Dominik Mayer Product & Technology
Basel,
Comparisons
Cloud ERP compared: The best solutions for Swiss companies
Want to automate your company’s business processes and run them more efficiently? An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can help. More companies are moving to cloud ERP because it is scalable, flexible, and relatively affordable. But which cloud ERP solution is the best fit?
This article explains what makes cloud ERP different and what benefits it offers. You will find an overview of leading cloud ERP solutions, including their pros and cons, plus tips to help you choose the right system.
Highlights
- Cloud ERP systems are more scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient than on-premises solutions
- The leading cloud ERP vendors: SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics
- Scalable, flexible cloud ERP systems can get you up and running faster
- Companies benefit from automated updates and less maintenance work
- Choosing the right system depends on company size, industry, budget, and more
Dominik Mayer Product & Technology
Basel,
Cloud instead of infrastructure
What makes cloud ERP different?
A cloud ERP is an enterprise resource planning solution that a vendor hosts in the cloud and makes available to you over the internet: a service delivered by a third party. By contrast, you install and maintain on-premises ERP systems on your own company servers.
If you choose cloud ERP, you do not need your own IT infrastructure to run it. That is especially helpful for small and mid-sized companies. The technical architecture is built on modern cloud technologies. Vendors often use multi-tenant architectures, where several customers share the same infrastructure without compromising security or performance.
Ready to work sooner
Benefits of cloud ERP systems
Why are cloud ERP solutions gaining ground over on-premises systems? Key advantages include:
- Scalability: With cloud ERP, you can expand or reduce capacity as needed, without investing in extra hardware.
- Flexibility: Cloud ERP lets you access the system from anywhere with an internet connection. That helps companies with multiple locations or remote employees.
- Cost savings: Because you do not need expensive hardware or large IT teams, a cloud ERP solution can lower operating costs compared with on-premises.
- Faster implementation: Implementations that once took months or years are largely a thing of the past. You can often start using cloud ERP within a few weeks.
- Updates and maintenance: The cloud ERP vendor handles updates and maintenance, so companies stay current with technology without managing it themselves.
- Security: Security is often the biggest concern when companies consider moving to cloud ERP. Vendors invest heavily in encryption, firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and regular security updates. Many cloud ERPs are also certified to international standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, which indicates a high level of security.
Vendors at a glance
The best cloud ERP solutions compared
What makes a leading cloud ERP solution? Strong options are easy to use and flexible, and integrate smoothly with other systems. Some ERP systems are especially popular overall or in particular industries. This comparison covers leading cloud ERP solutions, because even well-known vendors such as SAP, Microsoft, and NetSuite come with trade-offs you should know about.
SAP S/4HANA Cloud
SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a leading ERP system built specifically for larger companies. It offers broad capabilities for financial management, supply chain, production, purchasing, sales, and more.
Pros
- Broad functionality: The system covers a wide range of capabilities across nearly every business area, from finance and sales to logistics and manufacturing.
- High scalability: Well suited to large global companies that need a solution that keeps pace with growth.
- Real-time data processing: Thanks to HANA’s in-memory technology, you can analyze and process data in real time, which supports faster decisions.
- Future-proofing: SAP continually invests in developing S/4HANA, so the solution stays current over the long term.
- Industry-specific solutions: SAP offers tailored modules and capabilities for industries such as automotive, manufacturing, retail, and finance.
- High configurability: Extensive configuration and integration options let you adapt the system to specific requirements.
- Strong integration: You can integrate seamlessly with other SAP products and third-party solutions, which helps you build a coherent IT landscape.
Cons
- High cost: Licensing and implementing SAP S/4HANA Cloud is expensive.
- Complexity: The breadth of features and customization options can make the system very complex, which can drive up implementation and training effort.
- Implementation timeline: Because of that complexity, implementation can take a long time, especially for large companies with custom requirements.
- Ease of use: The feature-rich UI is not always intuitive for less experienced users.
- Customization requires specialists: Adapting the system to specific business processes often requires specialist expertise and sometimes external consulting.
Oracle NetSuite
Oracle NetSuite is a widely used cloud ERP aimed mainly at mid-sized companies. It offers modules for financial management, CRM, e-commerce, HR, and more. NetSuite is known for its flexibility and for bringing different business processes together in one system.
Pros
- Broad functionality: The software covers a wide range of business processes, from finance and accounting through CRM and e-commerce to inventory and order management.
- High flexibility: NetSuite is highly adaptable, so you can tailor it to your company’s specific needs and processes. That makes it a strong fit for growing companies with changing requirements.
- Scalability: NetSuite works for companies of many sizes and can scale with growth, from startups to large global organizations.
- Integrated platform: NetSuite’s cloud ERP provides a single platform that connects business areas, helping you avoid data silos and improve information flow.
