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Best ERP Software for SMEs in India (2025 Edition)
Best ERP Software for SMEs in India (2025 Edition)

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India are increasingly recognizing the importance of digital tools for growth. One of the most critical tools among them is ERP software – a solution that centralizes operations, automates processes, and offers real-time visibility across departments.
But with dozens of ERP solutions in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To make your decision easier, we’ve curated a list of the best ERP software for Indian SMEs in 2025, starting with a powerful homegrown solution: Vision ERP.
Why SMEs Need ERP Software in 2025

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is no longer just for large enterprises. Today’s SMEs need to manage increasing complexity from inventory and compliance to multi-location operations and customer expectations. Here’s how ERP helps:
Real-time business insights
Automation of repetitive tasks
Smarter inventory control
Scalable infrastructure for growth
Better compliance and audit readiness
With cloud-based and AI-powered ERP systems becoming more affordable, SMEs now have access to enterprise-level tools at SME-level costs.
Vision ERP by Proteus
Vision ERP is a robust, AI-powered ERP solution designed specifically for Indian SMEs. Built by Proteus Technologies, this cloud-native software caters to diverse industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing, engineering, FMCG, and textiles.
Standout Features:
AI-driven automation and predictive insights
Fast implementation (go live in days)
User-friendly, mobile-accessible interface
Industry-specific modules for faster onboarding
Real-time dashboards and reporting

Zoho One (Zoho ERP)
Zoho One offers a comprehensive suite of cloud applications that functions as an ERP for startups and service-driven SMEs. It’s ideal for teams looking for quick deployment and easy usability.
Key Benefits:
Budget-friendly
Cloud-based and mobile-ready
Strong CRM, HR, and finance integration

TallyPrime with Cloud Access
Tally has long been the go-to software for accounting in India. With the advent of Tally on Cloud, it has become a basic ERP alternative for SMEs focusing on inventory and financial management.
Why Consider It:
Easy transition for existing Tally users
Ideal for basic finance and stock control
Familiar and simple interface

SAP Business One
For SMEs that are scaling rapidly and require robust features, SAP Business One is a powerful ERP platform offering deep functionality and strong global support.
Strengths:
Advanced reporting and analytics
Strong integration ecosystem
Best suited for manufacturing and distribution businesses

ERPNext
ERPNext is an open-source ERP developed in India, ideal for companies that prefer flexibility and in-house customization.
Notable Features:
Modular structure with apps for CRM, HR, and Projects
Suitable for manufacturing, retail, and education sectors
Active open-source community for support
The best ERP solution for your business depends on your industry, budget, and how fast you want to scale. While global tools like SAP and Zoho offer depth and brand recognition, Indian solutions like Vision ERP stand out for their speed of implementation, localized features, and industry-specific flexibility.
As we move deeper into 2025, SMEs that adopt smart ERP systems will have a clear edge in efficiency, decision-making, and growth readiness.
June 20, 2025
SBI Projects Robust Loan Growth for FY25, Driven by SME and Corporate Lending, Expanded Deposits, and Strategic Network Expansion

SBI Projects Robust Loan Growth for FY25, Driven by SME and Corporate Lending, Expanded Deposits, and Strategic Network Expansion

The State Bank of India (SBI) is set to achieve above-average loan growth of 14-16% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) for FY25, significantly higher than the banking industry’s projected 13% growth. This surge will be largely fueled by the SME, agriculture, and corporate sectors, where SBI has a robust corporate credit pipeline estimated to grow from Rs 4 trillion to Rs 6 trillion.
In addition, SBI’s Xpress Credit, a real-time personal loan system for salaried customers, has regained momentum with high turnover rates and an average loan tenure of 14 months, further supporting growth. Complementing the credit push, SBI is focusing on deposit mobilization to sustain lending capacity, expecting deposit growth to surpass 10% Y-o-Y through expanded customer outreach and branch networks.
Recent reports by Nuvama Institutional Equities and Motilal Oswal indicate that SBI’s strategy will be bolstered by re-engaging business accounts, reducing reliance on government accounts, and prioritizing current accounts (CA) and savings accounts (SA). The bank recently reported a strong 28% Y-o-Y increase in Q2 net profit, primarily driven by non-interest income gains, though NIMs dipped 8 basis points due to rising funding costs. To stabilize margins, SBI plans to adjust MCLR loan rates, which represent 42% of its lending, cushioning NIMs at 3.3% moving forward.
This loan growth strategy positions SBI as a leader in SME and corporate financing while expanding its branch network to attract a broader customer base.

