Best Cloud ERP Software In India For SMEs & SMBs 2025

The Market for Cloud ERP Software in India is recently trending at the peak where several Online Web Based ERP Solutions were introduced for SMEs.

ERP systems are scalable systems, that is to say, most ERP systems can grow with your business.

Therefore even if you fall under MSME it is good to implement ERP Software but make sure you select the right ERP to increase your ROI.

Unlike other business software, ERPs have 10X to 100x higher cost and that is why most small and medium enterprises aren’t moving away from accounting software.

This simply means, SMEs usually don’t have buying power, and that is where the SAAS, cloud, and online web ERP come in for SME mid-market.

Cloud ERP is a subscription-based ERP.

So you need a small monthly investment to start and can keep aside your large investments for other business needs.

However, it can be more deadly and tricky, if you can’t pay off the rent on time.

Because a subscription-based ERP means you have to pay rent every month to keep your ERP system functioning.

If you are unable to pay the rent on time your system may become inaccessible because the power is at the vendor’s side.

But if you maintain good relations, you can survive well for a longer period of time by understanding each other’s needs and priorities.

Therefore it is all about managing a good relationship with your software vendors and vice versa.

Crucial Role of Micro Small & Medium Enterprises in the Indian Economy

The Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in India belong to a core industrial segment and this segment is predominately helping the larger enterprises in supply and chain distribution.

Most of the small & mid-sized industrial manufacturers make parts for larger enterprises to meet their demand in the marketplace.

So probably there are contracts from large enterprises for a longer period of time for SMEs to fulfill on a regular basis.

In such cases planning to execute schedule tasks with a good ERP system is crucial for your enterprise.

ERP is beneficial for your enterprise for timely order processing, purchase planning, inventory planning, production planning,  work order scheduling, stock keeping, and meeting the expected timeline for delivery.

Micro Enterprises often have a limited amount of workload so ERP seems like an expense for small manufacturers instead of an investment.

But if you are willing to automate your business with an ERP,  it can be an asset for your business in the near future.

We often see small manufacturers are bound to take manual processes using spreadsheets and unorganized software.

It is simply because of the limited availability of resources, that hinders the progress of MSMEs

Having said that, the dominating factor that restricts the growth of small manufacturers also depends largely on 3M.

They are money, material, and manpower.

Therefore even though in some cases manufacturers have the orders, they are unable to execute and plan manufacturing due to the shortage of resources.

However, if you have the burden on production, you have to replace your manual behavior pattern.

Because our manual plan may fail, a well-planned, executed & implemented ERP system will not fail and will prove to be profit-making and scale your business instead.

The Need for Cloud ERP Software in India for MSME

I have visited a number of industries more often and what most manufacturer says is “We have wasted plenty of money on ERP, but none of the ERP seemed to be beneficial for us”

I think the software vendors need to understand what are the demands of small manufacturers, and why are they saying so.

Small business manufacturers don’t have time to sit and look at the text-based long headache reports.

They actually need graphs, charts, and visual displays to identify the loopholes instantaneously, and it can be anywhere and in any department.

A lot of customers also say “I need a Dashboard for each and everything so that I can only visualize what is going wrong in my enterprise through software KPIs”.

But most Online ERP in the market doesn’t have good KPIs in the context of the manufacturing business domain.

Today it’s all about data, and with machine learning, KPIs can provide vendors with great information.

So this is something that needs enhancement in all ERP software across manufacturing industries.

Most of the time demand also comes for printed format reports where they need little or small additional changes which they want to do by themselves.

So the presence of tools to customize fields at the front end is a must for end-users to re-purpose any changes that require internally.

SMEs & Manufacturers speaks “Most ERPs aren’t good”: So What’s missing?

One important issue that we find in every small-scale manufacturing industry is managing the shop floor, labor, and machines and these are what manufacturers have been trying to fix for ages.

But most Online Web Based ERPs miss out on this part strongly.

An important part is to define detailed processes, planning, and scheduling, production KPI & dashboards, multi-level BOM, BOM-based subcontracting and job work, machine’s capacity, ability to measure workload on machine versus capacity, Gantt chart, resource conflicts, worker’s salary calculation based on contracts, idle reports related to labor, machine, etc.

Controlling these parameters inside a factory genuinely drives growth. Isn’t it so?

