Enterprise Resource Planning is a category of software used by businesses to more efficiently integrate and manage day-to-day tasks. Maybe that sounds like a stuffy textbook definition, but ERP systems are actually very commonplace in the modern workplace. You’ve probably used a lot of softwares that are often used as or implemented within ERP systems. There are customer resource management systems (CRM) such as Oracle or Salesforce, accounting softwares such as QuickBooks or FreshBooks, automation softwares (e.g., Zapier), project management tools (e.g., Asana), service and project suites (e.g. Office 365)….
In other words, there’s a good chance you already are using some of these programs. So what do you need us for?
Well, an integrated ERP system is really only as beneficial as you make it. Most softwares are designed to make your business more efficient, but if you end up with eight different programs that aren’t working in sync with one another, the time it takes to manage them all will far outpace the time you save.
At Boxelder, we can take the time to assess your ERP and make recommendations for a more effective solution. Whether it’s an all-in-one suite or a custom system, an effective ERP can streamline your workflows, enhance team communication, and reduce operational costs across the board. Our experienced team of consultants can help you find the right ERP and optimize your business processes.
What is an ERP?
Modern ERPs are cloud-based software solutions that organize the main functions of your business, whether it’s sales, project management, accounting, risk management, operations, etc. An ERP, in other words, is a software integration program that will make your life easier, help manage day-to-day business activities, and provide a framework to measure performance and efficiency.
A good ERP system acts as a centralized data bank across business processes, ensuring that no data is duplicated, erased, or overlooked. It also gives your team members a shared framework, improving communication between separate teams.
Why Should You Invest in an ERP?
The benefits of adopting ERP systems are undeniable. The right ERP can:
- Provide real-time insight for your business through reports generated from reliable data.
- Reduce operational costs by streamlining processes across separate business functions, and ensuring adoption of best practices
- Enhance collaboration across business functions through a uniform user experience, and centralized source of relevant data.
- Mitigate risk through improved data integrity and financial controls used to prevent fraud and theft.
These benefits will work in concert to maximize the efficiency of your business from the top down. But how do you find the right ERP to get it done?
The Right ERP is Already Out There.
In general, there are two ways a company can implement an ERP system:
The first is to create a completely customized ERP system. This strategy typically works for large companies with complex business structures, as it lets them create a system specifically tailored to their organization. However, this route is often more costly, and will take more energy to design.
The other choice is to use a traditional, one-size-fits-all ERP. For small business owners with annual revenue between $500,000 and $5 Million, this is often the better option, as it saves you the time and money of setting up your own. There is also the benefit of industry-specific ERPs, such as E2 MFG for manufacturing, or Brightpearl for retail.
Most small businesses don’t need to reinvent the wheel. If you’re a small- to medium-sized construction company, for instance, something like QuickBooks Enterprise will already have everything you need to operate your business efficiently.
Boxelder Consulting Can Find it for You
Boxelder’s team of business consultants are experts in software integration for small businesses. We can help you shop for ERPs, integrate your software, and watch as your new solution streamlines your business.
To get you started, here are some softwares that we highly recommend:
- Citrix Podio – a web-based platform for organizing team communication, business processes, data and content in project management workspaces.
- Intuit QuickBooks – an accounting software geared for small to medium sized businesses.
- Microsoft 365 – a family of client software, server software, and services developed by Microsoft.
- Pipedrive – a CRM software for simplified sales management and automation.
- Salesforce – a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) software.
- Smartsheets – a software-as-a-service (SaaS) for project management.
- Thomson Reuters Onvio – an online accounting software.
- Zapier – an online automation tool that connects your app and services.
If you’re looking to find the right ERP solution for your business, reach out today for a free consultation.