What is the definition of an ERP System?
A question asked so often – What is ERP? It’s a valid question. The acronym is a staple of the accounting world, yet with no ‘F’ or ‘A’, there’s no mention of finance or accounting.
So what is ERP?
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a software platform that enables organisations to integrate, manage and automate their core business processes within a single, unified system. These processes include finance, human resources, operations, supply chain, sales and procurement. ERP allows businesses to simplify company-wide operations and improve efficiency with a single software solution.
A breakdown of what ERP stands for
- Enterprise: spans the entire organisation, not just one department.
- Resource: includes people, cash, materials, production capacity and more.
- Planning: enables strategic allocation and management of these resources.
In short, ERP systems connect departments by sharing real-time data, help remove duplicated systems and support better decision-making.
Who is ERP for?
ERP systems are designed for organisations that need an integrated approach to manage complex business processes:
- SMEs that have outgrown basic accounting systems like Sage 50 or Xero, and require multi-entity, multi-currency, consolidation and automation capabilities.
- Multi-site or multi-entity organisations, including charities, professional services, wholesale, manufacturing, and technology firms.
- Finance teams and CFOs that demand real-time insight, a more efficient month end close and a scalable solution to support growth.
Key modules of an ERP system
A typical ERP system consists of several integrated modules to streamline finance, operations, human resources, and reporting. Core components usually include:
- General Ledger (GL)
- Accounts Payable (AP)
- Accounts Receivable (AR)
- Cash Management
- Asset Management
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):
- Multi-entity & Multi-Currency support:
- Reporting & Dashboards
- Workflows & Automation
Benefits of ERP Systems
ERP systems deliver significant advantages to growing or complex organisations:
- Operational efficiency: automated processes reduce manual data entry and cut errors.
- Real‑time visibility: See an accurate, up to the minute, view of data 24/7.
- Financial transparency & compliance: built-in controls, audit trails and regulatory support.
- Better decision-making integrated reporting and analytics deliver insight across operations.
- Scalability: cloud ERP platforms can grow as you grow. New modules, entities or consolidations can be added easily
Why is iplicit the best ERP for SMEs?
iplicit is a standout choice for organisations seeking to implement a modern ERP-style system. It’s a powerful solution built for mid‑market simplicity.
- iplicit is designed specifically to bridge the gap between entry-level tools like Xero or Sage 50, and complex enterprise ERP systems such as Netsuite or Sage X3.
- With its true-cloud architecture, iplicit is accessible from any device with a browser.
- Implementation is fast – iplicit can be live in as little as 15–20 days, including implementation and training days, minimising disruption compared to a typical 120 + day ERP project.
- Its financial and operational capabilities, including multi-entity and multi-currency support, automated workflows, real-time reporting and extensive integrations via open APIs, are robust and user-friendly.
- Contracts are flexible with no multi-year lock-in or termination fee.
- And last but by no means least, it’s award winning! iplicit is the UK’s Best Mid-Market & Enterprise Accounting Software, awarded best in class at the Annual Accounting Excellence Awards.
Modernise your finance function with Cimpli and iplicit
ERP systems integrate a company’s core business processes into one centralised platform, to improve efficiency, provide real-time insights, and support better decision-making.
iplicit is a particularly strong ERP-like solution for mid-market organisations ready to step up from entry level tools. Its true-cloud design, rapid onboarding, powerful financial automation, multi-entity capabilities and flexible commercial model make it an attractive, future-ready option.
If you’re ready to modernise your finance function and adopt a cost-effective, ERP-grade platform that delivers clarity, control and growth potential, iplicit is the smart choice.
At Cimpli, we’re here to understand your needs and help you navigate the financial software market. We’re an accredited iplicit partner, serving businesses in all industries across the country with an experienced team of ERP specialists waiting to help.
Talk to us today and see the difference a true-cloud ERP solution can make to your business.
Not ready to talk? Why not take an online tour of iplicit and we’ll be here to answer any questions.