So every manufacturer is trying to find out tools that support automation for managing their plant, not the office.

And this often drills down to the conclusion that small manufacturers really don’t need an ERP, what they really need is MRP.

So in one word, SMEs need the right ERP automation tool to control their manufacturing business.

And the only tool available today to reduce complexity for efficient & effective business operations is to find out who is supporting and implementing the right manufacturing ERP systems and have the willpower to understand MSME.

Technology is cheap today and it has come so far by now that it is rapidly changing the entire scenario.

So what should a small business do? Should you make standard processes and follow standard procedures to cope with a changing environment or there are some other choices.

How Indian Cloud ERP Software streamlines Small Business?

Cloud ERP can streamline small business by building a collaborative environment for the team.

Therefore enterprises that have successfully implemented ERP systems are enjoying collaborative working with real-time data on the cloud.

And are able to forecast the scenarios at an early stage, eventually, they fix gaps on time.

So if you could properly make & implement ERP systems for your concern, you build an asset rather than an expenditure.

And selecting the right cloud ERP solutions for your concern can reap the  following benefits:

• Sale Order Management to keep your order updated in real-time
• Purchase Lead time to meet order demand
• Inventory Management keeping maximum inventory at a minimum keeping cost
• Efficient store operation
• Efficient planned production and scheduling of work orders on the Shop Floor
• Standardized processes
• On-time deliveries
• Real-time and instant report tracking on any device.

So, rightly speaking without ERP various challenges in today’s day-to-day operations can be daunting.

And the legacy system does not collaborate with your challenges.

Challenges can be a risk of losing orders, wastage of inventory, inaccurate scheduling, and non-compliant operations resulting in delayed dispatch and spending hours validating reports.

However, not all software systems are ERP. ERP systems are business software that actually integrates every resource of an enterprise.

So not having an integration is a downfall for any ERP solution and it doesn’t get approved as an ERP system.

ERP systems actually connect every activity and process flowing systematic information across an enterprise with accuracy and integrating modules such as:

• Order to Cash
• Procure to Pay
• Make to Stock
• Make to Order
• Budget Validation
• Financial Forecasting
• Project Planning
• Scheduling

and more, so you are able to have a bird’s eye view of your enterprise and measure your business performance.

The 8 Best Cloud ERP Software in India-Online ERP, Web Based ERP for SMEs, SMBs, & Manufacturing Units.

Industrial manufacturers today need software systems that can streamline the entire processes within a factory as well as retail outlets

As a result, ERP Software Systems come into play for small to large enterprises and these provide visibility of your business anytime and anywhere.

So they are the online, on-cloud, and web-based ERP Systems that particularly help micro, small, and medium enterprises to quickly shift themselves to an automated process.

Here is a list of some of the best Cloud ERP Software in India for Indian Businesses.

1. Eresource – Best ERP Software in India for SMEs & SMBs

EresourceERP is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning system that offers industry-based practices for multi-mode manufacturing available on the cloud as well as on-premises.

It is also a leading Cloud-Based ERP software in India

A solution for every SME promising you to connect all your companies, branches, departments, customers, and suppliers under a central system.

A Microsoft Business Solution and Independent Software Vendor of Microsoft. Eresource ERP works across different Verticals covering the Manufacturing, Process, Fleet management, Construction, Trading, and Oil & Gas Industries.

Growing as a leading enterprise solution company, Eresource provides end-to-end solutions that leverage technology-enabling customers to grow their businesses.

It serves many clients across India, the Middle East & Africa and is one of the pioneers of Web-based ERP solutions.

Benefits of eResource ERP

EResource ERP is designed keeping in mind the core functional areas such as Project Monitoring and Control, Sales Management, Tendering, Bill of Quantities, Purchase and Supplier Management, Onsite Engineers Portal, Material Management, Labor, and Contractors Management, Accounts Management, and Human Resource Management.

Management can access and manage onsite activities from anywhere anytime. Independent Estimates can be generated for each task based on respective quantities.

Estimating is facilitated by system-prompted activities.

And all different activities can be defined as different assemblies. Associated with each assembly is the bill of quantities, labor, turnaround time for completion.

A scheduling interface similar to MS Project Interface has been provided with a grant chart view.

The estimated schedule and actual activity of all tasks are made available on one screen.

