Bespoke ERP for growing businesses
We build ERP systems for small and medium-sized businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets and accounting add-ons but do not fit a large ERP package. Orders, stock, purchasing, production and finance in one place, delivered in phases so the most valuable module goes live first.
At a glance
- Typical timeline
- 20 to 30 weeks for core ERP. 9 to 18 months for full enterprise ERP. Phased delivery recommended.
- How we price
- Fixed price for an agreed scope, after a short discovery
- Technology
- Next.js, TypeScript, PostgreSQL, Prisma, Node.js, Redis
What this usually looks like
Operations Management
Unified dashboard for tracking projects, resources, timelines, and deliverables across departments.
Inventory & Supply Chain
Real-time stock tracking, automated reordering, supplier management, and warehouse operations.
Financial Management
Invoicing, expense tracking, budgeting, and financial reporting integrated with operational data.
HR & Workforce Management
Employee records, time tracking, leave management, and payroll integration.
Manufacturing Resource Planning
Production scheduling, bill of materials, quality control, and capacity planning.
Project-Based ERP
Resource allocation, time tracking, profitability analysis, and client billing for professional services.
What you can expect
- Unify operations, finance, and inventory in a single system
- Eliminate expensive SAP, Oracle, or Dynamics licensing
- Automate cross-departmental workflows and approvals
- Real-time visibility into business performance across all functions
- Custom modules that match your exact operational requirements
- Direct integration with existing tools and third-party systems
How the project runs
Business Process Mapping
Elsio documents every operational process, data flow, and cross-department interaction to design the ERP architecture.2 to 3 weeks
Module & Database Design
Elsio designs modular ERP components with shared database schemas and role-based access controls.2 to 4 weeks
Phased Development
Elsio builds ERP modules in priority order, deploying core modules first while developing additional functionality.12 to 20 weeks
Migration, Training & Launch
Elsio migrates data from existing systems, trains department teams, and supports the phased rollout.3 to 4 weeks
What you receive
- Custom ERP application with core modules
- Role-based access control system
- Reporting and analytics dashboard
- Data migration from legacy systems
- API integrations with existing tools
- User training programme
- Technical documentation
- 90-day post-launch support
Is it the right choice?
We build bespoke ERP; we are not an implementation partner for SAP, Microsoft Dynamics or Odoo. If your processes match what those packages do out of the box, implementing one is often the better route. Bespoke ERP is worth it when your operations are unusual, when you need tight integration with existing systems, or when licences for every user would be prohibitive.
Strengths
- Unified view of entire business operations
- No recurring per-user license fees
- Designed around your exact processes
- Direct integration between all departments
- Full data ownership and portability
- Customisable reporting for your KPIs
Trade-offs to plan for
- Significant initial development investment
- Requires organisational change management
- Longer implementation timeline than SaaS ERP
- Ongoing development team needed for enhancements
- Training required for all department users
Custom ERP systems vs Odoo, Business Central or SAP Business One
| Factor | Custom ERP Systems | Odoo, Business Central or SAP Business One |
|---|---|---|
| Fit to your process | Built around how you already work | You adapt to the package's standard workflows; customising adds cost |
| Time to first use | First module live in a few months, delivered in phases | Can be quick if your processes are standard; longer with heavy configuration |
| Licences | No per-user licence fees | Per-user subscription that grows with headcount |
| Upfront cost | Higher: you pay for design and build | Lower to start: implementation partner fees plus subscription |
| Integrations | Built for your exact tools, including Xero or Sage | Connectors for common tools; anything unusual needs custom work |
| Changes later | Any change is possible; you need a development team | Limited by the package; changes go through the vendor or partner |
| Best when | Your operations are distinctive or span several existing systems | Your processes are close to industry standard |
Common questions
How is custom ERP development priced?
How long does ERP development take?
Why build custom ERP instead of using SAP or Oracle?
Can the ERP integrate with our accounting software?
How do you handle data migration to the new ERP?
Is the ERP accessible on mobile devices?
Talk to us about ERP systems
Send a short brief and we will come back with questions, a rough approach and whether we are the right fit. No sales sequence.
Prefer email? info@elslabs.co.uk
Or message us on WhatsApp.