When it comes to being able to run your business with efficiency and ease, you always need the right software to support you. Luckily for us all, we live in an era where there is a wide range of options to choose from. However, because of that, it can often feel overwhelming. When you know you want the right software package to support the overall running of the business, you need to choose well. But it can be hard to find something that suits your needs.
In this blog post, we’re going to attempt to remedy that for you. It’s safe to say that turning to a strong enterprise resource planning (ERP) software package could be just what you need. But you need to ensure you know how it will support you and which one to choose.
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What is ERP Software and Why Should You Use It
ERP software is taking the business world by storm. Rather than having individual apps and software packages to manage every single area of your operations, you can use an all-in-one platform instead. Rather than having things like your financial, HR, and procurement software managed in different places, ERP software unifies them.
This means that you get a systemized, streamlined, and more efficient way of managing some of your major business functions using just one platform. Rather than having to communicate between departments, you get one topline view of everything you need in one go.
However, you still need to decide which provider to go with. So, in this blog post, we’re going to support you in doing that. Read on to discover five of the best ERP software providers in 2025.
1. Best for Emergency Services: Unit4
To kick things off, we’re going to go into detail on the purpose-built for the public sector option of Unit4. Unit4 is a comprehensive unified platform that encompasses finance, HR, planning, and procurement in one, cloud-based system. It removes silos and enables a single, trusted source of data. It was purposely built to facilitate the needs of the police, fire, ambulance, and rescue organisations, helping them deliver safe, efficient, and trusted public protection.
Unit4 is cloud-based, but also scalable. It allows for 24/7 access and resilience, which is crucial in the emergency sector. With the ability to drill down into workforce planning and insight, users can explore everything from staffing levels to costs, all while looking to reduce deployment time by 50%, thanks to the rapid implementation offered by Unit4.
2. Best for Small Businesses: NetSuite
If you’re a small business and you want something that is user-friendly but that can grow with you, NetSuite is a great option. NetSuite is a strong contender for businesses looking to streamline their financial management, from invoicing to revenue management, with clear visibility into key figures. But it also enables businesses to manage all aspects of the day-to-day running.
NetSuite users get access to an easy-to-use dashboard that is fully customizable. With a clear, top-line view of all your must-know figures, comprehensive analytics and reporting options, managers are able to make decisions quickly to drive the success of the business. Not only that, but the system is flexible, giving you full control over what you need access to and when.
3. Best for Microsoft Users: Microsoft Dynamics 365
If your business uses a lot of core Microsoft technology or software, you may find that bringing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 gives you a very simple, unified approach to business management. Microsoft Dynamics 365 integrates seamlessly with key Microsoft packages, such as Office 365, for a full-service experience. In terms of use, you have the option of going with a cloud package or on-site, which gives you full control of scalability.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a great option for small to mid-sized businesses, particularly those that need to focus on planning, forecasting, and reporting for projects or managing the supply chain. Again, you’ll find user-friendlyness is a huge plus with Microsoft Dynamics 365, along with the addition of options like Copilot to support your operations.
4. Best for Advanced Enterprises: SAP S/4HANA
For a more technical approach to your ERP, there’s SAP S/4HANA. SAP S/4HANA incorporates a lot of intelligent technology, such as AI and advanced analytics, making it perfect for more advanced enterprises. The operational planning side of things, in particular, provides a lot of insight into things like resource allocations, allowing for dynamic decision-making in real-time.
SAP S/4HANA gives users the option to respond quickly when changes in production arise. There’s also the function of communicating with contract providers to ensure that fulfillment processes are managed quickly and efficiently. However, SAP S/4HANA still offers a user-friendly interface, despite its in-depth and advanced technical capabilities.
5. Best for Manufacturers: Sage X3
Finally, we then also have Sage X3 to consider. Particularly for the manufacturing industry, high-level visibility and customization options are available, such as mixed-mode manufacturing. Alongside this Sage X3 also offers real-time analytics with an in-built intelligence engine. This enables them to offer a strategic approach to manufacturing management, giving users visibility on everything from scheduling to planning to real-time monitoring.
Sage X3 also comes with warehouse-specific functionalities, enabling users to manage control and demand in one space. Alongside this, there’s also the option to manage a range of sites, companies, and legal requirements from one hub, making it perfect for manufacturers looking to operate at a large scale or preparing to grow.
Choosing the Best ERP Software for Your Business
When it comes to choosing the best ERP software for your business, it’s important for you to focus on your overall goals and needs. With a variety of different options available on the market, you’ll be able to find the right solution for your company. If you operate in the public sector, and in the emergency services field in particular, you won’t be able to beat the products and services available from Unit4.
If you’re looking for a general all-rounder suited to small businesses, it could be worth checking out NetSuite. Or, if you’re a diehard Microsoft user and you want something to complement your existing setup, opting for Microsoft Dynamics 365 could work well for you. There’s also the option of going for SAP S/4HANA if you’re looking for a technical solution for your enterprise, or Sage X3 if you’re a manufacturer.
