How-to
How to choose an ERP for a small manufacturer: 7 questions to ask
IndustryX Suite Team 1 min read
1. Does it cover how you really make things?
Ask to see a bill of materials, a production job, material issue and a quality check run end to end. If you need sub-assemblies, check that multi-level BOMs are supported and on which plan.
2. Is GST built in?
Invoices should carry the right GST and HSN codes. Check e-invoice and e-way bill support, and whether it is included or an add-on.
3. Can your team use it?
Ask two people from the shop floor and stores to try it for an hour. If they cannot raise a goods receipt without help, adoption will be slow.
4. What does it really cost?
Look beyond the headline price: extra users, locations, documents per month, add-ons and onboarding services. Compare plans on the same basis.
5. Can you bring your data?
Ask how masters and opening balances move over from Tally, Excel or your current ERP, and who does the work.
6. What support do you get?
Check the support channel, response times and training. A short, guided start often matters more than extra features.
7. Will it grow with you?
Check what the next plan adds, such as approvals, batch and serial tracking, more locations, and what it costs to move up.
A simple way to decide
Score two or three vendors from 1 to 5 on each question, run the same sample job in each, and choose on the combined score and a 30-day trial.