Today, thousands of businesses consider enterprise resource planning software a priority investment. Originally built for manufacturing operations, ERP systems have expanded to serve various industries and businesses. ERP helps organizations integrate all facets of a business, including product development, manufacturing, marketing, and sales.
When analyzing the areas where ERP systems generated a return on investment (ROI), it was found that the three most prominent outcomes were a decrease in IT costs (40%), a reduction in inventory levels (38%), and a decrease in cycle time (35%).
Looking for Small Business ERP Software? Check out SoftwareSuggest’s list of the best Small Business ERP Software solutions.
But, with various ERP systems in the market, which one will suit your company?
Thus, we present the top three ERP software that organizations mostly choose. Our analysis will enable you to compare the best features, mobile app availability, and platform integrations to help pick the right software.
When choosing between Odoo, SAP, and Oracle ERP systems, carefully evaluate your business requirements, scalability needs, budget constraints, and implementation timelines to make an informed decision. Consider factors such as flexibility, industry-specific functionality, user-friendliness, reporting, analytics, etc., to ensure that the chosen ERP system optimally addresses your business needs and sets a strong foundation
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: A Quick Overview
Oracle ERP, SAP, and Odoo are three leading Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solutions that help businesses streamline their operations and improve overall efficiency. Each of these platforms offers a unique set of features and capabilities, catering to different business needs and requirements.
Comparison Type | Odoo | SAP | Oracle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | A. Provides tools to handle multi-level sub-projects B. Provides end-to-end account management C. Manage all points of sales operations D. Invoice monitoring and tracking receipts | A. AR Automation B. Cash Management C. Inventory tracking and forecasting D. Batch Management | A. Revenue recognition B. Risk management C. Compliance and governance D. Procurement |
| Pros | A. Open-source and customizable, allowing for flexibility and cost-effectiveness B. User-friendly interface and intuitive navigation make it easy for non-technical users C. Offers various modules and features, including CRM, inventory management, accounting, and more | A. Offers robust functionality and scalability, making it suitable for large enterprises B. Provides real-time data insights and analytics, allowing for informed decision-making C. Offers various modules and features, including supply chain management, financials, and more | A. Customizable reports through the Reports and Analytics window B. Streamlined project tracking for easy implementation by the team C. User-friendly interface with easily customizable apps |
| Cons | A. Limited support options compared to other ERP systems B. May require additional customization to meet specific business needs C. It may not be suitable for larger enterprises with complex operations | A. It can be expensive to implement and maintain, making it less accessible for smaller businesses B. Can be complex and difficult to use for non-technical users C. May require additional customization to meet specific business needs | A. Complex integrations with non-Oracle systems, often requiring adaptation B. Insufficient testing of some Planning features, leading to potential bugs for end-users C. Steep learning curve for end-users across various industries due to standardization |
| Pricing | A. Free Trial– Available B. Standard – $24.90/month/user C. Custom - $37.40/month/user | A. Free Trial– Not available B. Consumption-based pricing C. Subscription-based pricing | A. Free Trial– Available B. Financial Reporting compliance– $175/user/month C. Advanced Financial Controls– $80/user/month D. Advanced Access Controls– $150/user/month |
| Customer Support | A. 24/5 online support B. Dedicated resource center C. Video tutorials D. Training/educational material | A. 24/7 Online Support B. Comprehensive FAQ section C. Blogs and user guides | A. 24/7 support B. In-application guidance C. On-demand training |
In this quick overview, we will briefly compare these ERP systems & provide you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right ERP solution for your organization.
1. Odoo ERP
Odoo ERP
Odoo’s ERP comprises a comprehensive set of software tools for managing various aspects of a business, catering to an organization’s requirements. It consists of all major modules- customer relationship management, e-commerce, accounting, billing, inventory management, warehouse management, and manufacturing.
Since Odoo provides all functions under a single platform, organizations can use it to streamline business processes. Odoo ERP allows for seamless communication and information management.
2. SAP
SAP
SAP is a leading ERP system. The software is designed modularly to seamlessly integrate the primary functions of a company’s processes, forming a cohesive system. SAP ERP encompasses a range of critical business functions such as finance, manufacturing, human resources, supply chain management, services, procurement, and more.