Resource Management takes into account all resource utilization, keeping track of materials, while the Resource sheet lists activity with estimated quantity and rate for each item.

Resource and cash flow management depict planned versus actual utilization with drill-down variance analysis and warning alerts.

According to the official website, eResource Cloud ERP is trusted by Over 4000 Businesses Worldwide.

Top Industries that eResource ERP supports

• Construction and industrial manufacturing
• Automotive and steel
• Rubber and plastic industries
• Chemical and Fertilizers
• Pharmaceuticals
• Power and renewal energy
• Transport
• Oil and lubricants

eResource Price: Contact vendor for custom pricing

2. EPPS PRO – Cloud ERP Solutions for SMBs

EPPS PRO is as powerful as SAP B1

It is an enterprise-level ERP solution for medium to large organizations available on the cloud as well as on-premises.

One can easily simplify complexities and scale operational efficiency with EPPS PRO.

EPPS PRO enables you to make well-informed and balanced decisions as your business grows.

EPPS ERP believes that businesses should run without outages.

Therefore keeping this in mind, it has designed a product that provides a solution for all your operational difficulties.

EPPS ERP can run on Cloud or your in-house technology as well as you can customize it to work on both Cloud and In-house using the Hybrid ERP function.

If you are a discrete manufacturing business, EPPS PRO is one of the best fits for your organization and suitable For the Make To Order And Make To Stock Scenario. It consists of

• Multi-Level BOM/Sub Assembly
• BOM/Product Costing
• BOM Upload From Excel
• Material Requirement Planning (MRP)
• WIP Management
• Scrap Reporting
• Quality Management/In-Process Inspection
• Subcontracting/Outsourcing Management
• Job Work/Insourcing Management
• Production Cost Management (Material/Manpower/Overheads)
• Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE)
• Make To Order/Make To Stock Management
• Production Plan/Orders
• Work Orders/Job Cards With Priority Control
• Issue To Production Against Work Orders
• Material De-Reservation From Intermediate Work Orders
• Production WIP Or FG Reporting
• Downtime Reporting
• Co-Product/By-Product Reporting
• Item To Item Conversion
• Production Activity Reporting
• Work Center/Line Wise Production Yield
• Batch Merging
• Splitting of Batch
• Batch Tracking Report
• Product/Batch-wise Profitability Reports
• Kitting/Assembly
• De-Kitting/Disassembly
• Customized Coil Planning And Production Module
• Basic Coil Yield Management
• Coil Hold/Unhold With Approvals
• Basic Tools And Dies Management
• Capacity Utilization Of Tools And Dies
• Work Order Release/Replan/Short close/Amend

Benefits of EPPS Pro System for Enterprises:

• Increased Productivity – Make decisions on-the-go
• Better Business Decisions – With up-to-date real-time data
• Always Accessible – All you need is an internet connection and the app installed
• Empowered Employees – Work and stay connected across facilities and locations
• Enhanced Customer Engagement – Monitor sales and customer feedback
• Ease of deployment, implementation, and use of the product
• Envisaged consulting approach & impeccable quality in customer engagement, product, solutions & service

EPPS Pro Price: Contact vendor for pricing structure

3. ACTouch – The Cloud Based ERP in India for SMEs

AcTouch also provides a fully cloud-based ERP Software in India that integrates your Sales, Production, Stores, Accounts, Purchase, Warehouse & Services departments.

AcTouch.com’s Manufacturing ERP Software has been designed for Manufacturing Companies.

And covers different types of manufacturing like Process Manufacturing, Discrete Manufacturing, Subcontracting and Job work, etc.

It is good at managing the Inventory Costing with Stocks across Stores and Subcontractor places and is an expert on ABC (Activity Based Costing)

It also handles end-to-end manufacturing processes like In-house Production and Planning (MRP), BOM, Work Orders, Routing, Subcontracting, Job work, etc, and integrates Websites, Mobile Apps with your ERP.

And it is suitable for industry verticals such as Automotive, Industrial Segments, Forging, Extrusion, Injection Moulding, Medical Equipment, Consumer Products, High Tech, etc.

How AcTouch is helpful for Small businesses?