November 27, 2024
Rising Incomes and Digital Adoption Drive Growth in Rural India’s FMCG Market

Rising Incomes and Digital Adoption Drive Growth in Rural India’s FMCG Market

Rural India’s FMCG market is experiencing a transformative shift, with the average basket size growing by 60% over the last two years, as noted by a recent Group M and Kantar report. This increase from 5.88 in 2022 to 9.3 in 2024 is largely attributed to rising incomes and the popularity of convenience products like ready-to-eat foods and beverages. The Rural Barometer report emphasizes the significance of diverse income sources, as 81% of rural consumers have multiple revenue streams, contributing to greater financial stability and larger FMCG baskets. In contrast, those relying solely on agricultural income—19% of the population—face higher financial stress, with 82% expressing concern about their financial situation.
Geographically, states like Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Odisha have seen moderate growth in basket sizes despite fewer financial challenges. Media consumption habits in rural areas are also shifting, with 47% of the population now using a hybrid model that combines traditional and digital media. The trend is particularly noticeable in areas with stronger digital infrastructure, though states like Bihar and Jharkhand remain less connected.
Ajay Mehta, Managing Director of GroupM OOH Solutions in India, highlights rural India as a “digital frontier ripe with opportunities,” as online engagement grows in areas like payments, e-commerce, gaming, and lifestyle content. The report reveals that 42% of rural internet users engage in digital payments, and 23% in e-commerce, showcasing rising digital and financial inclusion.
To leverage this momentum, brands are encouraged to use hybrid media strategies that combine traditional outreach with digital channels, meeting rural consumers where they are. The growing interest in lifestyle content reflects changing aspirations and presents an ideal opportunity for brands to connect with rural India’s evolving preferences.

November 12, 2024
Festive Season Boosts Indian Auto Sector with Strong Growth in Two-Wheelers and Mopeds, Signs of Recovery in Passenger Vehicles

Festive Season Boosts Indian Auto Sector with Strong Growth in Two-Wheelers and Mopeds, Signs of Recovery in Passenger Vehicles

The festive season in India has provided a significant boost to the auto sector, with various segments showing promising growth in sales during the second week of the festive period (October 10-October 16). According to a report by BNP Paribas India, two-wheelers (2Ws) registered mid-single-digit growth compared to the same period last year, while mopeds experienced a notable double-digit increase. Although passenger vehicle (PV) sales declined, the drop was smaller compared to previous weeks, indicating signs of recovery.
Three-wheeler (3W) registrations saw a minor decline in low single digits, while tractor sales fell by mid-double digits. However, the week-over-week improvement in sales across various segments was better than historical averages, suggesting a strong recovery trend. If the current momentum continues, year-on-year (YoY) growth during this year’s festive season is expected to reach 13% for 2Ws, 19% for mopeds, 6% for PVs, 15% for 3Ws, and a decline of 6% for tractors.
The report also highlighted a moderation in e-commerce sales growth, which rose by mid-single digits in the second week, down from the 49% growth seen in the first week. This suggests that urban markets may be stabilizing after the initial surge in online festive shopping.
In the broader context of FY25, two-wheelers experienced strong double-digit growth in the second quarter, and three-wheelers grew by high single digits. However, the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reported mixed results in terms of revenue and margins for the July-September period, with two-wheelers outperforming other segments. In September 2023, domestic PV sales were slightly down compared to the same month last year, standing at 3,15,689 units, according to SIAM data.
Overall, the festive season is proving to be a key driver for the Indian auto sector, particularly for two-wheelers and mopeds, as demand continues to recover.

