I did an ERP implementation for manufacturing years ago, it was such a nightmare.

I imagine a good approach that would solve some of my reservations would be a strict core ledger, especially as it relates to inventory and finance related transactions, but then relatively flexible around the specific product domain (we did craft beer, which in the end was a nightmare to map to the ERP processes)

Flexible where it matters, strict where it matters. Idk, but good luck!