• You can manage your multiple Business from One place.
• Manage your cash flows and decide when & where to invest to grow your business.
• Optimize your work to get the maximum from your teams.
• Also, simplify the business to maximize profits.
• Optimize your inventory and maximize turnover
• The ABC method helps to capture all the cost details and control the stocks and costs.
• Save Money

AcTouch is one of the best ERP Software in India for Manufacturing, a cloud-based ERP that simplifies your work, improves the process, and reduces cost. It Optimizes and Controls your stocks across multiple Units or branches. So no more missing stocks and losing money. Manage your stocks by location and by tracking the transformation of Raw Materials to Finished Goods at every unit.

Ensuring to use of the machine and its capability is always a difficult task. So it is essential to utilize the machines and have an idea of how much machine capacity is remaining with you to take new orders and increase transparency between your vendor and customer.

Maintain Shortage Items on Production with the MRP Engine which checks the demand and supply and arrives at the total stock required for a period.

Also, this reduces wastage and improves the bottom line, and increases productivity and efficiency

Get the self-learning manual and tutorial from https://www.actouch.com/self-learning-business-videos/

AC Touch ERP Price: Contact vendor for custom pricing on their official website

4. ERPNext – The Cloud ERP for SMB

Needless to say, ERPNext is one of the top cloud ERP software in India and it is an open-source platform with phenomenal software architecture. With lots of documentation loaded on the internet, it is exceptionally strong for the Manufacturing business which includes complete production planning and control and MRP2 integration for manufacturers and also fits all kinds of businesses.

The thrilling part about ERPNext is, ERPNext is the modern age, easy-to-use, 100% open-source, business management software used by thousands of enterprises worldwide.

It has been recognized as one of the world’s best open-source ERPs and is backed by the not-for-profit ERPNext Foundation

And ERPNext Foundation is a registered not-for-profit organization that enables the community to build and enhance ERPNext.

So it is a great opportunity for MSMEs & SMEs to take advantage of ERPNext.

ERPNext is constantly updating and evolving as a full-blown ERP, it is dynamic and robust and it can be used by Micro Enterprises to Large Enterprises.

It provides both self-hosting and on-cloud hosting.

For self-hosting, you need to hire an IT Manager at a good cost per month, to look after your company’s IT infrastructure,  server maintenance, backup, recovery, security, etc.

Also if you set up ERPNext on your own, then you start with a base cost of around $40/month for a VPS.

For MSMEs & SMEs it is advisable to go for Frappe cloud hosting because it is cost-effective when your IT Infrastructures are being handled by Experts, so you can focus on what you do best.

You can learn more about ERPNext at https://erpnext.com/learn

Best Open Source Cloud ERP Software for MSMEs & SMEs

ERPNext is simple & easy to use, search option on the dashboard provides an easy user interface to search for any module, form, or report navigation.

It also has the available front-end form & reports customization tools for custom modification and it is easy to insert custom fields on your forms and reports.

ERPNext aims to be the partner of choice, for serious organizations looking for solid ERPNext experience and support.

From Server Management to Upgrade to Bug Fixing and Support ERPNext manages everything for your business.

ERPNext provides great value to organizations of all sizes, and any enterprise can start by using a single user.

Since it is a not-for-profit organization, extensive support systems are available for running your business which includes documentation and learning material, developer support, functional support, and server support, etc.

ERPNext Price: INR 20000 Per Month includes multi-user + premium support. For more details check pricing here

5. Tech Cloud ERP – Cloud Based ERP Software in India for SMEs

Tech Cloud ERP in India is known for its innovation in the manufacturing industry.

As the name suggests ‘Tech Cloud ERP’, is also a web-based ERP, cloud-based enterprise software for small and medium enterprises to cater to the needs of growing businesses.

With the ability to process millions of transactions from various sources, TechCloud ERP is an integrated ERP solution and is one of the fastest ERPs on the cloud delivering the best user experience.

Tech Cloud ERP is accessible on the cloud, it is available anytime and anywhere supporting your business 24×7.

With an unlimited number of users supported by Tech Cloud Enterprise Edition ERP, you can enjoy a multi-user facility for free and control user rights &  permission.

There is 2 unique selling proposition for Tech Cloud ERP, the basic version of Tech Cloud ERP is an Open Source code and available at a low cost, best for manufacturing companies with an in-house IT team, the other way to access it is by subscription, pay as you use model i.e software as a service.

