An Executive's Guide To Erp Software - Essential Modules And Implementation

By Author: Ryan Mutt
Total Articles: 592
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ERP software system integrates all the important functional units of an enterprise into a unified form to enable a better performance in the business. It efficiently integrates and shares the data and relevant information from all the units, irrespective of geographical locations and helps the management personnel in better decision making.

Among the plethora of latest commercial ERP applications, it is tough to select the right one for the organization. Going by the definition, standard ERP application software must consist of the following essential modules.

1. Financial module covers the wide area of job costing, cash flow, maintenance of general ledger, accounts payable and account receivable, manages fixed assets and produces required financial statements.

2. Supply Chain Management (SCM) module covers the features of procurement, booking of sales order, management of inventory, planning and management of the supply chain, e-commerce etc.

3. Manufacturing module covers all aspects of manufacturing like taking work orders, planning and engineering, processing the bills of materials, quality control, ...
... scheduling work capacity etc.

4. Human Resource Management (HRM) module helps in proper management of the workforce by deploying the right person in the right job. It maintains the payroll and the performance of the employees.

5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module covers the areas like planning and marketing management, providing customer support, maintaining help desks and call centre, maintaining partner relationship management (PRM).

Implementation of such a complex software system of ERP requires technical expertise and proper training to the in-house technical staff to prevent any problems or monetary loss in future.

In order to maintain a consistency throughout the life cycle of the product, it is necessary to be in constant touch with the client leaders as they have the knowledge to predict the possible outcomes. The client leaders can guide in following the right steps at the start of any project.

The end user leaders can introduce new ideas and solutions, while creating the project that are important in the business growth.

Every organization undergoes changes with time, and there should be enough scope for the customization of the ERP to suit the growing needs of the organization. Unplanned implementation of ERP with rigid features can lead to the total failure of the system.

Proper training regarding the use of ERP must be provided at the initial stages of the adoption of this software. Time and funds should be allocated properly while providing training to the personnel to prevent huge expenditure in future.

The main objective of ERP implementation is to increase the productivity of an organization, and it is the duty of the executive and the team leaders to help other users to remain focused in achieving targets. Proper and clear communication among the team members and able leadership is the key to the success of this mission. Right personnel should be selected while implementing ERP to manage trouble shooting and other aspects before its execution.

Find information about Benefits of ERP for SME. Also find information on the Advantages of ERP in an organization. Find information on ERP Software Selection.