Frequently Asked Questions

ERP Fundamentals & Product Information

What is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)?

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a centralized software platform that integrates and automates core business processes across departments such as finance, HR, manufacturing, and supply chain. It serves as a single source of truth, eliminating information silos, improving decision-making, and increasing operational efficiency by providing real-time and historical data visibility across the organization.

How does an ERP system work?

An ERP system acts as a central hub for an organization, streamlining operations by connecting processes like inventory management, procurement, finance, and sales. For example, when a large order is placed, the ERP checks inventory, notifies procurement if stock is low, updates finance, and provides business intelligence for leadership. This integrated approach ensures smooth operations and cost savings.

What are the main types of ERP systems?

The three main types of ERP systems are On-premise, Cloud, and Hybrid. On-premise ERP runs on local servers and is controlled by the company, Cloud ERP is hosted remotely and reduces hardware costs, and Hybrid ERP combines both, allowing management via in-house servers with cloud data storage.

What is Priority Software and what does it do?

Priority Software is a leading provider of scalable, agile, and open cloud-based business management solutions. It offers ERP, Retail Management, Hospitality Management, and School Management platforms, serving over 75,000 companies in 70 countries. Priority centralizes business data, streamlines operations, and provides real-time insights for organizations of all sizes.

What products and services does Priority Software offer?

Priority Software offers cloud-based ERP systems, Retail Management (ERP, POS, unified commerce), Hospitality Management (Property Management System), School Management platforms, professional and implementation services, partnership opportunities, and a marketplace for extended solutions. Each product is tailored to specific industry needs and business sizes.

What is the business value of ERP?

ERP systems provide significant business value by integrating departments, improving communication, automating workflows, reducing costs, and enabling operational excellence. They centralize data, streamline processes, and support data-driven decision-making, resulting in more efficient, collaborative, and agile organizations.

What are the top benefits of ERP systems?

The top benefits of ERP systems include real-time insights and reporting, automation of business processes, cost savings, enhanced customer service, streamlined financials, and improved supply chain management. These benefits help organizations make informed decisions, reduce manual work, and optimize resources.

When should a business consider implementing an ERP system?

A business should consider ERP when experiencing growth, planning digital transformation, needing better process control, or when legacy systems are outdated and no longer meet business needs. ERP implementation saves time, resources, and costs in the long run, especially when scaling operations or entering new markets.

What are common use cases for ERP systems?

Common ERP use cases include integrating financial data, managing orders and inventory, handling sales and customer relations, streamlining production, managing human resources, automating procurement, eliminating data silos, managing supply chain and logistics, and integrating with e-commerce platforms.

How does ERP help eliminate data silos?

ERP systems integrate all business processes, departments, and applications into a single data repository. This centralization allows authorized users to access consistent, up-to-date information, improving visibility, reporting, and decision-making across the organization.

How does ERP support supply chain and logistics management?

ERP systems manage the end-to-end supply chain, from procurement to product delivery. They provide analytics and reporting to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, enabling companies to optimize operations and make data-driven improvements in logistics and supply chain processes.

How does ERP improve customer service?

ERP systems provide easy access to customer data, enabling faster response times, accelerated delivery, and enhanced customer experiences. Centralized customer information allows teams to collaborate and address customer needs efficiently.

What technical documentation is available for Priority Software?

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

Does Priority Software offer an API for integration?

Yes, Priority Software provides an Open API that enables seamless integration with third-party applications. The API allows developers to create custom integrations and tailor systems to specific operational needs. More information is available at Priority's Open API page.

What integrations does Priority Software support?

Priority Software supports over 150 plug & play connectors, RESTful API, ODBC drivers, and SFTP file integration. Key integrations include SAP, Webhotelier, Ving Card, Verifone, TrustYou, SiteMinder, RoomPriceGenie, and more, covering hospitality, ERP, payments, and channel management. See the full list at Priority's Hospitality Marketplace.

Who are some of Priority Software's customers?

