, it becomes apparent that SAP B1 has all the necessary features that the average company needs to improve its operations. Hence, it is not surprising that, as of the end of 2021, there are more than 70,000 SMEs using the program in over 170 countries. That translates to at least 1,200,000 users enjoying the benefits of this compact, high-performing ERP solution.

Is SAP Business One Worth Investing In?

Compared to other, bigger ERP programs, SAP Business One may seem too compact to the undiscerning eye. Contrary to this first impression, there lies its strength.

Remember, SAP B1 is an ERP solution designed for SMEs and their needs. While business giants such as France-based Airbus Helicopters (revenue: $60.68 billion) and UK-based BBC Global News Ltd (revenue: $6.65 billion) do use this program, SAP B1’s primary focus lies in developing features and interfaces that can help address the concerns of smaller enterprises. Oftentimes, SMEs do not need an extremely extensive set of features that may overwhelm their operations, so the simple yet highly functional package SAP B1 offers is a great way to kick off their shift to ERP.

Indeed, SAP B1 offers all of the perks that come with ERP implementation, including integration, streamlined processes, and automation. However, there are two other reasons that give SAP Business One an edge over its competitors and makes it a more worthwhile investment for companies seeking ERP. Consider the following:

Tier Availability and Customizability

SAP Business One offers its modules in tiers, allowing clients to customize it based on their requirements. Consequently, companies can save on capital since they can opt to not purchase extra modes and functions that do not mesh with their operations well. Moreover, SAP B1 has developed and added cloud-based features which enhance mobility and increase accessibility–a significant advantage in a growing, global market.

Extensive Network and Development

One of the key reasons for SAP Business One’s success lies in its extensive network. SAP has connections with several resellers all over the world, with each not only advocating SAP B1, but also developing useful add-ons that cater to specific industries. This means two things: First, companies are more likely to find local SAP B1 retailers who can guide and support them during and post-deployment of the system. Secondly, clients have access to a rich trove of extra functions they can use to customize their ERP systems.

To fully understand the breadth of SAP B1’s reach, it is crucial to talk with an SAP business partner like ANSI who can guide seeking companies in their ERP search. ANSI has served several companies over three decades and has seen firsthand how SAP Business One has transformed these businesses’ operations. For more information on ANSI and SAP B1, contact ANSI today and take a step forward to finding the right ERP system.