Top 10 ERP Systems for 2024 and Beyond

Introduction

• Presenter: Eric Kimberling, CEO of Third Stage Consulting
• Context: Independent technology consultancy focusing on digital transformation
• Objective: To discuss the top 10 ERP systems for 2024 and beyond
• Note: Third Stage Consulting is not affiliated with any software vendors

Methodology

• Evaluation based on:
  • Overall functionality
  • Cost and risk of deployment
  • Implementation success rates
• Increased focus on implementation failure rates this year

Exclusions

• Removed from top 10:
  • Sage X3
  • Acumatica

Top 10 ERP Systems

10. Force Platform (Salesforce)

• Pros:
  • Extensible, customizable platform
  • Good for semi-tailored solutions
• Cons:
  • Dropped from number 9 last year

9. Odoo

• Pros:
  • Open-source
  • Cost-effective
  • Flexible
• Cons:
  • Dropped from number 8 last year
  • May not fit larger organizations
  • Overextending to larger companies

8. Oracle NetSuite

• Pros:
  • Mature product in cloud space
  • Ideal for smaller/mid-size companies
  • Popular (Number 2 most selected)
• Cons:
  • Implementation challenges
  • Less flexible due to SaaS model
  • Dropped from number 2 last year

7. IFS

• Pros:
  • Focus on specific industries (construction, field services, manufacturing)
  • High implementation success rate
• Cons:
  • Doesn't fit all industries
• Ranking: Dropped from number 5 last year

6. SAP S/4HANA

• Pros:
  • Robust, suitable for large organizations
  • Fourth most selected
• Cons:
  • Implementation failures
  • Transitioning challenges

5. Epicor

• Pros:
  • Strong in manufacturing, distribution, retail
  • Improving leadership and strategic direction
  • Fifth most selected
• Cons:
  • Historical implementation issues

4. Workday

• Pros:
  • Expanded from HCM/financials to broader ERP
  • Gaining market traction
  • Positive implementation track record
• Cons:
  • New entrant into top 10

3. Infor CloudSuite

• Pros:
  • Improved stability and product completeness
  • Focus on multiple industries
  • Third most selected
• Cons:
  • Still some product gaps
• Ranking: Improved from number 6 last year

2. Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP

• Pros:
  • Flexible, suitable for large organizations
  • Lower failure rate compared to SAP
  • Sixth most selected
• Cons:
  • Still faces implementation challenges
• Ranking: Improved from number 3 last year

1. Microsoft Dynamics 365 (F&O)

• Pros:
  • Appeals to mid-market and large organizations
  • Most selected software by Third Stage clients
  • Familiar user interface
  • Flexible, open architecture
• Cons:
  • Inconsistent value-added reseller (VAR) quality

Honorable Mentions

• UKG: Great for HR and workforce management
• Palantir: Workflow management solution
• ServiceNow: Service-based operations
• Snowflake: Business intelligence tool
• Sage X3 and Acumatica: Previously in top 10

Additional Resources

• Digital Transformation Report: Available online