Priority Software serves companies such as Ace Hardware, ALDO, Adidas, Estee Lauder, Columbia, Guess, Hoka, Toyota, Flex, Dunlop, Electra, Outbrain, Brinks, eToro, GSK, Teva, and more. These customers span retail, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and other industries.

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. Reviews highlight its efficiency, ease of learning, quick customer support, and user-configurability. Priority ERP has a rating of approximately 4.1/5 on G2, with users noting its simplicity and effectiveness.

What is the performance of Priority Software according to customers?

Priority Software is recognized for its exceptional performance, user-friendly design, and efficiency. Customers report improved management and operations, with features like user-configurability for fields, logic, reports, and workflows. Priority ERP is rated around 4.1/5 on G2, with testimonials highlighting its simplicity and effectiveness.

Features & Capabilities

What features does Priority Software offer?

Priority Software offers integration simplicity, no-code customizations, advanced analytics, automation, cloud-based scalability, industry-specific features, end-to-end order fulfillment, a single source of truth, and a wide range of integrations. These features are designed to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and support growth.

Does Priority Software support no-code customization?

Yes, Priority Software allows businesses to adjust workflows, field names, and screen layouts without IT support. This no-code customization makes it easy to adapt the system to unique business needs and changing requirements.

How does Priority Software help with automation?

Priority Software includes built-in workflows and AI recommendations that automate repetitive tasks, reduce manual errors, and improve operational efficiency. Automation features free up employees to focus on higher-value work and drive better resource utilization.

What analytics and reporting tools are available in Priority Software?

Priority Software provides hundreds of pre-defined reports, no-code reporting tools, and real-time analytics. These tools enable actionable insights, better forecasting, and data-driven decision-making across all business functions.

Does Priority Software offer industry-specific solutions?

Yes, Priority Software provides tailored functionalities for industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality. These industry-specific features ensure that businesses receive solutions designed for their unique operational needs.

How does Priority Software support scalability?

Priority Software's cloud-based solutions are designed to scale with your business, supporting high-volume transactions and growth without the complexity of on-premises IT infrastructure or costly integrations.

What pain points does Priority Software address?

Priority Software addresses pain points such as poor quality control, lack of data flow, poor inventory management, outdated systems, manual processes, limited flexibility, integration complexity, fragmented data, customer frustration, operational inefficiencies, and complex order fulfillment. It centralizes data, automates workflows, and provides industry-specific solutions to resolve these challenges.

Use Cases & Benefits

Who can benefit from using Priority Software?

Priority Software is ideal for retail business owners, operations and supply chain managers, sales and marketing managers, CFOs, IT managers, and organizations in industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Its solutions are designed for both global enterprises and small to mid-sized businesses.

What are some real-world success stories of Priority Software customers?

Success stories include Solara Adjustable Patio Covers improving project turnaround, Dejavoo growing without increasing headcount, Nautilus Designs achieving 30% order volume growth, TOA Hotel & Spa enhancing guest experience, and Dunlop Systems increasing trust in data accuracy. See more at Priority's case studies page.

How does Priority Software help retail businesses?

Priority Software helps retail businesses by providing real-time insights, operational efficiency, improved inventory management, omnichannel order fulfillment, centralized customer data, loyalty program support, and advanced promotion engines. Customers like Ace Hardware, ALDO, and Adidas use Priority for these capabilities.

How does Priority Software support manufacturing companies?

Priority Software supports manufacturing companies with features like real-time inventory tracking, production analytics, supply chain optimization, and quality control. Companies such as Toyota and Dunlop use Priority ERP to improve operational efficiency and data accuracy.

How does Priority Software address common pain points for retail operations and supply chain managers?

Priority Software addresses pain points such as disconnected systems, complex order fulfillment, inventory inaccuracies, and planning challenges by centralizing data, automating workflows, and providing real-time visibility across the supply chain.

How does Priority Software help CFOs and finance teams?

Priority Software helps CFOs by reducing operational and IT costs, improving financial reporting, and providing real-time data for better decision-making. Automated accounting processes and centralized financial data support compliance and efficient resource management.

