Why ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning )/ Enterprise System?
Current situation:
Most companies these days have multiple systems in place in order to satisfy all areas of their business. Fairly common scenario is to have one accounting package, email client, Excel spreadsheets, maybe a CRM (customer relationship management) package, stock control and order processing system and some companies have even more. Normally, these systems are not talking to each other which mean re-keying of data and multiple places to look for information. Not all staff will have access to all systems, making a smooth information flow almost impossible, reporting quite challenging, as well as staff training needs in multiple systems quite costly. Any upgrade of all the different systems is a time consuming exercise and maintenance and support costs of multiple systems are higher than one would like them to be.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning):
ERP integrates internal and external management information across an entire organization, embracing finance/accounting, manufacturing, sales and service, etc. ERP systems automate this activity with an integrated computer-based application. Its purpose is to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the connections to outside stakeholders.
ERP systems can run on a variety of hardware and network configurations, or can also be delivered hosted or as SAAS (Software As A Service), typically employing a database to store its data.
ERP systems can be defined by the following characteristics:
• An integrated system that operates in “real time”, without relying on periodic updates
• A single, common database that supports all applications/modules
• A consistent look and feel in all modules
• Installation of the system without elaborate application/data integration by the vendor
Why not having just one single All-In-One solution?
The benefits of having only one system, one fully integrated solution, are just too great to ignore:
• One system = only one set of data = no need for re-entering data
• One system = only one system to maintain
• One system = only one system to train staff in
• One system = only one system to run upgrades on
• One system = only one cost for support
• One system = seamless information flow and sharing across all departments
• One system = always up to date data
• One system = extensive reporting possible
Is Visma the right ERP software for your business? To find out click here.