ERP Selection: This ultimate guide provides in-depth information about ERP selection process, ERP industry, and change management.

If you are exploring CRM systems or MarTech suites, understanding the leading options is critical. However, choosing the right solution can be challenging, as many CRM products appear similar in their marketing materials but vary significantly in functionality and suitability. For this guide, we have focused on the best-of-breed CRM systems, not ERP-embedded CRM modules, as these systems are purpose-built with their own data models to support comprehensive customer-facing operations. From managing sales, marketing, and customer service workflows to handling industry-specific operational processes, each CRM product on our list has a unique position in the market. The key to making the right choice is understanding how these systems align with your business requirements and priorities. CRM systems vary widely across business sizes, industries, and operational complexities. For instance, some systems are tailored for B2B organizations, emphasizing account-based sales processes, while others are optimized for B2C, offering tight integrations with e-commerce and customer data platforms (CDPs). Additionally, systems designed for smaller businesses may prioritize ease of use and faster implementation, whereas enterprise-grade solutions cater to scalability, supporting complex workflows and extensive data hierarchies. Many businesses struggle to balance simplicity with advanced capabilities, as user-friendly systems often lack the flexibility and depth required for intricate reporting and custom processes. When selecting a CRM, it's crucial to assess whether you prioritize ease of use or data integrity and scalability, as these priorities often conflict. In compiling this list of top CRM systems, we evaluated numerous variables, including product market share, acquisition strategies, technology roadmaps, community ecosystems, and win rates. We also considered the technical architecture of each system, such as support for modern technologies like webhooks and custom objects, and their ability to handle industry-specific workflows. Whether you're managing plain vanilla sales processes or need highly customized operations, understanding the limitations and strengths of these systems is essential. While some CRMs excel in marketing automation or upstream processes, others shine in downstream operations and sales execution. By considering factors like scalability, customization, and industry alignment, this guide aims to help you navigate the market and identify the best-fit CRM for your needs. The list covered as part of this video: 10. Oracle CX Cloud 9. SAP C/4 HANA 8. Zendesk Sell 7. Monday.Com 6. SugarCRM 5. Pipedrive CRM 4. HubSpot CRM 3. Zoho CRM 2. MS Dynamics 365 CRM and Customer Insights 1. Salesforce CRM ------------------------------- Resources and Links Read More: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-crm-systems/ Download our 2025 digital transformation report: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/digital-transformation-trends-report/ Download the ERP Selection Guide: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/erp-selection-guide/ Download our ERP Selection Requirements Matrix: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Requirements-Template/ Download ERP Systems Scorecard Sheet: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Systems-Scorecard-Sheet/ Insights on ElevatIQ: https://www.elevatiq.com/blog/ WBSRocks Podcast: https://podcast.wbs.rocks/ ------------------------------------- If you have any questions or comments about how to navigate the complex digital transformation industry, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on this video or drop us a line at hello@elevatiq.com. ------------------------------- Find me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/samguptausa Listen and subscribe: 🎧 Apple: http://ow.ly/UHT950HKrf8 🎧 Spotify: http://ow.ly/1vYw50HKrf0 🎧 Google: http://ow.ly/JMBG50HKrf7 ------------------------------------- Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm #CRM #CX #CRMSelection

When evaluating the top 10 distribution ERP systems in 2025, our rankings consider products from companies of all sizes and industries with a distribution-centric business model. Whether a business operates in industrial distribution, FMCG, or other related sectors, its unique needs will determine the best-fit ERP solution. Each system on our list is designed to excel in a particular micro-segment, making it crucial for businesses to assess their specific requirements rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, some ERPs cater solely to distribution, while others integrate manufacturing, e-commerce, or field services, adding another layer of complexity to the selection process. Another important segmentation to consider is industrial versus FMCG distribution. Industrial businesses often require highly specialized integrations due to their complex processes, whereas FMCG companies prioritize supply chain depth and streamlined logistics. Similarly, distribution businesses can be categorized based on their physical presence—some operate brick-and-mortar warehouses, while others function purely online. This distinction plays a vital role in ERP selection, as certain systems are better equipped to handle location-based logistics, retail integration, and return management. Companies that blend wholesale, retail, and e-commerce operations must carefully evaluate ERP functionalities to ensure seamless process alignment. Beyond core distribution functions, additional factors such as fleet management can influence ERP suitability. Industries like auto parts, HVAC, and electrical distribution often rely on in-house fleets, requiring ERP systems that can support logistics, route optimization, and fleet tracking. Some ERP solutions integrate fleet management, while others depend on third-party software for these capabilities. In compiling this list, we analyzed multiple criteria, including market share, acquisition strategies, product roadmaps, ecosystem strength, win rates, and technology direction. These factors determine which ERP systems are best positioned to serve the evolving needs of distribution businesses. Now, let’s dive into the rankings and explore the top contenders for 2025. The list covered as part of this video: 10. SAP Business ByDesign 9. Oracle Cloud ERP 8. SYSPRO 7. Acumatica 6. Infor® CloudSuite Distribution (SX.E) 5. Epicor Prophet 21 4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central 3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O 2. SAP S/4 HANA 1. NetSuite ------------------------------- Resources and Links Read More: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/top-distribution-erp-systems/ Download our 2025 digital transformation report: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/digital-transformation-trends-report/ Download the ERP Selection Guide: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/erp-selection-guide/ Download our ERP Selection Requirements Matrix: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Requirements-Template/ Download ERP Systems Scorecard Sheet: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Systems-Scorecard-Sheet/ Insights on ElevatIQ: https://www.elevatiq.com/blog/ WBSRocks Podcast: https://podcast.wbs.rocks/ ------------------------------------- If you have any questions or comments about how to navigate the complex digital transformation industry, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on this video or drop us a line at hello@elevatiq.com. ------------------------------- Find me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/samguptausa Listen and subscribe: 🎧 Apple: http://ow.ly/UHT950HKrf8 🎧 Spotify: http://ow.ly/1vYw50HKrf0 🎧 Google: http://ow.ly/JMBG50HKrf7 ------------------------------------- Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm #ERP #distribution #ERPSelection

