Resource planning software is critical for organizational management as the size of those organizations grows. That is true in everything from compliance to revenue growth potential.
In the following article, we will be looking at five specific reasons to go the ERP route if you haven't already. In a salute to ERP efficiency, let's be as productive as possible and not mince any more words.
Keep reading to learn more about the big business benefits of resource planning software programs.
1. Saving Money
The top draw of ERP systems is that they almost always undercover operational efficiencies that allow a business to save money. It does this through clarity of process, less downtime, and ease of financial reporting.
Enterprise resource planning also removes administrative costs. On the customer side, it helps an organization better manage that relationship so there is no loss of revenue.
2. Better Collaboration Between Departments
For large organizations (municipalities, for instance), it becomes easier for the different departments to communicate with each other. Think streets department communicating with engineering communicating with utilities on large-scale projects.
3. Strong Data
ERPs keep meticulous data points. This gives department heads and top brass a chance to easily read and tease insights out of the analytics that serves to better the organization.
4. Risk and Compliance Benefits
Heavily regulated industries experience a high degree of risk with compliance and legal matters. ERPs give them more robust features to ensure everything is "to code" and any liabilities the organization may face are limited.
5. Inventory and Resource Management Strengths
One of the biggest reasons to have ERP software in place is to better control your inventory and resources. This cuts down on costly matters like buying too much, internal theft, or location management.
What to Look for in Software Solutions
Now that you know the reasons for enterprise resource planning systems, it is time to discuss what you should look for in the software. There are five basic features that remain the same no matter which industry. They are:
Scalable and Flexible
A software program must be scalable to your entire organization. It also must be flexible enough to work with existing systems through both hybrid and transitional processes.
Mobile Support
Mobile support untethers your employees from the office. It allows them access across devices and locations, thus putting your productivity on steroids. Any ERP in 2020 and beyond should have its mobile kinks worked through.
References
ERPs are very costly, and with a good reason provided they deliver as promised. That cost should have some type of track record to back up the expense.
Fair Pricing
ERPs aren't cheap, but they should be fair. Examine the options in your industry, and make sure you're doing apples-to-apples comparisons.
User Friendliness
Any system you purchase must contextualize well with your internal data and programs. It also must be more intuitive and easy to pick up on the user's end. Lastly, it should interface well with any customers and clients who will be accessing a final product.
Resource Planning Software Gets the Jobs Done
With resource planning software, you give your employees and organization a chance to revamp how business is done with an eye towards efficiency, revenue growth, and cost savings. Good luck as you implement yours. For more helpful business tech tips, check out some of our additional posts.
If you are new to NetSuite terminology or are starting to figure out how to improve your solution, it is a good idea to begin to understand the types of things certain roles do for your organization. There are two primary roles of support for an Oracle NetSuite ERP solution. One is a NetSuite developer and the other is a NetSuite consultant. Both play unique roles in optimizing your NetSuite performance and efficiency. There are a few other key roles including SuiteCommerce developers, but this article will primary focus on consultants and developers.
If you are not working with a NetSuite partner and still using NetSuite services, I would highly recommend trying one out. They are typically cheaper, more responsive, and have more flexibility to get projects completed using solutions that are specific to your organization.
What Is A NetSuite Developer?
When working in your NetSuite environment, you will want to take a look at customization since it can allow the software to form around your business rather than the other way around. NetSuite developers write SuiteScript to help automate processes that workflows can’t accomplish.
Functional NetSuite consultants can help build out other configuration pieces or workflows for you so that you only need to worry about your role entering specific data.
What Does A NetSuite Consultant Do?
A NetSuite consultant is classified as someone who knows more about business processes and how to configure all the NetSuite modules to make it work properly. The NetSuite consultant typically stays focused on helping clients identify ways to solve their pain points using native NetSuite processes. They might also work directly with a NetSuite developer to implement custom solutions that can’t be done using the user interface.
These consultants are often called functional consultants. If they also know some scripting as well, they might be called a NetSuite techno functional consultant. Techno Functional Consultants that have a good understanding of solution designing and business process often become a NetSuite architect. These solution architects understand the ins and outs of NetSuite to be able to take any business problem and build a unique solution that solves it.
Where To Find NetSuite Apps Or Pre Built Features?
There are some new initiatives by SuiteMarkets which is a 3rd party app platform that allows you to purchase SuiteCommerce and NetSuite ERP apps / features. It’s a great way to find existing solutions for NetSuite ERP or SuiteCommerce. It’s something to keep in mind as the platform continues to grow and more features get listed. Since it is free to list solutions, there are more smaller applications being listed such as order tracking, blogs, custom themes, customer center add-ons, in addition to software companies.