- Straightforward integration: The ERP system offers many integration options. With third-party solutions and other Oracle products, you can extend the system and increase flexibility.
Cons
- Cost: Licensing and implementing NetSuite cloud ERP is expensive. For larger or more complex companies, that can mean significant spend.
- Complex implementation: Implementing NetSuite can be time-consuming and complex, especially for larger companies with specific requirements.
- Ease of use: The complex user interface can overwhelm new users and requires training and ramp-up time.
- Support costs: Access to premium support adds cost that can be steep for smaller companies.
- Data migration effort: Migrating data into NetSuite can be complex and time-consuming, especially when integrating older systems or when companies hold large volumes of historical data.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ranks among the leading cloud ERP solutions on the market. It is a comprehensive ERP and CRM solution for small to mid-sized companies, with modules covering finance, purchasing, inventory, sales, project management, and more.
Thanks to integration with other Microsoft products (for example Office 365), it is especially popular with companies that already work in the Microsoft ecosystem, and with those that want to rely on it more in the future.
Pros
- Scalability: You can readily adapt Dynamics 365 to the needs of small and mid-sized companies. The system lets you scale capabilities as needed, which helps growing companies.
- Integrated platform: The software brings core business areas onto one platform, supporting smooth collaboration and consistent data. That includes finance, purchasing, inventory, sales, and project management.
- Straightforward integration: Business Central integrates smoothly with other Microsoft products such as Office 365, Power BI, and Azure. That improves the user experience and boosts productivity.
- Analytics and AI capabilities: Business Central includes built-in analytics tools that help companies make informed decisions based on real-time data.
- Security and compliance: Microsoft continually invests in strong security protocols and compliance standards. Business Central offers advanced security features and is certified to international standards.
Cons
- Cost of extensions and customizations: The base version of Business Central is more affordable than many other cloud ERP solutions. Costs can rise, though, if you need additional customizations or industry-specific extensions.
- Implementation: Implementing Business Central can take time, especially when companies need heavily customized processes or integrations.
- Complexity of advanced features: Extending and customizing the software beyond the standard feature set requires additional expertise.
- Reliance on the Microsoft ecosystem: If your company depends heavily on non-Microsoft products, you may face integration challenges. Business Central is designed for close collaboration with Microsoft products.
Sage 100
Sage 100 is a mid-market, cloud-capable ERP system used primarily in German-speaking markets. It covers financial accounting, inventory management, production, and HR, and is aimed mainly at small and mid-sized companies. You can run the software on-premises or in the cloud.
Pros
- Flexibility and adaptability: Sage 100 adapts well to a company’s specific business processes. You can configure it individually and extend it with additional modules.
- Ease of use: The Sage 100 interface is relatively intuitive and user-friendly, which makes getting started and day-to-day use easier. It also offers SME-focused capabilities that shorten the learning curve.
- Cost structure: The software has a transparent pricing structure and offers license models that work well for SMEs. The cloud ERP option is typically more affordable than some larger ERP solutions.
- Integrated accounting and finance: Sage 100 is especially strong in accounting and financial management.
- Strong local support: In Switzerland and other countries there is strong local support and a partner network that can help with implementation, training, and maintenance of Sage 100.
Cons
- Limited scalability: Compared with larger cloud ERP solutions, Sage 100 can be more limited in scalability.
- Complexity of extensions: Adding modules or integrations can be complex and costly.
- Fewer built-in capabilities: Unlike broader ERP suites, Sage 100 offers fewer built-in capabilities. As a result, you may need additional solutions (extensions) from other vendors.
- Limited cloud capabilities: Although Sage 100 offers a cloud variant, it began as an on-premises solution. The cloud version is less mature than native cloud ERP systems.
- Updates and maintenance: Although Sage releases updates regularly, applying them can take time depending on the company’s IT infrastructure.
Haufe X360
Haufe X360 is a cloud ERP designed for mid-sized companies. It is built on the Acumatica platform and offers broad capabilities for finance, logistics, manufacturing, and sales. Companies value its high flexibility and the option to make industry-specific adaptations.
Pros
- Ease of use: The Haufe X360 interface is intuitive and user-friendly, which makes getting started and day-to-day work easier.
- Modularity and flexibility: Haufe X360 has a modular architecture that lets companies use only the capabilities they need. That makes it easier to fit specific business processes and to extend the system as demand grows.
- Built-in business intelligence (BI): The solution includes analysis and reporting tools so you can make informed decisions based on real-time data.
- Strong partnership with Acumatica: Haufe X360 is built on the Acumatica platform, a globally recognized ERP product. That combines mature, globally proven technology with local adaptation by Haufe.
Cons
- Cost for smaller companies: Although the solution is designed for the mid-market, the ERP system can be expensive.
- Implementation complexity: Implementing Haufe X360 can be complex, especially if you need extensive customizations or have to integrate existing systems.