Features of Tech Cloud ERP

It is a Light Weight ERP suitable for various vertical and industry

Dynamic Dashboards with Graphical User Interface, support mobile devices

The auto-backup facility, Inbuilt SMS & Email facility

Customizable, Amazing Support & Flexible pricing

Lifetime product, for Enterprise Edition, no renewal with full customization

Flexible & User-Friendly, Multi-Language Support

Freedom of Open Source

Supports Marketplace Plugin Integration etc.

For more details visit Tech Cloud ERP official for features & pricing

Price: INR 2000 per user/per month. For custom rate list please refer to their official pricing page

6. Expand ERP – The Cloud-Based ERP Software in India for SMB

ExpandERP for Manufacturing is an integrated Cloud ERP Software in India that offers end-to-end functions like Material Requirements Planning (MRP), proper inventory management & utilization, order to cash, accounting, GST, logistics, weighbridge, etc. to offer high efficiency and increase productivity.

It offers end-to-end functionality like CRM, Order to Cash, Procure to Pay, Marketplace integration, and Omni-channel sales (all channel sales) like B2B, Marketplace, Online Shop, and retail. Payment gateways, banking, handheld terminals, and GPS are all integrated by CloudERP solutions resulting in super-efficient management and complete control over the business.

Expand ERP helps in accelerating the growth of small businesses by streamlining their business processes and reducing the costs incurred for IT processes. Expand ERP is completely cloud-based, which enables it to be accessed from anywhere, at any point in time. So if you are a fast growing company looking for dynamic solutions, ExpandERP is the perfect solution for your business.

The ERP solution not only saves time but also helps you make well-informed decisions. It can save at least 20% of your daily time in maintaining various spreadsheets so with Expand ERP system in place, you can take business decisions based on real-time facts and analytics.

Expand ERP is a full-fledged cloud-based ERP for the manufacturing industry, however, it can also be deployed on-premises so you can simplify your complex business processes with all the required modules that Expand ERP has to offer.

The ExpandERP Module consists of:

• Lead Management
• Warehouse Management
• Export Documentation
• Accounting and GST
• Point of Sale (POS)
• Production and MRP
• Procurement
• Order Management

And in addition to it Expand ERP mobile features are designed for users who are always on the move.

The Key Benefits of ERP Applications on Mobile Devices for Manufacturing Businesses include Real-time production capturing, sales force tracking, bin management, file attachment, GPS integration, push notifications and approvals and reports, and statements all on the go.

For more details and pricing refer to

Expand ERP Price: INR 2500 per user/per month. For more details refer to their official pricing page.

7. Deskera ERP – The Cloud ERP for SMB

Deskera ERP is yet another cloud-based ERP system in India, it is an award-winning ERP software solution for small and medium enterprises and a full-fledged cloud ERP suite for multi-location manufacturing units.

It has all the modules integrated within the Cloud ERP suite set of business applications and organizations of all sizes using Deskera.

So Small & Medium Enterprises can take advantage of using DeskEra ERP module-wise.

The base products & modules in Deskera for manufacturing industries consist of

• ERP Cloud
• ERP + MRP Cloud
• CRM Cloud
• Project Management Cloud
• HRMS Cloud
• e-Leave
• eClaims

Deskera software is licensed on a subscription basis so there is an annual subscription charge user-wise.  And based on an annual subscription, any enterprise can start using Deskera ERP with a minimum number of users required.

It is cost-effective for small and medium enterprises and allows reports and form-level customization at the core functionality and tons of configuration gives you a lot of flexibility. Providing outstanding high-speed performance on the internet, Deksera ERP is simply easy to use and a key to success for SMEs

Deskera ERP & MRP Cloud Integration for Manufacturers

Deskera ERP has a strong integration and seamless flow of information across all the modules connected to each other. In fact, Deskera also provides an MRP module integrated with ERP to drive manufacturing operations with ease for enterprises.

Broadly Deskera Integrated Enterprise consists of ERP Cloud, CRM Cloud, HRMS Cloud & Project Cloud for both discrete and process manufacturing industries.

Let us take a look at various features of ERP across a different bunch of modules.

Deskera ERP Cloud is built to accelerate business activities and maximize profits for an Enterprise.

Enterprises can go live within hours of activation or a day.

Deskera ERP is built for scale to assist businesses with the necessary tools and processes to make sure you stay agile lean and efficient with its best-in-class offerings.

