The verdict in three sentences
Connecting an application to your ERP via API costs 15,000 to 50,000 EUR in 2026, the spread driven mostly by the ERP and the number of synced objects. An iPaaS (integration platform) avoids coding everything but adds 500 to 2,500 EUR/month of run cost. The gain is measured in eliminated double-entry hours and errors avoided, often more decisive than the project cost itself.
Cost by ERP and by approach
Not all ERPs expose data the same way. A modern ERP with a REST API connects quickly; an old SOAP or file-exchange system takes more work.
| ERP / system | Typical interface | 2026 integration budget (EUR) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sage 100 / Sage X3 | REST / file | 15,000 - 28,000 | 6-9 wks |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 | REST / OData | 20,000 - 38,000 | 7-10 wks |
| SAP Business One | REST (Service Layer) | 25,000 - 45,000 | 8-12 wks |
| SAP ECC / S4 | SOAP / IDoc | 35,000 - 50,000 | 10-12 wks |
| Homegrown / legacy ERP | file / direct DB | 18,000 - 40,000 | variable |
On top of that comes the plumbing choice: coding the integration directly (higher build, low run) or using an iPaaS (faster build, monthly subscription).
Real time or batch: don't pay for what you don't need
Many projects over-invest in real time when a batch sync would do. The right choice depends on the data freshness actually required.
| Criterion | Batch sync (nightly) | Real time (webhooks/API) |
|---|---|---|
| Data freshness | once/day | seconds |
| Development cost | -30 to -40 % | baseline |
| Typical use case | prices, catalogue, accounting | stock, order status |
| Operational complexity | low | medium to high |
| Indicative monthly run | 500 - 1,200 EUR | 1,200 - 2,500 EUR |
Mini case study
Nadia, IT manager of a building-materials trader (SAP Business One, 22 users), has her sales portal connected to the ERP for 32,000 EUR via an iPaaS at 1,100 EUR/month. Before, two people re-keyed orders and stock updates: about 120 h/month combined. The sync removes 85 % of that double entry, i.e. 102 h/month freed. At 27 EUR/h loaded, that is 2,750 EUR/month saved, not counting stockouts avoided. The build investment pays back in about 12 months, the run comfortably covered by the time saved.
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iPaaS or custom development: which to choose?
An iPaaS speeds up the build and eases maintenance of standard connectors, at the cost of a subscription. Custom costs more to build but avoids the monthly run: worthwhile beyond 3-4 years or for very specific flows.
How long for an ERP integration?
From 6 to 12 weeks depending on the ERP and number of objects. The longest phase is data mapping and error handling (duplicates, missing references), not plugging in the API.
What are the watch points?
Error handling and retries (what happens if the ERP is down?), idempotency to avoid duplicates, and API quotas. A project with no error strategy breeds mistrust at the first outage.
Can we start with a single flow?
Yes, and it is recommended: start with orders or stock, validate reliability, then extend to prices and accounting. This lowers risk and spreads the budget.
Is real time always necessary?
No. For prices and catalogue, a nightly sync is enough. Real time is justified for stock and order status, where stale data costs a sale or a dispute.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your ERP, the objects to sync (orders, stock, prices, customers) and the freshness required: we will cost build and run, budget 15,000-50,000 EUR. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
