Top ERP Solutions to Consider for Ecommerce Success
k-ecommerce
Ecommerce has become the top revenue-generating channel for B2B firms, with over one-third of total revenue coming from this channel for companies that currently offer it. And this trend isn’t slowing down. Gartner predicts that a staggering 80% of B2B sales transactions will happen online in 2025.
While many modern B2B businesses recognize the benefits of ecommerce, some don’t know that they could get even more out of this sales channel by integrating it with other tools and technologies. One such tool is an ERP.
ERP ecommerce integration allows the two systems to communicate in real time. That means that all activity on your ecommerce store automatically syncs with your back-office system. The result? More efficient operations, reduced errors, and a significant productivity boost.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the top ERP solutions that integrate well with B2B ecommerce tools and some of the key features to focus on when selecting a system for your business.
Benefits of Integrating B2B Ecommerce With an ERP
Integrating your ERP solution with your B2B ecommerce platform can positively transform how you do business. Let’s look at some of the most notable benefits.
Enhanced Inventory Management
ERPs enable better inventory management by providing real-time visibility into stock levels across your entire organization. With an ERP system, you can monitor inventory movement, set up alerts for low inventory levels, and even automatically trigger re-ordering processes.
This level of control lowers the risk of stockouts and overstocking. Stockouts lead to missed sales opportunities while overstocking ties up important business capital.
Streamlined Order Fulfillment
Integrating your ecommerce and ERP solutions also enables faster and more accurate order fulfillment by automating the whole process.
When a customer places an order on your ecommerce platform, the ERP system automatically receives the order details in real time, checks inventory availability, and updates stock levels. It then validates the order, processes the payment, generates a sales order, and triggers workflows for picking, packing, and shipping — all in a matter of minutes.
Elevated Customer Experiences
Today’s B2B buyers expect the same level of convenience and transparency as B2C shoppers. ERP integration helps you meet these expectations by providing customers with real-time updates on their orders, inventory availability, and shipping status.
When they visit your platform and place an order, they can instantly see whether a particular item is in stock, when it will be shipped, and when it should arrive. If there’s a delay or issue with their order, they’ll get an immediate notification. Such transparency builds trust and confidence in your brand.
Improved Productivity
Integrating your ERP and ecommerce store automates routine tasks that would otherwise require manual effort, such as data entry, order processing, and inventory updates. This frees up your team to focus on more strategic, high-value activities that drive business growth.
For instance, rather than spending hours entering sales data into your accounting system, your finance team can focus on analyzing financial performance and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Similarly, your sales team can spend more time building relationships with customers and closing deals instead of chasing down order statuses.
Reduced Errors
Manual data entry is a major source of errors in many businesses. ERP and B2B ecommerce integration eliminates this risk by automating data synchronization between your ecommerce platform and other business systems.
For instance, a sale on your ecommerce platform automatically updates your warehouse stock level records. Similarly, order details flow seamlessly to your accounting system, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the risk of discrepancies.
In short, ERP ecommerce integration makes sure your inventory, sales, and financial records are always accurate and up to date.
Data-Driven Insights
The top ERP solutions for B2B brands with an ecommerce store come equipped with advanced analytics and reporting tools that provide valuable insights into your business performance. With these tools, you can track key performance indicators and metrics like sales trends, inventory turnover, and customer behavior in real time.
For example, you can use ERP analytics to identify your best-selling products, monitor seasonal demand patterns, or track the profitability of different customer segments. These insights can help you make smarter decisions about pricing, marketing, and inventory management.
Some systems also include AI-driven predictive analytics that you can use to forecast future demand and plan your operations accordingly.
Cost-Efficient Scalability
Integrating your ecommerce platform with your ERP allows you to handle more customers, transaction volumes, and product lines without a proportional increase in operational overheads. This makes ERP integration a cost-effective solution for B2B businesses that are planning to scale their ecommerce operations.
Simplified Complex Pricing
B2B ecommerce often involves complex pricing models, such as customer-specific discounts, bulk pricing, contract-based rates, or region-specific prices. Managing these pricing structures manually can be a nightmare, often leading to errors, inconsistencies, and even lost revenue.
An ERP-integrated ecommerce solution simplifies this process by automating pricing calculations and ensuring accuracy across all transactions. You can set up custom pricing rules for different customers or product categories, and the system will automatically apply the correct prices at checkout.