SAP ERP consists of several modules: financial accounting, asset accounting, sales & distribution, material management, production planning, and plant maintenance. It prevents data duplication and helps streamline the decision-making process.
3. Oracle ERP
Oracle ERP
Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a well-known name in the enterprise software market and a core suite of Oracle Cloud software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications. The cloud consists of Oracle Financials Cloud, Oracle Accounting Hub, Oracle Project Management, Oracle Procurement Cloud, and Oracle Risk Management Cloud. It is easy to use and allows easy organization of data.
Oracle ERP includes major business modules for supply chain management, financials, human resources, and customer relationship management. Oracle ERP is a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable solution suitable for large, complex organizations. However, it is also more expensive and complex to implement compared to other ERP solutions.
Oracle ERP is primarily available as an on-premise solution, but Oracle also offers a cloud-based version called Oracle Fusion. It offers role-based dashboards, analytics, and reporting to provide insight into key performance indicators across the business. It enables standardized and automated business processes. This improves efficiency, compliance, and decision-making across large organizations.
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: Key Features
With over 70% of major corporations utilizing ERP software, it is clear that implementing an ERP system has become a crucial aspect of managing and streamlining business operations.
The most common debate for any large, complex company looking to implement an ERP system is whether to choose SAP, Odoo, or Oracle.
Determining which is the best fit for your business depends on your unique business requirements. However, we still compare these big-name ERP business software packages – SAP, Odoo, and Oracle based on industry benchmarks. Odoo, SAP, and Oracle ERP stand out for their extensive features and capabilities. Each platform offers a range of functionalities to streamline business processes. Let’s explore the key features of SAP:
1. Odoo
- Automates case resolution and communication
- Creates new orders and triggers the delivery of goods
- Management of multiple warehouses and structured stock locations
- Supports several planning methods like Make To Stock or Make To Order
- Provides tools to handle multi-level sub-projects
- Provides end-to-end account management
- Manage all points of sales operations
- Invoice monitoring and tracking receipts
2. SAP
- Monitors Human Costs
- Records External Employees’ Services
- Confirms Service Management Orders
- Maintains Planning and Progress
- Collects Data Plans and Sheets
- AR Automation
- Cash Management
- Inventory tracking and forecasting
- Batch Management
3. Oracle
- Financial planning and analysis
- Order management
- Accounting
- Enterprise performance management
- Revenue recognition
- Risk management
- Compliance and governance
- Procurement
- Inventory and supply chain
- Project planning and execution
- Product lifecycle
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: Pricing Plans
One important aspect that organizations consider when evaluating ERP systems is the pricing plans offered by the vendors. The pricing structure impacts the initial investment and determines the long-term costs associated with implementing and maintaining the ERP software.
Let’s explore and compare the pricing plans of Odoo, SAP, and Oracle ERP solutions.
1. SAP
- Free Trial– Not available
- Consumption-based pricing
- Subscription-based pricing
2. Oracle
- Free Trial– Available
- Financial Reporting compliance– $175/user/month
- Advanced Financial Controls– $80/user/month
- Advanced Access Controls– $150/user/month
3. Odoo
- Free Trial– Available
- Standard – $24.90/month/user
- Custom – $37.40/month/user
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle: Customer Support
Beyond the features and functionalities, another crucial aspect that businesses must consider is the customer support these companies provide. Effective customer support plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth implementation, resolving issues, and maximizing the potential of the chosen ERP system. Below are the available customer support options Odoo, SAP, and Oracle offer.
Let’s start with Odoo:
1. Odoo
- 24/5 online support
- Dedicated resource center
- Video tutorials
- Training/educational material
- User documentation
2. SAP
- 24/7 Online Support
- Comprehensive FAQ section
- Blogs and user guides
3. Oracle
- 24/7 support
- In-application guidance
- On-demand training
- Detailed FAQ section
- Oracle University
- Training documentation
- Case studies
- Download and renewal support
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: What’s Best
Each platform offers unique benefits and features catering to different business needs. We will highlight the key aspects that make each of them stand out and help you determine the best fit for your organization.
Let’s begin by exploring Odoo,
1. Odoo
- Odoo’s app store has over 10,000 apps, so even specialized industry needs are addressed.
- Highly customizable and ideal for small and medium businesses.
