AFAS vs Exact Online: Which Cloud ERP System Fits Your Business?
Introduction
Choosing the right ERP system is crucial for growing businesses. In the European region, AFAS Online and Exact Online are two leading cloud-based ERP platforms tailored to small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs). While both solutions offer powerful functionality for finance, HR, CRM, and logistics, they differ in pricing models, customization, and user experience.
AFAS Online vs Exact Online: Key Features Comparison
Let’s compare them across the key factors that matter to business owners and decision-makers. Here’s how they stack up across key business factors:
| Feature | AFAS Online | Exact Online |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Netherlands | Netherlands |
| Cloud-based | Fully Cloud | Fully Cloud |
| ERP Modules | Finance, HRM, CRM, Payroll, Projects, Logistics | Finance, CRM, Inventory, Projects, Manufacturing |
| DACH Support | Growing presence, localized templates | Strong presence via weclapp acquisition |
| Integration | Open API, REST, SSO, many prebuilt | API, Zapier, integrations with banks, CRM |
| Pricing | Fixed license + user fees | Modular pricing per function/user |
| Best For | HR-driven, all-in-one process automation | Finance, logistics, manufacturing-heavy SMBs |
1. Core Focus & Modules
AFAS Online
AFAS Online positions itself as a “total ERP” system with strong internal HRM, payroll, workflow automation, and employee self-service tools. Ideal for companies that want to digitize all back-office processes—especially HR and project-based workflows.
Popular modules:
- Payroll & HRM
- Project Management
- Financial Administration
- Procurement & Order Processing
- Employee Portal
Exact Online
Exact Online is more accounting and logistics-centric, with add-ons for manufacturing, inventory, project costing, and CRM. As a result, Exact Online ERP it’s ideal for SMEs looking to scale across sales, inventory, and finance without investing in HR or payroll.
Popular modules:
- Accounting & Bank Reconciliation
- CRM & Sales
- Inventory Management
- Manufacturing MRP
- Time Tracking
If your business is HR or service-driven, AFAS Online is more comprehensive. If it’s product-, sales-, or ERP inventory management -driven, Exact Online is a better fit.
2. Localization & DACH Compatibility
- AFAS Online is expanding into the DACH market, offering German language support, local tax templates, and DATEV exports—but it’s still newer to the region.
- Exact Online, through its acquisition of weclapp, has a stronger established DACH presence with German-speaking support, localized pricing, and tax compliance.
For DACH businesses, Exact Online currently offers stronger regional support.
3. Pricing Model
- AFAS Online uses a flat monthly license fee plus a per-user cost (e.g., base price + €20–€60/user/month depending on features). It’s transparent but upfront costs may be higher for small teams.
- Exact Online offers modular pricing, where you can start with just accounting or CRM and add manufacturing, ERP system inventory management, or time-tracking features as needed. Flexible, but total cost can increase with growth.
Choose AFAS Online for transparent fixed pricing. Choose Exact Online if you prefer to build gradually based on business needs.
4. Usability & Customization
- AFAS Online is highly customizable but has a steeper learning curve. Once configured, it provides powerful automation and workflows tailored to your business.
- Exact Online is more user-friendly out-of-the-box, especially for finance teams, but may require third-party tools for deep customization.
AFAS Online wins on automation and configuration. Exact Online wins on ease of use and quick setup.
5. Integration & Ecosystem
- AFAS Online has open REST APIs and integrates easily with other HR, CRM, or payroll systems. AFAS also provides built-in tools like its own HR portal.
- Exact Online connects with hundreds of tools—banks, CRMs, Shopify, WooCommerce, Power BI, and more—via APIs and Zapier.
Exact Online ERP wins if you’re looking for broad third-party app integration.
6. Ideal Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Option |
|---|---|
| HR-heavy companies | AFAS Online |
| Product/Inventory-focused | Exact Online |
| Multi-entity consolidation | Exact Online |
| Payroll-first workflows | AFAS Online |
| Scalable finance tools for growing SMBs | Exact Online |
| Custom internal workflows (onboarding, PTO) | AFAS Online |
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
| If You Want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| End-to-end HR, finance, and workflow automation | AFAS Online |
| Focused accounting and inventory with CRM & manufacturing | Exact Online |
| A user-friendly interface for finance & sales teams | Exact Online |
| Custom workflows and employee portal features | AFAS Online |
| Strong presence in Germany/Austria/Switzerland | Exact Online |
Conclusion
Both AFAS Online and Exact Online are powerful cloud-based ERP systems. Your choice should depend on your business priorities—whether that’s HR automation, financial control, logistics, or integrated CRM.
For businesses in the DACH region, Exact Online ERP currently has the edge in terms of local compliance and ecosystem maturity, while AFAS Online is rapidly gaining traction with its all-in-one automation approach.
Still undecided? Book a demo for both and compare how each one fits into your daily workflow.