October 21, 2024
India’s tea exports up over 23% in January-July period

India’s tea exports up over 23% in January-July period

India’s tea exports saw significant growth in the January-July 2024 period, with a 23.79% increase year-on-year. The Tea Board of India reported that the country exported 144.50 million kilograms of tea, up from 116.73 million kilograms during the same period in 2023. This 27.77 million kg rise reflects positive momentum in the export market, even though the average price per kilogram slightly declined to Rs 256.37, compared to Rs 264.96 in the previous year.
The Indian government’s Commerce Ministry has approved a Rs 664.09 crore scheme for the development and promotion of the tea industry. The funds, allocated for the 2023-2026 period, will focus on plantation development, quality improvement, market support, technical research, and welfare measures under the Tea Development and Promotion Scheme.
Despite this export success, India’s tea industry faces ongoing challenges, including sluggish domestic consumption growth, rising food inflation, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exports. As the second-largest tea producer globally, with an output of about 1,350 million kilograms annually, India remains a leading black tea producer, meeting both domestic needs and export demands. The country is the fourth-largest tea exporter, consuming about 18% of the world’s tea production.

October 11, 2024
Recordent Launches Zoho Books Connector to Streamline AR Management for SMEs

Recordent Launches Zoho Books Connector to Streamline AR Management for SMEs

Recordent, a leading accounts receivable (AR) automation platform in India, has launched a Zoho Books Connector, aimed at enhancing AR management for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This integration allows businesses using Zoho Books, a popular accounting ERP platform, to benefit from Recordent’s advanced AR tools, improving cash flow management and collections processes.
Building on the success of its Tally plug-in, the Zoho Books Connector enables real-time data synchronization of invoices, payments, and customer details, minimizing manual errors and providing automated payment reminders. The integration also supports better credit risk management, helping businesses assess customer creditworthiness and take proactive steps, such as issuing legal notices for delayed payments.
This integration aligns with Recordent’s mission to equip SMEs with innovative financial tools, fostering resilience and enabling sustainable growth in a competitive environment. Through this connector, SMEs can streamline their financial workflows, improve collection efficiency, and gain comprehensive visibility over their receivables, ensuring stronger financial health and operational success.

October 9, 2024
Subam Papers Debuts on BSE SME with 6.6% Discount Amid Ongoing Expansion and Sustainability Focus

Subam Papers Debuts on BSE SME with 6.6% Discount Amid Ongoing Expansion and Sustainability Focus

Subam Papers made its stock market debut on the BSE SME platform with a 6.6% discount, listing at ₹142 compared to the issue price of ₹152. This debut comes as the company continues its expansion in the manufacturing of Kraft Paper and Duplex Board. The initial stock performance indicates market caution, despite the company’s positive growth trajectory.
Subam Papers, founded in 2004, started with paper cones and later expanded to Kraft paper and Duplex board production. Notably, the company emphasizes sustainability, using wastepaper as the primary raw material, avoiding wood pulp, and operating on renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. With two windmills totaling 1.7 MW and a 14 MW solar plant, Subam Papers significantly reduces its environmental footprint, aligning its operations with eco-friendly practices.
In FY 2023-24, Subam Papers had an installed capacity of 300 metric tons per day (MTPD) for Kraft paper and 140 MTPD for Duplex board, reaching 93,081 tons and 43,963 tons in utilization, respectively. The company is currently expanding its capacity and aims to exceed 1,000 MTPD by Q4 FY 2024-25.
For the fiscal year ending March 2024, Subam Papers reported total revenues of ₹497 crore and a net profit of ₹33.44 crore. The funds raised from the public offering will be directed toward investment in its subsidiary, financing capital expenditures, and covering general corporate purposes.