- Dependence on cloud infrastructure: As a pure cloud ERP system, Haufe X360 depends on a stable internet connection. Companies in regions with poor connectivity may struggle to use it.
- Smaller ecosystem: Compared with larger vendors, this cloud ERP solution has a smaller partner and developer ecosystem. Extra modules, extensions, or specialized support can be harder to obtain.
Xentral ERP
Xentral ERP is a cloud ERP from Germany aimed mainly at startups and small companies. It is modular and covers finance, purchasing, production, and sales. Standout strengths include ease of use and seamless integration with e-commerce platforms.
Pros
- Simplicity and ease of use: Xentral ERP has an intuitive interface that is easy to understand even for users without deep IT skills.
- Modularity: Xentral’s ERP offers a broad set of modules so companies can tailor the system to their needs. Modules cover sales, purchasing, production, inventory, finance, and e-commerce.
- Fast implementation: Implementing Xentral ERP is typically quick and straightforward, which makes it attractive for startups and growth-oriented companies.
- E-commerce integration: Xentral ERP offers strong integrations with common online shop platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and eBay.
- Flexibility: The software adapts readily to individual business processes. It can grow with the company and offers flexibility across different industry needs.
- Good value: Compared with alternatives, Xentral’s cloud ERP is cost-effective. It suits SMEs looking for a capable ERP solution at an affordable price.
Cons
- Scalability as you grow: Although Xentral ERP works well for SMEs, the platform can hit limits with strong growth or more complex international structures.
- Less mature capabilities in some areas: Some advanced capabilities are less mature than in specialized or larger cloud ERP solutions, for example deeper production planning or advanced financial analysis.
- Support and community: Compared with large ERP vendors such as SAP or Microsoft, access to specialized support and consulting is more limited.
- Customization for very specific needs: Companies with specific requirements or complex business models may need to adapt or extend Xentral ERP’s standard modules.
weclapp
weclapp is a cloud ERP for small and mid-sized companies. You can get started quickly without extensive implementation work. It covers a broad range of CRM, project management, inventory, and accounting capabilities and has an intuitive interface.
Pros
- Ease of use: weclapp offers an intuitive, clear interface so even users without deep IT skills can learn the system quickly and use it efficiently.
- All-in-one solution: weclapp’s cloud ERP brings many business processes onto a single platform, including CRM, inventory, project management, accounting, and sales.
- Modularity and flexibility: weclapp provides modules so companies can use only the capabilities they actually need.
- Cost efficiency: The vendor offers a transparent and relatively affordable pricing structure that is especially attractive for SMEs.
- Strong integrations: You can integrate weclapp’s ERP well with other software and platforms, for example online shop platforms, payment gateways, and shipping-provider APIs.
- Support and community: weclapp provides extensive support for its cloud ERP and an active user community.
Cons
- Limited functionality for large companies: For very large companies or those with highly complex requirements, weclapp’s feature set may not be enough.
- Scalability: The system can hit scalability limits under extreme growth or international expansion.
- Depth of capabilities in some areas: Compared with larger cloud ERP solutions, weclapp offers less depth in areas such as advanced production planning.
- Limited customization options: weclapp does offer customization, but companies that need highly specific workflows can still find themselves constrained.
Focus on what matters
What should you look for in a cloud ERP?
After you review the options, the next step is defining requirements. A cloud ERP product should cover the essential capabilities needed to manage a company’s core processes. Whether it does in practice depends on factors such as integration and customization options, ease of use, and mobile access.
Integration options
A strong cloud ERP should integrate smoothly with other systems and applications. That includes interfaces to CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, production planning systems, and business intelligence (BI) tools. For efficient, accurate processes, data from different sources needs to come together in one system.
The system should include certain capabilities, or let you add them. For core processes, those include:
- Finance: Accounting, invoicing, cost accounting, and financial reporting.
- Human resources (HR): HR administration, payroll, applicant tracking, and performance reviews.
- Procurement: Purchasing, inventory management, supplier management, and order processing.
- Sales: Order processing, CRM, customer service, and sales forecasting.
Customization and adaptability
Every company has unique business processes, so a cloud ERP should be adaptable to individual needs. That can mean custom workflows, tailored reports, and configurable dashboards. Some cloud ERP systems also let you build your own applications and modules and integrate them into the system.
Ease of use
Even a well-intentioned solution that includes everything you could want can fail if employees do not accept the new ERP software. Ease of use is a critical factor.
An intuitive interface that is easy to navigate shortens the learning curve and increases productivity. Modern cloud ERPs often offer an appealing, web-based interface designed around user needs. That improves adoption and helps teams work more efficiently.
Mobile access and multi-device support
In an increasingly mobile world, access to the ERP system across devices matters. That is one reason more companies choose cloud ERP. Check whether the vendor offers a native mobile app or a responsive web app that works well on smartphones, tablets, and laptops alike, so employees can reach important data and processes on the road or while working from home.
