ERP Software Basics

Learn about ERP software basics

Enterprise resource planning software is a suite of software tool designed to manage all aspects of your business, from payroll to customer relationship management. This type of software has become more popular due to the increased need to access data across accounting areas.

Review your firms needs and make a list of the different aspects that need to be included in the software package. Discuss your requirements with your staff to understand the level of complexity. Follow the steps below to learn more about ERP software packages.

1. Investigate ERP software applications.

2. Install an ERP software.

3. Review the step required to implement enterprise resource planning software.

 

Look at business ERP software

Explore the different types of ERP software applications available. Define your business in terms of size, number of employees, annual sales and locations to determine the correct ERP software product offerings.
Try: Schedule meetings with the ERP software vendors who offer the right sized solution for your firm. Provide them with a list of your requirements, timeline and budget. Enterprise resource planning ERP software is for medium to large companies. Review the product offerings from Compiere or Sage Accpac to form an understanding of scope and pricing.

Implement an ERP software application

Select an enterprise resource planning software package that meets your current and future needs. Document your current business practices in all aspects of your business. Develop a project team, with representation from every area of the business.
Try: Hire consultants to assist with the implementation process. Form an oversight committee to make executive decisions about the software. All ERP solutions must be customized to meet a business specific needs. Experienced consultant provide in depth knowledge of the software and ask as a valuable resource to keep the project on track. Contact Genesis 10 or Agresso for more information on pre and post implementation support.

Review project plan to implement an ERP program

Take this opportunity to implement best practices into your firm. ERP programs are designed around these core strategies that have proved effective across multiple firms and industries. Changing your business practice to meet these common practices is part of the benefit behind the implementation of business ERP software.
Try: Read books and articles on best practices to clearly identify what needs to be changed. Review your current business practices, planned processes and document the difference or gap between the two. Meet with staff and share resources to improve their understanding of the changes. ERP Wire and ERP Fans both provide reference material on ERP solutions.

 

• Business ERP software has changed the operation of many business, making them more efficient, with a lower cost of ownership and the information required to make the best decisions possible. It is not an easy process, but well worth it.

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