This saves time and reduces the risk of pricing errors, which could hurt your bottom line and customers’ trust.
Customer Relationship Management
An ERP system can also be useful for building and nurturing relationships with customers.
For example, many ERPs include a customer relationship management (CRM) module that helps you track critical customer information, such as buying history, preferences, and contact details. You can use this data to target customers with custom offers or promotions and offer personalized support when they reach out.
Key ERP Features To Consider for B2B Commerce Success
Choosing an ERP solution is a big decision. With so many options available, knowing what features support ecommerce success is important.
User-Friendly Interface
Look for a solution with an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface. A user-friendly system reduces your team’s learning curve, speeding up adoption and, by extension, your return on investment (ROI). An intuitive interface also boosts productivity by enabling your team to work more efficiently and with fewer errors.
Customization Options
Choose an ERP that lets you tailor it to your unique industry requirements, business processes, and workflow needs. A customizable ERP adapts to your business, not the other way around. This allows you to extract more value from it.
Integration Capabilities
The top ERP solutions integrate with your current B2B ecommerce platform and other third-party systems, like payment gateways, shipping services, and marketing automation software. Look for an ERP that supports application planning interfaces (APIs), prebuilt connectors, or middleware solutions to ensure smooth data flow across your entire tech stack.
Scalability
Select an ERP system that can handle growing business demands — such as increased order volumes, new product categories, or additional sales channels — without compromising performance or requiring costly upgrades.
Cloud-based ERP solutions are particularly suited for scalability. They allow you to add features or resources as needed without the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
Security and Compliance
Look for an ERP system with enterprise-grade security features, such as data encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access controls. Additionally, make sure the system complies with industry regulations, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for data privacy and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) for payment processing.
Choosing Between Cloud-Based and On-Premise ERPs
When selecting an ERP for your B2B ecommerce business, one of the most critical decisions is whether to go with a cloud-based or on-premise solution.
Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your business needs, budget, and long-term goals.
| Feature | On-Premise ERP | Cloud-Based ERP |
|---|---|---|
|
Deployment |
Installed locally on company hardware and managed by in-house IT |
Hosted on a vendor’s servers and accessed via internet |
|
Control and Customization |
Full control over data and extensive customization options |
Limited customization; control shared with vendor |
|
Accessibility |
Not dependent on internet; data can be accessed locally |
Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection |
|
Scalability |
Requires purchasing additional hardware and complex implementations |
Easily scalable without additional hardware; can expand quickly as business grows |
|
Costs |
High upfront costs for hardware, licenses, and infrastructure |
Lower initial costs; subscription-based pricing model |
|
Maintenance |
Requires dedicated IT team for updates, security, and system maintanence |
Vendor manages updates, security patches, and maintanence |
|
Deployment Time |
Longer deployment |
Faster deployment |
|
Data Security |
Full control over security measures, ideal for businesses with strict compliance needs |
Relies on vendor’s security protocols, which may raise concerns for some businesses |
|
Updates |
Manual updates managed by in-house IT |
Automatic updates managed by vendor |
|
Cost of Scaling |
Can be costly due to hardware and IT requirements |
More cost-efficient, with no need for additional hardware |
|
Ideal For |
Businesses with specific compliance requirements or extensive customization needs |
Businesses seeking flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency |
Which ERP Solution Should B2B Ecommerce Brands Use?
Many ERP solutions exist on the market, each with its own unique advantages and features to support B2B ecommerce. The right choice depends on several factors, such as your business size, industry, integration requirements, and budget. Some of the most popular options are:
- Acumatica
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (F&O)
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
- SAP Business One
Acumatica
If you’re a small to medium-sized business (SMB) looking for a cloud-based ERP solution that combines flexibility, scalability, and ease of use, Acumatica is a strong contender.
There’s a lot to like about this ERP, which is used by over 10,000 businesses across the world. First, unlike many other ERP solutions that lock you into rigid pricing models, Acumatica lets you pay only for the functionality you need. Also, its cloud-based nature means you can access your data and tools from anywhere, whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the go.
