And what on earth is an ERP, anyway?
If you’ve ever said, “There has to be a better way to manage all this…” then ERP software might be exactly what you’re looking for.
But before we jump into how to choose one, let’s clear the air.
First Things First: What
Is
an ERP?
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning.
But don’t let the corporate-sounding name scare you off.
An ERP is simply a software system that helps you manage your business in one place. Instead of using separate tools for quotes, invoicing, stock tracking, HR, scheduling, and reports, ERP software combines them all into one dashboard.
Think of it as the digital control panel for your business operations.
What Does an ERP Do?
Depending on your business, an ERP might include:
- Inventory management
- Invoicing & accounting
- Job scheduling
- Customer management (CRM)
- Staff time tracking
- Reporting & forecasting
For example, a local Carterton plumbing business might use ERP software to:
Book jobs → Send quotes → Schedule staff → Order materials → Send invoices → Track payments — all from one place.
Do Small Businesses Really Need It?
Not all small businesses need a full ERP system — but many benefit from lightweight or industry-specific versions.
If you’re using multiple apps that don’t talk to each other — or worse, still on paper — ERP can save time, reduce errors, and help you scale.
“We moved to a cloud-based ERP when we realised we were double-handling everything — quoting in Word, tracking stock on paper, and invoicing in Xero. Now it’s all streamlined.”
— [Insert member quote]
How to Choose the Right ERP for Your Business
Here’s your GoCarterton-friendly step-by-step:
1. Understand What You Actually Need
Don’t start with the software. Start with your pain points.
- Are you losing track of jobs?
- Spending hours on admin?
- Double-entering the same info into different systems?
Write a list of your top 3 business headaches.
2. Think About Your Business Size and Type
The ERP you choose should match your scale and industry.
- Are you a retailer? You might want inventory + POS + eCommerce sync
- Are you a service provider? Look for job management + quoting + invoicing
- Are you growing? Make sure it scales with you
3. Choose Between All-in-One vs Modular
Some ERPs do everything. Others let you pick and choose.
- All-in-One: Good if you’re starting fresh
- Modular: Good if you already use tools like Xero and want to plug into them
4. Cloud-Based or Desktop?
Most small businesses go with cloud-based ERPs so you can:
- Work from anywhere
- Access via phone or tablet
- Avoid the “I left the spreadsheet at home” moment
5. Budget & Ongoing Costs
ERP systems can range from free (yes, really) to thousands per year.
Ask:
- What’s the monthly or annual fee?
- Does it charge per user?
- Are updates and support included?
Some local-friendly tools:
- Tradify (for trades)
- Unleashed (for inventory-based businesses)
- Xero Projects (for time-based services)
- Odoo (modular and open-source)
6. Test It with a Trial
Most ERPs offer a free trial, take it! But don’t just click around:
- Try building a quote
- Enter a job or client
- Run a pretend report
7. Involve Your Team
If you’ve got staff, involve them early, especially the ones doing the day-to-day work. They’ll tell you what works andwhat doesn’t.
8. Ask for Local Help
Some GoCarterton members work in tech or cloud services, don’t be afraid to ask them what works for local businesses like yours.
Ready to Level Up?
ERP systems can seem intimidating, but when chosen well, they can give you time back, reduce stress, and help you grow with confidence.
Need help figuring it out? Come to one of our GoCarterton events or message us for local referrals.
