Selecting an ERP system is one of the most significant decisions a business can make, and as our recent podcast discussion revealed, there’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
In this episode, One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Finding the Right-Sized ERP for Your Business, Sean Barbera and Ralph Hess from Navigator Business Solutions sat down with Shawn Windle, Founder and Managing Principal of ERP Advisors Group, to unpack what businesses should really consider when choosing ERP.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation:
(recorded, September 4, 2025)
Why “Right-Sizing” ERP Matters
Every business is unique; different industries, different growth trajectories, and different operational complexities. According to Ralph Hess, right-sizing isn’t about how big the software is, but about aligning ERP with your business strategy, growth plans, and transaction volume. Buy too much, and you end up paying for capabilities you’ll never use. Buy too little, and you risk bolting on mismatched add-ons down the road.
Understanding ERP Tiers
Shawn Windle broke down the ERP landscape into four tiers:
- Tier 4: Entry-level accounting systems (QuickBooks, etc.)
- Tier 3: Smaller ERP systems with limited functionality
- Tier 2: Mid-market solutions for organizations between $10M–$1B in revenue
- Tier 1: Global, complex, high-volume systems for enterprises
The sweet spot for most growing companies lies in Tier 2 ERP, where functionality meets scalability without the heavy burden of Tier 1 enterprise systems.
Deployment Options: On-Prem vs. Cloud
Ralph clarified the often-confusing terminology around deployment models:
- On-Premise: Installed locally, controlled in-house, is rare today but still relevant in certain industries.
- Private Cloud: Hosted but controlled more tightly, ideal for highly regulated industries like pharma or utilities.
- Public Cloud: Multi-tenant, vendor-managed, ensuring companies stay on the latest software with less overhead.
The right model depends on compliance needs, performance requirements, and appetite for control.
The Role of AI in ERP
The group also addressed the growing buzz around AI. While today’s ERP systems already leverage machine learning and automation, true generative AI capabilities are still developing. Ralph emphasized that data quality is the fuel for AI success; without clean, structured data, AI cannot deliver real business value.
Advice for Businesses Starting the ERP Journey
So where should companies begin? Shawn Windle offered three key pieces of advice:
- Know your needs. Clearly define pain points and measurable outcomes before engaging vendors.
- Secure executive alignment. ERP is a business-wide transformation; it requires buy-in from leadership.
- Choose the right partner. The implementation partner matters as much as the software. ERP success is built on strong collaboration and trust.
Final Takeaway
ERP isn’t just a technology decision; it’s a 10–20 year business decision that directly impacts how a company grows and adapts to change. As Ralph Hess reminded listeners: “People still buy from people. It all comes down to having a trusted partner to make that leap of faith with.”
🎧 Listen to the full conversation: Link to Full Video on Youtube
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