• Accelerate Core Purchase Processes
• Simplify Order to Cash Process
• Customer Delight with a 360-Degree Visibility
• Manage Suppliers/Vendors
• Optimize product process cycle
• Create Smart Accounting Journal Entries (Auto)
• Manage Item Master
• Optimize Inventory
• Manage EOD Operations Checklist
• Track Full Movement History
• Financial Reporting
• Complaint Management

The above life cycle in Deskera ERP allows you to automate business processes and manage your enterprises to keep a record and view all business transactions in real time.

Deskera ERP is also easy-to-use ERP software that facilitates the recording and processing of different financial transactions and processes and switches between Deskera apps easily.

Manufacturing Resource Planning

Deskera ERP includes an MRP integration as well for mid-sized manufacturers. MRP module provides full-fledged functionality for manufacturers where users have access to

• Record Product Data
• Manage Factory Machines
• Manage Labour Resources
• Track Work Center Activities
• Define Routing Codes
• Maintain Master Contract
• Manage Work Orders
• Generate Master Production Schedule
• Perform Quality Checks
• Monitor Cost
• Plan Product Delivery
• Demand Forecast & Planning

To run Deskera MRP you first define and plan all your manufacturing capabilities under five master setups.

Product Master

Deskera MRP allows you to create a product as a service item, job work assembly, job work inventory, inventory part, inventory assembly, non-inventory part, and inventory non-sale item.

So if the item is an inventory assembly, you can create a multi-level bill of material (Multi-Level BOM) with an easy-to-manage tree structure and view each and every part on an assembly under a single window.

Also, you have infinite levels of BOM formulas to work with and it applies to both discrete manufacturing as well as process manufacturing.

Define BOM codes, create alternate BOM for your products, and map them to different work orders, work centers, and routings.

Define quality parameters for your products and sub-products

And map them to quality groups and set their passing ratings and maintain lists of rejected items with a record of their repair, reusability, recyclability, or disposal.

Labour Master

The labor master lets you easily define every human resource labor along with his or her key skills and assign work centers. The cost of every labor resource is also definable and any conflicts in the allocation of labor resources can be easily detected and resolved.

Machine Master

Machine master allows you to define your machines as active or substitutes and map them to specific work centers based on the processes that the machines are able to perform. Also, record details of machines including their serial number purchase date operating capacity usage, and man-to-machine ratio.

And machines can be mapped to a lease account or asset account that is integrated with other parts of Deskera ERP. All this makes it easier to identify the machines you need when you create a work order.

Work Centre Master

Define your work centers in Deskera MRP work center master and assign to it your product, labor, and machine resources. The defining fields of a work center include its type, operating capacity, manager, and warehouse that stores its products.

Routing Master

The routing master is where you plan out the sequence of tasks that you need to follow in order to manufacture your final products.

Define the routing code or routing template depending on how well you know it to be.

Alternate routing can also be defined if there is more than one way to manage the product.

Each task within a sequence is based on the resource from the other four masters and can be assigned quality check parameters.

Tasks can be re-ordered in the sequence, indented to form a hierarchy.

And can be set as predecessors or dependencies of other tasks.

So you can prepare a roadmap for your project and list out all the possible steps or actions which will be undertaken for the completion of the project.

And View what resources are allocated to the project, and the amount of time it will take to be completed, and also depicts the processing of the project with the help of interactive and easy-to-understand Gantt charts.

Deskera Mid Market Price: INR 4000 per user/per month for ERP & INR 7000 per user/per month for MRP (Source: Deskera Pricing).

8. ZipERP – Cloud ERP Software in India for Micro Enterprises

ZipERP is an integrated Cloud Based ERP Software in India for Micro Enterprises.

And it enables you to quickly move away from your current manual process to an automated business system.

The Process integration in ZipERP is shown below

It is a highly configurable and scalable ERP system and presents a simple user interface that is easy to use and operate.

Modules include business processes covering Order to Cash and Procure to Life Cycle along with simple production and quality module.

However, it also offers some other modules such as HRMS, Engineering, and Task Management.

ZipERP is beneficial for Small and medium enterprises and if your requirement is met, it will be the best fit.

With a single user ID and password, you get access to all its modules.

It offers seamless integration across all your business functions and keeps you updated.

