Enterprise Resource Planning, known as ERP, is a software solution designed to automate processes used in any business or enterprise environment. ERP systems integrate with business functions like accounting, human resources, management, compliance, risk management, etc. These programs make monitoring and evaluating business data, performance, and budgets simpler for management and higher-level executives. 

 

Due to the comprehensive nature of ERP solutions, companies can view virtually any aspect of their business in one system. Need to know the current inventory? Check your ERP system. Need to verify payroll data and match it with your accounting ledger? ERP solutions can do that too. The ability for management to have instant access to all systems within the organization at any moment allows for companies to reduce overhead, be more productive, and make critical decisions quickly. 

 

Once fully integrated into a company, an ERP solution becomes the foundation of an enterprise. Besides the in-house value ERPs offer, they also provide value to your existing and potential new clients. Having data at your fingertips means customer inquiries can be managed more efficiently and effectively, therefore creating a more engaged client. Anytime a client has a pleasant and fruitful interaction with a business, they are more likely to become more loyal to the brand and return for additional needs the company can satisfy. 

 

No matter the size of your business, there is an ERP solution that can meet your needs. Smaller companies looking for a low-cost option to implement an initial ERP system will see the payback in greater productivity and organization upon implementation. The system will also offer a customer service advantage over the competition without an ERP in place. Larger companies will be pleased to learn there are many options of scalable ERP systems that can be customized to their individual business needs and grow as the business grows. These scalable systems offer added value in their ability to adapt to the business needs. 

 

With the explosion of cloud computing and storage, ERP software solutions also exist in cloud-hosted environments, internet-enabled environments, and traditional local network only systems. SAP (Systems Applications and Products) offers one of the oldest and most stable ERP solutions worldwide. With over forty years of ERP experience, SAP has had over 140,000 installations worldwide since 2010 alone. Their commitment to improving companies’ bottom line has earned them the top spot in the marketplace for ERP solutions. With the majority of their clients being small-medium sized businesses, SAP offers scalable solutions with cloud-based options.

 

Regardless of the solution a company chooses, ERP systems are changing the way businesses function. With these powerful tools, small companies can find global reach, and large companies can automate major systems and processes while reducing costly overhead and workforce. Thanks to the web and cloud-enabled ERP solutions, authorized users can quickly access any necessary data from anywhere at any time to ensure the business unit is running smoothly.