If you are looking for a way to better manage different functions of your non-profit, then using a cloud-based enterprise resource planning platform can help. Read on to find out about the best on the market and how they can add value to your organization.
Unit 4: Best for Agility
Featuring a model built specifically for the non-profits which is designed to lower set-up costs, as well as remain agile to the frequent changes in the sector, Unit 4 is our top ERP choice.
Using a single cloud-based system, Unit 4 provides not only ERP functionality but also HR, procurement, and financial as well. Indeed, the financial functions can be a great deal of help not only when setting budgets, but also when modelling potential scenarios, and deciding how to allocate resources from your organisation to its beneficiaries.
The way that Unit 4 is set up as a single platform also ensures that it remains cost-effective, while offering easy scaling, even to global levels. It can also be used to produce informative and insightful reports specifically based on social outcomes, resulting in high-quality quality holistic reporting.
Odoo: Best For Scalability
Odoo is an enterprise resource planning platform that offers a wide variety of modules suitable for different functionality, including inventory management, finance, and project management. It’s ideal for non-profits because it’s designed to be customisable, and so fit specifically to your organisation’s needs. Odoo also has the functionality to efficiently deal with budgeting, including grants and funds, making it easier to keep on top of your organization’s finances.
The main benefits of choosing Odoo over other ERPs on the market are that it’s designed to be scalable. What this means is it’s easy to increase (or decrease) use in any of the functional areas it offers, so it can grow with your business while remaining cost-effective.
Odoo is also based on an open-source system. This means you can develop tools and apps to make it even more customized to your business’s needs and maximize efficiency.
Another strength of the Odoo ERP is that it’s well known for its ease of use. This is a feature that is not to be underestimated when it comes to ERPs, as many can be complex and require a great deal of training to be used effectively. However, when you choose Odoo, you will get your team up and running as quickly and easily as possible.
While a great deal of the feedback on Odoo is positive, it is worth noting that, like most ERP platforms, implementation can be complex. With this in mind, working with a set-up specialist can be the best approach for your organization, unless you have the technical expertise in-house.
Acumatica: Best For Real-Time Access
Offering functionality with inventory tracking, project management, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) as well as financials, Acumatica prides itself on offering a great value for money option in the ERP industry.
Also specifically designed for non-profits, Acumatica is best suited to those operating in a mid-market position and that require real-time access to their data. Indeed, this real-time access is one of Acumatica’s biggest strengths as it speeds up decision-making, while also minimizing delays and errors. All of which means a more accurate and effective organisation for those who are using it.
One issue that Acumatica doesn’t love is how complicated its pricing structure can be. This is because it’s based on a consumption-based model. What this means is there are no user fees to worry about, which can be a bonus, but it can also make it hard to track and predict how much this platform will cost because the price will be based not only on the volume of use, but also on the type of license you choose, and how many apps you access.
Infor Cloudsuite: Best For Supply Chain And HR
For those organizations looking for a platform that offers supply chain and HR functionality, Infor CloudSuite is a smart choice. This is because it’s particularly well set up for tasks such as managing payroll, performance management, and recruitment. Similarly, Infor CloudSuite has extensive capacity for procurement and distribution as well as inventory management, something that makes it suitable for non-profits that sell their own products to raise funds.
In addition to these two functions, Infor CloudSuite can also be used to plan and monitor projects while making sure they stay aligned to the goals of your organisation. Additionally, Infor CloudSuite can produce high-quality analytics and reporting, which will allow you to make decisions based on data, meaning they are likely to be much more accurate and better informed.
While it can be used for a range of industries, Infor CloudSuite can also be customized specifically to nonprofit organizations. This means it can provide functionality such as donor engagement, funding levels, and the effectiveness of the programs you are running. All this functionality does come at a cost, however. In this case, the cost of initial implementation of Infor CloudSuite may make it inaccessible for smaller organisations.
Sylogist: An Ideal Choice For Those Looking To Improve Compliance In Their Non-Profit
Whether it’s automation, HR management, or finance, budget and expense tracking, Sylogist can help. Indeed, when it comes to finance, Sylogist offers functionality not only in expense tracking, but also specifically in non-profit accounting, as well as grant and fund management. In addition to this, Sylogist provides localisation services that adjust for local currency, too.
One of the most convincing reasons to choose Sylogist as your ERP is that it is designed to work within the Microsoft Ecosystem. This means that the transition to using Sylogist will be incredibly smooth if you are already using Microsoft applications.
Another major benefit of choosing Sylogist is that it’s specifically set up to help your organisation maintain compliance. Of course, this is no easy feat, especially when you are working on an international scale, yet this ERP prioritises real-time financials along with donor reporting using an easy-to-understand dashboard.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a cloud-based ERP system for performance management, finance reporting and analysis, or improved compliance and transparency, choosing the right platform for your needs is crucial. Be sure to do your due diligence in terms of modules as well as cost, and don’t forget to factor in the complexity of installation and set up either.
