ResourcesHow does a Retail ERP differ from traditional ERP systems?
Aug. 21, 2025
ERP

How does a Retail ERP differ from traditional ERP systems?

Moti Lichi

Head of Strategy and Retail International Markets

Share:

Subscribe to the newsletter

See how Priority works for you

Summarize with AI:

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is a complex software tool that helps a variety of organizations to manage their everyday business operations. From manufacturing units to e-commerce stores, everybody needs an ERP. Most ERP products have certain things in common. They help businesses do their accounts, manage backend administration, provide customer service with the help of a CRM module, and manage staff.

However, in recent years ERP tools have diversified and have started to cater to specific industries. Hence, it is common to find ERP products targeted explicitly at manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and other industries.

In this article, let's look at how a Retail ERP system differs from other traditional ERP systems.

What is a Retail ERP?

Retail ERP works in real time to integrate various business operations and processes unique to the retail industry. It helps retail companies to streamline their processes and automate most of their manual tasks. It is important to remember and specify that a retail ERP can do almost anything that a traditional ERP does, but has additional retail-oriented features.

In recent years, retailers have had to bring a multichannel shopping experience to customers across brick-and-mortar stores, websites, and social media platforms. Retail ERP ensures businesses manage their warehouses and inventory in real-time so that order fulfillment takes place seamlessly across all channels. In addition, it also helps facilitate refund processing and implement loyalty management, generate reports and analyses, and process payments on point-of-sale systems.

In short, a Retail ERP is more than just a back-office tool that works behind the scenes. Unlike other ERP products, it actively helps retailers manage backend and front-end processes seamlessly.

Retail ERP vs traditional ERP

The main difference between retail ERP and traditional ERP is that retail ERP systems are tailored for point-of-sale, inventory turnover, customer experience, and multi-channel operations, whereas traditional ERP focuses more on manufacturing, logistics and internal processes.

Key benefits of Retail ERP vs. traditional ERP

Retail ERP Traditional ERP
Helps you implement a multichannel customer experience. Focuses on the overall backend operations of a business and may not offer modules to process payments on POS, implement multichannel order fulfillment, etc.
Enables rapid order fulfillment, whether customers shop online or offline, thanks to seamless, real-time data synchronization across channels. You may need to integrate it with third-party applications for complete cross-channel connectivity.
Includes a retail-oriented warehouse management system that helps retailers quickly convey products from the warehouse to the customer May include a warehouse management module, but it is more targeted at manufacturers and production units
Allows process payments on PoS devices, social media channels, and web checkout pages, all from one unified system. Has to synchronize data from multiple commerce platforms such as Shopify or Magento, resulting in duplicate databases.
Rarely requires further customizations or integrations. May require customization and integration with multiple third-party applications to address business processes specific to the retail industry
Can be adapted to cater to niche retail verticals like fashion, hospitality, groceries, etc. Often more generic and may require additional developments for specific functions.
Retail ERP systems are usually delivered via the cloud or as a source application. Traditional ERP systems are often deployed on-premise.
Usually delivered as SaaS. Some vendors may also base their prices on the number of processed transactions. Traditional ERP systems are more expensive as they usually require a vast range of generic, built-in modules.
  Retail ERP implementation is not always a lengthy process. Deployment and implementation often take a long time and require multiple resources.

Why choose a Retail ERP?

Retail ERP is essential for smooth Retail operations.

Most retail businesses find it challenging to manage dispersed business functions – such as warehouse management, inventory control, replenishment, planning and forecasting, and customer relations.

A comprehensive ERP retail management software provides businesses with a single point of contact for all stakeholders while saving valuable time and resources, helping them make informed decisions, and eliminating the need for multiple solutions for different functions.

A robust retail ERP offers a complete overview of the business's functions and allows drill down to the SKU or item level.

A modern retail ERP provides retailers with advanced capabilities to manage and control all business processes, including supply chain, financial management, inventory, and accurate demand forecasts, and gain real-time visibility while seamlessly fulfilling orders and maintaining customer satisfaction.

