What is ERP Software? A Guide for UK Businesses
What is ERP software?If you’ve ever felt like your orders, stock, sales channels and financials are pulling in different directions, you’re not alone. Most growing businesses hit a point where spreadsheets and separate systems stop working. That’s where ERP comes in.
This guide explains what ERP is, what it actually does, and how to know if your business needs it.
- What does ERP stand for?
- ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning.
It is a single connected system that manages the core processes of your business, bringing orders, stock, accounts and fulfilment together in one platform with a shared database.
- Do small businesses need ERP?
- ERP is no longer only for large enterprises. Modern cloud-based and bespoke ERP solutions are now accessible to growing SMEs.
You should consider ERP if your business relies heavily on manual data entry, has stock errors, struggles with multiple sales channels, or lacks reliable reporting.
- ERP vs standalone software — what’s the difference?
- Standalone tools work separately, which means data often lives in silos.
An ERP integrates those functions, giving you real-time stock visibility, connected order management, automated workflows and reporting based on live data.
- What is omnichannel ERP?
- Omnichannel ERP connects multiple sales channels — such as your website, Amazon, eBay, retail, wholesale and EDI — to one central stock and order management system.
BOB ERP, built by iBridge, was designed for businesses selling across multiple channels that need a single source of truth for orders, stock and fulfilment.
- How much does ERP cost?
- ERP costs vary depending on the platform, integrations, customisation and business size.
Bespoke ERP solutions for SMEs can be more affordable than enterprise systems and often deliver faster ROI because they are built around your specific processes.
- How long does ERP implementation take?
- A well-scoped ERP implementation for an SME typically takes between 8–16 weeks, depending on business complexity, integrations and process requirements.
- Can ERP integrate with my existing eCommerce platform?
- Yes. BOB ERP is designed to integrate with major eCommerce platforms, marketplaces and accounting packages.
- What’s the difference between ERP and a WMS?
- A WMS focuses on warehouse operations. An ERP is broader, covering orders, stock, fulfilment, accounts and reporting.
BOB ERP includes WMS functionality as part of a wider omnichannel order management system.
