While bigger companies can afford integrated ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions from software companies such as SAP and Peoplesoft, most small businesses have to get by with cheaper, individual packages.

Mamut Enterprise E5 bridges that divide, giving small to medium-sized companies access to what can only be described as a complete small business ERP solution – at a remarkably affordable price.

The components that make up Mamut Enterprise E5 can be purchased individually, but opt for the E5 package and you get the lot. That means a full HMRC accredited accounting system, complete with stock control, purchasing and logistics management facilities.

It also means a similarly accredited payroll system, plus a timesheet application and human resource management tools. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is also included as standard, and you even get tools to create and run a basic ecommerce website.

As with larger ERP packages everything is integrated, with hundreds of management reports also built in to help keep track of what’s going on.

Extra add-ons can also be purchased with, for example, modules to support a helpdesk and call centre operations, and a business intelligence module to allow you to build your own reports. Plus, if you don’t want the burden of installing and running the software yourself, there’s the option of buying it as an online managed service instead.

That’s not to say that the Mamut software is difficult to install or use. The single-user version can be up and running on a Windows PC in a few minutes with the multi-user version equally straightforward.

Some of the modules require specialist knowledge, particularly the financial tools, but that’s normal with this type of application and otherwise it’s remarkably jargon-free.

Another benefit is the consistent interface and way of working applied th roughout, with a web-like overview screen for each function, typically show ing an activity flowchart and associated links.

When we selected the sales function, for example, we got a flowchart showing products and quotations leading to orders then invoices, with other entries to organise product delivery, chase debtors and so on.

Similarly, the customer service flowchart has entries to manage projects, activities and contacts, while for accounting you get entries to take you from journal entry to year-end operations.

It’s equally suited to service companies as well as manufacturers and product suppliers. All the functions are interlinked, so no matter where you click the appropriate pop-up window will be displayed, often with a wizard to add, view and process the associated data in more detail. You can also automate many of the follow-on tasks, plus there’s a built-in shared calendar as well as integration with Outlook and other Office applications.

On the downside, the Mamut software lacks some of the advanced features found in more specialist packages. However, we found it to be very comprehensive, with plenty of scope for customisation.

Another slight worry is the amount of time required to learn how to get the best out of the package. But then it is designed to be used as a primary business tool, and if you’re using it all the time it won’t take that long to become an expert.