Investing in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is one of the most critical decisions a Bangladeshi business can make. But how much should you actually pay?
The Two Types of ERPs in Bangladesh
When navigating the software market in Dhaka, you will generally encounter two pricing models: Ready-Made (SaaS) ERPs and Custom ERPs.
1. Ready-Made / Monthly Subscription ERPs
These are pre-built systems that you "rent" on a monthly or yearly basis.
- Average Cost: 5,000 tk to 20,000 tk per month.
- Pros: Immediate setup, low initial cost.
- Cons: You don't own the software. If their servers go down, your business halts. More importantly, you must change your business workflow to match the software, rather than the software matching your business.
2. Custom-Built ERPs
These are systems developed specifically for your company's unique operational workflow.
- Small to Medium Business (SME) ERP: 2,00,000 tk – 4,00,000 tk. (Includes core HR, basic Accounts, and Inventory).
- Corporate / Mid-Market ERP: 4,00,000 tk – 8,00,000 tk. (Includes multi-branch syncing, advanced CRM, and NBR tax modules).
- Enterprise ERP: 10,00,000 tk+. (For massive supply chains, RMG sectors, or multi-national conglomerates).
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Before signing a contract, ask your software vendor about these hidden fees:
- Per-User Licenses: Does the price increase when you add your 11th employee to the system? Custom ERPs usually offer unlimited user licenses.
- Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC): Expect to pay 15% to 20% of the project cost annually for server hosting, bug fixes, and security updates.
- Data Migration: Moving your 10 years of Excel data into the new system often carries a separate data-entry fee.
Industry-Specific Pricing
Generic ERPs often fail because they lack industry nuance. An ERP for a Garments factory looks entirely different from an ERP for a Real Estate developer.
- Garments ERP: Requires deep Commercial LC management and production floor tracking.
- Real Estate ERP: Requires complex customer installment tracking and thikadar (contractor) billing modules.
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