📘 Playbook · Decision guide
ERP, CRM or BI first?
Clear decision tree to know which enterprise system to implement first. Includes examples per industry and typical investment ranges.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Who is this for
If you identify with any of these profiles, this is for you.
CEO evaluating first tech investment
You were recommended 3 different things and do not know who to believe.
COO with approved budget
You have the money but not the order to spend it for maximum impact.
Consultant / advisor
You advise clients and want a framework to defend your recommendations.
What you'll learn
Key takeaways.
- Decide between ERP, CRM or BI according to YOUR specific situation
- Avoid mistake #1: buying the system a friend recommends, not the one you need
- Estimate realistic investment in each category (not the inflated figures providers give)
- Identify the error of implementing everything at once
- Have criteria to validate consultancy proposals
Table of contents
Exactly what's inside.
Decision tree in 3 questions
Your pain / business model / strategic priority
Summary table by case
5 typical situations → system → time → expected ROI
Industry recommendations
Retail, Logistics, Fintech, Legal, Manufacturing, B2B SaaS
Common mistakes to avoid
4 mistakes that kill projects before starting
Investment ranges by size
SME, Mid-market, Large for ERP/CRM/BI/MA
Recommended next step
How to validate the specific recommendation for YOUR company
💡 Why we built this
The story behind the resource.
"We saw a retail company spend $500K on SAP when they needed a $25K Odoo. The wrong first system choice costs more than the investment itself."
— COBIZ Team
How to use it
It's not just downloading. It's using it well.
1. Answer the 3 questions honestly
Not "what you would like" — what is.
2. Cross-reference your industry
If the 3 questions say "ERP" but your industry is professional services, check the specific section.
3. Validate the budget
Compare ranges with what you have available.
4. Get a second opinion
With your preliminary decision, validate with 2 consultants.
⚡ After this resource
Want to go from "generic framework" to diagnostic of your company?
This resource gives you the framework. COBIZ Analyst gives you the real diagnostic of YOUR company with an executive dossier in 24 hours. From $24.99 USD.
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