How does Priority Software support IT managers?

Priority Software supports IT managers by offering scalable, easy-to-maintain systems with seamless integration capabilities. The platform reduces reliance on legacy systems, simplifies the introduction of new capabilities, and lowers IT maintenance costs.

How does Priority Software help with compliance and regulatory requirements?

Priority Software supports compliance with industry regulations by providing automated tracking, reporting, and centralized data management. This helps organizations maintain accurate records and adhere to standards such as FDA, GDPR, SOX, ISO9000, ISO27001, and SOC 2 Type 2.

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, customizable without IT support, and ensures compliance with major regulations. It grows with your business and is recognized for its ease of use and adaptability.

How does Priority ERP compare to SAP Business One?

SAP Business One is powerful but complex, expensive, and lacks multi-company capabilities. Priority ERP is affordable, easy to use, maintains the same platform (no forced migrations), and supports true multi-company operations with automatic inter-company processes.

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 with no lock-in contracts, and delivers industry-specific functionality for a wide range of business needs.

How does Priority ERP compare to Odoo?

Odoo is open-source but has scalability limits, performance issues, and a long learning curve. Priority ERP provides structured implementation, scalability, proven methodologies, experienced partners, and quick user adoption, making it suitable for growing businesses.

How does Priority Retail Management compare to other ERP and POS providers?

Priority Retail Management delivers a comprehensive ERP suite enhanced for retail, supporting multi-location, omnichannel, and high-volume environments—all in one platform. Unlike competitors that require multiple systems and integrations, Priority ensures seamless workflows and centralized data for consistent operations.

Why should a customer choose Priority Software over competitors?

Customers choose Priority Software for its integration simplicity, single source of truth, cloud-based scalability, no-code customizations, advanced analytics, industry-specific features, automation, and recognition by leading analysts. Trusted by companies like Toyota, Flex, and Teva, Priority delivers efficiency, adaptability, and long-term value.

How does Priority Optima compare to Oracle Hospitality OPERA?

Oracle OPERA is costly, complex, and has integration challenges. Priority Optima is scalable, cost-effective, intuitive, and offers responsive support, flexible customization, and an open architecture with a broad Marketplace for seamless integrations.

How does Priority Optima compare to Cloudbeds?

Cloudbeds can lack depth for complex operations and may require multiple add-ons. Priority Optima serves all hospitality types with a comprehensive suite, reliable support, streamlined billing, and a user-friendly design, reducing reliance on integrations.

How does Priority Optima compare to Mews?

Mews can require significant training and has a cluttered interface. Priority Optima is designed for quick adoption, efficient workflows, a clean interface, and responsive support, making it easier for staff to use and manage bookings.

How does Priority Optima compare to Protel?

Protel has a steep learning curve and limited native integrations. Priority Optima offers an intuitive interface, responsive support, modern mobile capabilities, and a rich Marketplace for integrations, ensuring efficient implementation and competitive pricing.

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When was this page last updated?

This page wast last updated on 12/12/2025 .

Mar. 09, 2026
ERP

What is ERP?

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Barry Spielman

Director of Product Marketing

Summarize with AI:

What Is enterprise resource planning (ERP)?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a centralized software platform used by organizations to integrate and automate core business processes. It serves as a single source of truth, connecting departments like finance, HR, manufacturing, and supply chain. By unifying transactional data, ERP systems eliminate information silos, improve decision-making, and increase operational efficiency.

ERP software centralizes both real-time and historical data, providing a comprehensive view of business operations in real time and facilitating quick decision-making and information sharing. Any changes made in one business area are automatically reflected throughout the system, ensuring consistency and prompt response to operational discrepancies.

Modern ERP

ERP is often referred to as the “glue” that holds a company together. Before ERP came onto the scene in the 1990s, company departments worked independently from one another, each managed by a standalone software system, such as a spreadsheet (Excel), where company information was recorded manually. This made it challenging for larger companies with reams of management, operational, and logistics-related data to manage and control their business efficiently.

