Running an online store is getting harder by the day. You're juggling inventory, orders, shipping, customer data, and finances, all while trying to stay ahead of competitors. Sound familiar? The right eCommerce ERP system can turn this chaos into smooth operations by connecting all these pieces in one place.
In this guide, we'll walk through the best ERP solutions for online retailers and help you avoid the costly mistake of choosing the wrong system. Whether you're running a small Shopify store or managing a multi-channel operation, you'll find out which ERP software will work best for you.
- What is an eCommerce ERP System?
- Why Traditional ERPs Often Fail eCommerce Businesses
- Key Capabilities Your eCommerce ERP Must Have
- Top 8 ERP Solutions for eCommerce Businesses in 2025
- 6 Steps to Choose the Right eCommerce ERP Solution for Your Business
- Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Selecting an eCommerce ERP Solution
- Evaluating eCommerce Platform Integrations
- Making the Final Decision: ERP Selection Checklist
- Taking the Next Step with eCommerce ERP Software
What is an eCommerce ERP System?
An eCommerce Enterprise Resource Planning system connects all your core business processes in one place—from inventory and orders to accounting and customer relationships.
The right ERP platform gives you one powerful system where everything works together. When a customer places an order on your website, your ERP system automatically updates inventory levels, creates a shipping label, adjusts your financial records, and updates the customer's profile.
Why Traditional ERPs Often Fail eCommerce Businesses
Many general-purpose ERP systems were built for brick-and-mortar businesses or manufacturing companies. They weren't designed with the unique challenges of online selling in mind:
- They can't handle high-volume order processing
- They struggle with multi-channel selling (website, Amazon, eBay, etc.)
- They don't integrate well with popular eCommerce platforms
- They lack real-time inventory updates across channels
That's why it's worth looking specifically at ERPs designed with eCommerce businesses in mind.
Key Capabilities Your eCommerce ERP Must Have
Before exploring specific solutions, let's talk about what your eCommerce ERP absolutely needs to have:
Real-Time Inventory Management
Nothing kills customer satisfaction faster than selling products you don't actually have. A good eCommerce ERP will:
- Track inventory across multiple warehouses
- Update stock levels in real-time across all sales channels
- Automate reordering when stock gets low
- Provide forecasting to help you plan ahead
Order Processing & Fulfillment
Your ERP should streamline the entire order-to-cash process:
- Automatic order import from all sales channels
- Order prioritization and processing
- Shipping integration and label printing
- Return management
- Tracking info sent to customers
Multi-Channel Integration
Most online businesses sell through multiple channels. Your ERP should:
- Connect seamlessly with your eCommerce platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento)
- Sync with marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Walmart)
- Integrate with your physical stores (if applicable)
- Keep product, price, and inventory data consistent across channels
Customer Relationship Management
Understanding your customers is key to growth:
- Maintain detailed customer profiles
- Track purchase history for future cross-sell and up-sell opportunities
- Segment customers for marketing
- Manage support tickets and communications
Financial Management
Your ERP should give you clear visibility into your finances:
- Automated invoicing and billing
- Payment gateway integration
- Tax calculation and reporting
- Financial reporting and dashboards
Top 8 ERP Solutions for eCommerce Businesses in 2025
After analyzing dozens of options, here are the best ERP systems specifically for online retailers:
1. Acumatica - Best for User-Friendly Experience
Acumatica has gained popularity for its unique pricing model—you pay based on transaction volume, not user count. This means your whole team can access it without breaking the bank.
Strengths:
- Unlimited users (pay for resources, not seats)
- Strong workflow automation
- Modern, clean interface
- Excellent for distributors and retailers
- Native integrations for Amazon, BigCommerce, and Shopify
Weaknesses:
- Mobile app could use improvement
- Reporting can be complex to set up
Perfect for: Growing companies that need many employees to have ERP access without paying per-user fees.
2. Odoo - Best for Flexibility and Scalability
Odoo stands out because of its modular approach—you can start with just what you need and add more functionalities as you grow.
Strengths:
- Open-source with a huge community
- 40+ business apps that work seamlessly together
- Scales from tiny startups to enterprises with 1000+ employees
- Strong eCommerce module with theme builder
Weaknesses:
- Can require technical expertise to customize
- Community edition lacks some advanced options
Perfect for: Businesses looking for a system that can grow with them without breaking the bank.
3. Microsoft Dynamics 365 - Best for Microsoft-centric Businesses
If your business already uses Microsoft tools, Dynamics 365 offers tight integration with the entire Microsoft ecosystem.
Strengths:
- Familiar interface for Microsoft users
- Strong customization options
- Excellent business intelligence through Power BI
- Good for both B2B and B2C eCommerce
Weaknesses:
- Integration with non-Microsoft platforms can be challenging
Perfect for: Businesses already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem who want an ERP that plays well with their existing tools.
4. SAP Business One - Best for Businesses Expecting Significant Growth
SAP Business One offers reliability in a package designed for small to midsized businesses.
Strengths:
- Rock-solid stability and performance
- Excellent inventory management
- Strong financial controls
- Good internationalization capabilities
Weaknesses:
- Steeper learning curve
- Interface feels less modern than competitors
Perfect for: Businesses planning substantial growth who need a system that can handle increasing complexity.
5. Brightpearl - Best for Multichannel Retailers
Brightpearl was built specifically for retailers and wholesalers who sell through multiple channels.
Strengths:
- Purpose-built for retail and wholesale
- Excellent order management across channels
- Native integration to BigCommerce
- Built-in POS system
Weaknesses:
- Limited customization compared to some competitors
- Focused on retail (not ideal for manufacturing)
- Less ERP functionality in accounting and CRM compared to other options
Perfect for: Retailers selling through 3+ channels who need unified inventory and order management.
