ERP
When custom ERP beats off-the-shelf
April 12, 2026•5 min read
Most businesses should start with off-the-shelf software. But for operations with workflows that don't map to a generic system — multi-location retail, distribution, vertical-specific processes — forcing the business into the tool costs more than building the tool around the business.
The tell-tale signs
Teams running parallel spreadsheets next to the ERP, heavy manual re-entry between systems, and reports that take days to assemble are all signs the software no longer fits the operation.