Today, a deep understanding of business and technology plays a crucial role in the success of growing companies. Not having the best ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software can mean losing competitiveness and even being out of the game. If you are in the process of looking for an ERP Software, in this post we give you the keys to choose the best one.
What is ERP Software?
ERP software is a computer system designed to help companies efficiently manage all their processes and areas.
It is a comprehensive solution that centralizes everything in a single system, functions and business operations, making it easy to plan, manage and monitor company resources and activities: inventory management, purchasing, sales, finance, production, logistics, human resources, projects, etc.
Since everything is integrated, ERP software allows a complete and real-time vision of the company.
What types of ERP software are there?
Based on different criteria, there are different ways to classify ERP systems.
If we take into account the size of the company, we can classify them as follows:
There are specialized ERP solutions for specific industry sectors, such as manufacturing, distribution, construction, healthcare, education, financial services, retail, among others. These systems are designed to address the particular requirements and challenges of each industry, including specific regulations and best practices.
At Inforges we are experts in ERP SAP Business One and ERP Cegid Ekon Cloud. You can consult our industry solutions in the following links:
What is ERP Software?
ERP software is a computer system designed to help companies efficiently manage all their processes and areas.
It is a comprehensive solution that centralizes everything in a single system, functions and business operations, making it easy to plan, manage and monitor company resources and activities: inventory management, purchasing, sales, finance, production, logistics, human resources, projects, etc.
Since everything is integrated, ERP software allows a complete and real-time vision of the company.
What types of ERP software are there?
Based on different criteria, there are different ways to classify ERP systems.
If we take into account the size of the company, we can classify them as follows:
- ERP for Large Enterprises: These ERP systems are designed for large companies with many departments, complex processes and very high transaction volumes.
- ERP for SMEs: These systems are aimed at small and medium-sized companies that may need standard or advanced functionalities, but on a scale more suited to their needs and budget. They usually require customizable modules and flexible implementation options.
There are specialized ERP solutions for specific industry sectors, such as manufacturing, distribution, construction, healthcare, education, financial services, retail, among others. These systems are designed to address the particular requirements and challenges of each industry, including specific regulations and best practices.
At Inforges we are experts in ERP SAP Business One and ERP Cegid Ekon Cloud. You can consult our industry solutions in the following links:
- SAP Business One Solutions by Industry
- Cegid Ekon Solutions by Industry
You can also find ERP on-premise or in the cloud.
On-premise ERP: This is software that needs to be installed locally, i.e., hosted on the organization's physical servers and IT infrastructure.
Cloud ERP: These ERP systems are offered as cloud services, which means that the data and infrastructure are hosted on external servers and accessed via the Internet. The advantage of cloud ERP is that they offer flexibility, scalability and remote access to information, without the need for investment in internal infrastructure.
We talked in a previous post about the benefits of both options: On-premise ERP or cloud ERP?
These are just a few examples of the types of ERP software available in the market. Each of them has particular features and functionalities, so it is important for companies to evaluate their needs and conduct thorough research to find the software that best suits their specific requirements.
Why do growing SMBs need ERP Software?
SMBs need ERP software to:
10 keys for SMEs looking for the best ERP Software
When an SME is looking for an ERP, it is important to take into account a series of keys that will help in the decision making process:
On-premise ERP: This is software that needs to be installed locally, i.e., hosted on the organization's physical servers and IT infrastructure.
Cloud ERP: These ERP systems are offered as cloud services, which means that the data and infrastructure are hosted on external servers and accessed via the Internet. The advantage of cloud ERP is that they offer flexibility, scalability and remote access to information, without the need for investment in internal infrastructure.
We talked in a previous post about the benefits of both options: On-premise ERP or cloud ERP?
These are just a few examples of the types of ERP software available in the market. Each of them has particular features and functionalities, so it is important for companies to evaluate their needs and conduct thorough research to find the software that best suits their specific requirements.
Why do growing SMBs need ERP Software?
SMBs need ERP software to:
- Improve operational efficiency.
- Optimize resource management.
- Improve financial capacity.
- Facilitate communication and information exchange between departments.
- Comply with legal regulations.
- Achieve competitive advantages over other competitors in your sector.
- Make better decisions with accurate and real-time information.
- Have real control of the company
10 keys for SMEs looking for the best ERP Software
When an SME is looking for an ERP, it is important to take into account a series of keys that will help in the decision making process:
- Define objectives and needs: Before starting the search, it is essential to be clear about the company's objectives and needs. Determine which areas or processes must be improved and which functionalities are essential for the success of the business.
- Evaluate scalability: It is essential to select an ERP software that can grow and adapt to the future growth of the company. Ensure that the system can handle a greater volume of data and users as the company evolves.
- Consider ease of use: Looking for ERP software that is intuitive and easy to use is essential, especially for SMEs that may not have a dedicated IT team. The interface should be user-friendly and require a minimal learning curve to maximize system adoption.
- Analyze integration with other tools: Ensure that the ERP software integrates with other tools and systems used in the company, such as CRM, e-commerce, warehouse management systems, among others. Seamless integration will facilitate data transfer and improve overall efficiency.
- Evaluate mobility: Nowadays, it is essential to have mobile access to ERP software. Check if the system has mobile applications or a web interface that allows accessing and managing information from mobile devices anytime, anywhere.
- Consider support and training: Ensure that the ERP software vendor offers good technical support and training for users.
- Review security: Data security is of paramount importance, so you'll need to make sure the ERP software has robust security measures, such as data encryption, secure access and backup options to protect sensitive company information.
- Compare costs and licensing options: Evaluate the licensing model and costs associated with ERP software. Some systems are based on monthly subscriptions, while others may require a larger upfront investment. Consider which best fits your budget and long-term needs.
- Research the vendor's reputation and experience: Conduct research on the reputation and experience of the ERP software vendor. Read reviews, testimonials, and consult other companies that have used the system to get information on quality of service and customer satisfaction.
- Conduct a trial or demo: Before making a final decision, request a trial or demo of the ERP software. This will allow you to evaluate its functionality, interface and how it adapts to your company's specific needs.