6. Epicor - Best for eCommerce with Manufacturing Needs
Epicor offers strong capabilities for businesses that both manufacture products and sell them online.
Strengths:
- Excellent manufacturing functionalities
- Strong inventory and warehouse management
- Good for complex products and configurations
- Solid financial management
Weaknesses:
- More complex implementation
- Higher price point
Perfect for: Manufacturers who sell their products online and need integrated production and sales processes.
7. Cin7 - Best for Built-in POS
Cin7’s strength is in inventory and order management.
Strengths:
- Multi-location inventory with demand forecasting
- Built-in POS
- Built-in integrations with Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce
- Working capital options
Weaknesses:
- Accounting functionality is basic, relying on QuickBooks/Xero
- Limited customization options
Perfect for: Smaller businesses seeking solid order management without bells and whistles
8. NetSuite – Best for Large Businesses with Big Tech Budgets
NetSuite encourages its eCommerce customers to opt for their out-of-the-box retail product called SuiteCommerce. NetSuite's standard, non-retail-focused ERP solution requires third-party apps to integrate with best-of-breed eCommerce offerings such as Shopify.
Strengths:
- True cloud-based, comprehensive ERP
- Advanced financial management
- Built-in business intelligence
- Includes shopping personalization
Weaknesses:
- Significant investment (not for small businesses) from $30k-$100k annually
- Can be complex to implement
- Not configurable or customizable by developers outside NetSuite
Perfect for: Medium to large businesses (50+ employees) with complex operations and multiple sales channels.
6 Steps to Choose the Right eCommerce ERP Solution for Your Business
Picking an ERP is a big decision — one that will impact your business for years. Here's are some steps to help you make the right choice:
1. Define Your Non-Negotiable Requirements
Start by listing the capabilities you absolutely must have. These might include:
- Integration with your current eCommerce platform
- Multi-currency support for international sales
- Specific tax compliance capabilities
- Order volume capacity
2. Consider Your Business Size and Growth Plans
Your current size is important, but so is where you plan to be in 3-5 years:
- Under $1M annual revenue: Look at Odoo, MRPeasy, or BrightPearl
- $1M-$100M: Consider Acumatica or SAP Business One
- Over $100M: Evaluate NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or Epicor
3. Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The sticker price isn't the whole story. Factor in:
- Implementation costs
- Training expenses
- Ongoing support fees
- Customization costs
- Integration expenses
4. Evaluate Integration Capabilities
Your ERP needs to work with your existing tools:
- eCommerce platform
- Shipping providers
- Payment gateways
- Marketing tools
- CRM systems
5. Assess Implementation Timeline
Some ERP implementations can take months. Consider:
- How quickly you need to be up and running
- Your team's availability for implementation
- Busy seasons when implementation would be disruptive
6. Check Support Options
When things go wrong (and they will), you need help:
- Support hours and availability
- Implementation assistance
- Training resources
- User community
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Selecting an eCommerce ERP Solution
Even smart business owners make these mistakes. Don't be one of them:
Choosing Based on Price Alone
The cheapest option often becomes the most expensive when you factor in limitations, workarounds, and eventually replacing it. Also, beware of pricing surprises, and look for an ERP solution with stable pricing guarantees.
Prioritizing Bells and Whistles Over Usability
A system with 1000 functionalities doesn't help if your team can't or won't use it because it's too complicated.
Not Involving End Users in the Decision
The people who'll use the system daily often have the best insights into what will work and what won't.
Underestimating Implementation Resources
ERP implementation requires time, money, and focus. Budget more of each than you think you'll need. Or, look for a partner like Stellar One that charges no upfront cost for implementation and instead builds in the implementation cost over time.
Failing to Plan for Growth
The system that fits perfectly today might become a failing ERP system next year if you can't easily add users, products, or channels.
Evaluating eCommerce Platform Integrations
Your ERP doesn't exist in isolation. Here are key integration points to evaluate:
How well does the ERP connect with:
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- BigCommerce
- Custom platforms
Marketplace Integrations
Can it sync with:
- Amazon
- eBay
- Walmart Marketplace
- Etsy
- Social selling channels
Logistics Integrations
Does it connect with:
- Shipping carriers (FedEx, UPS, USPS)
- 3PL warehouses
- Fulfillment services
- Drop-shipping suppliers
Financial Integrations
How about:
- Payment processors
- Accounting software
- Tax calculation services
Making the Final Decision: ERP Selection Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate your final contenders:
- Meets all non-negotiable requirements
- Fits current budget and projected growth
- Integrates with critical existing systems
- Implementation timeline aligns with business needs
- Support and training options match your team's capabilities
- User interface works for your team
- References from similar businesses are positive
- Publisher stability and roadmap align with your needs
- Training resources are adequate
Taking the Next Step with eCommerce ERP Software
An eCommerce ERP platform is more than just software—it's the backbone of your online business. The right system brings your inventory, orders, customers, and finances together in one place, giving you real-time visibility and control you simply can't get from disconnected systems.
Choosing the wrong ERP wastes not just money but something even more valuable — time you could be spending growing your business instead of fighting with inadequate systems. That's why it's worth investing in getting this decision right.
Stellar One helped online retailer Modloft to streamline its operations and position its business for growth. We’re ready to do the same for your retail commerce.
Ready to see how the right ERP solution can transform your business?
Check out our eCommerce evaluation worksheet designed to help you evaluate your specific ERP platform needs.
Launch your Risk-Free Trial today to take the first step toward eCommerce operations that run like clockwork.