Food & Beverage ERP: This brief report insights into the leading food and beverage ERP systems in 2025 and their pros and cons.

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The automotive ERP landscape is diverse, catering to a wide array of businesses across the value chain. Whether a company operates as an OEM, Tier 1, or Tier 2 supplier, or specializes in services and aftermarket parts, selecting the right ERP system requires a thorough understanding of industry-specific needs. Compliance with automotive standards such as MMOG/LE, APQP, and PPAP is critical, as these frameworks ensure quality, traceability, and regulatory alignment. While some ERP solutions are built with these capabilities natively integrated, others rely on third-party add-ons to meet industry requirements. Companies must carefully evaluate whether they need a fully integrated suite or a modular, platform-based system that can be tailored to their unique workflows. When assessing ERP solutions, it's crucial to consider their overall approach—whether they are platform-centric or suite-centric. Platform-centric systems offer flexibility and adaptability, allowing companies to integrate best-in-class solutions for various business functions. However, this often results in a more complex implementation process and ongoing maintenance challenges. On the other hand, suite-centric ERPs provide a comprehensive, all-in-one solution but require businesses to replace existing systems entirely, potentially leading to disruptions and adoption hurdles. The right choice depends on an organization’s size, operational complexity, and long-term digital transformation goals. In compiling this list of the top 10 automotive ERP systems in 2025, multiple variables were considered to ensure a well-rounded analysis. Factors such as product share, acquisition strategies, technological advancements, and the presence of an active user community were all taken into account. Additionally, the alignment of an ERP system’s product roadmap with the evolving needs of the automotive sector played a significant role in the evaluation process. Companies seeking an ERP solution should not only focus on current functionalities but also on the vendor's vision for future enhancements, ensuring long-term scalability and continued industry relevance. The list covered as part of this video: 10. IFS 9. Oracle Cloud ERP 8. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations 7. SAP S/4 HANA 6. DELMIAWorks 5. Infor CloudSuite Industrial 4. Plex 3. Epicor Kinetic 2. QAD 1. Infor CloudSuite LN ------------------------------- Resources and Links Read More: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/automotive-erp-systems/ Download our 2025 digital transformation report: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/digital-transformation-trends-report/ Download the ERP Selection Guide: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/erp-selection-guide/ Download our ERP Selection Requirements Matrix: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Requirements-Template/ Download ERP Systems Scorecard Sheet: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Systems-Scorecard-Sheet/ Insights on ElevatIQ: https://www.elevatiq.com/blog/ WBSRocks Podcast: https://podcast.wbs.rocks/ ------------------------------------- If you have any questions or comments about how to navigate the complex digital transformation industry, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on this video or drop us a line at hello@elevatiq.com. ------------------------------- Find me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/samguptausa Listen and subscribe: 🎧 Apple: http://ow.ly/UHT950HKrf8 🎧 Spotify: http://ow.ly/1vYw50HKrf0 🎧 Google: http://ow.ly/JMBG50HKrf7 ------------------------------------- Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm #ERP #Automotive #ERPSelection

This digital transformation report summarizes our annual research on digital transformation trends and forecasts for the year 2025.

Learn about the top 10 eCommerce platforms in 2025 and how they differ in their capabilities including their strengths and weaknesses.

ERP Selection: This ultimate guide provides in-depth information about ERP selection process, ERP industry, and change management.

Oracle CRM vs Salesforce: This report provides insights into a comparison between Oracle Cloud CX suite and Salesforce, their pros and cons.