Retail ERP helps retailers provide customers with a multichannel shopping experience.

65% of e-commerce traffic originates from mobile devices, and 53% of e-commerce transactions are carried out on mobile devices. Modern ERP tools like Priority Retail ERP help you control all your online and offline commerce channels and business operations from a unified interface to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience, online and offline.

Retail ERP helps retailers easily manage loyalty programs.

Loyalty management is an essential aspect of the retail industry. Using a customer loyalty management solution will help retain customers who are often tempted to buy from your competitors. Priority Retail allows retailers to uncover their customers' preferences, customize and automate their POS processes, craft personalized promo campaigns, and apply cross-channel, cross-brand, and cross-vertical loyalty programs, all from a single, centralized cloud-based Head Office management console.

Retail ERP helps retailers maintain business continuity.

A unified retail ERP platform supports business continuity by remaining fully operational in both online and offline modes. Mobile POS terminals can remain entirely functional with no internet/electricity, providing the optimal solution for pop-up stores and other remote sales outlets.

If you are a retailer, you need a Retail ERP.

Retail ERP is essential for efficient retail business management. It helps bring an omnichannel shopping experience to customers while ensuring that all backend processes run smoothly. Thanks to a unified database that is constantly updated, it is easy for retail stores to liaise with different stakeholders such as distributors, manufacturers, and importers.

Up-to-date information helps retailers to perform complex logistic operations seamlessly, all while maintaining a real-time overview of their business, contributing to enhanced customer satisfaction.

Related resources

Article

Why do ERP implementations fail?

ERP systems are some of the most crucial tools for businesses aiming to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Article

Maximizing business potential with ERP business process automation (BPA) 

You could lose significant earnings potential if you still use manual processes for your business operations. By automating your processes with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, you can maximize efficiency and capitalize on new opportunities for increased revenue. Let's look at how can ERP process automation help you save time and money while increasing your […]

Article

Data integration problems: How ERP can help solve them

Discover why ERP data integration is the missing link to better ROI. This guide walks through fixes and best practices to drive real results.

See how Priority works for you


Frequently Asked Questions

Product Information

What is Priority Software?

Priority Software is a leading provider of scalable, agile, and open cloud-based business management solutions. It serves organizations of all sizes and industries, offering real-time access to business data and insights from any device. Over 75,000 companies across 70 countries rely on Priority to manage and grow their businesses efficiently. Source

What products and services does Priority Software offer?

Priority Software offers cloud-based ERP systems, retail management solutions, hospitality management platforms, and school management systems. Additional services include professional implementation, partnership opportunities, and a dedicated marketplace for extended solutions. ERP, Retail Management, Hospitality Management, School Management

How does a Retail ERP differ from a traditional ERP system?

Retail ERP systems are tailored for point-of-sale, inventory turnover, customer experience, and multi-channel operations, while traditional ERP focuses on manufacturing, logistics, and internal processes. Retail ERP offers real-time data synchronization, multichannel order fulfillment, and retail-specific features like loyalty management and POS integration. Source

What are the key benefits of using Priority Retail ERP?

Priority Retail ERP enables multichannel customer experiences, rapid order fulfillment, real-time inventory management, unified payment processing, and easy adaptation for niche retail verticals. It is delivered via the cloud, supports SaaS pricing, and offers quick implementation. Source

What industries does Priority Software serve?

Priority Software serves industries including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, automotive, pharmaceuticals, technology, and education. Solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each industry. Source

Does Priority Software offer technical documentation?

Yes, Priority Software provides comprehensive technical documentation for its ERP solutions, covering features, supported industries, and product details. Documentation is available at Priority's ERP documentation page.

What is the implementation process for Priority ERP?

Priority ERP implementation is designed to be efficient and not always lengthy. The process includes professional onboarding services to ensure smooth adoption and optimal utilization. Source

Is Priority ERP available as a cloud solution?

Yes, Priority ERP is delivered via the cloud, supporting SaaS deployment and real-time access from any device. Source

Does Priority Software support mobile access?