- Odoo is API-friendly and easy to integrate with third-party applications
- Has a modular structure and can be implemented in a phased approach
- Facilitates real-time decision making
- Easy scaling and management
- Provides on-premise and cloud hosting
- Intuitive user interface
- Z- level security
2. SAP
- Customized solutions
- Real-time information increases productivity and efficiency
- Reduces inventory cost and prevents overstocking of unnecessary goods
- Prevents data duplication
- Speeds up the decision-making process
3. Oracle
- Heavily customized
- Easier functionality implementation
- Accessible on laptop, phone, and tablet
- Automatic software updates
- Simple and intuitive user interface
- Pre-built templates and processes automate a significant part of Oracle ERP Cloud migration.
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: What Can Be Improved
As businesses strive to optimize their operations and streamline processes, it’s crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these ERP solutions. Let’s explore the areas where improvements are required to better cater to the evolving needs of organizations across various industries.
Let’s get started:
1. Odoo
- Odoo has an elaborate installation and set-up process. Moreover, the initial learning curve is steep.
- Requires a high level of IT knowledge in order to operate fully.
- Need for faster bug fixing
- Complex procedure for performance tuning
- Should allow easy customization
- Fewer localizations are included in the core platform
2. SAP
- Lengthy learning curve
- Third-party integrations could be smoother
- Requires an onsite team to manage it
- Lack of support for DevOPS and agile development
- Slow to adopt technology changes
- High license costs
- Adding functionality is laborious and expensive
- Can improve front end speed of interaction
3. Oracle
- Requires automated SQL tuning
- Several features require additional licensing
- Gaps in classroom-style learning
- Need for better data processing
- Requires an easier collection of diagnostic files
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: User Experience
User experience is the most critical factor in determining whether an ERP solution benefits or hinders an organization. The most advanced and robust features are useless if teams struggle to adopt the software. For small businesses with limited IT resources, an intuitive interface and ease of use are essential to enabling rather than obstructing productivity.
1. Odoo
- User-friendly and intuitive interface for an easy user experience.
- Highly customizable to tailor the system to business needs and preferences.
- Community-driven with extensive resources to help users.
- Flexible pricing model allows paying only for needed applications.
2. SAP
- Comprehensive functionality for large enterprises but complex systems with a steep learning curve.
- Extensive training and support help users navigate the system but require significant time and effort.
- Powerful and feature-rich but can be a barrier for some businesses.
- Popular for organizations seeking robust ERP despite customer experience challenges.
3. Oracle
- Intuitive interface but high functionality and customization lead to a steep learning curve for some.
- Extensive resources include training, documentation, tutorials, and customer support.
- AI and ML enhance the experience by streamlining processes and providing insights.
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: Scalability
Businesses are continually looking for ways to expand and grow. That’s why it’s essential that whichever ERP they choose provides them the operational backbone to help build and scale their businesses.
1. SAP
SAP ERP is renowned for its scalability, making it a preferred choice for enterprises with complex and extensive operations. The system is designed to handle large-scale data processing and support the growth of global organizations.
SAP ERP achieves scalability through its modular architecture. The system consists of modules catering to different business functions, such as finance, SCM, human resources, and more. Organizations can select and implement the required modules based on their needs, allowing for a scalable and adaptable ERP ecosystem.
2. Oracle
Oracle ERP is known for its scalability, empowering businesses to handle growing operations and evolving business needs. The system offers robust features that support scalability across various dimensions.
One factor contributing to Oracle ERP’s scalability is its modular structure.
Oracle ERP also offers cloud deployment options, including Oracle Cloud ERP, which provides scalability advantages. Cloud-based deployment allows businesses to scale their infrastructure resources dynamically, ensuring optimal performance and adaptability to changing business demands.
3. Odoo
Odoo ERP is designed to accommodate businesses of various sizes and can handle increased workloads as the organization grows. Odoo’s modular structure allows businesses to start with the essential modules and expand their functionality as needed. This flexibility enables scalability, as businesses can customize and add modules based on their specific requirements.
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: Functionality and Customization
Apart from having a strong technological background, an ERP should have a robust set of functionality that continually works towards improving business operations. In this case, there is no doubt that SAP, Odoo and Oracle work well toward enhancing their system functionality. Another important feature of any ERP system is the ease of customization. To ensure a good fit, customization between the ERP system and the company’s operational needs is necessary.
