Enterprise Resource Planning which is commonly known as ERP, if searched on the web, can provide a huge amount of information which is fantastic but at times a bit confusing too.
Understanding ERP and its role in running a business
The name in itself doesn’t throw much light on the exact meaning and functionality of the ERP. In order to do that, we need to rethink about all the different processes that are vital in running a business, like accounting, inventory and order management, customer relationship management (CRM), vendor management, human resources etc. Basically, ERP software puts together these various processes or functions into an inclusive system to ensure that all these functions and information across the whole organisation are streamlined.
The fundamental characteristic of all the ERP systems is a common database that maintains the data for multiple processes used by various business units. This ideally means that staffs in different departments can depend on the same set of information for their definite needs. ERP software also allows the reporting and automation to get synchronized. As an alternative of compelling employees to keep different spreadsheets and manually merge them to produce reports, a few of the ERP solutions offer employees to generate customised reports from a single system. For example, the sales orders get mechanically flowed into the financial system of the company without any manual intervention, so the team responsible for order management can process the orders quicker and correctly. And the core finance team is able to close the books of accounts faster. Also, ERPs allow employees to get a quick understanding of the performance of the business based on key metrics.
Finding providers of ERP in Australia
If you are looking for erp software Australia providers, you should not look for a mere ERP vendor, rather you should focus to get an ERP partner, who would provide continuous support right from the beginning and be there throughout the implementation and training phase. Your selection should be based on the experience of the ERP provider and the kind of review they receive from their existing clients. It has to be remembered that successful implementation of the ERP would ensure that your business gets a good foundation on which it will grow and be able to adapt to various changes in future. There are expert ERP partners in Australia who cater to the ERP needs of various industries, like aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, food & beverage, furniture & fittings, manufacturing, packaging, pharmaceutical, etc. The global acceptability of the vendor should be assessed before finalising on any one as the globally accepted vendors are exposed to various changes and opportunities in the global market and would be able to provide you better solutions based on their experience.
The different modules
There are various ERP modules for you to choose from, like Accounting, distribution, manufacturing and reporting & analysis. Accounting module includes but not limited to Accounts receivable & payable, general ledger and electronic fund transfer. Distribution includes inventory control, purchase order, invoicing while manufacturing module includes bill of materials, work in progress, requirement planning etc.
Integrating the ERP system across all the processes would fetch more benefit, enhance the productivity as a whole and result in establishment of a superior reporting system enabling you to do better analysis of the overall performance of your business. In other words, ERP software simplifies your business success and provides an edge over your competitors.