Knowledge Hub
Sharing insights & actionable advice


Please wait while we prepare your content...
“Thank you Bidvest team for your great service throughout 2024.”
- MTN
“Working with the Bidvest team is a real pleasure. We've thoroughly enjoyed partnering with a local provider for our business' WhatsApp profile - invoicing is simple and our templates are loaded and approved speedily. Prepaid24 would highly recommend Bidvest. Such a seamless process from setup to production!”
- Prepaid24
“We're incredibly grateful to the Bidvest Data Team who go above and beyond to support us with vital customer communication. Their commitment and innovation has kept us at the forefront of electronic customer engagement.”
- Sanlam Retail Mass
“Dear Bidvest team, Just wanted to take the time to say a very special thank you to TEAM BIDVEST. Everyone at OUP thanks all the people involved over the last few weeks and trust me, everyone in our organization now knows how much we can depend on Bidvest and we're all truly grateful for your efforts. Your responsiveness to our changing needs and requests is truly appreciated”
- Oxford
Explore the key differences between ERP and MRP systems. Understand functionalities, benefits, and how these systems can optimize operations for South African enterprises.
As enterprises in South Africa seek to optimize operations and scale effectively, understanding the distinctions between Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems is essential. Both systems may sound similar, yet they serve different purposes and are designed for different needs within a business. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the key differences between ERP and MRP systems, their functionalities, benefits, and how they can serve the unique operational requirements of large enterprises.
To fully understand their differences, it's crucial to define what ERP and MRP systems are:
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a comprehensive business management software that integrates various functions across an organization into one complete system to streamline processes and information across the enterprise. Common features of ERP include:
Material Requirements Planning (MRP) is a production planning, scheduling, and inventory control system used to manage manufacturing processes. MRP focuses specifically on what materials are needed, when they are required, and the appropriate levels to maintain for optimum production output. Its main functions include:
While MRP can be considered a subset of ERP, the systems differ significantly in their scope and focus. Here are the major differences:
ERP systems are broad and integrate multiple business processes, providing a comprehensive view of all operations. They are ideal for organizations that need integrated solutions across various departments.
MRP systems, on the other hand, concentrate specifically on manufacturing processes. They are ideal for companies focused on production and inventory efficiency.
ERPs focus on unifying data from various business functions to enhance overall efficiency and decision-making.
MRPs focus on the optimization of materials, ensuring manufacturers have what they need to meet production schedules without excessive inventory costs.
Implementing an ERP system is generally more complex due to its multi-faceted nature, requiring thorough planning and integration with various business processes.
MRP systems are often more straightforward to implement as they are focused on specific manufacturing outcomes.
ERPs are used across many departments, including finance, HR, and sales, making them integral for various teams.
MRPs are typically utilized by operations and production teams, focusing on manufacturers’ needs.
Both ERP and MRP systems offer unique advantages that can significantly improve business operations:
Selecting between ERP and MRP systems depends on your business goals, size, and operational needs. Consider the following questions:
Both ERP and MRP systems can serve essential functions within a South African enterprise, ultimately helping to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making. Understanding the key differences between these systems allows IT decision-makers and operational heads to make informed choices that align with their strategic goals and meet industry compliance, such as POPIA requirements. By carefully evaluating your enterprise's needs and considering the benefits of each system, you can confidently navigate your path to scalable success.
Get started today and see immediate results
“Thank you Bidvest team for your great service throughout 2024.”
- MTN
“Working with the Bidvest team is a real pleasure. We've thoroughly enjoyed partnering with a local provider for our business' WhatsApp profile - invoicing is simple and our templates are loaded and approved speedily. Prepaid24 would highly recommend Bidvest. Such a seamless process from setup to production!”
- Prepaid24
“We're incredibly grateful to the Bidvest Data Team who go above and beyond to support us with vital customer communication. Their commitment and innovation has kept us at the forefront of electronic customer engagement.”
- Sanlam Retail Mass
“Dear Bidvest team, Just wanted to take the time to say a very special thank you to TEAM BIDVEST. Everyone at OUP thanks all the people involved over the last few weeks and trust me, everyone in our organization now knows how much we can depend on Bidvest and we're all truly grateful for your efforts. Your responsiveness to our changing needs and requests is truly appreciated”
- Oxford
Discover our comprehensive solution features designed to transform your business communication experience

Bidvest Data manages and continuously expand our own API where our customers would integrate and utilize our omnichannel services. We also provide integration services as part of creating digital workflows where our customers have publicly exposed APIs providing access to internal data and services.

Supports electronic “card not present” payment integration to secure ecommerce payment gateways. This enables tracking and reconciliation of digital payments for the ease of the consumer, and improved collections for our customers.

Bidvest Data provides end to end complex WhatsApp for business solutions driven through API integrations. This includes all WhatsApp template sending, self help services, with view and request statements services, make payments, and chat to live agents.

Provides pre-defined menu driven structured conversation, generative AI with natural language processing, and seamless transition to live agent chat support for a unique customer experience across various messaging platforms.
Get answers to common questions about Api Integration