1. SAP
SAP ERP is a comprehensive enterprise resource planning solution covering various business processes and offering advanced functionality and customization. SAP ERP provides industry-specific solutions tailored to different sectors’ unique needs. The system can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud, offering flexibility to businesses. SAP ERP integrates with other software systems, ensuring smooth data flow across the organization. However, SAP ERP’s complexity may require significant investment in implementation and maintenance.
2. Oracle
Oracle Fusion Cloud, part of Oracle ERP, uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance business processes through automated workflows and real-time analytics. The system can be deployed on-premise, in the cloud, or as a hybrid solution, providing flexibility to organizations. Oracle ERP is highly customizable, allowing businesses to modify the system to suit their needs. However, the advanced functionality and customization may come with a steeper learning curve and higher costs than other ERP solutions.
3. Odoo
Odoo’s cloud-based platform is highly customizable, allowing businesses to modify the system to suit their needs. Odoo’s modular architecture enables companies to choose and implement only the needed applications, making it an affordable and scalable option for small to medium-sized businesses.
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a key Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software capability. Most businesses look for robust CRM functionality in an ERP solution because it allows them to manage interactions and develop and sustain relationships with current and future customers, ultimately boosting sales.
Odoo ERP, SAP ERP, and Oracle ERP are the most popular ERP software offering CRM modules.
Let’s begin with SAP first:
1. SAP
SAP S/4HANA has dismantled the traditional customer relationship management (CRM) tool and integrated it throughout the ERP system by including customer records within the sales, procurement, and finance functions. SAPS/4HANA’s built-in sales feature enables the sales force to easily manage accounts, build invoices, streamline procurement processes, and manage orders and contracts from the ERP interface. It has you covered on all fronts that involve the customer.
2. Oracle
Oracles offer CRM or sales enablement tools such as customer experience, sales, marketing, service, and social tools as a stand-alone service, which can be integrated with the Oracle ERP Cloud. On the other hand, Oracle doesn’t have a dedicated sales tool within the ERP Cloud product. This could be a minor disadvantage for sales-focused companies. However, it has some outstanding features, like a strong financial management tool that stores vital customer information.
3. Odoo
Odoo offers a robust CRM tool suitable for businesses of all sizes. It provides various capabilities to simplify customer relationship management processes and help organizations interact more effectively with customers and potential customers. It allows capturing leads from multiple sources such as web forms, email, and phone calls. It enables responding to customer inquiries in real time, enhancing customer satisfaction.
It provides advanced reporting features that allow analyzing sales data and gaining insights into sales performance. It has an intuitive user interface tailored for sales. The dashboard offers an improved overview of sales activities, and the menu outlines sales operations related to CRM activities.
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: Human Resource Management
HRM plays a crucial role in ERP software, enabling businesses to manage their human resources effectively. ERP software offers a centralized database to store all HR-related information, including recruitment, attendance, payroll, and performance management. With HR processes automated, businesses can streamline operations and increase efficiency, freeing up HR personnel to focus on more strategic tasks.
1. SAP
SAP goes the extra mile to provide companies with loads of HR functions, such as facilitating the payroll processes, simplifying employee onboarding, and allowing employees to access critical information from a single place. Moreover, it empowers employees to self-manage timesheets, procurement processes, and personal information. SAP also offers e-recruiting functionality, which provides all relevant information about employee retention and battling turnover rates.
2. Oracle
What makes Oracle stand apart is its excellent reporting capabilities. On top of that, it supports visual representations, which makes communication really quick and easy. So Oracle will be a good choice for a company that is more data-oriented while making its decision. It has the capability to grasp the overall trend and analyze it for you so that you can have a good understanding of your company’s future.
3. Odoo
Odoo ERP’s dedicated HR module is tailored to streamline and automate all aspects of HR management. From centralizing employee information to managing recruitment, appraisal, expenses, attendance, and other HR-related processes, the HR module offers various features that simplify HR management and increase efficiency. Among the features of Odoo’s HR module is employee management, attendance management, performance management feature, payroll management, etc.
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: Inventory Management
Inventory management is a crucial part of the manufacturing process and warehouse management. Luckily, these ERP solutions offer a holistic inventory management tool. Since these are cloud-deployed, they can provide real-time information about stock availability any day. ERP in inventory management ensures that the company stays current with its stock level; thus, the production process is not disrupted because of a supply shortage.