Choose the right fit
Decision guide: Which cloud ERP system is right for you?
Every cloud ERP solution in this comparison has strengths and weaknesses. Which is the best cloud ERP for your company? The answer depends on several factors. Company size, industry, cost, and the flexibility of the system all play a role. The points below can help you decide.
Company size
Choosing the right cloud ERP depends heavily on company size:
- Small companies: For small companies and startups, Xentral ERP and weclapp are a strong fit because they are affordable, easy to use, and quick to implement. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Sage 100 are also solid cloud ERP options for smaller budgets.
- Mid-sized companies: For mid-sized companies, Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are strong candidates. They offer broad capabilities and high adaptability for complex business processes. Haufe X360 is also a good choice because it delivers wide functionality and can be adapted to industry-specific needs at a moderate price.
- Large companies: Large companies often do best with SAP S/4HANA Cloud and Oracle NetSuite. These cloud ERP systems offer broad capabilities, high scalability, and customization options for complex international processes.
Industry requirements
The industry you work in also shapes the choice, because every industry has its own ERP requirements. Which systems in this comparison fit your industry? Here is an overview:
- Retail: In retail, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Xentral ERP, and weclapp offer the right capabilities. These systems cover industry needs such as efficient inventory management, purchasing, and sales processes.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing companies can look to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Sage 100 and Haufe X360 are also cloud ERP systems that support manufacturing processes such as production planning, resource management, and supply chain optimization.
- Services: In services, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Sage 100, Haufe X360, and weclapp are strong options. They provide solutions suited to managing projects, resources, and customer relationships.
- E-commerce: E-commerce companies benefit from cloud ERP systems with e-commerce-specific capabilities such as order management, payment integration, and inventory control. That includes Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Xentral ERP, and weclapp.
- Finance: For companies in finance, SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Oracle NetSuite, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are a strong fit because they cover complex financial processes, accounting, and compliance requirements. With these cloud ERP systems you can, for example, optimize cash flow.
- Logistics and distribution: In logistics and distribution, look for ERP systems with capabilities for supply chain optimization, inventory management, and transport logistics. That includes SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Haufe X360, and Xentral ERP.
- Healthcare: For healthcare, SAP S/4HANA Cloud and Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central are relevant options. Compared with other cloud ERP solutions, they offer specialized capabilities for this highly regulated industry.
- Construction and trades: Companies in construction and the trades can look to Sage 100 and Haufe X360. Both ERP systems are well suited to managing projects, resources, and construction workflows.
- Automotive: For the automotive industry, SAP S/4HANA Cloud and Oracle NetSuite offer industry-specific capabilities. With these cloud ERP solutions, companies can focus on manufacturing processes, supply chains, and quality management.
- Software / technology: Companies in software and technology can look to Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and weclapp. These systems offer capabilities for managing projects, subscriptions, and customer relationships.
Budget
Every company has a different budget for a cloud ERP system. Before you choose, make sure the option fits your budget. Factor in both acquisition costs and ongoing operating costs.
There are more affordable options, including weclapp, Sage 100, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, and Xentral ERP. Compared with other cloud ERP solutions, these are available at relatively low monthly costs per user. Business Central, for example, starts at CHF 62 per user per month.
For more demanding needs and a larger budget, solutions such as SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Oracle NetSuite, or Haufe X360 offer broader capabilities, with matching costs.
Customization needs and flexibility
Companies with specific requirements should choose a system that is easy to adapt. That can mean custom modules, workflows, and integrations.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Oracle NetSuite, and SAP S/4HANA Cloud are strong options here. These cloud ERP systems are highly adaptable and offer extensive customization. Choose them when you have complex requirements and specific workflows. Haufe X360 adapts well, especially for mid-sized companies. Xentral ERP and weclapp also adapt well to growing SME business needs.
Implementation timeline and effort
Implementation timeline matters too.
Cloud ERP systems such as weclapp, Xentral ERP, or Sage 100 are relatively quick to implement and usually need only moderate customization. They suit small and mid-sized companies that want a straightforward, fast rollout. Haufe X360 also offers a balanced mix of functionality and implementation timeline.
Other systems that provide more features and interfaces need careful planning. A full implementation can take several weeks or months. That includes ERP solutions such as SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Roll it out with us
We help you implement your new cloud ERP solution
The right cloud ERP solution makes day-to-day work easier, grows with your company, and stays available when you need it. Every solution covered here ranks among the leading cloud ERP options on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
If you run an SME, we recommend Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It helps you increase efficiency, streamline processes, scale as you grow, and support company growth. It also connects smoothly with other Microsoft products.
As Dynamics 365 Business Central specialists, we help you with implementation and train your employees on the ERP system. Contact us for a free consultation.