What’s more, the platform comes with pre-configured industry versions, which allow businesses in sectors like distribution, manufacturing, and retail to hit the ground running with minimal customization. Additionally, it boasts a modern, user-friendly interface which simplifies navigation.
Acumatica also shines when it comes to integration, easily connecting with a wide range of third-party tools, including popular ecommerce platforms, payment gateways, and shipping solutions.
Pricing: Available upon request.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is used by over 40,000 SMBs in over 160 countries and 47 languages as both a cloud and on-premise solution.
Plus, it integrates with Microsoft tools like Excel, Outlook, and Teams, making it a good choice for B2B businesses already using these applications.
Business Central comes equipped with built-in workflow templates tailored for various industries. It also allows you to create custom workflows to meet your specific requirements. Furthermore, you can customize or extend its functionality with a multitude of industry-specific apps and extensions.
This ERP offers advanced analytics powered by artificial intelligence (AI). And when it comes to security and compliance, Business Central doesn’t disappoint. It features advanced measures to safeguard sensitive business data, including data encryption, role-based access controls, and identity protection.
Not to mention, companies implementing Business Central can achieve a 265% ROI over three years and a payback period of less than six months, according to Forrester.
Pricing: Comprehensive cloud plan starts at $70/user/month. Contact for on-premise pricing.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (F&O)
Microsoft Dynamics 365’s finance and operations applications, some of which were once part of the now-split F&O app, are another great ERP option for medium-sized to large B2B companies seeking to get more out of their ecommerce operations.
One of F&O’s standout features is customizability. You can choose any number of the five separate applications — Finance, Project Operations, Supply Chain Management, Human Resources, and Ecommerce — and tailor them to fit your specific business needs.
The applications integrate seamlessly with each other and with other Microsoft solutions to create a unified ecosystem that enhances productivity and collaboration.
Other notable features include AI-driven insights for improved decision-making and support for multiple currencies, languages, and tax regulations, which makes them ideal for global operations.
Pricing:
Finance: Starts at $210/user/month.
Project Operations: Starts at $135/user/month.
Supply Chain Management: Starts at $210/user/month.
Commerce: Starts at $210/user/month.
Human Resources: Starts at $135/user/month.
Microsoft Dynamics GP
Microsoft Dynamics GP is primarily an on-premise ERP solution ideal for businesses that want full control over their data and IT infrastructure. While not as flashy as some newer cloud-based solutions, it delivers robust functionality for core business processes, like financials, inventory management, supply chain management, project management, human resources, and payroll.
Additionally, Dynamics GP integrates with Microsoft Office products like Excel and Outlook, as well as many other third-party tools. It also features customizable reporting tools that generate detailed financial and operational insights.
Note: Microsoft is encouraging existing Dynamics GP users to transition to Business Central. Dynamics GP perpetual licenses will no longer be available to new customers after April 2025, and new subscriptions will be unavailable after April 2026. Product support and updates will end by 2029.
Pricing: Available upon request.
SAP Business One
SAP Business One is a highly versatile ERP solution tailored specifically for SMBs. The platform includes comprehensive tools for managing the entire sales process, customer lifecycle, inventory, shipments, and pricing.
SAP Business One features an intuitive interface that makes it accessible even for teams with limited technical expertise. It also offers the choice of on-premise or cloud deployment.
Supporting dozens of languages and country-specific versions, SAP Business One is a solid choice for global businesses. Additionally, the platform offers industry-specific capabilities for sectors like manufacturing, retail, wholesale distribution, and professional services.
Like many other top ERP platforms, it’s highly customizable and extendable through integrations.
Other notable features include real-time data analytics, interactive dashboards, and detailed reports. These tools provide actionable insights, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
Pricing: Available upon request.
Final Thoughts: Top ERP Solutions for Prioritizing Ecommerce
Integrating your ecommerce platform with an ERP enhances inventory management, streamlines order fulfillment, and improves customer experiences. When selecting an ERP solution, look out for features like user-friendliness, flexibility, scalability, and easy integration with other tools.
K-ecommerce offers a B2B ecommerce solution that smoothly integrates with multiple ERP systems, including Acumatica, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and SAP Business One. It even supports legacy options, like Dynamics NAV and AX.
Talk to one of our experts today to find out more about how k-ecommerce’s ERP-integrated ecommerce solution can optimize your B2B online sales.