1. SAP
SAP, a leading provider of ERP solutions, offers a robust inventory management system as part of its SAP S/4HANA suite. This module is designed to help businesses manage their inventory efficiently, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. SAP’s inventory management system supports various inventory valuation methods, multiple warehouses, and advanced stock management features.
One of the key strengths of SAP’s inventory management is its integration with other SAP modules, such as procurement, production planning, and sales and distribution. This seamless integration gives businesses a holistic view of their supply chain and makes data-driven decisions.
2. Oracle
Oracle ERP, a prominent player in the ERP market, offers a powerful inventory management module as part of its Oracle Fusion Cloud suite. This module is designed to help businesses streamline their inventory processes, improve visibility, and reduce costs. Oracle’s inventory management system supports multiple warehouses, locations, and advanced inventory tracking features.
A key strength of Oracle’s inventory management is its advanced analytics and reporting capabilities. These features enable businesses to gain insights into inventory performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
3. Odoo
Odoo is an open-source ERP solution that offers a comprehensive and user-friendly inventory management module. This module is designed to help businesses efficiently manage their stock levels, track inventory movements, and optimize warehouse operations. Odoo’s inventory management system supports multiple warehouses, locations, and routes, allowing for high flexibility and customization.
One of the key strengths of Odoo’s inventory management is its real-time visibility into stock levels and inventory movements. This enables businesses to make informed decisions and avoid stockouts or overstocking. Additionally, Odoo offers advanced features such as barcode scanning, automated procurement, and demand forecasting, further streamlining inventory management processes.
Odoo Vs. SAP Vs. Oracle ERP: In-Memory Technology
In-memory technology helps ERP systems to run applications and analytics faster. It helps in increasing system productivity and efficiency.
1. SAP
SAP is making significant progress with its in-memory database. SAP HANA is a highly functional ‘all-in-memory’ system. However, it is only beneficial for a centralized business model as it provides all in a single platform. It may be an advantage, but it also means a higher cost of deployment and compatibility limitations.
2. Oracle
Oracle is not behind the race. Their new in-memory system is highly functional and easily integrated with the existing database and applications. Being a cost-effective option gives them an edge over the SAP ERP system. However, this system may not be a great choice for an organization looking for a more centralized system.
3. Odoo
Using in-memory technology to boost application speed and analytics, Odoo ERP enhances productivity and system efficiency. Its architecture is organized into multiple tiers, isolating the presentation, enterprise logic, and data storage elements based on a three-tier architecture. With its modular design, new business logic can be added, or existing logic can be modified and extended within the system. As a web-based solution, Odoo ERP employs dedicated apps for common business processes, optimizing operations within the software.
Summing It Up
Odoo, SAP, and Oracle ERP each offer unique advantages and cater to different business needs. By carefully evaluating each platform’s features, costs, and implementation processes, you can make an informed decision that will help your business streamline its operations, improve efficiency, and drive growth. To make an informed decision, it is essential to carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each platform concerning your organization’s requirements.
Odoo is an open-source, highly customizable, cost-effective ERP solution ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Its modular design allows organizations to choose and pay for only the needed features, making it a flexible and scalable option.
On the other hand, SAP is a well-established and comprehensive ERP solution catering to the needs of large enterprises and multinational corporations. However, its complexity and higher implementation costs may not be suitable for smaller businesses with limited resources.
Oracle ERP is a powerful and widely-used ERP solution that provides various features and functionalities for businesses of all sizes. Oracle ERP’s strong reputation and extensive support network ensure businesses can rely on a stable and secure platform for their operations. However, its higher cost and complexity may be a barrier for some organizations, particularly those with limited budgets or IT resources.
Ultimately, the best ERP solution for your organization will depend on various factors, including your business size, industry, budget, and specific requirements.
Remember that the right ERP solution should meet your current requirements and be adaptable and scalable to support your organization’s future needs and goals.
Supriya is a highly skilled content writer with over 8 years of experience in the SaaS domain. She believes in curating engaging, informative, and SEO-friendly content to simplify highly technical concepts. With an expansive portfolio of long-format blogs, newsletters, whitepapers, and case studies, Supriya is dedicated to staying in touch with emerging SaaS trends to produce relevant and reliable content.
