Let’s Be Honest: ERPs Don’t Have the Best Reputation
If you’ve worked in manufacturing for a while, chances are you’ve heard people groan when the topic of ERP systems comes up. For many small and medium-sized companies, ERPs feel like an unavoidable burden instead of a helpful tool.
We understand why. Many of us on the Nengatu team spent years working inside small manufacturers — from job shops with just a handful of employees to larger operations with a hundred or so people. We’ve seen firsthand how production engineers, designers, and shop floor teams struggle when their software is supposed to help, but instead slows them down.
And honestly? Traditional ERPs earned that reputation.
Why ERPs Feel Like More Trouble Than They’re Worth
When we ask small manufacturers about their ERP experiences, we hear the same frustrations again and again:
- Outdated technology, usually stuck on-premise
- High costs that grow with every new user
- Outdated, confusing interfaces that look like they belong in the 90s
- Complexity designed for big corporations, not small shops
- Customization costs that lock companies into outdated versions
It’s no wonder so many companies stick to spreadsheets or cobble together a handful of smaller apps for accounting, payroll, or scheduling. At least those feel manageable.
But the problem is that running a business across disconnected tools creates its own headaches: errors, duplicate data entry, lack of traceability, and no single source of truth when you need it most.
So the real question is: can ERP be done differently?
A Different Kind of ERP
At Nengatu, we believe ERPs don’t need to be painful. They should be simple to start with, affordable as you grow, and adaptable without creating long-term headaches.
We’re building an ERP for small and medium manufacturing companies that combines the reliability of a single system with the usability of modern software. Let’s break down how we’re addressing the problems most companies face with traditional systems.
Tackling the Biggest ERP Problems One by One
Outdated Technology, Mostly On-Premise
Traditional ERPs often require heavy local setup and expensive servers. For small companies, that’s an instant roadblock.
We’ve taken a different route. Our ERP runs as a desktop application, but all the data is stored in the cloud. That means you don’t need complicated local infrastructure — just register in our portal, download the app, and you’re up and running.
And because everything is built on an API, it opens up new possibilities. For example, if your engineering team uses SolidWorks, they can connect it directly to the ERP to update products without double entry. Or, if you have a highly configured product, you can build a simple custom tool that connects through the API to streamline order entry. This kind of flexibility is rarely available in traditional ERP systems.
High and Unpredictable Costs
Many ERPs charge per user. That sounds fine at first, but as your company grows, so does your bill. Even isolated apps like accounting or payroll software often charge per seat, which piles up quickly.
We’ve taken a more practical approach: simultaneous access. For example, if your company has 25 employees but only 5–10 need to use the system at the same time, you can purchase 10 accesses and share them across your team. Everyone has an account, but only 10 people can be logged in at once.
This model keeps costs predictable and makes scaling less painful.
Outdated Interfaces
Let’s face it: most ERP systems still look like they were built in the Windows 95 era. They’re form-heavy, cluttered, and built for data storage, not daily use.
At Nengatu, we approach design differently. We believe ERP should feel as approachable as the other modern software your team already uses. A cleaner, more intuitive interface makes training faster, reduces mistakes, and cuts down on the frustration that often comes with system adoption.
Complexity Built for the Wrong Audience
Another common issue is that ERPs were originally designed for large corporations, then “simplified” for smaller companies. But simplifying a system built for global supply chains doesn’t magically make it fit the daily realities of a 50-person fabrication shop.
Our ERP is built on the experience of working in small manufacturers day in and day out. We know what managers, engineers, and shop floor operators actually need to do their jobs — and we design for that.
Expensive Customization That Locks You In
With many ERPs, customization is a trap. You pay for expensive changes, but those changes isolate you from future updates. The next time the vendor releases a new version, your company is stuck: either pay again to redo all the customizations or stay on an outdated version.
We wanted to fix that cycle. When a customer requests a change, our team evaluates it. Depending on the case, we may:
- Add it to the core system (so everyone benefits)
- Make it an optional feature you can turn on in settings
- Explain why it’s not feasible and explore alternatives with you
This way, custom requests help make the system better for everyone without trapping companies in isolated versions. Over time, it creates a system that grows in the right direction, shaped by the real needs of small manufacturers.
What This Means for Small Manufacturers
When you put all these pieces together, the result is an ERP that feels completely different:
- Easier to get started with (no heavy IT setup)
- Affordable to scale (no runaway user costs)
- More approachable for teams (modern, clean interface)
- Built for the realities of small manufacturers
- Flexible without hidden traps
It’s not about replacing spreadsheets with another complicated system. It’s about giving small manufacturers a tool that supports the way they already work.
How to Take the Next Step
If you’ve been burned by ERP systems before, we understand the hesitation. But ERP doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Here’s how you can start exploring a different approach with us:
- Book a call — We’ll talk through your current setup and what challenges you’re facing.
- Get a free trial — Test the system with your team to see how it feels in practice.
- Make a plan — Together, we’ll build a path to move your operations onto a system designed for small manufacturers.
Ready to Rethink ERP?
ERPs don’t have to be complex or expensive. With the right design, they can become a tool that actually makes your daily work easier.
Book a call with us today and let’s explore how your company can finally get the ERP it deserves.