Choosing the right ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) package is a significant decision. After all, you’re going to link important business processes like invoicing and inventory, which will change the way your organization operates. So, approach it wisely. Do your research, prepare thoroughly, and seek advice from professionals.
How to Evaluate an ERP System?
The range of ERP systems available in the Netherlands and Belgium is extensive. Therefore, it’s helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
- Which data streams do you want to manage?
- What functionalities are important for your organization, now and in the future?
- Is the ERP system user-friendly?
- What about training and support?
Every system has its own pros and cons. The key is to choose an ERP system that fits your organization and future plans.
What ERP Systems are Available?
The very first ERP system was launched in 1973. SAP R/1 was a financial software application developed by the German company SAP. While many ERP systems have since been established (think Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics 365), this software company is still known as a pioneer in ERP software.
Each ERP system has its own characteristics. As a result, some systems are better suited for large companies and multinationals, while others are better for small to medium-sized businesses. AFAS and Exact both serve the SME sector with their ERP software solutions.
Odoo versus Exact
In this blog, we compare Odoo with Exact because both systems are focused on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
What is Odoo?
Odoo is originally a Belgian tech unicorn. The Odoo software helps you optimize and digitize all processes within your organization. It’s a fully integrated business management solution with modules for accounting, sales, purchasing, CRM, manufacturing, inventory management, and much more. Odoo’s modular design means you can start small and gradually add more modules as needed. Although Odoo may not be well-known in the Netherlands yet, it has gained significant recognition worldwide. The ERP software is used by over twelve million users globally.
The Main Benefits of Odoo:
- Odoo is modular; you only implement the modules you need.
- Odoo offers integrations with various other tools, such as Amazon and Bol.com.
- Odoo is very user-friendly and suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
- Odoo is affordable and scalable.
What is Exact?
The Dutch company Exact was founded in Delft and has been offering innovative software solutions for SMEs and accountants in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany for over forty years. Exact primarily focuses on accounting and financial processes but also offers modules for project management, manufacturing, and trade. Depending on your company size and budget, there are different implementation options to choose from, such as Exact Online, Exact Globe+, Synergy, or Financials. More than 675,000 companies rely on Exact’s cloud to manage their finances and business processes.
The Main Benefits of Exact:
- The implementation time is relatively short; you can get started quickly.
- Exact is known for its speed, user-friendliness, and security.
- With flexible subscriptions and modules, you only pay for the functionalities you need.
- Exact offers support for international operations, ideal if you want to expand abroad.
Discover the possibilities of Odoo
Are you currently using separate software packages? Or are you dissatisfied with your current ERP solution? Odoo helps your company optimize and digitize all processes in a single, user-friendly ERP package.
What Are the Key Components of Each ERP System?
An ERP system is modularly constructed. Each module supports a specific task or department, and together they form one large database for your organization.
The main modules of Odoo software are:
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Tools for customer interaction, sales opportunity management, and customer-focused reporting. - Sales
Tools for managing sales activities, such as quotes and orders. - Purchasing
From request for quotations to purchase orders and supplier management. - Inventory Management
Real-time insight into inventory status. - Project Management
Features for ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, such as time tracking and cost management. - Accounting
View all financial transactions within the organization, from accounts receivable to accounts payable. - HRM (Human Resource Management)
Personnel matters such as recruitment, payroll, and leave management. - E-commerce
Product management and online payments. - Marketing
Supports marketing activities like email marketing, social media, and lead management. - Website Builder
Tools for building and managing a company website.
The main components of Exact software are:
- Financial
Accounting, financial management, budgeting, and financial reporting. - Purchasing
From request for quotations to purchase orders and supplier management. - Inventory
Real-time insight into inventory status. - Manufacturing
Supports production planning, production control, and quality management. - Sales
Quote management, order processing, and invoicing - Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Tools for customer interaction, sales opportunity management, and customer-focused reporting. - HRM (Human Resource Management)
Personnel administration, payroll processing, leave management, and talent management. - Project Management
Features for ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, such as time tracking and cost management. - Service Management
Service activities such as customer appointments and maintenance planning. - Business Intelligence (BI) and Reporting
Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.
The lists above show the ten components that the software providers themselves rate as most important. In reality, both Odoo and Exact have many more components. It’s up to you to determine which modules you want to use.
What Are the Main Differences Between Odoo and Exact?
As you can see, there are various similarities between Odoo and Exact, but there are also important differences. We have summarized these for you below:
1. Modularity and flexibility
Exact is much less modular and flexible than Odoo. Exact has software solutions for specific sectors such as construction or manufacturing, offering less room for customization.
2. User-Friendliness
Odoo has a very modern and user-friendly interface. Exact is less intuitive, making Odoo more accessible for non-technical users.
3. Support
Odoo works with authorized Odoo partners like Dynapps, who offer both consultancy and support for customers. Additionally, Odoo has a large international community that is very active on forums. Exact only offers professional support through partners and consultants.
4. Target Audience
Exact primarily focuses on specific sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics. Odoo, on the other hand, is aimed at SMEs in general.
Chosen Your ERP System? Time to Get to Work!
Once you’ve chosen an ERP system, the real work begins: the implementation phase. Implementing an ERP system is a time-consuming task. You are also dependent on various factors: the right package, one or more skilled consultants, support within your own organization, and a solid project plan. In such a case, an ERP implementation partner like Dynapps offers a solution. They bring the necessary knowledge, experience, and support to successfully integrate the ERP software within your organization. Keep in mind that it is a partnership, which means you will have to work together. If you approach it correctly, a good preparation will definitely pay off. Good luck!
READY TO GET STARTED?
Your Odoo Gold Partner!
As a proud Odoo Gold Partner, we’re here for you with a team full of expertise in your specific sector.