Utility companies face unique challenges, from managing aging infrastructure and field crews to complying with strict regulatory requirements and delivering reliable service to thousands (or millions) of customers. To stay efficient and competitive, utility providers need more than just basic accounting software; they need a robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) system tailored to their operations.
ERP platforms can handle a business's day-to-day operations, from work orders to supply chain management to financial analysis. Our team can help you analyze ERP software options and then work with you to integrate your chosen platform with your existing website.
Based in Delaware, Inclind works with utility companies throughout the country to help them build smart, effective websites. We know that for any business or organization, a great website is just the start. We can offer advice and expert-level services to help you choose the best software to make your utility company run smarter and more efficiently, with AI-powered insights and more. If you’d like to know more about our website design, development, and support services for utility companies, reach out today to talk to our team.
What Is ERP?
Enterprise resource planning, or ERP, is a type of software that helps companies manage their business operations. ERP software can be used to handle day-to-day functions like procurement, supply chain logistics, risk management and compliance, project management, and accounting.
For utility companies, ERP software can help to optimize performance by minimizing inefficiencies, reducing costs, and centralizing operations. This is achieved through automating crucial functions and gathering and managing data from different departments. Ultimately, the goal of ERP software is to allow for improved business performance through greater efficiency and reduced costs.
A good ERP solution will include multiple key features, such as:
- Inventory management for materials, equipment, and supplies.
- Asset management for utility assets such as power lines, meters, and other infrastructure. ERP software can track the health of assets, review maintenance history, and schedule repairs and preventative maintenance.
- Integration with customer relationship management (CRM) software to provide more efficient customer support. Real-time analytics and technician management tools can also be used to improve customer service.
- Billing and account management to handle customer accounts, track payments, and manage billing cycles. With enhanced billing systems, companies can take advantage of faster and more accurate invoice processing.
- Regulatory compliance to make sure that utility companies are following all applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations.
- Business intelligence to analyze data to aid in decision-making.
- Work order management to handle orders for maintenance, repair, and installation.
For utility companies, a cloud ERP software is often the best choice. This is particularly true for companies where budget is a factor. However, certain utilities may require a higher level of security, which would make an on-premise ERP solution a better fit.
Best ERP Solutions for Utility Companies
VAI S2K Enterprise
VAI S2K Enterprise is an ERP platform that offers a range of features, including the ability to use the software across various locations, including internationally. It also has financial management, production management, materials management, sales order management, customer relationship management, and supply chain management features.
With VAI, you will get enterprise-wide software that is hosted in the cloud or on-premise. It is best for larger corporations, as the cost is $25,000 to $250,000, which includes a monthly fee of $175 per user per month.
VAI S2K Pros
- Tailored modules for distribution and manufacturing, which can benefit utilities with inventory-heavy operations.
- Strong IBM iSeries integration (for legacy infrastructure common in older utilities).
- Good for midsize utilities needing solid core ERP functions (finance, inventory, purchasing).
VAI S2K Cons
- Limited out-of-the-box utility industry functionality (e.g., meter-to-cash, outage response).
- Dated UI and less modern cloud capabilities compared to newer solutions.
- Smaller vendor ecosystem and fewer third-party integrations.
Oracle NetSuite
Oracle NetSuite ERP is a cloud solution that is powered by artificial intelligence (AI). It can be used across many different locations, including those outside of the United States. It has a host of core features, including financial management, production management, materials management, sales order management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management.
Oracle NetSuite cannot be used on-premise, so it may not be the best choice for utility companies where security issues may require this type of hosting. The cost includes an investment of $10,000 to $100,000, with a monthly subscription fee of $125 per user per month.
Oracle NetSuite Pros
- Fully cloud-native ERP with real-time dashboards and reporting.
- Strong financials, billing, and project management features - good for utilities managing capital projects or grants.
- Scalable for both small municipal utilities and large multi-site operations.
Oracle NetSuite Cons
- Heavy customization may be needed for industry-specific needs like asset performance management, regulatory tracking, or rate case management.
- Add-on costs and partner customization can significantly raise TCO.
- Limited native GIS or field workforce management integrations.
IFS Cloud
As the name implies, IFS Cloud is a cloud-based ERP solution. It is powered by AI, specifically, IFS.ai. With a single centralized platform, IFS Cloud is composable. This means that users can choose from both enterprise asset management and service management capabilities.
This software includes all of the standard features, including financial management, production management, materials management, sales order management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management. Pricing is available upon request.
IFS Cloud Pros
- Excellent asset management, service management, and field workforce features - strong fit for utilities with mobile crews.
- Strong industry coverage for energy, water, and telecom.
- Modern, composable cloud architecture that integrates well with IoT and SCADA systems.
IFS Cloud Cons
- Less name recognition in North America, which may impact local support.
- IFS Cloud can be complex and costly to implement fully.
- Steeper learning curve for internal IT teams unfamiliar with IFS.
Infor CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise
Infor CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise is an AI-powered, cloud-based software solution for the industrial sector. It includes a unique built-in process modeling tool that allows for quick implementation and user setup for companies. It typically costs $70,000 to $100,000 for the software, which includes a fee of $200 per user per month.
While Infor CloudSuite includes many of the standard features found in industrial ERP software, it notably does not include sales order management or supply chain management. If those features are critical to your utility company, then this may not be the best choice.