Upcoming mobile applications provide better visibility of reports and entry point for order and invoice entries from Apps.

Defining the BOM. Process Routing & Quality Check Parameter

ZipERP allows you to define your manufacturing processes like BOM, sequential routing, and quality checks on each routing process from a single master.

Therefore you can define your quality parameters using the template master for quality checks.

And the process confirmation in a transaction allows you to define process completion and loss quantity.

Whereas a separate entry can be made from the stock journal for daily production quantity updates with reference to Work Order.

ZipERP Price: INR 6000 per user/per month (Contact vendor for more details)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is cloud ERP and why should Indian SMEs consider it?

A: Cloud ERP is an integrated business software hosted online. It offers SMEs features like finance, HR, and inventory without on‑premise infrastructure and reduces costs, provides scalability, and facilitates faster deployment.

Q: What does an ERP system really mean for a Small & Medium Enterprise (SME)?

A: Cloud ERP, in theory, is a powerful, web-based system designed to bring multiple departments of a business under one digital roof. But the reality is that we often forget that many SMEs don’t even have “departments” in the traditional sense. It’s usually one or two people wearing ten different hats. For them, at times, a pen and paper feels more efficient than a rigid software system.

Q: Why do most ERP systems fail SMEs, especially manufacturing units?

A: Because they’re not designed with SMEs in mind. Most ERP software is built for structured, process-heavy corporations. But SMEs – especially in manufacturing operate very differently. Their workflows are fast, fluid, and often not documented in a formal way. Traditional ERP systems simply don’t align with this. And yet, ERP vendors continue to push a “one-size-fits-all” solution onto small businesses, expecting them to adapt. That’s where the problem begins.

Q: Is ERP harder to implement in small enterprises than large ones?

A: Ironically, yes. Small enterprises are often more complex than larger ones. Not in size or structure – but in the way decisions are made, how responsibilities overlap, and how quickly things change on the ground. That makes ERP implementation more nuanced and sensitive for SMEs.

Q: Why is ERP software so hard to define?

A: ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is difficult to define because it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every business is different, and no single ERP can promise to meet every requirement out of the box. Most ERP systems need customization, which can add to both cost and complexity.

Q: What’s the difference between Cloud ERP, Online ERP, and Web-Based ERP?

A: While the terms are often used interchangeably, they all refer to ERP systems that are accessible via the internet. Cloud ERP is hosted on a third-party cloud platform (e.g., AWS, Azure), managed and updated by the vendor. Online ERP emphasizes remote accessibility often synonymous with cloud ERP. Web-Based ERP is delivered through a web browser and could be cloud-hosted or on-premise.

Q: Why do some ERP solutions fail to deliver value to small businesses?

A: Because many ERP vendors design their systems around the needs of large enterprises. They don’t fully understand the fast-paced, multitasking nature of small business workspaces. If the ERP isn’t built with empathy for your daily operations, it’s likely to feel clunky, irrelevant, or overwhelming.

Q: How can I find the right ERP for my small manufacturing unit?

A: Start by defining your own requirements. Don’t just go with a big brand name. Instead identify your core operational pain points (e.g., inventory, production tracking, lead time). Take advantage of free trials offered by ERP providers. See if the interface and features match how your team actually works. Only after understanding your needs should you decide which ERP is the right fit.

Q: What if I have a very limited budget for ERP software?

A: Budget is a major concern for most small businesses. Here’s what you can consider. Open-source ERP solutions like ERPNext is free to use, but you’ll need some in-house IT skills to set them up. If you have a technical team, this is a fantastic option. You’ll save on license fees and gain full control. However, remember that implementation and customization still carry costs-whether it’s internal effort or hiring a consultant.

Q: Does lower cost mean lower quality in ERP systems?

A: Usually, yes. In most cases, quality correlates with price. Lower-cost or free ERPs may lack advanced features, scalability, or customer support. But that doesn’t mean they’re useless—for small businesses with clear needs and IT support, open-source or budget-friendly ERP tools can work very well.

Q: What should ERP vendors understand before selling to SMEs?

A: They need to understand one core truth: SMEs don’t buy ERP software to learn a new system-they buy it to solve a real problem. If a solution is too rigid, too “hard-coded,” and doesn’t fit the way they work, it’s simply not worth their investment. ERP for SMEs must be flexible, modular, and empathetic to how these businesses operate. Otherwise, it’s just another cost with no return.

