What is ERP? A Plain-English Guide for Kenyan Businesses

ERP definition

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is software that connects core business processes — sales, stock, purchasing, billing, and finance — in one system of record.

For a Nairobi retailer, ERP means every POS sale updates inventory and financial records automatically instead of re-keying into Excel.

ERP vs spreadsheets

Spreadsheets break when multiple people edit stock, when branches multiply, or when KRA audits require traceable invoices. ERP enforces workflows and leaves audit trails.