Top Erply alternatives to automate your business operations
Erply POS is Erply's proprietary point-of-sale system, already trusted by thousands of users on their platform. If you've set up your retail business with Erply, this POS solution might seem like an obvious choice. However, let's be honest—Erply POS isn't flawless. Some retailers have encountered issues and decided to explore other options.
In this article, we'll provide you with insights on five of the top Erply POS alternatives that you might consider. Whether you're operating a small boutique or managing a large-scale business with multiple sales channels, we've got you covered with some excellent alternatives.
Common problems found in Erply’s solution
Customer support availability
Many users have reported issues with the availability and responsiveness of Erply's customer support. Delays in getting assistance or resolving technical issues can be frustrating (and expensive!), especially for businesses that rely on a smooth and uninterrupted sales process.
Lack of flexibility provided in their software solution
Erply's POS software is sometimes criticized for not being flexible enough to meet the diverse needs of different businesses. Some users find it challenging to customize the platform to fit their specific operational requirements, which can limit its effectiveness for more unique or complex business models.
User interface can get confusing
The user interface of Erply's POS system has been described by some as confusing or not intuitive. This can lead to a steeper learning curve for new users and may result in more time spent on training staff to navigate the system efficiently.
Key factors to consider switching from Erply to another POS provider
Thinking about making a switch from Erply to another POS system? You’re not alone! Plenty of businesses are looking at Erply alternatives to find a better fit for their unique needs. Whether you’re managing a small business or medium-sized enterprises, there are a few key things you’ll want to consider:
Your business size
First up, think about the size of your business. Are you running a cozy retail store, or managing a multi-store operation across multiple locations? If you’re a small business, you might want a user-friendly tablet POS system that doesn’t require much setup and can handle all your sales channels from one central hub. But if you’re running a larger operation, you’ll need a more robust POS software with advanced features like inventory tracking, sales tracking, and warehouse management. The right system should help you manage all your sales data and business metrics with ease. Don’t forget to think about scalability—your POS system should grow with you as your business expands. After all, nobody wants to deal with another switch down the road!
Adaptability to your industry-specific needs
Next, consider how well the new system will fit your specific business needs. Do you need inventory management to keep track of stock levels, or a customer loyalty program to boost customer engagement? Are you looking for advanced reporting and analytics to generate detailed reports on business performance and sales reports? Every industry has its own set of requirements. For example, retail businesses often need features like barcode scanning, pricing structure management, and contactless payments. Meanwhile, restaurants might prioritize cloud-based POS systems that can handle mobile POS for serving customers on the go. Make sure your new POS solution offers seamless integration with other cloud applications and tools you use—like your commerce platform, financial management software, or even human resources systems. This way, you can avoid the headache of manual data entry and save time with everything in one location.
Point of sale capabilities
Lastly, think about the core point-of-sale capabilities. This is the heart of any POS system, so it’s important to get it right! Does the new system offer a user-friendly interface? Can it handle various payment processing options, including contactless payments and store credit? Does it support online stores as well as physical retail point locations? You’ll want a system that not only tracks sales and manages sales effectively but also provides you with valuable insights through advanced reporting and sales data analysis. Look for a POS that allows you to generate detailed reports on everything from sales processes to inventory levels and product data. The more you know, the better you can optimize your retail operations and boost overall business performance.
By considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose from the best Erply alternatives and find a POS solution that fits your business like a glove. Whether you’re exploring competitors to Erply like Epos Now, Lightspeed Retail, or Clover, looking for a similar software solution with a different approach, the right POS can make all the difference in helping you serve customers, manage your store, and grow your business.
Top 3 alternatives to Erply point of sale
Epos Now
Epos Now is rapidly emerging as a top choice among cloud-based POS systems. It offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to support every aspect of running a business, from managing loyalty programs and online ordering to overseeing staff and tracking inventory. One of its biggest advantages? It’s incredibly easy to use—you can set it up and get started in just a few minutes. Plus, with strong security protocols, your data is always protected.
Founded in 2011 by Jacyn Heavens, Epos Now was created to address the need for a simple, affordable POS system. Jacyn, having firsthand experience working in a bar where finding a straightforward and cost-effective POS system was a challenge, set out to build a better solution. Today, Epos Now operates in several countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, helping businesses worldwide optimize their operations.
Integrated payment processing:
One of the standout features of Epos Now is its integrated payment processing system. It allows you to handle multiple payment types through a single terminal, which speeds up transactions and minimizes errors. With everything managed through one central portal, it ensures a seamless experience for both you and your customers. You also benefit from fixed-rate payment processing without any hidden fees, making it easier to manage your costs.
Industry-specific solutions
Epos Now excels with its tailored solutions for various industries. For retail POS, it offers features designed to optimize inventory management, sales tracking, and customer engagement, making it a perfect fit for retail environments. In the realm of hospitality POS, Epos Now provides specialized tools to streamline operations in restaurants, bars, and cafes, including table management and order processing. These industry-specific features ensure that your POS system is equipped to handle the unique challenges of your business, enhancing both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Inventory tracking:
Epos Now's cloud-based platform excels at real-time inventory tracking. With features like item and order tracking, automatic reorder alerts, and automated ordering, you’ll always know what’s in stock. These tools help maintain optimal inventory levels while saving you time and reducing costs.