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Food & Beverage ERP: This brief report insights into the leading food and beverage ERP systems in 2025 and their pros and cons.

When evaluating ERP systems for startups in 2025, it is essential to consider the unique needs and constraints of these businesses. Startups, typically generating under $10 million in revenue, have different operational priorities compared to mid-sized or enterprise-level companies. These businesses are often founder-led, with a lean team that wears multiple hats. As a result, they can operate with more siloed systems without requiring deep cross-functional integrations. Given their limited budgets and lower appetite for consulting services, startups prioritize ERP solutions that offer ease of implementation, scalability, and affordability. The best ERP systems for this segment must align with these needs while providing enough flexibility to support future growth. Our approach to ranking the top 10 ERP systems for startups in 2025 considers products and not their companies. Many ERP vendors offer multiple products, and we have evaluated each product independently based on its relevance to startups. The key criteria for this ranking include market share in the startup segment, strategic alignment with startup needs, ERP product roadmap, community ecosystem, technology strategy, and overall win rate. Additionally, we have considered the strength of investor backing, which often influences the long-term viability and innovation potential of an ERP solution. By assessing these factors, we aim to provide startups with a well-rounded perspective on the best ERP choices available in 2025. It is important to recognize that startups are in a dynamic growth phase, meaning their ERP requirements evolve over time. Initially, they may prioritize core functionalities like financial management, inventory tracking, and basic customer relationship management. However, as they scale, their needs may expand to include deeper integrations, automation, and advanced analytics. The ERP systems highlighted in this list cater to startups at various stages, offering modular features that grow alongside the business. By choosing the right ERP early on, startups can set a strong foundation for operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and future scalability without facing disruptive system migrations later. The list covered as part of this video: 10. ECI Macola 9. ERPNext 8. Sage Intacct 7. NetSuite 6. Acumatica 5. Rootstock 4. SYSPRO 3. ECI JobBOSS2 2. ECI Deacom 1. Odoo ------------------------------- Resources and Links Read More: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/erp-systems-for-startups/ Download our 2025 digital transformation report: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/digital-transformation-trends-report/ Download the ERP Selection Guide: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/erp-selection-guide/ Download our ERP Selection Requirements Matrix: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Requirements-Template/ Download ERP Systems Scorecard Sheet: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Systems-Scorecard-Sheet/ Insights on ElevatIQ: https://www.elevatiq.com/blog/ WBSRocks Podcast: https://podcast.wbs.rocks/ ------------------------------------- If you have any questions or comments about how to navigate the complex digital transformation industry, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on this video or drop us a line at hello@elevatiq.com. ------------------------------- Find me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/samguptausa Listen and subscribe: 🎧 Apple: http://ow.ly/UHT950HKrf8 🎧 Spotify: http://ow.ly/1vYw50HKrf0 🎧 Google: http://ow.ly/JMBG50HKrf7 ------------------------------------- Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm #ERP #startups #ERPSelection

This resource provides the template that you need to capture the requirements of different functional areas, processes, and teams.

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Top 10 ERP Systems in 2025: This report provides insights into the top ERP systems in 2025, their current positioning, and their future roadmap.

