What is ERP integration?
ERP integration is connecting other business and finance systems to the ERP so that data moves between them automatically: supplier invoices and payments from AP software, card transactions from spend platforms, journals from payroll, invoices from billing, and actuals out to planning tools. A good integration keeps master data such as suppliers, accounts and dimensions in step on both sides.
Also calledERP connectorERP syncledger integration
Compare the softwareBest general ledger software →All 14 ERP and general ledger vendors →
- Methods
- Native connector, iPaaS, custom API
- Key decision
- Which system owns master data
- Category
- ERP and general ledger
How ERP integrations work
There are three common approaches. Native connectors built by one of the two vendors map fields and sync on a schedule or in real time; they are quickest to set up but cover only what the vendor chose. Integration platforms, often called iPaaS, sit between systems and let teams build and monitor flows without much code. Custom integrations call each system's API directly and suit unusual needs, at the cost of maintenance. Whatever the method, finance teams care about the same points: which system owns each piece of master data, whether transactions post with the right accounts, dimensions, entity and tax, how errors are reported and retried, and whether the sync is one-way or two-way. NetSuite and Sage Intacct have large partner ecosystems; Aleph syncs ERP data with spreadsheets, and Maxima works as a layer over existing ERPs.
Common questions
What is a two-way sync?+
An integration where changes in either system update the other, such as a supplier added in AP software appearing in the ERP and vice versa. One-way syncs push data in only one direction and are simpler to control.
What is iPaaS?+
Integration platform as a service: software for building, running and monitoring connections between cloud applications, with pre-built connectors and mapping tools, so teams do not have to write and host custom code.
What usually goes wrong with ERP integrations?+
Mismatched master data, such as suppliers or accounts set up differently in each system, failed syncs nobody notices, and changes to one system's fields that break the mapping. Monitoring and clear ownership prevent most of it.
ERPs and tools built to integrate with them
NetSuiteCloud ERP for mid-market companies outgrowing basic accounting.Profile →
Sage IntacctMulti-entity cloud financials with dimensional reporting.Profile →
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business CentralCloud ERP for SMEs with tight Microsoft 365 integration.Profile →
AlephTwo-way sync between spreadsheets and source systems.Profile →
MaximaAI layer that sits above existing ERPs to automate close activities.Profile →
BILLAP and AR automation with approvals, payments and accounting sync.Profile →
RampCorporate cards, expenses and bill pay with savings insights.Profile →Part of Accountio’s accounting technology coverage · Glossary
