Overview

Choosing the right ERP is an important decision — especially when it needs to connect with platforms like Shopify. Both MYOB Exo and MYOB Acumatica are powerful ERP systems that deliver control and visibility across operations, finance, and inventory.

At CyberWorkshop, we integrate both ERPs with Shopify using our InSyncer app. Each system has unique strengths, and the right choice depends on your business model, growth plans, and technical environment.

Here’s how they compare.

1. Deployment and Connectivity

MYOB Exo was originally built as an on-premise ERP running on Microsoft SQL Server. Many businesses now host it in a private data centre or cloud service for remote access while maintaining full data control.

MYOB Acumatica is a true cloud platform. Delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and hosted on AWS in Australia, it runs entirely in the browser and requires no on-premise infrastructure.

Integration perspective:
MYOB Exo often requires custom API work to connect with Shopify, while Acumatica includes a modern REST API that simplifies integration through InSyncer.

2. Software Lifecycle and Modernisation

Exo is a well-established system that’s been refined over many years — stable, reliable, and flexible for complex operational workflows.

Acumatica represents MYOB’s next-generation ERP platform. It’s cloud-native, frequently updated, and designed for scalability, automation, and digital transformation.

Integration perspective:
Exo integrations extend existing business logic, while Acumatica integrations leverage its built-in API framework for deeper, real-time automation.

3. Licensing and Pricing Models

MYOB Exo follows a perpetual licensing model, where businesses purchase user licences and pay an Annual Licence Fee (ALF) for ongoing support and updates.

MYOB Acumatica is subscription-based, billed monthly based on functionality and user type (finance, sales, warehouse, etc.). This offers predictable costs and flexibility to scale as the business grows.

Integration perspective:
Acumatica includes API access as part of its subscription, simplifying integration costs and deployment.

4. Industry Fit and Typical Use Cases

MYOB Exo is widely used by importers, wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers. It’s strong in Job Costing and supports detailed inventory management.

MYOB Acumatica is popular with multi-entity, service-based, and cloud-forward organisations that need advanced reporting, multi-currency support, and deep integration with other SaaS tools.

Integration perspective:
Exo is ideal for inventory-based B2B merchants running on Shopify, while Acumatica suits companies managing multiple stores, brands, or regions.

5. Customisation and Integration Flexibility

Exo allows direct SQL database access for advanced customisation — including stored procedures, triggers, and custom fields. This offers flexibility but requires careful upgrade management.

Acumatica uses a modern API and configuration layer for extensibility without exposing the core database. It includes native automation tools and mobile access by default.

Integration perspective:
InSyncer for MYOB Exo relies on custom table mapping and data triggers, while InSyncer for Acumatica leverages Acumatica’s REST API for real-time product, pricing, and order sync.

6. Controls and Compliance

Exo supports flexible workflows suited to smaller or trust-based teams, allowing one user to perform multiple functions.

Acumatica includes approval workflows and user-based permissions that separate duties and ensure compliance with GAAP and IFRS standards — ideal for larger organisations or those requiring audit trails.

7. Financial Structure and Reporting

Acumatica excels at multi-company and multi-currency reporting. It provides real-time consolidated financials across entities, with the ability to drill down from reports to transactions.

Exo also supports multi-branch structures but typically requires configuration or add-ons for group consolidation.

Integration perspective:
Acumatica’s unified financial structure makes syncing data across multiple Shopify stores or entities more straightforward.

8. Accessibility and Connectivity

Exo can operate offline or on local networks, making it more resilient in areas with poor internet reliability.

Acumatica, being a cloud platform, requires consistent internet access — but offers real-time visibility across all business locations.

Summary

Choosing the Right ERP

Both platforms are strong choices within the MYOB ecosystem — it depends on where your business is heading.

• Choose MYOB Exo if you need deep operational control, custom SQL flexibility, and strong local data management.

• Choose MYOB Acumatica if you’re focused on cloud scalability, automation, and tighter integration with ecommerce platforms like Shopify.

At CyberWorkshop, we support both platforms through InSyncer — our Shopify app that connects MYOB ERPs with Shopify for unified B2B and B2C commerce.

Whether you’re optimising Exo or transitioning to Acumatica, we can help ensure your ERP and Shopify store work as one system.