Today, the winning approach is not to rely on a single massive software that does everything and claims to solve it all. The focus is on connecting the best of each area ("best of breed") and automating key workflows.
If you still have doubts about the need for an ERP, check out our article: "Is your company ready for an ERP... or does it really need one?”.
And if you want to understand why so many ERP projects go wrong, you should read “Why do most ERP projects fail?”.
Beyond the ERP Myth: The Real Value of a Connected Company
Most companies are not ready and do NOT need an ERP. Recent studies show that 30% of companies attempting large-scale ERP migrations end up returning to a more modular or hybrid architecture after 2 years.
Why?
- Because flexibility, rapid adaptation, and specialization in each area weigh more than the promise of an “all-in-one” unified system.
Because modern integration (n8n, Zapier, Make) allows you to connect world-class applications tailored to your operations. You don't have to force your team to use something they really don't want; you can focus on choosing the best for each area and grow.
Real-life Story: “Best of Breed” Automation in Action
Imagine a retail company with these leading tools:
- Sales and customers: Salesforce CRM
- Online store: Shopify
- Billing and accounting: SIIGO
- Communications: Gmail and Slack
- Warranties and customer service: Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook, etc.
Do you think an ERP is enough to replace all these tools?
The answer today is NO. There are other automation platforms like n8n that allow you to integrate different technology platforms easily and manageably. Imagine the following:
- A customer makes a purchase on Shopify, n8n automatically creates the invoice in SIIGO and sends the receipt via Gmail.
- Each new contact in Salesforce triggers a personalized sequence of emails and follow-ups, connecting data between CRM, store, and accounting.
- If there is a return or complaint, n8n can notify the team on Slack and create a ticket in Zendesk, all automatically.
- When inventory runs out, Shopify can trigger an alert in SIIGO and send a purchase notification.
- Want to activate a sales or support channel on Whatsapp that notifies you or creates sales in your online store?
If you notice, here we are not changing the tools that the organization currently uses—the idea is to connect them, generate value, and grow quickly and in a controlled way. Without the "mess" that an ERP implementation can cause.
What advantages does this route have over traditional ERP?
- Scalability: Add or change applications as you grow, without having to redo your entire infrastructure.
- Controlled costs: Pay only for what you need; forget about unnecessary modules.
- Agility and autonomy: Each area can improve its technology stack without waiting for “the next ERP update.”
- Lower dependency: If a tool stops being useful, you replace it without paralyzing the whole company.
- Happier teams: They use the tools they already know and integrate them easily.
According to Panorama Consulting, 76% of companies that invest first in integration and automation achieve better results in customer experience and decision-making.
Do you want to know if your company is really ready for an ERP investment?
We invite you to take our executive self-assessment.
(It’s not automatic: an expert consultant will personally analyze your answers and send you a real and tailored report).
How to know where to start?
Don’t get carried away by trends or vendors selling “magic solutions.” The first step is to know your real level of digital maturity and see if your company would benefit more from integration and automation or if it’s truly ready for an ERP. Take the self-assessment for free and get a personalized report.
