Self-hosted on your own cloud server, or hosted by Frappe Cloud or a partner
An open-source ERP built on the Frappe framework. It covers accounting, stock, buying, selling, manufacturing, projects and CRM, with HR and payroll as a separate app.
Often suits: Small and mid-sized businesses that want a full ERP without per-user licence fees, and that are comfortable investing in configuration and a support partner.
Strengths
- No licence fees for the open-source edition, so cost goes into implementation and support
- Broad functional coverage in one system, including manufacturing and projects
- Highly configurable: custom fields, workflows, print formats and reports without forking the code
- You own the data and can choose where it is hosted
Check before you commit
- Australian GST, BAS reporting and bank feeds need to be set up properly during implementation
- Australian payroll with Single Touch Payroll is normally run in a dedicated payroll system and integrated
- Hosting, upgrades and backups must be owned by someone, either you or a partner
Mostly Microsoft-hosted SaaS, with on-premises options, delivered through Microsoft partners
Microsoft's ERP for small and mid-sized businesses, covering finance, supply chain, sales, purchasing, projects and light manufacturing, extended through apps on Microsoft AppSource.
Often suits: Businesses already invested in Microsoft 365 that want a mainstream, partner-supported ERP with a large add-on ecosystem.
Strengths
- Tight fit with Microsoft 365, Teams, Excel and Power BI
- Large partner network and add-on marketplace, including industry extensions
- Australian localisation for GST and BAS reporting
Check before you commit
- Licensing is per user per month, with different user types; model the total over several years
- Industry functionality such as construction often comes from third-party extensions
- The quality of the implementation partner matters as much as the product
Vendor-hosted SaaS only
A cloud-only ERP covering financials, inventory, order management, e-commerce and, in higher editions, multi-subsidiary consolidation.
Often suits: Growing businesses with several entities or countries, or with complex order-to-cash, that want a single cloud platform.
Strengths
- Strong multi-entity and multi-currency capability
- Single cloud platform with regular vendor-managed upgrades
- Mature ecosystem of integrations and add-ons
Check before you commit
- Subscription costs depend on edition, modules and users; get a multi-year view
- Customisation uses its own scripting platform, so ongoing changes need specialist skills
- Check how Australian payroll and local reporting will be handled
Odoo Online, Odoo.sh, or self-hosted
A modular business suite with apps for accounting, inventory, manufacturing, sales, CRM, e-commerce, projects and more. It has an open-source Community edition and a paid Enterprise edition.
Often suits: Small and mid-sized businesses that want to start with a few apps and add more over time.
Strengths
- Wide range of apps under one interface
- Can start small and expand module by module
- Active partner and developer community
Check before you commit
- Some features are only in the Enterprise edition; confirm which edition you need
- Australian accounting localisation and payroll should be checked against your requirements
- Customisations need care so upgrades between versions stay manageable
Cloud, delivered by MYOB and partners
MYOB's mid-market cloud ERP, formerly sold as MYOB Advanced, built on the Acumatica platform and offered in Australia and New Zealand by MYOB and its partners.
Often suits: Australian businesses moving up from MYOB or other accounting software that want a local vendor and a mid-market cloud ERP.
Strengths
- Local vendor presence in Australia and New Zealand
- Built on a mature cloud ERP platform with distribution, project and construction capability
- Natural step up for businesses already in the MYOB ecosystem
Check before you commit
- Confirm which editions and modules your industry needs
- Compare partner capability and support arrangements
- Plan the migration from MYOB Business or AccountRight carefully; it is a new system, not an upgrade
On-premises or partner-hosted cloud
SAP's ERP for small and mid-sized businesses, covering finance, inventory, purchasing, sales, production and reporting, sold and supported through SAP partners.
Often suits: Distribution and manufacturing businesses that want a structured, inventory-strong ERP and value the SAP ecosystem.
Strengths
- Solid inventory, purchasing and production capability
- Large range of partner add-ons for specific industries
- Familiar to many finance and operations professionals
Check before you commit
- Hosting and upgrade responsibility usually sits with the partner; make it explicit
- Licence and support model varies by partner
- Check the user experience with the people who will use it daily
Some industries also have specialist systems. Construction businesses often look at Jobpac, Cheops, Databuild or Procore alongside a general ERP, and distribution businesses sometimes evaluate wholesale-specific platforms. These can be the right answer, so a good selection process includes them where relevant.