ERP / MRP route
Powerful but heavy; consider only if you've outgrown apps.
Best for: complex operations, wholesale, manufacturing.
Pros: unified data.
Cons: long projects, high cost, process change; overkill for most Shopify-first brands.
Tip: Try an accounting-grade app first; re-evaluate ERP once processes stabilize.
How it works
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) systems are comprehensive business management platforms that unify all your operations—inventory, orders, accounting, manufacturing, and more—in a single system.
When to consider
- You’re running complex manufacturing or wholesale operations
- You need advanced inventory planning and production scheduling
- You have multiple business units or entities that need consolidated reporting
- You’re ready to standardize processes across your entire organization
- Your business has outgrown accounting-grade apps and needs enterprise features
Popular ERP platforms
- NetSuite (Oracle)
- SAP Business One
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
- Acumatica
- Odoo
Key capabilities
- Unified data model: All business data in one system
- Advanced inventory: Multi-location, lot tracking, serial numbers, kitting, assembly
- Production planning: MRP, BOM management, work orders
- Financial consolidation: Multi-entity, multi-currency, intercompany transactions
- Business intelligence: Advanced reporting and analytics across all departments
The reality
Project timeline: 6-18 months for implementation Cost: $50,000-500,000+ for implementation + $1,000-5,000/month ongoing Change management: Requires process overhaul and staff training Risk: High failure rate if processes aren’t documented and stable first
Why most Shopify brands don’t need this
Most ecommerce businesses—even those doing $10M+ in revenue—can run efficiently with QuickBooks + accounting-grade apps. ERPs add significant complexity, cost, and risk that only makes sense when:
- You’re manufacturing products (not just reselling)
- You need advanced inventory planning and forecasting
- You’re managing multiple legal entities or complex intercompany transactions
- Your business model requires capabilities beyond what apps can provide
The smart path
- Start with QuickBooks + accounting-grade app (Webgility, A2X, etc.)
- Scale to $5M-10M in revenue while keeping processes lean
- Document and optimize workflows before considering ERP
- Evaluate ERP only when you’ve clearly outgrown simpler tools
- Hire an implementation partner if you decide to move forward
Bottom line
ERP systems are powerful but heavy. Unless you have complex manufacturing, wholesale, or multi-entity needs, stick with an accounting-grade app—it’ll give you 95% of what you need at 10% of the cost and complexity.