Today's ERP systems are becoming exceedingly easier to implement and use, although successful system onboarding does have a learning curve and requires user training. Modern ERP systems are scalable, with the ability to grow as your business grows – and because of the system's flexible nature, it can also be customized to suit individual business needs.

The importance of ERP for businesses

Today's competitive business environment requires that businesses understand the benefits of ERP. ERP systems centralize and streamline operations, eliminating data silos and fostering inter-departmental collaboration. This integration leads to improved decision-making driven by real-time insights.

Especially notable are the benefits of ERP for small businesses, which can leverage these systems to level the playing field against larger competitors. The role of ERP extends beyond operational efficiency. It enhances customer service, provides a holistic view of customer interactions, and aids in accurate forecasting and financial planning.

As organizations continue to acknowledge the significance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) in driving business growth, adopting cloud-based solutions has gained speed, highlighting the role of ERP systems in promoting strategic advantages such as innovation, agility, and competitiveness

How does an ERP system work?

An ERP system acts as a central hub for an organization, streamlining various operations. Take the example of a global company: When a large order comes in, the ERP system quickly checks inventory levels. If stocks are low, the procurement team is notified to order more supplies. At the same time, the finance team updates revenue figures and tracks the order's costs. The system's business intelligence capabilities also allow company leaders to analyze data, such as sales trends or inventory levels, to make informed decisions. This integrated approach not only makes operations smoother but also helps in cost savings, highlighting the critical role of ERP in modern business operations.

Business value of ERP

Departmental integration

One of the biggest advantages of an ERP system is that it can integrate different departments within an organization. The silos between departments can cause significant inefficiencies and redundancies. An ERP system enables the smooth flow of information and data across different departments and functions.

Improved communication

With a centralized database, every department can access the same information resulting in better sharing of data, increased collaboration, and streamlined communication processes. As department barriers and data silos dissolve, collaboration and communication become more streamlined.

Enhanced workflows

By using ERP to centralizing data, automate processes, improve collaboration, and provide real-time data and reporting, companies can streamline their operations, saving time and money. As processes are refined and optimized, businesses experience more efficient and fluid workflows.

Cost savings

Leveraging analytics and forecasting capabilities, organizations can reduce inventory, minimize waste, and better plan their resources. In addition to direct cost savings, ERP systems can also help businesses save money by improving decision-making.

Operational excellence

ERP allows companies to streamline their processes and ensure that everyone is working in the same way. This seamless coordination reduces inefficiencies, minimizes errors, and facilitates data-driven decision-making, enabling businesses to optimize resources and deliver consistent, high-quality outputs.

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Different types of ERP

The three main types of ERP are On-premise, Cloud, and Hybrid systems. On-premise ERP runs on local servers, offering complete company control at higher maintenance costs. Cloud ERP hosts data remotely, reducing hardware expenses and resource requirements. Hybrid ERP combines both, using in-house servers for management and the cloud for data storage.

On-premise ERP

An on-premise (traditional) ERP system runs on in-house servers at a company's location or locations under the company's control, requiring additional maintenance and associated costs. Enterprise-level corporations mostly use On-premise ERP systems.

Cloud ERP

Cloud-based ERP systems enable companies to store, manage and access all of their business data in the cloud without costly on-premise hardware and maintenance. Cloud ERP can significantly reduce a company's operating costs, time, and resources.

Hybrid ERP

Hybrid ERP, or a “mix” of on-premise and cloud ERP, enables companies to manage and control their ERP system via their in-house servers while in parallel storing all or some of their business data in the cloud.

The top 6 benefits of ERP

Transform raw data into strategic intelligence with comprehensive, real-time analytics and dynamic reporting across your entire business ecosystem.

Insights & reporting

Gain real-time business insights using the system's built-in analytics, planning, and forecasting tools to make better, more informed business decisions. Wide range of reporting tools to generate reports in varying formats for all business processes, with real-time business data from a single integrated database.

Business processes

Automate manual or routine tasks, implement smarter, more efficient workflows, and support more sustainable processes.

