Not All ERP Features Are Equal
ERP vendors love listing features. But for Indian businesses — especially retailers, wholesalers, and pharmacies — many of those features are irrelevant noise. What matters are the specific capabilities that solve your real problems: GST compliance, inventory control, and business visibility.
Here are the 10 features that every Indian business should verify before choosing an ERP.
✅ Pro Tip: During your ERP demo, ask to see each of these 10 features in action — not just on a slide. Verify they work the way the vendor claims.
The 10 Must-Have ERP Features
Feature 1: GST-Compliant Billing
The most fundamental requirement for any Indian business ERP. Every invoice must automatically calculate CGST, SGST, or IGST based on customer state, with proper HSN codes. Must support B2B, B2C, credit notes, and debit notes.
Feature 2: E-Invoice (IRN) Generation
If your turnover exceeds ₹5 crore (or will soon), e-invoice generation is mandatory. The ERP should integrate directly with the IRP portal and generate the IRN automatically with each qualifying invoice.
Feature 3: Real-Time Inventory Management
Stock must update the moment a sale or purchase is recorded. You should be able to check current stock of any item from your phone at any time — without calling the store.
Feature 4: GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B Reports
Monthly GST compliance requires both. GSTR-1 (detailed outward supply report) and GSTR-3B (summary with ITC) should be generated from the ERP with one click — ready to share with your CA or upload directly.
Feature 5: Party Ledger and Outstanding Management
Know exactly how much each customer owes you and for how many days. Age-wise outstanding reports (0–30, 31–60, 61–90, 90+ days) should be available for every customer and supplier.
Feature 6: Profit Reports by Product and Category
Not just total profit — profit by item, by category, by customer, and by branch. This data drives better purchasing, pricing, and business decisions.
Feature 7: Mobile App Access
In today's India, your ERP must work on your smartphone. Monitor daily sales, check stock, view outstanding, and approve orders from your phone — whether you're at the shop or not.
Feature 8: Barcode Billing Support
Barcode scanners speed up billing dramatically and eliminate item selection errors. Your ERP should support barcode scanning directly in the billing screen — USB and Bluetooth scanners both.
Feature 9: Multi-User Access with Role Permissions
Your cashier shouldn't see profit reports. Your owner shouldn't have to do data entry. Role-based access keeps sensitive data secure and lets each staff member see only what's relevant to their job.
Feature 10: Data Backup and Security
Cloud ERP should provide automatic daily backups with data encryption. Verify backup frequency, data retention period, and recovery process before signing up.
MILAAN ERP: All 10 Features, Built-In
GST Billing
Auto CGST/SGST/IGST, HSN, e-invoice IRN
Live Inventory
Real-time stock with every transaction
GSTR Reports
One-click GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B generation
Mobile App
Full access on Android and iOS — included free
See All 10 Features in One Demo!
Book a FREE MILAAN ERP demo and verify every feature on your checklist.