About ERP Software Can Revolutionize Your Business.
An ERP system integrates all functions of an organization, regardless of business or charter. ERP software integrates all company departments and functions onto a single computer system that meets their individual needs.
Two or more systems cover an organization’s full functionality. Accounting software that performs both payroll and accounting functions is an example. A single software program can handle the needs of human resources, finance, and the warehouse.
Usually, each department in a company has computer systems that are optimized to perform specific functions. The difference is that with ERP, they are all threaded into a single database. This allows all departments to share information and communicate.
Using ERP
Implementing ERP system requires no “in-house” expertise. Smaller projects can save money by hiring ERP implementation consultants. A company’s size, the scope of changes, and customer acceptance of project ownership influence the time required for ERP implementation. In comparison, a multi-site or multi-country implementation may take years to plan and execute.
The company that buys the ERP product owns the project, which is an exciting feature. Companies hire ERP vendors or third-party consultants to implement. ERP firms provide professional services in three areas: consulting, support, and customization.
Consultancy
The consulting team is in charge of the initial ERP implementation. It also manages work delivery until it goes live. Their work usually includes:
- Product training.
- Creating process triggers and workflows.
- Optimizing the system.
- Improving reports.
- Complex data extracts.
- Implementing Business Intelligence.
The team also plans and tests the project’s implementation. Larger ERP projects have three levels of consulting: systems architecture (dataflow), business process (mainly re-engineering), and technical (basically programming and tool configuration).
In most mid-sized companies, the cost of ERP implementation is double the list price of ERP user licenses, depending on the level of customization. However, large corporations spend far more on performance than on user licenses.
Custom Services
Customization involves adding new user interfaces and application code to the system. Customization usually reflects work practices not currently in the ERP system software’s core routines.
Early adopter features like mobility interfaces may be included in the code. The professional service team is involved in the ERP upgrade to ensure customizations are compatible with the new release.
The ERP package can be very costly and complex. So most businesses use the acquired ERP system’s best practices.
Custom software development is usually done on a time and materials basis. In many cases, the customization work does not include the ERP vendor’s Maintenance Agreement. The ERP vendor is not required to guarantee that the code works with the following core product upgrade. However, the effort would be futile without instructions on how to use the customization, as training new employees in the customization’s work practices is problematic.
On-going support ensures that staff can run ERP software optimally. A committee led by the consultant decides this with the client’s department heads during the design stage.
