Here at Solutions Review, we spend a lot of time talking about enterprise resource planning (ERP) in terms of large enterprises. In fact, people often assume that your standard ERP software is designed mainly to address the needs of large-scale manufacturers and distributors. In reality, the benefits to be realized from ERP in a small business are just as significant as they are with larger organizations.
The more recent software releases offer features that enable small businesses to easily access data along with monitor inventory, all while removing or greatly reducing the costs of maintaining a complex IT infrastructure.
In terms of what small businesses need to understand about ERP, Business. Within a small company or startup, employees wear multiple hats. Everyone pitches in wherever with whenever the need arises. Who has the time to manually process multiple spreadsheets and separate mountains of data? ERP systems geared towards small businesses are able to blend and automate key business functions such as order processing, production, and finances.
The eternal question cloud, on-prem, or hybrid, is one that many business owners have been asking for years. With growing competition in the business world, many small business owners and manufacturers are looking for ways to improve the bottom line, expedite business processes, and reduce costs. Modern ERP allows business owners to be in charge of a number of different features, that have traditionally been spread across multiple programs, all within one software system.
Cloud-based ERP systems are an ideal solution for small manufacturers because it eases the collaboration in manufacturing throughout the entire supply chain. Small businesses utilizing cloud ERP solutions are well prepared for the changes that accompany growth, providing a cost-effective environment that backs up vital information while also present full control of business operations.
In summation, small businesses can expect a number of benefits from their ERP systems.
Instead of each department within a small manufacturing company having their own information system, all relevant data can be shared and accessed across all departments. This essentially eliminates the need to re-enter or export data, which yields a lessen in errors, increased productivity, and reduced expenses on HR.
By providing real-time data, small business owners can be making difficult decisions easier and are able to quickly respond to changes in the business environment.
Because of the increased data clarity that an ERP system provides, the staff is able to adjust their attention to manage increasing volumes of business. This helps small business adjust to their augmentation without ever feeling disorganized or overwhelmed.
Controlling data access properly is always a challenge for organizations. With an ERP system, this challenge is overcome by the use of advanced user management and access control.