When a small or medium-sized business (SME) decides to implement ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software, it marks a huge milestone. It’s like switching from a simple bicycle to a complex car – you get better speed, control, and efficiency, but you also need to know how to drive it properly. ERP implementation has massive potential, but it comes with its own challenges – especially when you’re a small business with limited resources.
At Bsquare Solutions – ERP Development Company in India, we’ve spent years helping SMEs smoothly transition into ERP systems. From local manufacturers to service-driven businesses, we’ve seen what works, what breaks, and what truly matters. So, in this blog, we’re breaking down the top five ERP challenges SMEs face, and how to overcome them smartly.
1. Budget Constraints and Cost Overruns
One of the biggest reasons small businesses hesitate to go for ERP is the cost. And it’s not just the upfront software expense. There’s also cost involved in training, implementation, custom development, and post-launch support.
Why this happens:
ERP systems are often designed with large enterprises in mind. The complexity and scale don’t match the needs or budget of a small business.
How to fix it:
Work with an ERP development company that understands SMEs. At Bsquare Solutions, we build cost-effective ERP systems with modular features. So you only pay for what you really need – whether it’s ERP software for small companies or a full inventory-to-billing workflow. We also offer easy scalability, so your ERP grows as your business grows.
2. Resistance to Change Among Employees
People don’t like change. That’s just human nature. When you introduce ERP into a company where staff has been managing everything via Excel sheets or old-school software, expect pushback.
Why this happens:
Employees worry that ERP will make their jobs harder or that they won’t be able to learn the system.
How to fix it:
Focus on change management. Train your team in small batches, create cheat sheets, and be patient. Our team at Bsquare Solutions provides complete onboarding support so that even your non-tech staff can use the ERP confidently. With our small business software ERP, the UI is designed to be simple, intuitive, and easy to navigate—even for beginners.
3. Poor Data Quality and Migration Issues
When businesses move to ERP, they often underestimate the amount of data cleanup required. If your existing data is messy, redundant, or inconsistent, your new ERP system won’t work smoothly.
Why this happens:
Many SMEs don’t have a formal data structure. Data sits across spreadsheets, emails, and local files.
How to fix it:
Start by organizing and cleaning your existing data. Remove duplicates, standardize formats, and verify accuracy. At Bsquare, we provide data auditing and cleansing services as part of the implementation. Our ERP systems are designed to handle smooth migration even from outdated tools.
4. Lack of Customization in Off-the-Shelf ERP
Not all ERP systems are made equal. Many are too generic and don’t cater to the specific needs of small businesses – especially manufacturers.
Why this happens:
Large ERP vendors focus on high-paying enterprise clients. They offer fixed modules that may not suit your workflows.
How to fix it:
Go custom. With Bsquare Solutions, you get ERP that’s built around your processes. We specialize in building manufacturing software for small business that matches exactly what your operations need – whether it’s real-time inventory management, production tracking, or purchase order automation.
5. Unrealistic Timelines and Lack of Planning
Many SMEs assume ERP implementation is a quick task. Just install, train, and go. In reality, it’s a long process that requires careful planning, testing, and rollout.
Why this happens:
Poor guidance, lack of planning, and over-promising by software vendors.
How to fix it:
Set realistic milestones. Don’t rush it. ERP is not just a tool—it’s a new way of running your business. With Bsquare, we follow a phased implementation model. From gap analysis to user testing to post-launch support, every step is handled systematically to avoid chaos.
Why ERP Is Still Worth It for SMEs
Despite these challenges, ERP is one of the smartest long-term investments for a small business. It gives you:
- Centralized control over inventory, sales, HR, and finance
- Real-time insights into business performance
- Automation of repetitive tasks
- Better customer experience due to faster response times
- Scalability as your business grows
The key is to approach ERP implementation with clarity, preparation, and the right tech partner.
Why Choose Bsquare Solutions?
We’re not just an ERP for manufacturing industry – we’re your ERP partner. At Bsquare Solutions, we understand the unique struggles of SMEs and craft software solutions that solve real problems.
Here’s what makes us different:
Tailored ERP for your business size
Dedicated support team for training and migration
Industry-specific modules like manufacturing software for small business
Simple, clean interface built for non-tech users
Future-ready design so you don’t outgrow your ERP in 2 years
Whether you’re starting out or looking to scale, our small business software ERP is the perfect fit for your journey.