October 8, 2024
Samsung Electronics Workers’ Strike Enters Fourth Week, Posing Challenge to India’s Manufacturing Hub Ambitions

Samsung Electronics Workers’ Strike Enters Fourth Week, Posing Challenge to India’s Manufacturing Hub Ambitions

India’s efforts to position itself as a major manufacturing hub, an alternative to China, are facing a significant setback as over 1,000 workers at Samsung Electronics’ home appliances plant in Tamil Nadu continue their strike, now entering its fourth week. The workers have been protesting since September 9, demanding higher wages, union recognition, and adherence to an eight-hour workday. The factory, located in Chennai, accounts for nearly 20% of Samsung’s annual revenue in India, which stood at $12 billion for 2022-23.
On October 3, local police detained 912 workers and union members during a street protest. They were released later, but the authorities have filed cases against them under eight different sections. The strike is primarily led by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), with its state president, Soundarrajan, criticizing the Tamil Nadu government for failing to support the workers despite pre-election promises.
Samsung, in a statement, emphasized that the average salary of full-time workers at the plant is nearly double that of similar workers in the region. It also indicated a willingness to engage in discussions to resolve the dispute. However, the company has labeled the strike illegal and taken legal action against CITU members, warning workers that they risk losing their jobs if they continue the protest.
Workers’ Demands and Union Recognition
The striking workers, who earn an average of Rs 25,000 ($300) per month, are demanding a wage increase to Rs 36,000 over the next three years. Central to their demands is the recognition of the newly formed Samsung India Labour Welfare Union (SILWU), which workers believe is essential for negotiating better wages and working conditions.
CITU has joined the protests in solidarity, with union leaders voicing frustration over delays in recognizing SILWU. Police actions, including the detention of 120 employees and a CITU district secretary on September 16, have further escalated tensions. There are concerns that protests could expand across the state if demands are not met.
Impact on Tamil Nadu’s Investment Drive
The unrest at Samsung’s Chennai plant could undermine Tamil Nadu’s image as a preferred investment destination. The state has been working to attract high-profile investments, with recent developments such as Ford Motor’s plan to re-enter the Indian market by repurposing its Chennai plant for exports. Additionally, Tata Motors recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new manufacturing facility in Ranipet, set to produce next-generation vehicles for both Tata and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Tata Motors plans to invest Rs 9,000 crore in this facility, which is expected to have an annual production capacity of over 250,000 vehicles.
However, disruptions at other key facilities, like Tata Electronics’ plant in Hosur, where a fire has temporarily halted production, further highlight the challenges facing Tamil Nadu’s industrial ambitions.
Potential Long-term Consequences
The ongoing strike at Samsung’s Chennai plant underscores broader concerns about labor relations and industrial unrest in India, especially at a time when the country is trying to establish itself as a global manufacturing hub. If the dispute continues, it could not only affect Samsung’s operations but also deter potential investors who are considering Tamil Nadu as a destination for setting up manufacturing units.
The outcome of the strike will likely have broader implications for India’s manufacturing landscape, particularly as the government seeks to attract foreign investment and strengthen its position as a global production powerhouse.

