See How Base Solves 90% of Challenges for Mid‑Size Companies
ERP implementation is a strategic decision…
Implementing an ERP system is a strategic decision that can entail enormous costs, lengthy project timelines, the need to reorganize teams, and the risk of technological debt if the architecture is poorly planned. Many e‑commerce companies—especially those with revenues in the range of 5-50 million PLN annually—face a dilemma: invest in a comprehensive ERP solution, or lean toward lighter, faster, more flexible tools that address specific operational needs.
…But in most cases, ERP isn’t necessary
Based on CREHLER’s experience, it’s clear: in the vast majority of mid‑size companies, a full ERP installation is not necessary to manage sales, inventory, and order processing effectively. Tools like BaseLinker, when properly implemented and integrated, can solve up to 90% of daily operational challenges without multimillion‑dollar budgets or months‑long projects.
When ERP is overkill—and BaseLinker is enough
Many owners and COOs associate ERP with order, integration, and scalability. The problem arises when ERP becomes a goal in itself instead of a tool supporting real business processes. Companies that need rapid channel integration, stock synchronization, automatic invoicing, marketplace connectivity or courier integrations can achieve that all through BaseLinker—without needing ERP.
BaseLinker centralizes order management across channels, automates document workflows, synchronizes stock and pricing between webstore, warehouse, and marketplaces. Its integrations with accounting software, courier services, and invoicing tools are not only ready-made but also configurable in minutes. Compared to an ERP rollout, the difference in cost, time, and flexibility is massive.
Avoid vendor lock‑in
A critical issue often overlooked in ERP debates is vendor dependency. ERP systems tend to lock you into their architecture, making changes difficult, requiring lengthy team training, and offering little flexibility when market needs shift. BaseLinker, focused on streamlining everyday operations, does not impose such limitations.
What processes can you handle in BaseLinker instead of ERP?
For companies not running production or needing multi-level BOMs, many ERP functions can be covered by BaseLinker modules: order management, invoicing, external warehouse integration, exporting accounting documents, and managing B2B customers directly from the sales panel.
Base also enables:
- CRM integration for customer relationship management
- Order segmentation by channel and status
- Automatic parcel creation and label generation
- Automation rules for sales and logistics workflows
- Full synchronization between store and marketplaces
All of this is accessible through a single admin panel, implementable in just a few days without large onboarding efforts—saving hundreds of work hours and significantly reducing operational errors.
When ERP still makes sense
That’s not to say ERP should be dismissed entirely. If your company requires complex production structures, operates multi-warehouse logistics, needs MRP precision, or requires holding-level financial reporting, ERP may become necessary. The difference is that such projects should be driven by need—not by vendor marketing.
ERP becomes indispensable when there’s a need to unite finance, HR, logistics, production, inventory, and project management in one place. But for most e‑commerce or distributor firms across multiple markets, such a heavyweight architecture is often excessive. BaseLinker with integrated BI, CRM, or WMS tools can provide a far more flexible and cost-effective foundation for scaling.
How we implement Base at CREHLER
Success isn’t about the tool itself, but how it’s configured. Our approach begins with real process analysis: how are orders handled? How do stock levels work? Where do errors occur? Which sales channels play what role? Only then do we design automations, integrations, and interfaces that genuinely streamline team workflows—rather than decorate process diagrams.
BaseLinker can scale—but only with thoughtful design. At CREHLER, we integrate it with Shopware, ERP systems, CRM, PIM, and BI tools to create full sales‑operational environments for growing companies. Our rollouts follow strict documentation standards, precise process testing, and the understanding that automation should simplify—not complicate—daily work.
Don’t need ERP? Just get the right implementation partner
A well-architected BaseLinker setup can outpace ERP in reaction speed, cost efficiency, and flexibility. For mid-size companies, operational excellence matters far more than the number of modules implemented.
If you’re considering ERP but think it might be overkill—pause and look at what you can achieve with BaseLinker. You may find it not only sufficient but optimal.
And if you want to see it in action—let’s talk. At CREHLER, we implement BaseLinker with measurable results: faster order handling, fewer errors, better predictability, and full operational control. You don’t need an ERP worth €100,000—what you need is technology that simply works.
