What Is an ERP System? Everything You Need to Know in Plain English
If you’re a business leader without a background in IT, the term "ERP system" might sound like tech jargon. But understanding what ERP is—and why it matters—can make a big difference in how you grow and manage your company. In this article, we’ll break it down in simple, practical terms.
What Does ERP Stand For?
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It’s software that helps businesses manage and connect the different parts of their operations—all in one place.
Think of it as the central nervous system of your business: it brings together everything from accounting, to inventory, to customer orders so you can make smarter decisions and run more efficiently.
What Does an ERP System Actually Do?
An ERP system centralizes your data and standardizes how information flows between departments. Here are some examples of what it helps with:
Accounting & Financials: Automates invoicing, reconciliations, budgeting, and reporting.
Inventory Management: Tracks what’s in stock, what’s running low, and what needs to be reordered.
Sales & Customer Service: Manages quotes, orders, invoices, and even customer communications.
Purchasing & Vendors: Streamlines purchase orders, vendor management, and approvals.
Project Management: Tracks tasks, budgets, and timelines across departments.
With the right ERP, all of this is happening in real time, using one shared system.
What ERP Do We Recommend?
At Hudson River Computing, we recommend Acumatica ERP for mid-sized businesses because it’s flexible, cloud-based, and user-friendly. Unlike older ERPs that require heavy IT support, Acumatica is designed to grow with your business and be accessible to everyone on your team.
Benefits of Acumatica ERP:
Access your system from anywhere
Only pay for the resources you use (not per user)
Easily connect with other tools you already use
Real-time, customizable dashboards and reporting
What Comes Next?
Implementing ERP is a big decision—but you don’t have to make it alone. At Hudson River Computing, we work across the table from you to help evaluate your options and understand what’s best for your unique needs.
Whether you’re just curious about how ERP works or you’re actively exploring solutions, we’re here to be a resource.
Start your ERP journey with us
We’d be happy to answer all of your ERP related question and show you how Acumatica could work for your business.
Contact us to get started, have a look around our site to learn how modern ERP systems are helping businesses grow smarter.
