Guides
Guides for running a small business on one system
Straight answers on ERP, GST, stock and payroll, each with a worked example from one fictional business so the numbers add up.
In short
SimpleERP's guides explain ERP software, GST invoices, stock valuation, payroll and multi-branch accounting for Indian small businesses in plain words. Each one uses worked examples and shows where SimpleERP does the work for you.
Choosing and starting an ERP
What an ERP is, whether you need one, how to pick one and how to move in.
7 min read
What is ERP software?
A plain explanation of ERP software for small businesses: the modules, how one invoice flows through them and when you need one.
Read the guide6 min read
ERP vs accounting software
What accounting software does, what an ERP adds on top, and a checklist for deciding which one your business needs now.
Read the guide7 min read
How to choose an ERP
A step-by-step method and a checklist for choosing ERP software for a small Indian business, with a trial script you can run in an hour.
Read the guide6 min read
ERP implementation in 30 days
A 30-day plan to move a small business onto an ERP: switch date, masters, opening balances, a parallel run and the lock date.
Read the guide
GST, stock, payroll and branches explained
The rules and the arithmetic behind the documents you post every day.
7 min read
GST invoice format
The fields a GST tax invoice must carry, how place of supply picks CGST and SGST or IGST, HSN and SAC codes, and a worked invoice.
Read the guide6 min read
Weighted average cost
How weighted average cost values stock and cost of goods sold, with the formula, a worked example and how it compares with FIFO.
Read the guide7 min read
Salary structure in India
Basic, HRA, allowances, PF, professional tax and TDS explained as concepts, with a worked payslip and a loss-of-pay example.
Read the guide6 min read
Multi-branch accounting
How a small business keeps one set of books across branches: branch tagging, GSTINs by state, stock transfers, branch profit and shared costs.
Read the guide
How to choose
Start with the question you have today
Each guide stands on its own. These are the usual starting points.
- New to ERP? Start with what ERP software is, then ERP vs accounting software.
- Comparing products? Use the checklist and one-hour trial in how to choose an ERP.
- Ready to move? Follow the 30-day implementation plan.
- Checking a document? The GST invoice, weighted average and salary structure guides have worked examples to compare against.
FAQ
Questions, answered
Who are these guides for?
Owners, accountants and managers of Indian small businesses, usually five to fifty people, who want plain answers on ERP, GST, stock and payroll.
Are the GST and payroll guides legal or tax advice?
No. They explain widely known rules in plain words and link to official sources. Rules change, so confirm anything that affects your filings with your chartered accountant.
Why do all the examples use the same business?
Every example uses Lakshmi Steel Furnitures, a fictional Coimbatore business, so you can follow one invoice from GST to stock to the ledger and see the numbers agree across guides.
Where can I look up a single term?
The glossary defines 40 ERP, GST and accounting terms in a few lines each, with a link to the guide or feature page that goes deeper.
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