Last Updated on Apr 14, 2020 by James W
An ERP (enterprise resource planning) system is a comprehensive, integral software suite designed to help your business make smart, optimal decisions in a fast-paced environment. This software gathers data, consolidates practices, automates processes, and eliminates human errors across your entire organisation. Many companies hesitate to take the leap due to the considerable investment involved in implementing, customizing and managing a suite. However, ERP software can be a critical factor in the success of a business of any size. Here are five reasons why integrating ERP into your business is a step that successful companies continue to make.
- Enhanced Customer Service
Picture yourself on the phone with an important client. You’ve prepared, but there are only so many tabs that you can open and papers that you can have available on your desk. They’re asking for specific figures on a purchase history with a supply cost unique to them, and you need to put them on hold to do some digging. The next client is looking for industry predictions based on numbers that you don’t have at your disposal, and you’re at a loss. The most reliable ERP software systems allow you to access the data that you need across platforms when you need it, allowing you to serve your clients quickly and accurately.
- Increased Security
State of the art permission settings allow you to limit each employee or departments’ access to what they need. Firewall-protected documentation secures your sensitive data while still allowing it to be accessed efficiently by those who need it. Additionally, ERP allows for quick identification of any new threats through proactive and preventative updates and certificates.
- Optimal Decision Making
ERP software has the data you need now—and the insights you’ll need to make decisions about the future. The comprehensive software allows you to forecast the needs of your clients based on market conditions, industry trends, and patterns tailored to each of your specific customers. It also gives you a comprehensive overview of how any operating change or process will influence your entire business—before you implement it.
- Regulatory Diligence
A comprehensive software suite allows you to keep up-to-date with all the latest compliance laws and guidelines in any industry. Secure and accurate financial record keeping allows complete visibility when needed without digging through months, or even years, of paperwork. In addition, if you are bringing in ingredients or parts from external suppliers, in the event of contamination or malfunction ERP will allow you to locate and track the source with ease.
- Ease of Use and Access
ERP allows you to easily integrate and automate processes from beginning to end. The software enables you to make business operations changes across multiple departments in one step based on data and predictions that you’ve gathered. It can even streamline processes to prevent users from being forced to complete repetitive tasks or comb through mountains of information. For example; rather than having an employee constantly parse and dig through data reports, ERP can generate exactly what you’re looking for in seconds. Additionally, ERP’s mobility will save time and trips to the office as you can access what you need from home, work, or a mobile phone.
Ultimately, ERP is a cost-cutting investment that provides incredible utility and value for a company of any size. By automating processes, reducing human error, securing paperless documentation, improving inventory tracking and prediction, enhancing on-the-spot decision making, and enhancing client relations, ERP is a tool that cannot be replicated by even the best employees. If you’re operating a medium-large sized business, the real question you need to ask yourself is; can you afford not to implement ERP?