Q: Which Cloud ERP is best for small‑medium businesses in India?

A: For SMEs, ZipERP and ACTouch are top picks due to affordability, modularity, local support, and compliance features suited to Indian business needs.

Q: Are open‑source ERPs viable in India?

A: Yes, ERPNext is widely used open‑source ERPs in India. They provide extensive modules, flexibility, and lower licensing costs, with active local partner ecosystems.

Q: Are SMEs a sensitive sector for implementing ERP systems?

A: Yes. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are highly sensitive sectors. Implementing an ERP system in these environments requires significant effort, time, and patience due to their limited resources and evolving processes.

Q: Is Cloud ERP suitable for small enterprises?

A: Absolutely. Cloud ERP is often the best fit for small enterprises because it reduces infrastructure costs and improves accessibility. However, many small businesses—especially manufacturers—require more than just a general ERP system.

Q: What do Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) actually need when it comes to business software?

A: SMEs need a scalable software architecture that includes essential tools to manipulate reports and basic front-end capabilities. These businesses benefit from features such as custom print formats, dashboards tailored to their workflows, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on production processes and metrics like lead time to complete a job. Such features allow SMEs to quickly identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies within their operations.

Q: What is more important for small manufacturing businesses: ERP or MRP?

A: For small manufacturing units, MRP (Manufacturing Resource Planning) is often more critical than ERP. MRP systems are the core engine for handling detailed manufacturing processes like materials planning, production scheduling, and lead time management.

Q: Do all ERP software solutions offer integrated MRP?

A: No. Most ERP solutions do not include a fully integrated MRP module. Only a few ERP platforms offer comprehensive manufacturing-specific features. This is why SMEs must carefully evaluate whether they need ERP software or a dedicated MRP system before making a decision.

Q: Can I access my Cloud ERP on mobile devices like phones or tablets?

A: Yes, with the right Cloud ERP system, you can bring your entire enterprise onto mobile and tablet devices. This allows business owners, managers, and teams to stay connected and make decisions on the go without being tied to a desktop or office environment.

Q: Are all ERP systems mobile-optimized by default?

A: Unfortunately, no. Not every ERP system is designed for mobile use. Some vendors offer mobile apps, but often these are limited to basic reporting features only.

Q: Do I need to develop a custom ERP app for mobile access?

A: Not necessarily. Developing a custom app can be expensive, but with a Cloud ERP subscription, you often get access to a mobile-friendly version or a companion app that brings core functionalities to your device. Just make sure the ERP vendor supports mobile access beyond simple dashboards.

Q: Is Cloud ERP Software in India truly affordable for SMEs?

A: For many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, the very word “ERP” feels like it belongs to large corporations with deep pockets. For years, that fear of high investment has kept many SMEs from even considering ERP as an option. But cloud ERP has changed that narrative by offering a subscription-based model starting at very reasonable rates.

Q: Is there a way to start with just 1 or 2 users?

A: Thankfully, yes—a few forward-thinking ERP vendors in India now offer plans that allow you to start small, sometimes even with just a single user. It depends on the provider, but you always have the option to negotiate based on your exact needs. You’re not obligated to pay for what you don’t use.

Q: What makes Cloud ERP especially suitable for small businesses?

A: Here’s why Cloud ERP is a game-changer for SMEs. It’s has quick activation in 5 to 10 minutes, it is highly Configurable, it lowers IT Burden, it is scalable and has real-time access to dashboards, KPIs, and reports anytime, anywhere.

In Conclusion:

If you need any consulting to understand which ERP is best for small and medium enterprises.

Consult with us for a detailed discussion on which ERP could be the best fit for your business needs.

Remember most cloud ERP doesn’t provide any customization specific to a single customer.

However, some do provide front-end tools and that is great for any form-level or report-level customization.

Whereas most of them don’t have front-end customization tools.

So they may charge you for every report level customization whether it is a print format or a new report.

But some Cloud-Based ERP doesn’t provide any customization except updates on SOPs to enhance their product.

Every ERP is good, but all have some pros and cons.

We understand every customer is unique and so are their requirements.

So we try to understand your process and the level and extent of customization that you would require.

Knowing all of your requirements we map the best solution for you.

Get free consulting services from us during your evaluation process.