ERP, what's the price? How much does ERP software really cost for an SME?
- Elise Dejour
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
When an SME considers implementing an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, the question of cost is unavoidable. However, there is no single price: the cost depends on many factors, ranging from licenses to implementation services. How much does an ERP system cost?
The various cost items to be taken into account
An ERP is not just software: it is a comprehensive solution that structures your processes. Its overall cost generally includes:
User licenses, billed per user per month.
Additional modules, which add specific features.
Implementation and configuration, to adapt the ERP to your organization.
Support and training, essential for successful adoption.
Support and maintenance, to ensure continuity and updates.
These items vary depending on the size of your company, the complexity of your processes, and the level of customization you want.
How does ERP licensing pricing work?
Most modern ERPs, such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, use a SaaS (Software as a Service) model with a monthly subscription per user.
For Business Central, prices start at CHF 8 per month for a Team Member license, which is ideal for users who view data without performing complex operations. For active users, Essentials or Premium licenses start at CHF 70 per month, including key features such as accounting, sales management, purchasing, and inventory management.
The cost of licenses therefore depends on the number of users and the type of license. An SME with 10 active users will pay a proportional monthly subscription fee.
Additional modules and ERP customization
A standard ERP covers essential needs: finance, sales, purchasing. But if your company has specific needs, for example in production, logistics, or transport management, you will need to add paid modules or develop custom extensions.
At Almakom, we offer business applications such as AlmaTrack (TMS) and Production App, which are fully integrated with Business Central to meet the needs of industrial and logistics SMEs.
ERP pricing: Why do implementation costs vary?
Implementation is often the most significant expense, but it is also the most variable. This phase generally includes needs analysis, configuration, data migration, training, and sometimes customization.
Each project is unique: an SME with simple processes and little data to migrate can deploy its ERP in a few weeks, while a company with complex flows and multiple integrations will require several months of work. Several factors influence the time and cost:
The number of processes to be integrated.
The volume and quality of the data to be migrated.
The level of customization and interfacing with other tools.
Change management support.
Rather than giving a fixed figure, it is preferable to carry out a preliminary audit to estimate the budget based on your specific situation.
Timeframes: How long does it take to implement an ERP system?
On average, for an SME, deploying an ERP system such as Business Central takes between two and four months, but this is only an estimate. A simple project can be completed in a few weeks, while a complex project can take several months or even years.
What determines the overall cost of an ERP system?
The ERP budget depends mainly on:
The number of users and the type of licenses.
Additional modules and features.
The complexity of business processes.
The level of customization and integrations.
The time spent on training and support.
Why choose Business Central ERP with Almakom, your partner in French-speaking Switzerland?
Deploying an ERP such as Business Central is not just a matter of clicking "install." Every SME has its own specific characteristics.
At Almakom, we support companies in:
Choosing modules and configuring them according to your business needs.
Integrating with your other tools (CRM, transport management, etc.).
Migrating data Training teams for successful adoption.
Compliance with local standards (nLPD, GDPR, Swiss and French taxation).
The result: an ERP system perfectly suited to your SME, without wasting time or money.
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