Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a software package that is capable of managing all business activity.
Equipped with several modules (functional areas), the ERP plays both the role of a business management solution, a tool for managing human resources, payroll, accounting, customer relations, etc. .
What is an ERP and what is its scope?
You have certainly heard of ERP, management software and integrated software? Wondering what the difference is between these three terms? There are not any.
In the IT world, we use these three words to describe software that incorporates all the features necessary for effective business management.
Each solution has different capabilities. However, all software offers a number of features that we consider mandatory for the optimal management of the company and that we will present to you in a non-exhaustive list.
Depending on the different solutions offered on the French market, you will find the following modules:
- Commercial management: editing of commercial documents, processing of customer invoices and operations related to the products and services provided, management of pricing and purchases, etc.
- Logistics: optimization of flows, preparation of customer orders, labelling, etc.
- Production: management of stocks and work schedules, implementation and monitoring of traceability, etc.
- Accounting: general accounting, budget forecasts, simplification and reliability of accounting entries, tax returns, etc.
- HR: processing of all documents and elements concerning services and individuals (pay slip, individual file, contracts, benefits, etc.)
- CRM: management and hosting of customer data, optimization of information relating to the company's third parties, regular updating of information with the aim of improving customer relations
- Case management: planning, financial control and management of resources per case (client project)
The latest trends
Several significant innovations (products and services) have taken place in recent years. One of the most remarkable is the arrival of Cloud Computing. Cloud software has several advantages. They make it possible to access and manipulate all data remotely and at any time, to secure information and to lower physical storage costs. Its market grew from 2.2 billion euros in 2012 to 4.1 billion euros in 2014 according to the Markess firm.
Mobility represents the second area of development for ERP and CRM.
In third position we noted the adaptation of management software packages to the different businesses of companies. ERP publishers note that not all companies have the same management issues. In order to meet their needs, they have implemented ERP solutions dedicated to each sector.
Finally, we noted a fourth trend relating to the creation of ERP software that bends to the specificities of the sectors of activity.
Business ERP: how management software adapts to your business?
Each company has particularities in terms of its size, structure or organization but also related to its business. This last characteristic sometimes requires partial or full adaptation of the ERP functionalities.
If your company wants to acquire management software that best meets its business needs, there are two options. Either you can opt for a solution that has been specifically designed for your profession, or you have the option of investing in a general ERP that is customizable.
In the case of generalist software, you start from a solid base of functionalities that your integrator or publisher adapts according to your requests, work habits and requirements. Our advice is to get business software from a generalist publisher: the solution will be complete, long-lasting and you will limit specific developments which can be costly.
The use of a management solution offers many benefits to companies provided that you choose a powerful, scalable product that bends to your structure.