Web Based ERP Software - Advantages And Disadvantages
Types
previous articles
Latest
Among the several advantages of ERP software is the integration of workplace processes themselves. Or rather, the software exists as its own advantage by the virtue of integration. ERP streamlines resources—processes, information, employees, materials, monetary funds, assets, and even machines into a series of integrated, flowing unified systems used primarily for quick data retrieval. This saves time and money, enhances productivity, and eliminates inertia.
Example: A typical workday in a non-ERP workplace. Employees may move from database to database and process to process to complete a single task.
Like look up something in Quickbooks, then consult a manually populated Excel spreadsheet, walk over to Human Resources, then end up in Sales to compile what they need. This wandering worker syndrome is eliminated by ERP software.
Get All SAPpy on Us
Besides wandering worker syndrome, ERP also dispels the myth of multitasking that companies revere so highly yet has become a double and highly misunderstood standard.
Computer systems and software can "focus" on many ideas and processes at the same time. Humans, while able to put several processes into motion simultaneously, really are not able to fully concentrate on numerous ideas at any given moment. This results in inaccuracies.
When employers throw out that loaded question, “Can you multitask?” they are not asking if you can focus, think or problem-solve numerous complex tasks at the same time. They are really asking: Are you highly organized?
With ERP you can be.
After all, do you want employees mind/office wandering, searching for data that should be readily available to help them complete their tasks (which is what multitasking ultimately is if we are honest with ourselves) or focusing on the task at hand which is ultimately the root of productivity?
ERP (Emancipation of Restricted Productivity)
ERP can be customized to industry specifics, or software tailored to your company. You aren’t paying for processes you don’t need that take up resources like bandwidth.
ERP provides flexibility
ERP improves productivity
The downside of ERP is more accurately described as discouragements rather than actual long-term disadvantages. In this respect, these ‘disadvantages’ are like wounds—healed by time.
The most common discouragement would be cost. However, this is really more perceptional than material. ERP software, like any other upgrade, is less a costly expense and more a direct investment in one’s company. In time, your company begins to reap the returns and rewards of that investment, just like any other investment.
Long deployment times can be an issue. Not so much because the software takes a long time to develop but the time it takes for a company to be able to integrate their databases and processes into the flow, not to mention how quickly your employees can adapt to new software. It’s rather like when one company absorbs or takes over another. There’s an integration time and learning curve involved. Time fixes this as well. There’s never been an integration process that occurred overnight.
There are also counter claims that ERP isn’t very flexible. Two factors are involved in flexibility: the amount of customization required and the talent of the development teams involved. The obvious solution would be to choose the best talent. Agile methods ensure shorter project times, solidly created code, and continued support throughout difficult transition times and beyond.
And the best IT talent to develop ERP software is right here. Contact the Intellection Group or give a call at 678-283-4283 for all your custom software needs.