Yes, Priority Software offers mobile ERP solutions, including mobile apps for field service technicians, proof of delivery, and field sales agents. Source

What is the Priority Market?

The Priority Market is a dedicated marketplace for extended solutions, allowing customers to discover new technology partners and APIs. Source

Features & Capabilities

What features does Priority Retail ERP offer for multichannel operations?

Priority Retail ERP provides real-time data synchronization across channels, enabling seamless order fulfillment, unified payment processing, and centralized management of online and offline commerce. Source

Does Priority Retail ERP support loyalty management?

Yes, Priority Retail ERP includes loyalty management features, allowing retailers to customize and automate POS processes, create personalized promotions, and manage cross-channel loyalty programs from a centralized cloud-based console. Source

Can Priority Retail ERP operate in offline mode?

Yes, Priority Retail ERP supports business continuity by remaining fully operational in both online and offline modes. Mobile POS terminals can function without internet or electricity, making them ideal for pop-up stores and remote sales outlets. Source

What integrations are available with Priority Software?

Priority Software offers over 150 plug & play connectors, unlimited API connectivity, and embedded integrations. Key integrations include SAP, Webhotelier, Ving Card, Verifone, TrustYou, SiteMinder, and more. Hospitality Marketplace

Does Priority Software provide an open API?

Yes, Priority Software provides an Open API for seamless integration with third-party applications, enabling custom integrations and tailored operational workflows. Open API

What analytics and reporting capabilities does Priority ERP offer?

Priority ERP includes hundreds of pre-defined reports and no-code reporting tools, providing actionable insights for better decision-making. Business Intelligence

Can Priority ERP be customized without coding?

Yes, Priority ERP supports no-code customizations, allowing businesses to adjust workflows, layouts, and field names without IT support. Source

Does Priority ERP support industry-specific features?

Yes, Priority ERP offers tailored functionalities for industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality, ensuring solutions meet unique business needs. Source

What automation capabilities does Priority ERP provide?

Priority ERP includes built-in workflows and AI recommendations to automate repetitive tasks, improve operational efficiency, and reduce manual errors. Source

Use Cases & Benefits

Who can benefit from Priority Software?

Priority Software benefits retail business owners, operations and supply chain managers, sales and marketing managers, CFOs, IT managers, and companies in industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and services. Source

Is Priority Software suitable for multi-location retail chains?

Yes, Priority Retail Management is designed for multi-location retail chains, supporting centralized management, omnichannel commerce, and high-volume environments. Source

How does Priority ERP help with inventory management?

Priority ERP optimizes inventory levels, improves forecasting, demand planning, and supply chain efficiency, resulting in happier customers and increased revenue. Source

How does Priority ERP support business continuity?

Priority ERP supports business continuity by remaining fully operational in both online and offline modes, ensuring uninterrupted sales and operations even during outages. Source

How does Priority ERP help with order fulfillment?

Priority ERP provides end-to-end order fulfillment capabilities, optimizing order routing, inventory utilization, and automated workflows for seamless processing across channels. Source

What problems does Priority Software solve for retail businesses?

Priority Software addresses challenges such as lack of real-time insights, operational inefficiencies, inventory inaccuracies, disconnected customer experiences, and high IT costs by centralizing management, automating workflows, and providing real-time data. Source

How does Priority ERP help businesses replace outdated systems?

Priority ERP replaces outdated systems and spreadsheets with a centralized platform, streamlining operations, reducing risk, and empowering better decisions. Source

How does Priority ERP address fragmented data issues?

Priority ERP maintains a single source of truth for all operational and customer data, ensuring consistent and accurate information across departments. Source

How does Priority ERP help improve customer experience?

Priority ERP enhances customer experience with centralized customer data, loyalty program capabilities, and efficient promotion engines, supporting omnichannel engagement. Source

Competition & Comparison

How does Priority ERP compare to Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 requires heavy customization for industry needs and lacks smooth migration from Business Central. Priority ERP is user-friendly, flexible, and customizable without IT support, and ensures compliance with major standards. Source

How does Priority ERP compare to SAP Business One?

