Recent years have seen significant shifts in the B2B eCommerce market, driven by advances in technology and supply chain management. Moreover, ERP solutions that coordinate consistently with B2B online marketplaces are at the forefront of this move. These ERP solutions provide tools to manage stock, orders, client relations, and finances, simplifying trading processes. As a result, large enterprises have long been related to ERP frameworks. However, SMEs presently have ERP alternatives that provide more adaptable, versatile, and reasonable solutions.
The global business-to-business (B2B) market is expected to reach $20.9 trillion by 2027, according to research firm Investigate and Markets. The rise of cloud-based solutions, including ERP, and market volatility are driving this trend.
About 65% of B2B companies across industries are using eCommerce solutions to manage customer relations and supply chain processes.
Let’s explore five leading B2B eCommerce platforms using ERP alternatives to manage complex operations
1. eWorldTrade
eWorldTrade is a popular global B2B eCommerce platform that brings together sellers, buyers, and manufacturers from all over the world. It didn’t take long for eWorldTrade to become one of the most trusted platforms for international trade. It gives companies a wide range of smart tools to manage and grow their operations.
eWorldTrade serves over 500,000 clients worldwide, including manufacturers and buyers, across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Cloud-based ERP options offer assistance in decreasing costs for SMEs. As per the study, businesses can spare up to 40% on operational costs by substituting to cloud-based ERP frameworks or alternates.
Inventory Management: Buyers can view real-time stock levels, set automated restock alerts, and manage multiple stockrooms efficiently. Additionally, they gain greater control over inventory.
Order Preparing: The platform automates confirmations of orders, billing, and shipping to make sure transactions go smoothly.
Accounting Features: eWorldTrade’s ERP alternative includes accounting features that allow businesses to track cash flow, generate budget reports, and manage payments. Additionally, it streamlines financial oversight.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): It provides companies with tools to track customer information, contact records, and sales processes, helping them nurture leads and strengthen customer relationships.
2. Alibaba
Alibaba is a big and well-known B2B eCommerce platform in the world. As there are millions of buyers and suppliers, it has been a major problem in the global market scene. Alibaba’s ERP option is based on combining different business operations into a single platform, offering advanced tools for supply chain management, customer relations, and purchasing.
Integration of the supply chain: Buyers and sellers can keep an eye on order and delivery forms at all times with tools that arrange shipping and stock.
Finance Management: The platform has tools for billing, managing payments, and keeping track of cash flow.
Help with global trade: Alibaba has tools for keeping track of universal trade rules, practices, and taxes, which makes it easier to do business across borders.
Analytics and Reporting: Google analytics help businesses keep track of performance, improve deal processes, and make choices based on data.
3. Amazon Business
Amazon Business is a B2B eCommerce platform that is growing quickly. It gives businesses the ease and efficiency of shopping on Amazon, along with powerful tools designed specifically for B2B usage. It also offers an ERP option to make managing operations easier.
Amazon Business come to $35 billion in annualized deals by 2023, as expressed in Amazon’s 2023 report. B2B buyers are presently more digital-savvy, with 73% of them favoring online trades.
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Multiple-User Accounts: Businesses can manage multiple user accounts, allowing different people to make purchases while maintaining control over access and permissions.
Approval processes: Customizable processes make sure that only approved purchases are made, which gives businesses more control over their spending.
Payment Plans and Invoicing: Companies can choose between quick payments or billing, with point-by-point exchange following for easier budget management.
4. ThomasNet
ThomasNet is a well-known B2B eCommerce platform. Consumers can connect with a group of reputable suppliers through ThomasNet, which offers a platform that manages item buying, delivery, and the supply chain. As an option, its ERP gives companies a set of tools designed to boost output and make it easier for buyers and sellers to work together.
ThomasNet serves over 500,000 suppliers and 1.5 million buyers and focuses on the manufacturing sector.
B2B companies using ThomasNet’s supply chain tools have reported up to a 25% boost in procurement efficiency through automated order and supply chain management systems. As a result, they streamline operations and reduce costs.
Finding and getting products: Buyers can easily find and talk to sellers, keep an eye on order forms, and keep track of their packages.
Supply Chain Management: Tools to keep an eye on relationships with suppliers, make the best use of stock, and make transportation easier.
Keeping an eye on supplier: detailed data to keep an eye on provider performance, delivery times, and quality control.
Tools for collaboration: Companies can work together with suppliers and partners in real-time, sharing information and making changes all along the supply chain.
