Compare
SimpleERP vs Busy: which fits a small business?
Busy is desktop accounting and inventory software popular with traders and distributors. SimpleERP runs billing, stock, books, CRM and payroll in the browser. Here is how to choose.
In short
SimpleERP is browser-based ERP for Indian small businesses with GST billing, stock by warehouse, purchase, accounting, CRM, HR and payroll on one ledger. Busy suits traders who want desktop accounting and inventory; SimpleERP suits teams that want everyone in one system.
Illustration of stock on hand by warehouse at average cost, with a low-stock row highlighted and a movement ledger.
What Busy is good at
Busy is desktop accounting and inventory software, popular with traders, wholesalers and distributors in India. For a trading business with an experienced operator at the desk, it is a familiar and capable choice.
- Built for trading businesses. Accounting and inventory together on the desktop.
- Familiar to traders and their accountants. Many have used it for years.
- Deep on stock for trade. Inventory is part of the core product, not an add-on.
- Good for a central desk. Works well when billing and books happen in one office.
Side by side
Where the fit breaks: the jobs, side by side
The same daily jobs, described as work rather than features. The Busy column says how businesses on Busy usually get each job done, which depends on the edition, add-ons and setup you choose.
| Job | In SimpleERP | Typical with Busy |
|---|---|---|
| Raise a GST invoice | Keyboard-first line editor; place of supply picks CGST and SGST or IGST | Desktop entry, usually by an operator at the office |
| Stock across warehouses | Stock by warehouse at weighted average cost, transfers and a movement ledger | A natural fit: inventory is a core part of the desktop product |
| Bill from the road or a second branch | Every screen works in a phone browser; each branch prints its own GSTIN and address | Depends on the edition, licences and remote access you set up |
| Leads and follow-ups | CRM pipeline and today's follow-ups on the same customer list | Usually handled outside the books, in a spreadsheet or chat |
| Payroll with PF, PT and TDS | Attendance and leave feed payslips that post to the same ledger | Depends on the edition and add-ons; many run payroll separately |
| Staff self-service | Employees see their attendance, leave, payslips and claims on a phone | Usually shared by the office on paper or chat |
| Receivables follow-up | Ageing by customer, statements and receipts allocated to invoices | A natural fit for trading-focused accounting |
| Get your data out | CSV export of every report, products, stock and the ledger; invoices print as A4 or PDF | Depends on the reports and export formats you use |
Verdict
Choose Busy if… choose SimpleERP if…
Both are sensible choices for different businesses. Here is the honest split.
Choose Busy if
- Your trading business runs from one office with an experienced operator
- Your accountant or partner already supports you on Busy
- You mainly need accounting and inventory, and little else
Choose SimpleERP if
- Your salespeople, store staff and accountant all need their own login and role, without counting seats
- You want CRM, HR and payroll on the same ledger as your invoices and stock
- You want to work from any browser or phone, with nothing to install
Honest limits
What SimpleERP does not do yet
Worth knowing before you switch.
- GST return filing: registers and the HSN summary export to CSV for whoever files your returns
- E-invoice IRN and e-way bill generation through the government APIs
- Batch, lot, serial or expiry tracking, and multi-currency
- Bank feeds: bank entries are recorded and reconciled by hand
- A direct import of another system's data file
Getting started
Moving from Busy to SimpleERP
Pick a cut-over date
There is no direct import of a Busy data file, so you start from opening balances on a chosen date. The first day of a month, or of a quarter, keeps the comparison clean.
Bring in products and opening stock
Import products by CSV with a dry run that shows every error before anything is written, including opening stock per warehouse.
Enter opening balances
Add customers and suppliers on screen, then use the opening balances wizard for what they owe you, what you owe them, and your bank and cash.
Run both for a month
Bill in SimpleERP and keep the old books open. Compare receivables, stock and the trial balance at month end, then set the lock date.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Is SimpleERP a Busy alternative for traders?
For many traders, yes. SimpleERP covers fast GST billing, stock by warehouse at average cost, party ledgers, receivables ageing and supplier bills, and adds CRM, HR and payroll on the same ledger in the browser. If one operator runs everything on a desktop, Busy may suit you better.
Can I bring my Busy stock and balances across?
Yes, by hand-off rather than a file import. Import products and opening stock per warehouse by CSV, add customers and suppliers on screen, and enter what is owed with the opening balances wizard. Run both systems for a month to compare stock and receivables.
Can my accountant keep working with me if I move from Busy?
Yes. Invite your accountant by phone or email with the Accountant role. They get journals, bank and cash registers, the trial balance, P&L, balance sheet, GST summary and the lock date, and can export any report or register to CSV for their own tools.
Does SimpleERP file GST returns?
No. SimpleERP prepares what filing needs: the sales and purchase registers for GSTR-1 and GSTR-2B checks and the HSN summary, all exportable to CSV. Filing itself stays with you or your accountant on the GST portal. E-invoice IRNs and e-way bills are not generated through the government APIs today.
Related
Keep reading
SimpleERP vs Tally
Desktop accounting your CA knows well, or one browser-based system for billing, stock, CRM, HR and payroll on one ledger.
Read moreSimpleERP vs Zoho Books
Cloud accounting inside a larger suite, or one ERP where inventory, manufacturing, HR and payroll share the same ledger.
Read moreMoving from Tally or Excel
Product import, opening balances, opening stock and a month of parallel running.
Read moreWholesale & distribution
Keyboard-first GST billing, stock across warehouses at average cost, party ledgers and receivables ageing.
Read more
Try SimpleERP next to Busy.
Seven days free, no card. Run both side by side and keep the one that fits.
Busy is a trademark of its owner. Details change; check their site for current features and pricing.