Employee management:
Managing your team is straightforward with Epos Now’s employee management features. You can easily manage scheduling and track hours to ensure everyone is working their correct shifts. Sales goal alerts help keep your team focused, while customizable permissions ensure that sensitive information is accessible only to authorized employees.
App store:
The Epos Now App Store offers a wide variety of apps to enhance and tailor your system to your specific needs. Whether you want to implement a loyalty program, streamline delivery management, or integrate with software like QuickBooks and Mailchimp, there are plenty of options available. Some popular apps include:
- Epos Now Loyalty: Build and manage customer loyalty programs.
- Epos Now Delivery: Streamline your delivery process.
- Order & Pay: Let customers order and pay directly from their own devices.
- QuickBooks: Easily sync your sales and financial data.
- Mailchimp: Automate your email marketing efforts.
Epos Now is a great option for small business owners looking for a secure and easy-to-use POS system. With features like integrated payment processing, real-time inventory management, and robust employee management tools, it has everything you need to run your business smoothly. And if you need support, their dedicated customer service team is always ready to assist.
Lightspeed retail
Lightspeed is a robust POS system that has been in the game for over ten years, trusted by major brands like Five Guys and Goodwill. It’s versatile, serving a wide range of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, bars, and e-commerce platforms. Lightspeed can be accessed through the cloud, directly in your web browser, or via an iOS app, making it convenient for different types of users. According to a review from Forbes, here's the scoop on what makes Lightspeed stand out—and where it might fall short:
Pros:
- 24/7 Support: You can get help anytime you need it, day or night.
- Dedicated account manager: Each account comes with its own manager to provide personalized assistance.
- Inventory management: The system helps keep your inventory well-organized and up-to-date, making it easier to track stock levels.
Cons:
- Expensive: Lightspeed tends to be more costly compared to other POS systems.
- Long-term contracts: Signing up often requires committing to lengthy agreements.
- Difficult to cancel: The cancellation process can be tricky and time-consuming.
Square POS
Square POS is a cloud-based system designed to make managing your business easier and more efficient. It offers a range of features, including mobile payment processing, straightforward hardware setup, and tools for managing both employees and customers. Additionally, it provides detailed reports and integrates seamlessly with major accounting systems, so getting everything set up is a breeze. According to a Forbes review, here’s some of the pros and cons of using Square POS:
Pros:
- Free to start: Square POS doesn’t charge any upfront costs, which is perfect for small businesses that want to keep initial expenses low.
- No monthly fees on the basic plan: The basic plan has no monthly fees, making it a cost-effective option for businesses on a budget.
- Wide range of hardware options: Square offers various hardware choices, allowing you to pick the setup that best fits your business needs.
Cons:
- Account freezing: Sometimes, Square accounts can be frozen due to suspicious or irregular activity, which can be a hassle, especially if it happens unexpectedly.
- Not ideal for high-volume transactions: For businesses with a high volume of transactions, Square’s fee structure might not be the most economical choice.
- No phone support: Square doesn’t provide phone support, which could be inconvenient for those who prefer to speak directly with a customer service representative when issues arise.
How easy is to switch from Erply to Epos Now?
Switching from Erply to Epos Now is relatively straightforward and designed to be as hassle-free as possible. Epos Now offers a user-friendly interface that makes the transition smooth, even if you're not tech-savvy. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect when making the switch:
- Data migration: One of the first steps in switching POS systems is migrating your existing data, such as sales records, inventory levels, customer information, and employee data. Epos Now provides tools and support to help transfer your data from Erply seamlessly, minimizing the risk of data loss or errors. Their support team can guide you through the process to ensure everything is imported correctly.
- System Setup: Epos Now is known for its easy setup process. You can have your new POS system up and running in just a few minutes. The cloud-based nature of Epos Now means you don’t need to worry about complicated installations or hardware compatibility issues. Plus, Epos Now works on various devices, including PCs, Macs, and tablets, so you can use the equipment you already have.
- Training and Support: To help with the transition, Epos Now offers comprehensive training resources, including online tutorials, webinars, and a dedicated customer support team available 24/7. This makes it easy for you and your staff to get familiar with the new system quickly. Their intuitive design also helps reduce the learning curve, so your team can start using it efficiently right away.
- Integration with Other Systems: Epos Now integrates with a variety of third-party apps and services, such as accounting software like QuickBooks, email marketing tools like Mailchimp, and more. This allows for a smooth integration with your existing tools, helping to streamline your business operations from day one.
- Minimal Downtime: The switch from Erply to Epos Now can often be done with minimal disruption to your business operations. Since both systems are cloud based POS systems, you can plan the transition during off-peak hours to avoid any interruptions when you manage sales.
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