5. Global Sources
Hong Kong-based B2B eCommerce platform Global Sources connects buyers with verified suppliers from a variety of businesses. Global Sources is an international business that helps companies manage their purchasing, procurement, and supply chain.
With its ERP option, it hopes to help companies go paperless and improve their processes without having to buy expensive, traditional ERP systems.
Supplier Confirmation: This feature makes sure that all of the companies on the platform are real, which gives buyers peace of mind.
Order management: The tool lets businesses monitor orders, track packages, and manage payments over time.
Inventory and Supply Chain Management Tools: These are used to keep an eye on stock levels, keep track of sales, and make the supply chain run more smoothly.
How to Choose the Right ERP Alternatives Software
The specific requirements and size of the business will determine which ERP software is best suited. But here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Business Needs Assessment: Identify the specific capabilities (stock, CRM, accounting) needed for your operations as part of your business needs assessment. Software enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions that provide core functionality without unnecessary extras may be useful for smaller enterprises.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Software should be scalable and adaptable so that it may grow with your business. Enterprise resource planning systems should be able to handle increased demand without performance problems.
- Cost and ROI: Consider the possible return on investment (ROI) about the cost of the action. To make ERP options more accessible for smaller budgets, cloud-based ERP solutions may reduce upfront expenditures.
- Integration with Current Systems: Ensure the ERP integrates seamlessly with other programs, such as CRM, accounting systems, or eCommerce platforms. Consequently, this enhances overall efficiency and data consistency.
- User Experience and Support: Due to the complexity of ERP phases, it is important to choose a software with an intuitive interface and reliable backend. This will ensure user involvement.
Integration with Existing Software
To avoid information silos and ensure consistent operations, it is essential to integrate with existing software while obtaining ERP solutions. For instance, companies can do the following when their ERP software is integrated with CRM, accounting software, and supply chain management systems:
- Eliminate Human Errors through Automation: Data flows freely across frameworks.
- Make Better Decisions: Well-coordinated Information provides thorough experiences that may lead to well-informed judgments.
- Boost Productivity: Better group cooperation and streamlined forms are the results of properly defined frameworks.
ERP Alternatives vs. Full ERP Systems
ERP alternatives are cloud-based, cost-effective solutions focusing on particular capacities like stock, bookkeeping, or CRM. They offer adaptability for SMEs by permitting them to embrace as it were the vital modules and scale as needed.
Full ERP frameworks, on the other hand, give a comprehensive suite that coordinates all business requirements from HR to the supply chain. These frameworks are perfect for huge activities but require a good investment when it comes to cost, time, and customization.
Here’s a table comparing ERP Software vs ERP Alternatives:
| Category | ERP Software | ERP Alternatives |
| 1. Cost | High initial investment and ongoing maintenance | More affordable, subscription-based |
| 2. Target Audience | Large enterprises with complex operations | SMEs or businesses with simpler needs |
| 3. Key Features | Comprehensive integration (HR, supply chain, finance) | Focused on specific functions (CRM, accounting, inventory) |
| 4. Examples | SAP S/4HANA, Oracle ERP Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Infor CloudSuite, NetSuite ERP | Zoho One, QuickBooks Online, Xero, TradeGecko, Odoo |
| 5. Scalability | Highly scalable, suitable for large global operations | Scalable but typically limited to simpler setups |
| 6. Customization | High degree of customization, tailored for specific industries | Less customization, more modular and flexible |
| 7. Implementation | Complex and time-consuming, requires dedicated resources | Quick implementation, easy to configure for small businesses |
| 8. Maintenance | Requires in-house IT teams or consultants | Low maintenance, managed by the provider |
The table highlights key differences between full ERP systems and ERP alternatives, helping businesses choose the right solution based on their needs and budget.
Cost-Effective ERP Solutions for Streamlined B2B Operations
Another ERP alternative for SMEs is Megaventory. If you are looking for a cloud-based solution to manage inventory, orders, and finances, the tools offered in Megaventory will help you. These tools include real-time inventory tracking, order management, and reporting. Businesses can select the features they need and customize them to their business. Megaventory is designed to be easy to use and integrates with various other software tools, making it a flexible option for businesses seeking a straightforward solution for their B2B eCommerce needs.
The Wrap-Up
B2B eCommerce platforms are integrating ERP options to provide flexible, cost-effective solutions that, in turn, help businesses avoid the complexities and costs of traditional ERP systems.
Author Bio
Thomas Miller is a skilled B2B writer with a knack for creating content that resonates with businesses and their audiences. He focuses on crafting clear, engaging, and results-driven pieces that help brands build trust and grow their reach.