Unifying a company’s information systems, ERP is above all a software solution. Enterprise Resource Planning integrates the different functional components around a database. Complex, it requires time and skills, but its implementation ensures a palpable return on investment.
ERP or enterprise resource planning software
ERP programs were invented for the need of American businesses. The English acronym designates management software whose mission is to plan the resources of a company. Thanks to the implementation of this software solution, a company better coordinates its purchases. At the same time, she controls stocks, sales, but also production and customer relations.
ERP software aims above all to centralize information within a single database. It is organized into modules. The action of a department can thus be followed in other departments of the same company. A unified platform improves synergy. For example, if a seller concludes a contract with a customer, the operation is recorded in stock movements, but also in accounting, all in real time.
Good reasons to implement this software solution
Saving time is the main advantage of ERP software. Data is no longer manually entered into binders. Then, human resources are not engaged in multiple registrations. Data duplication can be done easily thanks to this integrated IT solution. Information is more secure with a more elaborate system than usual software. Errors or falsifications are much less frequent than with paper.
Before the arrival of ERP, large companies had to mobilize management controllers. They are responsible full-time for verifying procedures. Their mission was also to ensure that the recordings were made correctly. By automating certain tasks, companies become more profitable. Staff are freed from administrative formalities and can now concentrate on the core of their business. The overall performance is there.
The cost price of a centralized management platform
Unlike traditional management software, the deployment of an ERP requires the intervention of a specialist. The professionals ensure that the installations are done and the settings correctly executed. Implementation requires a review of the information system in place. Most of the time, development takes place in a test environment. Furthermore, the solutions provided must meet the requirements of the sector of activity.
Installing an ERP requires user training. Employees are trained over the medium term. All these details mean that an integrated management software package remains expensive. The price represents quite an investment. This requires the business manager wishing to adopt it to check whether the profits are commensurate with the expenses incurred. Then, users can always move towards a SaaS platform which remains more affordable.
Other details to know about ERP
An Enterprise Resource Planning program helps managers decide. It provides a dashboard summarizing financial, commercial and productive functions. At the same time, this centralization makes it possible to stay focused on the company’s objectives. There are many ERP solution publishers, but the best known software remains Netsuite, SAP and Holded.
Not to be confused with CRMs, ERPs do not only focus on customer relations. That said, both have similar goals, including adjusting marketing strategy. Specialized sites such as Petite-Entreprise.net provide more information on software solutions suitable for VSEs and SMEs.