October 4, 2024
Government Mulls ‘Made in India’ Label to Strengthen Global Brand Identity

Government Mulls ‘Made in India’ Label to Strengthen Global Brand Identity

The Indian government is exploring a proposal to introduce a ‘Made in India’ label to promote Indian products globally and create a distinct brand identity, similar to the successful branding of ‘Made in Japan’ or ‘Made in Switzerland,’ according to an official source. A high-level committee is currently reviewing the specifics of the potential scheme.
The goal is to establish a strong association between India and high-quality goods in the minds of global consumers. For instance, just as Switzerland is often linked to watches, chocolates, and banking systems, the aim is to associate India with excellence in certain sectors, such as textiles, where the country already has a strong foothold.
Government discussions are focusing on whether the scheme should target specific sectors, such as textiles, where India is already recognized for its strengths. The initiative will complement the existing efforts of the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), a trust set up by the Department of Commerce to promote awareness of Indian products and services in international markets.
Experts emphasize that consistent quality is essential to building a successful ‘Brand India.’ Ajay Srivastava, founder of the think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), suggested that India’s branding strategy should focus on promoting high-quality products, improving substandard offerings, and taking actions to enhance overall product reliability.
Drawing a parallel with China’s strategy, Srivastava explained how China built a reputation for contract manufacturing from 1990 to 2010 without aggressively branding itself. Only after achieving consistent product quality did China promote its own brands.
Srivastava proposed the creation of a unified ‘India Quality Product’ label to signal excellence and reliability. Manufacturers and exporters would need to meet specific standards to use this label, starting with sectors like garments, shoes, and handicrafts, before expanding to electronics and engineering products.
Ensuring product consistency and enforcing strict actions against substandard suppliers, as demonstrated by India’s pharmaceutical industry, is critical to protecting the reputation of Indian goods on the global stage.

October 3, 2024
India’s Manufacturing Sector Growth: 7% in Q1 Signals Further Potential

India’s Manufacturing Sector Growth: 7% in Q1 Signals Further Potential

India’s manufacturing sector experienced solid growth of 7% in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024-25, demonstrating its continued potential as a driver of economic expansion. Despite the country’s overall GDP growth slowing to 6.7%, down from 8.2% in the same period last year, the manufacturing sector remains a key pillar of development. This growth, though down 1.9% from the previous quarter, still represents a strong performance compared to the 5% recorded in Q1 last fiscal year.
The Narendra Modi-led government has consistently prioritized the development of the manufacturing sector as part of its broader strategy to transform India into a $5 trillion economy. With initiatives such as the “Make in India” campaign and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, the government aims to boost investment, create jobs, and increase the sector’s contribution to GDP.
Initiatives to Boost Manufacturing
India has long recognized the importance of the manufacturing sector in driving economic growth. The government’s focus on developing this sector began with cluster development in 1998 and has continued through various initiatives, including the National Manufacturing Policy in 2011, the “Make in India” campaign in 2014, and the PLI scheme launched in 2020. Most recently, the announcement of 12 industrial smart cities in August 2024 demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to creating a robust manufacturing ecosystem.
These efforts have attracted high-profile investments in sectors such as electronics, chip manufacturing, and battery production, although the pace of investment remains slow. Employment in the manufacturing sector saw a significant 7.5% increase in 2022-23, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Future Outlook and Challenges
Despite the government’s efforts, the manufacturing sector faces significant challenges. The Colliers report projects that India’s manufacturing market could reach $1 trillion by 2025-26, though this ambitious target may be difficult to achieve given the current contribution of $0.46 trillion. Additionally, the sector’s share of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) has declined to 14.27% in FY 2023-24, down from the government’s target of 25%.
The sector also faces volatile growth, with factors such as rising input costs, elevated freight charges, and disruptions in supply chains squeezing profitability. Domestic and foreign demand remain weak, with domestic demand growing by just 4.03% in FY 2023-24 and exports increasing by only 2.63%.
Policy Recommendations
To unlock the full potential of India’s manufacturing sector, the government must focus on stimulating demand, simplifying labor laws, rationalizing GST rates, and supporting MSMEs. The 15% tax initiative for new manufacturing companies has shown promise and should be extended, while the PLI scheme implementation needs to be streamlined to encourage more investment.
By addressing these challenges and continuing its focus on manufacturing, India can strengthen its position as a global manufacturing powerhouse and make significant strides toward becoming a $5 trillion economy.

October 3, 2024