Choosing the right ERP system comes down to understanding the unique needs of your business. Do you need accounting tools? Do you need a cloud-based solution? Are you looking for an ERP that will adapt to business growth?
In this article, we explore the differences between two popular ERP systems to help you make an informed decision. Both Odoo and HARMONiQ ERP are great solutions; the question is — which one is best for your small business?
ERP software is an integrated system that centralises core business processes, ensuring data consistency and reducing inefficiencies. By consolidating operations into a single platform, businesses can streamline workflows, minimise errors, and improve accuracy.
Key functions include finance, inventory, customer relationship management, and more. ERP systems also automate reporting and analytics, providing real-time insights to enhance decision-making at every level.
Odoo is an open-source ERP software with a suite of integrated business applications for accounting, CRM, inventory management, HR, eCommerce, and more. The software is modular, allowing customisation and scalability based on your needs.
Odoo offers two editions — the free Community Edition and the paid Enterprise Edition — and its main strengths are flexibility, affordability, and an extensive ecosystem of apps and third-party integrations.
HARMONiQ ERP is a flexible and scalable solution developed by Micronet, one of Australia's leading software providers. Designed to enhance efficiency and optimise business processes, it enables seamless data integration across various departments.
Although HARMONiQ serves businesses across different industries, it is particularly well-suited for SMEs, wholesalers, and distribution-focused enterprises. Its key features include accounting, business intelligence, reporting, customer relationship management, eCommerce capabilities, and more.
The best ERP system for your business will depend on your needs. Both Odoo and HARMONiQ are designed to streamline business operations and both are best suited to SMEs. When choosing between them, consider factors such as the level of customisation required, industry-specific features, ease of integration with existing systems, and how well each platform aligns with your team's workflows and growth plans.
Both HARMONiQ and Odoo are highly customisable but Odoo is more open-source and has fewer controls. Being module-based, Odoo is generally more flexible to add specific features to, but the features may be less complete in their functionality. Since the framework of HARMONiQ is more defined, customisation is more consistent and is much better supported with any updates released to the software.
Odoo includes Odoo Studio, an option to develop customisations within the app without coding knowledge, while HARMONiQ includes the Agility module, also allowing low or no-code customisation.
Odoo is a fully browser-based system, with options to self-host, or choose from a range of provider-hosted options. HARMONiQ is a desktop application that can be either self-hosted or utilise cloud hosting.
Both Odoo and HARMONiQ have options to either self-host or choose from a range of cloud hosted providers - the key difference is Odoo is fully browser-based, with HARMONiQ consisting of a desktop application with a range of supporting web and integration services.
Both Odoo and HARMONiQ are best suited to small businesses, with Odoo focused particularly on businesses seeking a low-cost ERP implementation. HARMONiQ has typically been successful in a range of industries including builders, merchants, tiles and other wholesale and distribution businesses, or businesses with light manufacturing needs.
Both platforms are cost-effective for smaller businesses, though Odoo is cheaper to implement due to its modular approach. This enables fit-for-purpose solutions that you can budget for according to your needs. With HARMONiQ, all modules are included in the price of the software.
With the open-source nature of Odoo, you may need to rewrite your customisations in the case of an update. This leads to higher maintenance costs and can be frustrating to manage. On the other hand, HARMONiQ source code is managed for you, with structured support, security, and regular updates.
With Odoo, there is a comprehensive app marketplace with apps available from third party developers. Due to the open source nature of the software, there can be less consistency in the quality of the apps available. HARMONiQ also has the ability to add plugins built by third party developers, although it is a much tighter network of developers and no public app marketplace. Plugins available include integrations with a range of other business applications, including CRMs such as HubSpot. However, it does not support as many third-party apps as Odoo.
Odoo can be simpler to set up if you don’t require any customisations to suit your specific business functions. However, it can quickly become complex as you build out functions to better suit your requirements. HARMONiQ is designed for ease of use, with a range of built-in tools to support end-user customisation with no technical knowledge. We do always recommend a managed implementation, as there is a significant amount of configuration available to get the most out of the software.
Both platforms offer support, though the approach is slightly different. With Odoo, you will receive support from a variety of partners and freelancers. If you opt for HARMONiQ via Logiq Group, support is provided by our dedicated, highly experienced team. This means you will receive personal support each time, tailored to your business.
The key difference between Odoo and HARMONiQ ERP is which business priorities they cater to best. See the objective comparison below.
|
Feature |
|
|
|
Deployment |
100% browser-based |
On-premise with cloud-based options |
|
Target Audience |
Small to medium-sized businesses |
Small to medium-sized businesses |
|
Customisation |
Highly customisable |
Highly customisable |
|
Core Features |
Financials, CRM, inventory, payroll, project management |
Strong focus on inventory management, production processing and job costing |
|
Integration |
Broad integration capabilities with third party tools |
Built-in, fully configurable API makes integration a breeze |
|
Maintenance |
Higher maintenance due to open-source setup |
Low maintenance configuration managed for you by Logiq Group |
|
Pricing |
Lower cost with as-needed pricing |
Cost-effective for smaller businesses |
The best choice depends on your business's size, budget, and needs. If you require a fully browser-based system with advanced customisation, choose Odoo.
If you need a cost-effective and flexible ERP solution that comes with round-the-clock support, choose HARMONiQ.
While Odoo and HARMONiQ ERP are strong contenders, CIN7 and Unleashed can also be cost-effective solutions worth considering. Both are inventory management systems requiring a separate accounting system such as Xero or MYOB to be integrated. They can be a great start for smaller businesses before progressing to a fully integrated ERP solution.
Both solutions come at a lower cost than more advanced ERPs, but offer limited flexibility for businesses with unique workflows or complex requirements.
Here at Logiq Group, we are New Zealand’s approved agents for HARMONiQ. That means we’re here to provide ongoing support to grow your business and make the most of the HARMONiQ software.
We’ve been specialists since 2012, bringing a host of business consulting, technical and accounting expertise to the table. We also provide ongoing support so you can have total peace of mind and focus on what you do best — running your business.
For improved decision-making and business confidence, contact us or try our ERP Cost Calculator quiz today!