6 Qualities to Look for in a Good ERP System
Growing your business starts with providing infrastructures for it to be able to expand. One worthy investment is getting Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to ensure proper coordination within the company. This technology makes it easy to manage the different company operations and ensure that they are efficient and properly optimized.
If you are ready to take your business to the next level, there are a few things you should consider before installing an ERP system. You want to make sure that your investment will be worthwhile and a good fit for the particular needs of your company. While these requirements can vary depending on the organization, there are certain qualities that a good ERP system should have.
End-to-End Integration
What’s the point of having an ERP system if some business units are unable to use it? Every department performs a function that supports the rest of the enterprise, so even if it’s not a key process, it needs access to reliable data and the ability to easily coordinate with other departments. A good system should be able to integrate all the different units of your company. This helps to ensure a smooth flow of its various operations.
Additionally, the capability to support every department shows the comprehensive functionality of the ERP system. This means that it can work for many different applications and that you won’t need other software. This makes for a more cost-effective solution to your company’s needs.
Configurable for Updates
As your business continues to evolve, you’ll want to have an ERP system that will also grow with you. Being able to simply update the system to fit the new requirements allows for continued ease of use. This saves the company from needing to invest in a new system and employee training. Being able to use the same system also allows for consistency in the look and feel of the software’s user interface, which minimizes the risk of user error from needing to learn and adjust to a new system.
Modular Architecture
ERP systems may also require software updates to fix errors, add new features, or improve performance. This may cause some downtime with the software, which means it can’t be accessed while updates or repairs are ongoing. A good ERP system uses modular architecture, which separates the different software functionalities and allow them to operate independently. What this means for your business is that changes to certain elements of the software can be applied without affecting other business operations.
Real-Time Operating System
ERP systems are designed to collect and consolidate information from different processes, and its immediate availability to the rest of the enterprise is key to its efficiency and success. As such, it is crucial for your ERP system to be able to provide up-to-date information at all times. Aside from enabling you to make better business decisions, real-time updates also allow businesses to spot problems early on, so they can be corrected quickly.
Automated Functionalities
With the right information in place, a good ERP system can run a lot of essential business processes with minimal need for human input. It can be something as simple as placing an order for new materials when low stocks are detected or sending out billing statements so that they can be settled sooner. These automated functionalities improve efficiency and allow human resources to focus on higher-level tasks that bring more value to the business.
Connectivity to Other Systems
Apart from internal coordination, your company may also need to work with other businesses for sourcing raw materials and manpower. Proper documentation ensures that the requirements are correct and the various agreements are followed. To facilitate this process and minimize errors, a good ERP system should be able to connect with the ERP systems used by other companies.
Investing in software for your business is a necessary step for its growth and success. To make sure that you are choosing the right solution, consider your company’s particular needs as well as the basic qualities of a good ERP system.
ANSI offers quality business solutions that comply with best practices as well as industry standards. Use our contact page to start your next phase of business growth.
