Best ERP for Xero users: OpsUI keeps Xero, adds operations
The best ERP for Xero users doesn't replace Xero. It pairs with it.
OpsUI is the modular ERP built to extend Xero for ANZ operators.
For 95% of ANZ businesses, the right answer to "should I replace Xero?" is no.
The right answer is "add an operations layer above Xero." OpsUI is that layer.
Here is how Xero + OpsUI works and when it's the right architecture.
Why most ANZ businesses keep Xero
Xero handles accounting brilliantly. Replacing it is expensive, risky, and rarely justified. The right architecture is:
1. Xero for accounting (NZ$70-200/month)
2. OpsUI for operations (modular, from NZ$299/month per module)
3. Other apps (payroll, ecommerce) integrated as needed
This pattern works because Xero handles accounting; the operations layer can scale without forcing accounting replacement.
When to replace Xero (rare)
Replace Xero only when:
- Multi-entity global consolidation needs (NetSuite OneWorld becomes the platform)
- Advanced revenue recognition for complex SaaS or subscription models
- Industry-specific compliance Xero can't handle
- Acquisition by parent running different accounting platform
For everything else: keep Xero, add OpsUI.
How OpsUI pairs with Xero
OpsUI ships bidirectional Xero sync via the Finance & Accounting module. The sync covers:
- Customers and contacts: master records stay in lockstep
- Items and inventory: stock movements flow both ways
- Invoices: generated on fulfilment, flow into Xero AR
- Bills: purchase orders and bills flow between systems
- Payment status: payment events update order status
- GST handling: NZ GST and AU GST/BAS handled natively
What lives in OpsUI vs Xero
Typical Xero + OpsUI division of responsibilities:
| Function | Xero | OpsUI |
|---|---|---|
| Chart of accounts | Yes | Read-only sync |
| Customer master | Bidirectional | Bidirectional |
| Vendor master | Bidirectional | Bidirectional |
| Sales invoices | Generated | Generated, syncs to Xero |
| Inventory tracking | Basic | Multi-warehouse, bin-level |
| Order management | No | Yes |
| Warehouse management | No | Yes |
| Shipping & carriers | No | Yes (first-party ANZ carriers) |
| CRM | No | Yes |
| Reporting | Basic | Operational + advanced |
| GST returns | Yes | Read-only |
| Payroll | Yes (Xero Payroll) | No |
OpsUI vs other Xero-attached options
Unleashed + Xero: Cleaner Xero workflow at entry tier. Lighter UI. Inventory-only scope.
Cin7 Core + Xero: Broader marketplace connectors. Light manufacturing. Heavier UI.
OpsUI + Xero: Modular ERP scope (Inventory + Orders + Warehouse + Shipping + CRM). NZ-built. First-party carriers. Per-module pricing.
Katana + Xero: Manufacturing-first inventory. For ANZ light manufacturers.
Cost comparison (10-user SMB with Xero)
- Xero alone: NZ$2,400/year (Standard plan)
- Xero + Unleashed Large: NZ$11,900/year
- Xero + Cin7 Core Pro: NZ$11,400/year
- Xero + OpsUI (Inventory + Orders + Shipping): NZ$16,800/year
- Xero + Katana Advanced: NZ$14,400/year
- NetSuite + Xero: NZ$120,000+/year (NetSuite typically replaces Xero rather than integrates)
OpsUI sits at the higher end of inventory-tier pricing but offers broader scope (warehouse, shipping, CRM modules included).
See also
For the vendor-neutral deep dive, see the OpsUI knowledge base Best ERP for Xero Users guide. For OpsUI Xero integration detail, see /integrations/xero and Is Xero an ERP?.
Frequently asked
Will adding OpsUI break my Xero workflow?
No. Xero continues handling accounting; OpsUI handles operations. Bidirectional sync keeps both systems in lockstep. Your bookkeeper and accountant continue using Xero exactly as before.
Can I add OpsUI modules gradually?
Yes. Start with one module (Inventory at NZ$399/month). Add Order Management, Warehouse, Shipping, CRM as the operation needs them.
Does OpsUI work with Xero Payroll?
Yes. Xero Payroll continues handling NZ payroll and Australian Single Touch Payroll. OpsUI doesn't replace payroll.
What happens if I outgrow Xero eventually?
Rare but possible. OpsUI can migrate to full ERP accounting modules if needed. For most ANZ businesses, Xero handles accounting indefinitely while OpsUI scales operations.
See how OpsUI approaches this differently.
No hidden fees. No six-month implementations. Just warehouse software that works.
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