There is also NetSuite’s app platform which is primarily used to inform NetSuite customers of software that integrates into the platform. Shopify has something similar including applications that help them integrate into the NetSuite platform. More and more customers are utilizing NetSuite as an ecommerce platform in additional to its reporting, warehouse management, HR, and other ERP features. This expands beyond your traditional ecommerce website and includes integrations to popular ecommerce solutions including Amazon, eBay, and Overstock.
Tips About NetSuite Ecommerce?
If you have NetSuite or are planning to get NetSuite as your ERP, stay up to date with the latest SuiteCommerce features to see how it best fits into your business modal. If you want to get SuiteCommerce Standard to save more on your monthly licensing, then make sure to chat with a SuiteCommerce developer to help identify any areas that you may need SuiteCommerce Advanced in the future. Spending a little time and money identifying where SuiteCommerce Standard may be the better fit will help you cut costs and position yourself for the seamless upgrade to SuiteCommerce Advanced when you are ready.
If you are not quite convinced, check out this ecommerce comparison by Ecommerce Reviews, it compares both Shopify Plus and SuiteCommerce Advanced.
Ideally, you will be implementing SuiteCommerce at the same time as NetSuite ERP. However, certain elements of NetSuite ERP is required to be set up prior to starting the implementation for SuiteCommerce. You will need some basics like your item data in place. These items should have all the data you plan to have on the ecommerce website including any images, pricing, descriptions, and characteristics to filter by such as your item color. There are some companies like Business Health Options that are planning to implement NetSuite ERP first followed by SuiteCommerce six months later. This is because it is a startup that is still working out internal business processes and isn’t quite ready for any ecommerce solution for a period of time.
Having all your data managed in one place makes everyone's lives easier which is one reason why companies frequently choose SCA over other platforms since all the images, marketing data, files, and supporting data already lives in NetSuite.
Caleb Schmitz is a NetSuite developer and SuiteCommerce Specialist at Anchor Group. Anchor Group is a NetSuite implementation partner that focuses specifically on NetSuite training and NetSuite’s SuiteCommerce. Caleb started his ERP career in SAP and transitioned into Oracle NetSuite solutions after a couple years. He received his bachelors in Mechanical engineering, worked as a production supervisor, finished his MBA in management, implemented SAP to 3 business branches, and finally moved into NetSuite development.
Did you know that ERP management for projects doesn't have to be costly? If you're planning a project with a small budget, this excellent news.
Figuring out how to plan projects on a budget doesn't have to be complicated. There are plenty of ways that can keep you on track that are frugal. Keep reading to find out more about ERP management.
What is Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)?
Experts say we should think of an ERP system that binds different computer systems that a company uses together. Otherwise, each department in your organization would have independent systems running disconnected mainly from everyone else. However, with ERP, they still have a separate system, but it works together with all the others and is accessed from one interface.
ERP keeps everything all connected and everyone on the same page.
What to Look For in ERP Management
Before you start window shopping for ERP management or ERP lead generation, take input from your departments to understand everyone's goals. Look for options that can grow with you.
Most solutions are web-based applications that you can download and install on your server, however, if you and your staff don't have the skills to maintain this type of system, check if there is a vendor-hosted version available.
Lastly, be sure the software has plenty of documentation, excellent support, a thriving online community, and a knowledge base. As you work through the process of setting it up, you will need these types of resources.
Tips To Keep Your Projects on a Budget
When managing a project, while ERP management can help there are many things to consider. From the cost to the scope, there is a lot to keep on track. It takes planning down to the last detail and some times a bit more. Here are a few things to include that can help:
Plan your Project Before you Start
One of the best ways to keep a project on budget is to plan everything out before you start. Make sure your estimates are as specific as possible and include a bit of cushion room. Consider every likely scenario by including interviews, adding historical data, and experience into the mix.
When everything is complete and detailed, get the stakeholders to sign off on it so that everyone is on the same sheet of music.
Other things to consider include:
- Know your vendors and suppliers, so you understand what they do
- Stick to the scope of the project so that the project doesn't mushroom
- Use an online application to track all the details
- Stay in communication with all stakeholders
- By monitoring your progress continually, it will be easy to meet your targets
- Reassigning resources will keep efficiency at a high level
Running over your budget for a project can happen if you allow the project to go beyond its agreed scope and is something to remain vigilant to ensure it's on track. Enterprise Resource Planning and ERP management can help your business on a budget!
What's Next for ERP Management?
If you're ready to plan a project, ERP management can help. We hope this brief look at different parts of the puzzle was helpful. Come back to check the other excellent business and project management articles on this site.
