---
title: "ERP"
description: "What is ERP? Enterprise resource planning software runs sales, purchasing, stock and accounting on one shared database. Learn what it does, with an example."
url: https://1flux.ai/glossary/erp
last_updated: 2026-10-11
---

[ERP and platform](https://1flux.ai/glossary#erp-and-platform)

# ERP

What is ERP, and how is it different from running each team on its own spreadsheet?

Glossary Updated 11 October 2026

Definition

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is business software that runs core operations, such as sales, purchasing, inventory and accounting, on one shared database so every department works from the same records.

## What is ERP used for?

Without an ERP, each team keeps its own system or spreadsheet, and someone re-keys data between them: an order typed into the sales sheet, again into the warehouse list and again into the accounts. An ERP connects those steps, so a document created by one team is the starting point for the next, and transactions update the books as they happen.

ERPs range from large suites for multinationals to lighter systems for small and mid-sized companies, and many now run as [cloud ERP](https://1flux.ai/glossary/cloud-erp) in a browser.

Example: a distributor’s quotation becomes a sales order, a delivery note and then an invoice without anyone retyping it. See [9 signs your trading business has outgrown Excel](https://1flux.ai/blog/signs-you-have-outgrown-excel).

In 1flux

1flux is the AI-native ERP for B2B trade, with three apps (CRM, Inventory and Accounting) on one login and one data model, from PO to paid in one flow. Today, Import PO with AI turns a customer’s PO into a draft quotation. [Explore the platform](https://1flux.ai/platform)

1. Three apps, one login

   - CRM Customers, deals, quotations, sales orders
   - Inventory Stock, purchasing, receiving, warehouse
   - Accounting Books per entity, posting, receivables

2. One shared layer

   - One data model Tasks, calendar, approvals, workflows, permissions

Three apps on one platform: CRM, Inventory and Accounting share one data model and one set of permissions.

Related

## Keep exploring

### [Cloud ERP](https://1flux.ai/glossary/cloud-erp)

ERP software hosted by the vendor and used in a browser.

### [CRM](https://1flux.ai/glossary/crm)

Software for managing customers, contacts, deals and sales activity.

### [Multi-entity](https://1flux.ai/glossary/multi-entity)

One system running several legal companies, each with its own books.

### [ERP buyer's guide](https://1flux.ai/guides/erp-buyers-guide-gcc)

How to choose an ERP: requirements, vendor questions, demo scripts, five-year cost and a scoring table.

Last updated 11 October 2026