If you hate seeing your team waste hours painstakingly entering data into spreadsheets only to get it wrong and be forced to do it all over again, you're not alone. Enterprise data management is getting increasingly complex, with a bunch of different software programs piling up across various departments.
Also: The best CRM software
Without a way to connect all these disparate data streams and put them into context, your business is probably struggling with problems like shadow IT, information overload, and just a bevy of human errors during the data entry process.
ERP, or enterprise resource planning, software can plug into every source of business data and become the go-to resource for all your automations and analyses. It can help you cut through the noise.
Best personal data removal service deals of the week Incogni - Exclusive Deal: 55% Off Incogni Individual Annual Plan With Code "ZDNET" : $162 (save $198) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
What is the best ERP software right now?
I'd recommend SAP S/4HANA as the top ERP software for 2026. It offers real-time analytics, AI insights, and strong business process integration. Its in-memory computing showed faster processing speeds in my tests than any traditional ERP. And the new Fiori interface has made learning much easier. All the recent user experience updates, like the adaptive dashboards, make this complex platform much easier to use.
When reviewing ERP software providers like SAP, I wanted to first understand how they'd help leaders in finance, operations, and supply chain management in their day-to-day. I also considered scalability, user experience, and how easily users could adopt the system. Integration costs, including implementation and support, were also important. I paid extra attention to AI features, plus cloud deployment options.
Also: The best password managers for businesses: Expert tested
As a B2B tech journalist, I've researched tons of HR, accounting, and financial planning and analysis vendors over the years. You could say I've got some idea of where ERP systems fit into the larger business workspace. If you're looking for an ERP platform, scroll on. I go into more detail about these vendors below.
... continue reading