Cost savings

Save time, resources, and costs with enhanced inventory planning and procurement, project and time management, and other critical cost-saving system tools.

Customer service

Easy access to customer data for faster response times, accelerated delivery times, and an enhanced customer experience.

Financials

Automated accounting processes, including invoicing and collections tools to boost company cashflow and save time, resources, and costs while maintaining government/banking compliance.

Supply chain management

Automated demand forecasting and planning tools to maintain lean inventories, reduce manufacturing bottlenecks, and support transparency throughout the supply chain.

Why implement ERP – Common use cases

Integrate financial data

With an ERP system, organizations can streamline their financials by centralizing all financial data into a single database. This enables greater visibility into financial performance and provides a comprehensive view of the organization's financial health.

Manage orders & inventory

Effective order and inventory management is key to the success of any business, regardless of size. With ERP software, businesses can track their orders from start to finish, track their inventory levels in real-time, track their shipments, monitor delivery times, and update customers on the status of their orders. ERP systems come equipped with detailed reports and analytics, including information on sales trends, inventory levels, and even what products are most profitable.

Manage sales & customer relations

With an ERP solution, businesses can create a centralized database of all customer data, including contact information, order history, account information, and other relevant details. This database can then be accessed by any authorized user, allowing for easier collaboration among teams.

Streamline production

Manufacturing companies that implement ERP systems can track their inventory levels in real-time to prevent production disruptions due to material shortages and reduce the costs associated with overstocking inventory. Additionally, ERP systems can generate reports that provide insight into production, helping stakeholders make data-driven decisions and adjust their operations to meet customer demand.

Manage human resources

An ERP system provides HR with a comprehensive view of all employee data, including job responsibilities, performance evaluations, and compensation information. Additionally, an ERP system can help ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations by tracking employee hours, managing leave requests, and maintaining accurate payroll records.
government/banking compliance.

Handle procurement

ERP systems can help organizations streamline and automate their procurement processes, from identifying the need for a product or service to receiving and paying for it. In addition, an ERP system can uncover hidden insights by providing real-time information on purchasing trends, supplier performance, and inventory levels. This data can help procurement teams identify opportunities for cost savings, reduce risks and increase operational efficiency.

Eliminate data silos

ERP systems integrate all the business processes, departments, and applications of an organization, creating a single data repository that can be accessed by authorized users, giving businesses more visibility of their data, enabling them to make informed decisions about their processes, products, and services. Having all data in one place, organizations can generate fast and accurate reports for any given department, from finance, sales, and marketing to production, procurement, and inventory.

Manage supply chain and logistics

ERP systems help to manage the end-to-end supply chain, from raw material procurement to product delivery. ERP systems can also provide detailed analytics and reporting enabling companies to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in their supply chain and logistics processes in order to make data-driven decisions to improve their operations.

E-commerce integration

E-commerce integration with ERP provides companies with a comprehensive platform to manage their retail operations. Businesses with online sales channels can integrate their e-commerce platforms with ERP to get real-time updates on inventory, pricing, and order status, providing a seamless shopping experience for customers.

When is it time to consider ERP for your business?

When it comes time to replace your legacy business management systems with ERP software, it's essential to first understand your company's actual business needs, and only then, shop around for the best possible ERP system. While ERP can be a costly upfront investment, implementing an ERP system will save valuable time, resources, and costs down the road.

Following are real-life business scenarios that suggest it may be time for your organization to consider implementing an ERP, or upgrading your current ERP system:

  • Your business is growing and planning to take on new employees, products, and/or new local or global markets
  • Your organization's strategy and product roadmap outline the need for implementing digital processes companywide that includes a new business management software solution
  • You need better management and control of your operational and business processes to make timely, better-informed strategic business decisions
  • Your organization's legacy standalone system is outdated, where upgrades are no longer available, and the system no longer serves your business and system user needs.

While ERP systems streamline and automate processes, creating leaner, more accurate, and more efficient operations, there are several critical reasons why a company should consider ERP. If your organization is faced with any or all of the issues listed here, then it may be not only a good time but the best time to invest in ERP software.

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