ERP Software is crucial in Streamlining Operations
All organisations of varying size are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline both their internal and external operations. Along the years the introduction of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software has been a game-changer. In this article we’ll delve into three common signs that indicate your organisation requires and will definitely benefit from the introduction of an ERP moreover if the overarching strategy is that to achieve sustainable growth.
Legacy Systems, multiple disjointed systems and Data Silos
As the organisation grows, evolves and new business units are created, different management professionals leave and join the organisation systems often tend to be fragmented which leads to data being held in silos. A true holistic picture will not be available in such a situation, even more if the systems are old and the legacy systems do not talk to each other. Manual processes, spreadsheets and standalone applications often mean inefficiency in the form of disjointed workflows, double work, and redundant data entry. Collaboration between resources, teams and departments is hampered and communication is made difficult. An ERP software solution, such as SAP or ODOO, integrated various business functions such as marketing, human resources, inventory management, supply chain management, finance and shop floor control into one unified system. Data will be centralised and validations will be available at various points and levels to ensure data is clean. In a nutshell an ERP system will enable seamless data flows, improved data accuracy which in turn will empower better decision making.
Inefficient and Manual Workflows
Manual workflows slow operations and are prone to human error. Annual processes like manual data entry, paper-based approval and redundant tasks consume valuable time and resources and increase frustration and lower employee motivation levels. With the introduction of an ERP software workflows can be refined, streamlined and automated eliminating manual intervention and therefore radically reducing the risk of errors. Employees will be allowed to focus on more value-added tasks and activities. Order processing, inventory management and financial reporting are three common areas that we encountered tens of times wherein automation was lacking or even inexistant.
A key benefit of ERP software is that it boosts productivity, accelerates process cycles, and improves operational efficiency.
Lack of Real-Time Insights and Decision-making Delays
Modern business leaders are increasingly basing their decisions on data and facts rather than on gut. A lack of real-time visibility of data and insights thereof hinder timely decision making which in turn can lead to slow-downs and delays and erroneous judgemental decisions. A robust ERP software, obtains, keeps, manages, queries and presents real time data which can be critical in decision-making processes. Real-time data, usually presented in dashboards with drill-down functionality, is essential for monitoring performance, identifying trends and finding issues (before it is too late!). Data pertaining to sales, inventory movements and finance tend to be the core for the vast majority of business leaders. The fact that data can be accessed instantaneously makes ERP systems a great investment which fuels the seizing of opportunities and makes the decision-making process a quick and fluid one which is key in a fast moving market.
Empowering Efficiency and Growth with ERP Software
Introducing an ERP software is a strong strategic move that organisations should take as part of their digital transformation exercise. It drives efficiency therefore reducing costs, boosting morale and leading to better bottom lines. It is a main building block of any organisational growth strategy. When choosing an ERP software always consider: licence fees, the fit into your requirements, scalability, integration and interfacing capabilities and user-friendliness to operate.
Engage us to understand your requirements, to draw up your requirements, analyse what is in the market, create an accurate weighted score analysis and present you with key recommendations as to which ERP to opt for. Speak to us today.