Infor CloudSuite Pros
- Built-in capabilities for asset-intensive and manufacturing-style operations - a good fit for municipal utilities or co-ops.
- Strong MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) tools.
- Integrates with Infor’s Birst BI platform for real-time analytics.
Infor CloudSuite Cons
- More manufacturing-focused than utility-focused; requires customization for core utility workflows (e.g., customer billing, load management).
- CloudSuite may not be ideal for complex rate structures or regulatory compliance needs.
- Implementation may require heavy consulting involvement.
Cetec ERP
Cetec ERP is an affordable, cloud-based ERP that prides itself on simplicity and ease of use. One of its big selling points is that it offers “tier 1” features at a significantly lower cost compared to many of the big ERP platforms.
It includes all of the features of most ERPs: financial management, production management, materials management, sales order management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management. However, the total cost is far lower, with a $50 per user per month cost. This puts the total cost in the $3,000 to $40,000 range, making it a better choice for smaller utility companies with a lower budget.
Cetec Pros
- Affordable and lightweight ERP for smaller utilities or contractors serving utilities.
- Cloud-based and relatively easy to deploy.
- Good basic modules for orders, inventory, and document control.
Cetec Cons
- Lacks advanced utility-specific capabilities (no field service, metering, outage tracking).
- Not well-suited for enterprise-scale utilities.
- Limited integration support for GIS, SCADA, or CIS systems.
Global Shop Solutions
Global Shop Solutions offers ERP software that is designed to simplify management, production, and financials. It includes all of the standard features of ERP software, including financial management, production management, materials management, sales order management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management. This fully integrated software includes all of the modules necessary to optimize business processes.
Global Shop Solutions includes both cloud and on-premise options. Pricing is available upon request.
Global Shop Solutions Pros
- Strong for inventory and asset tracking - applicable for utility departments with warehouses or depots.
- Good visibility into workflows and task management.
- Simplified cloud or on-premise options.
Global Shop Solutions Cons
- Primarily focused on discrete manufacturing, so not built for typical utility operations.
- Minimal support for regulatory reporting or customer lifecycle management.
- Limited scalability for large utility operations.
Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Dynamics is an AI-powered ERP software for businesses. It has elements of both CRM and ERP software, including financial management, production management, materials management, sales order management, supply chain management, and customer relationship management. It is a cloud-based product, with no option for hosting on-premise.
If you are already using Microsoft products, adding this ERP software might offer an easy way to integrate the platforms. It is priced at $175 per user per month, with a minimum fee to implement of $35,000.
Microsoft Dynamics Pros
- Highly flexible and widely supported across industries, including utilities.
- Strong integration with the Microsoft stack (Azure, Power BI, Office 365, Teams).
- Available industry templates and ISV solutions for field service, asset management, and billing.
Microsoft Dynamics Cons
- Requires third-party add-ons or partners to achieve full utility industry functionality.
- Licensing and module structure can get complex.
- Customization is often required for GIS or SCADA integration.
Sage X3 ERP
Sage X3 ERP offers both cloud and on-premise deployments. It offers options to streamline core processes and eliminate inefficiencies, with features that include all standard ERP options other than supply chain management.
It is priced at $75 per user per month, with a minimum fee to implement of $100,000. Given the cost, it is generally not suitable for smaller companies.
Sage X3 Pros
- Solid core ERP for mid-size organizations, with good finance, inventory, and procurement features.
- Flexible reporting and workflow automation.
- Quick to deploy relative to larger enterprise systems.
Sage X3 Cons
- No built-in support for key utility functions (e.g., metering, utility billing, regulatory tracking).
- Less extensible than competitors like NetSuite or Dynamics.
- Limited utility industry partner network or prebuilt integrations.
SAP S/4HANA
SAP S/4HANA is a cloud-based ERP platform that can be used out-of-the-box, without any lengthy implementation procedures. It offers a range of key features related to finance, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, sales, service, and asset management. It utilizes AI to analyze data and offer suggestions.
SAP S/4HANA does not have an on-premise option. Itis priced at $200 per user per month, with a minimum fee to implement of $75,000.
SAP S/4HANA Pros
- Gold standard for large utilities, especially in regulated industries (utilities, energy, infrastructure).
- Deep vertical modules for billing (SAP IS-U), asset management (EAM), and regulatory compliance.
- Enterprise-grade analytics and integration with GIS, SCADA, and smart grid systems.
SAP S/4HANA Cons
- Very high cost and complexity - best suited for large, well-resourced utilities.
- Lengthy implementation times (can exceed 18–24 months).
- Requires extensive partner or internal SAP expertise.
Work with Inclind for a Better Utility Company Website
ERP software is a must-have for utility companies of all sizes. While these platforms can be pricey, they often pay for themselves in terms of cost savings and increased efficiencies. A good ERP solution provides robust features that can be integrated with your existing CRM software, website, and other platforms.
Inclind offers a full range of web development and design services to utility companies. We help our clients build secure, compliant websites that are user-friendly and accessible. We also provide technical advice on software that can help our clients grow and thrive, and we can implement these platforms with your existing technology stack. Beyond website design and development, we can help with a host of other needs, including support and maintenance, site redesigns, custom integrations, and accessibility audits.
We're available if you’d like to learn more about our website development and custom integration services for utility companies. You can fill out our online contact form or call us at 800-604-8139 to talk to one of our experts about your website.