What is the difference between ERP and Best of breed software?

ERP, CRM, Best of breed and SaaS; nowadays, these software terms are increasingly the subject of a conversation. With the current state of technology, it is not surprising that new initiatives are entering the market faster and faster. These different types of solutions have their advantages and disadvantages, which you can weigh up against each other.

Are you as a fresh produce company looking for a new software system? Do you choose an 'all-in-one' ERP package, where as many functionalities as possible are packed in one package, or do you choose a 'Best of breed' solution, where different, separate (often specialist) applications are integrated with each other? This blog lists the differences between these two types of software strategies.

Enterprise Resource Planning

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software mainly consists of various modules that fulfill a specific task within the business process. A traditional ERP is used to support almost every process within a company and often does not have a specific focus on one particular industry by default. For this reason, you see that the same ERP systems can often be used in various industries.

We usually see that ERP systems were created because of a financial background, so that the system can also be used for other facets within a company. This makes an ERP system a clear choice for many types of companies; different components come together in one software system. Employees only need to log in once to manage various processes and all data is stored in a central place. When a company carries out more specialist activities, an ERP package usually offers limited functionality and customization is required to still provide the right support.

Advantages ERP:

+ Various business processes are well incorporated in the base
+ One standard solution where all information is stored
+ Modular construction

Disadvantages ERP:

- Limited functionalities for specialist activities
- Getting to know an ERP is time consuming
- Changes to the software cannot be implemented just like that

Best of breed

In recent years we have heard more and more about "Best of breed" solutions. The emergence of online SaaS solutions (Software as a service) has resulted in a much broader range of software solutions that specifically focus on supporting one process. An application landscape based on SaaS solutions is usually referred to as a "Best of breed" solution. Each individual application is much smaller than an ERP system. With a "Best of breed" solution, there are links between various industry-specific and standard solutions. In this way, dependence on the software supplier is greatly reduced.

The "Best of breed" solutions offer opportunities to deploy specialist applications to support the needs of different user groups. The architecture consists of applications that are "linkable". In the past this was done via web services and other integrations, nowadays APIs (Application Programming Interface) are used for this.

The simplicity of linking (through these APIs) to other software such as financial packages, customs software and inspection applications ensures a positive experience for users dealing with specialist activities, if properly integrated. As a result, optimal use can be made of various sector-related specialisms and the different solutions can be properly coordinated. However, it must be taken into account that with a "Best of breed" solution, multiple applications are used, which can be seen as a disadvantage but also as a strength. Because they are often specialized in one process, they are usually further developed. However, there are several login points and each solution has its own interface.

Advantages Best of breed:

+ Various specialist parts that can be linked together
+ Relatively low costs per software solution
+ Progressive and high security

Disadvantages Best of breed:

- Multiple solutions that an employee will need to gain knowledge of
- Different login points
- The integration of data is more complicated

The position of GreenCommerce
GreenCommerce is very strong in solutions in the field of trade and logistics and also positions itself as the flexible partner. By creating links within and between companies, GreenCommerce responds digitally to developments within the fresh produce industry. Because we facilitate links with external parties, users can optimally benefit from various specialisms. This includes integrations with web shops and links with growers via GreenXchange, financial packages, customs systems, logistics links, a certification application, Business Intelligence (BI) tools such as Microsoft Power BI and WMS such as ELMO. The palette of applications that offers a total solution must be a flexible and coherent whole that is based on the principles of "Best of breed" solutions.

Are you looking for a software solution for your fresh produce company? Discover the possibilities of GreenCommerce. Contact us via this form, or call +31 174 - 642622 directly.