SAP Business One is complex, expensive, and lacks multi-company capabilities. Priority ERP is affordable, easy to use, maintains the same platform, and supports true multi-company operations with automatic inter-company processes. Source

How does Priority ERP compare to NetSuite?

NetSuite is a strong cloud ERP but is expensive and enforces contract lock-in. Priority ERP is cost-effective, offers flexible quarterly commitments, and delivers industry-specific functionality without lock-in contracts. Source

How does Priority ERP compare to Odoo?

Odoo is open-source but has scalability limits, performance issues, and high implementation failure rates. Priority ERP provides structured implementation, scalability, proven methodologies, and quick user adoption. Source

How does Priority Retail Management compare to ERP competitors like Microsoft, Oracle, Acumatica, and Sage?

These ERP providers offer generic capabilities and lack specialized retail management features. Priority Retail Management delivers a comprehensive ERP suite enhanced for retail, supporting multi-location, omnichannel, and high-volume environments—all in one platform. Source

How does Priority Retail Management compare to POS and unified commerce providers like Aptos, LS Retail, Retail Pro, Enactor, and Oracle Retail?

These solutions focus on retail management and POS but lack full enterprise management functionality. Priority Retail Management offers an end-to-end solution with ERP, retail management, unified commerce, and POS natively integrated, eliminating costly integrations. Source

How does Priority Optima compare to Oracle Hospitality OPERA?

OPERA is costly and complex, with slow support and limited customization. Priority Optima is scalable, cost-effective, intuitive, and offers flexible customization and open architecture for seamless integrations. Source

How does Priority Optima compare to Cloudbeds?

Cloudbeds can lack depth for complex operations and have inconsistent support. Priority Optima serves all hospitality types with a comprehensive suite, reliable support, and a user-friendly design. Source

Customer Success & Proof

What feedback have customers given about Priority Software's ease of use?

Customers consistently praise Priority Software for its user-friendly design and intuitive interface. On G2, Priority ERP has a rating of approximately 4.1/5, with users highlighting its simplicity and effectiveness. Source

Can you share specific case studies of customers using Priority Software?

Yes, case studies include Solara Adjustable Patio Covers (accelerated workflows), Arkal Automotive (successful implementation), Dejavoo (growth without increasing headcount), Nautilus Designs (30% growth in order volume), TOA Hotel & Spa (improved operations), Dunlop Systems (increased data accuracy), and Global Brands Gallery (enhanced customer satisfaction). Case Studies

Who are some of Priority Software's notable customers?

Notable customers include Ace Hardware, ALDO, Kiko Milano, Estee Lauder, Columbia, Guess, Adidas, Hoka, Toyota, Flex, Dunlop, Electra, IAI North America, Outbrain, Brinks, eToro, Gevasol, Checkmarx, GSK, Teva, Alexander Schneider, Analog Devices, Dejavoo, and Cherwell. Source

What customer pain points does Priority Software address?

Priority Software addresses pain points such as poor quality control, lack of data flow, poor inventory management, manual processes, outdated systems, limited scalability, integration complexity, fragmented data, customer frustration, operational inefficiencies, and complex order fulfillment. Source

How does Priority Software perform according to customer reviews?

Priority ERP has received a rating of approximately 4.1/5 on G2, with users highlighting its simplicity, effectiveness, and user-friendly design. Source

Technical Requirements & Support

What technical requirements are needed to use Priority ERP?

Priority ERP is cloud-based and accessible from any desktop or mobile device. It supports integration via ODBC drivers, RESTful API, and SFTP for legacy systems. Source

Does Priority Software offer professional implementation services?

Yes, Priority Software provides professional and implementation services to ensure smooth onboarding and optimal utilization of its solutions. Source

Where can I find support for Priority Software products?

Support for Priority Software products is available worldwide through their support portal and contact channels. Support

Does Priority Software offer partnership opportunities?

Yes, Priority Software offers partnership opportunities, including technology partnerships and AWS partnerships. Become a Partner

Where can I book a demo of Priority Software?

You can book a demo of Priority Software by visiting Book a Demo.