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When defining the large enterprise market segment, we consider companies with over $1 billion in revenue or an equivalent scale. Within this category, there are two key sub-segments with distinct needs. The lower enterprise segment, which includes companies between $1 billion and $5 billion in revenue, generally has more limited implementation budgets and a slower rate of business model evolution, particularly in terms of mergers and acquisitions. In contrast, the upper enterprise segment, consisting of companies exceeding $5 billion, tends to be far more dynamic, with frequent structural changes and complex operational needs. Regardless of the sub-segment, selecting an ERP solution for these companies is a high-stakes decision due to their sheer size and operational complexity. Since this list covers all industries, some products may not be relevant for every sector, so it's important to carefully consider where each ERP system performs best. Our general recommendation is to first seek a list specific to your industry and company size. If such a list is unavailable, then a broader, more generalized ranking—such as this one—can still provide valuable insights. One of the defining characteristics of large enterprises is their presence in multiple countries, often more than 10, making globalization and localization critical factors in ERP selection. These companies aim to optimize financial and operational synergies across their subsidiaries, increasing the importance of multi-entity support and regulatory compliance. With operations spanning different regions, they must adhere to complex regulatory frameworks, including stringent requirements such as e-invoicing and GDPR. Additionally, publicly traded or heavily audited enterprises must ensure strict compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and other industry-specific mandates. This necessitates advanced approval workflows, sophisticated financial controls, and deep integration with various enterprise functions. Unlike mid-sized businesses, large corporations rarely rely on a single ERP system. Instead, they often adopt a best-of-breed approach, incorporating multiple specialized solutions to meet their diverse needs. ERP solutions designed for this market segment reflect this reality by offering modular architectures, allowing companies to swap out or integrate best-of-breed components without disrupting their entire system landscape. To compile this list of top ERP systems for large enterprises, we evaluated multiple criteria to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. These factors include overall product market share, vendor acquisition strategy, a demonstrated focus on large businesses, the ERP provider’s product roadmap, the strength of their community ecosystem, their win rate in competitive deals, their broader technology strategy, and investor backing. These elements collectively help determine which ERP solutions are best suited for enterprise-scale organizations that demand global compliance, deep functionality, and long-term scalability. With these criteria in mind, let’s now explore the top ERP systems designed to meet the needs of large enterprises in 2025. The list covered as part of this video: 10. Workday/Certinia 9. QAD 8. Sage X3 7. Unit4 6. Deltek 5. Infor CloudSuite M3/LN 4. IFS 3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations 2. Oracle Cloud ERP 1. SAP S/4 HANA ------------------------------- Resources and Links Read More: https://www.elevatiq.com/post/large-company-erp/ Download our 2025 digital transformation report: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/digital-transformation-trends-report/ Download the ERP Selection Guide: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/erp-selection-guide/ Download our ERP Selection Requirements Matrix: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Requirements-Template/ Download ERP Systems Scorecard Sheet: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Systems-Scorecard-Sheet/ Insights on ElevatIQ: https://www.elevatiq.com/blog/ WBSRocks Podcast: https://podcast.wbs.rocks/ ------------------------------------- If you have any questions or comments about how to navigate the complex digital transformation industry, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on this video or drop us a line at hello@elevatiq.com. ------------------------------- Find me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/samguptausa Listen and subscribe: 🎧 Apple: http://ow.ly/UHT950HKrf8 🎧 Spotify: http://ow.ly/1vYw50HKrf0 🎧 Google: http://ow.ly/JMBG50HKrf7 ------------------------------------- Background Soundtrack: Away From You – Mauro Somm #ERP #large #ERPSelection

Specialized ERP systems designed for the pharmaceutical industry offer tailored features that outperform generic alternatives, leading to shorter implementation times and increased success rates. Despite vendor claims of flexibility, relying on ad-hoc arrangements can result in unforeseen challenges. The pre-baked capabilities within the system's data model play a crucial role in preventing issues with version upgrades, ensuring a smooth and streamlined implementation process. Opting for ERP systems with pre-built pharma capabilities, such as the ability to manage multiple serial and lot numbers, is essential for the pharmaceutical industry. These features, often lacking in smaller ERP systems designed for single serial or lot numbers, are critical for addressing the intricacies of pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution. While pharma-specific ERP systems excel in providing deeper last-mile capabilities, their focus may be limited to a few specific business models. This limitation can pose scalability challenges for larger pharmaceutical companies experiencing growth or engaging in acquisition phases. Predicting future needs becomes complex, especially for companies involved in M&A cycles, owned by private equity, or part of a holding company structure. Larger ERP solutions may support various models, but implementing compliance-specific features can be costly. On the other hand, smaller systems might encounter limitations in global applications due to flatter architecture, underscoring the importance of carefully evaluating the scalability and flexibility of ERP systems tailored for the pharmaceutical industry. Technical expertise alone is insufficient when it comes to pharma-specific compliance; a deeper subject matter expertise is essential. This includes capturing National Drug Code (NDC) codes, managing both serial and lot numbers for the same product, and handling inventory based on expiring lots. Addressing data structure nuances is one challenge, but meeting aggressive traceability demands and Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) compliance adds another layer of complexity. Evaluating ERP systems for pharmaceutical needs is facilitated by exploring the top 10 pharma ERP systems, offering valuable insights into the solutions that best address the unique challenges and requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. ------------------------------- Resources and Links Read More: Download our 2024 digital transformation report: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/digital-transformation-trends-report/ Download the ERP Selection Guide: https://www.elevatiq.com/guides-and-reports/erp-selection-guide/ Download our ERP Selection Requirements Matrix: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Requirements-Template/ Download ERP Systems Scorecard Sheet: https://www.elevatiq.com/resources/ERP-Systems-Scorecard-Sheet/ Insights on ElevatIQ: https://www.elevatiq.com/blog/ WBSRocks Podcast: https://podcast.wbs.rocks/ ------------------------------------- If you have any questions or comments about how to navigate the complex ERP system, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on this video or drop us a line at hello@elevatiq.com. ------------------------------- Find me: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samguptausa/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/samguptausa Listen and subscribe: 🎧 Apple: http://ow.ly/UHT950HKrf8 🎧 Spotify: http://ow.ly/1vYw50HKrf0 🎧 Google: http://ow.ly/JMBG50HKrf7 ------------------------------------- #ERP #DigitalTransformation #pharma

SAP CRM vs Salesforce: This report provides insights into comparison between SAP C/4 HANA Cx suite and Salesforce, their pros and cons.