If you're in the market for enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, Oracle Cloud ERP and SAP ERP are two options you'll undoubtedly come across. Let's take a look at how the two stack up to each other.

SAP Has More History in the ERP Market

When many people think of ERP solutions, SAP is the brand that comes to mind first. SAP got established in the 1970s with the sole intention of being a main player in the ERP market. In contrast, Oracle's first ERP product arrived in 2012. 

Indeed, the two solutions we're covering here have some similar features. However, if people factor name recognition into their ERP choice, SAP typically has an advantage. Some individuals even think of SAP and ERP as synonymous. 

Oracle Cloud ERP Does Not Focus on Human Resource Features

Anyone wishing to learn more about Oracle Cloud ERP or SAP ERP can go to each product's respective website and learn about the main capabilities offered.  Oracle Cloud ERP describes areas of focus such as financials, project and risk management and procurement. However, it does not highlight a human resources (HR) component. 

Conversely, SAP ERP mentions a Core HR feature that can assist with things like measuring employee productivity and helping HR professionals stay on top of legal requirements associated with the workforce. If a company wants to make improvements in its HR efforts, SAP ERP could facilitate that goal. Oracle, on the other hand, turned its attention to things other than HR while developing this product. 

Both Products Have Numerous Financial-Related Perks

An ERP can help a business become more aware of financial trends related to it, so it's not surprising that both these solutions emphasize things to do with enterprise finance. For example, both products have accounting capabilities, plus they can help with cost management. 

SAP's offering explicitly calls out how it can assist with managing the global finance needs associated with more than 40 countries. Having that kind of resource could be particularly advantageous for a company that operates around the world and has plans to increase its global footprint.

Alternatively, Oracle Cloud ERP discusses analytics and visualization tools. Both of those could help a company track trends that may otherwise get missed.

SAP Offers Online Support That's More User-Friendly

Understanding how to get the most out of a particular ERP product won't happen overnight, especially if a company is investing in one for the first time. SAP and Oracle both have chat and telephone support features that people can use. However, SAP has the edge concerning online documentation about how to use the product. 

There are Support, Training and Community tabs across the top of the SAP ERP homepage, and people can use them to get quick assistance. Oracle has an ERP Learning Library, but it's comparatively more difficult to find specific information when using that section. There's a search bar across the top, but in general, the Oracle Cloud ERP support section is seemingly not as broad or prominent as what SAP publishes for ERP users. 

Both Products Highlight Automation

Many people who use ERP products hope to automate some of their most time-consuming tasks. Oracle Cloud ERP and SAP ERP both call out automation as something the products can do. However, the documentation at the product's websites does not go into detail about how easy it is to automate a process, or how many automation opportunities currently exist. 

How Can You Decide Which One's Best?

ERP software can be a substantial investment. Although this overview will help you understand some of the fundamental differences between SAP ERP and Oracle Cloud ERP, it's best to try both before committing to one. 

The good news is that both brands offer free trials. Before getting started with one of the programs, you may find it helpful to create a list of what features you need or want most in your ultimate choice. Then, it should be easier to figure out which one of these offerings most closely matches your expectations and could help your enterprise get set up for future success. 

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About the Author

Kayla Matthews is a tech-loving blogger who writes and edits ProductivityBytes.com. Follow her on Twitter @productibytes to read all of her latest posts!