What is ERP?
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It’s a type of software or system businesses use to plan and manage their daily activities, like their supply chain, manufacturing, services, financials and other operations. ERP systems are all-encompassing business software, allowing users to view and connect all operations in one comprehensive place through common databases either on-site/on-premise or in the cloud. Many manufacturers use these systems to automate tasks like accounting and procurement, project management, customer relationship management, risk management, compliance and supply chain operations. The goal of using an ERP system is to increase visibility, collect data on aspects of the business, and use that data to make decisions more strategically and increase efficiency across the enterprise.
Key Features of ERP Systems
Below are common features of ERP systems. Understanding what an ERP system can offer and which features are right for your business needs should be given thoughtful consideration.
Integration
ERP systems can integrate with a number of other business systems to provide a comprehensive software system for everything a business does. Data silos can significantly hold businesses back from making smart decisions. Arguably the most beneficial element to ERP solutions is that they bring together financial, operational and business data into one central place so you can see how all of your business areas are working together. You can also connect data across these areas for better visibility into what is and isn’t working and correct it based on clear figures.
Automation
One of the other main benefits of a robust ERP system is the ability to automate different operations within a business. Repeatable business tasks like payroll, order processing, invoicing, reporting, etc. no longer require manual data entry. By automating these tasks, employees can focus on more impactful work. The human error that inevitably comes with manual entry decreases as well.
Accounting
ERP systems with accounting features have the ability to track, store and analyze financial data such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, forecasting and budgeting. Some systems can also handle more advanced tasks, like tax management, fixed assets management, revenue recognition and multi-currency reconciliation. An ERP solution streamlines these tasks, decreasing the time it takes to close out monthly financial statements.
Order Processing
ERP systems can bring significant streamlining to order processing. First, an ERP system helps to automate order capturing by eliminating manual data entry and paper routing. It then facilitates faster order fulfillment by bringing together departments like sales, customer service and finance to move orders through the virtual value chain. Automating the value chain saves time and gets orders out the door quicker, keeping customers happy.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
To that point of happier customers, ERP solutions can elevate CRM by collecting all customer information such as contacts, order history, purchase orders, prospect status, etc. into one shared and easily accessible place. Personnel across the business can keep an eye on how customer needs are fulfilled and receive notifications to intervene at various points in the chain.
Data Services
Most ERP systems can collect, track and analyze data on all aspects of a business’s operations. Through tracking key business metrics and generating reports with real-time information, managers can course-correct quicker and make more informed decisions. Reports can show trends and patterns that identify where operations are strong and where efficiency is lacking.
Supply Chain Management
One of the most powerful features of ERP systems is the opportunity for optimized supply chain management. An automated and integrated supply chain will suggest purchase orders, work orders and transfer orders across locations. Real-time supply chain data helps identify areas lacking efficiency so businesses can get control over inventory, logistics, distribution and manufacturing processes.
Manufacturing
ERP solutions can streamline manufacturing processes by helping with operations like product planning, sourcing raw materials, production monitoring and forecasting. You can also select modules that assist with assembly management, work order management, shop-floor control, distribution planning, product tracking and more. Inventory and forecasting decisions can be simplified and automated.
你是否曾经为企业的日常活动,如供应链、制造、服务、财务和其他操作而感到困惑?那么你可能需要了解一下ERP系统。ERP代表企业资源计划,是一种企业用于计划和管理日常活动的软件或系统。ERP系统是全面的业务软件,允许用户通过常见的数据库在一个综合的地方查看和连接所有操作,无论是在现场/本地还是在云中。许多制造商使用这些系统自动化诸如会计和采购、项目管理、客户关系管理、风险管理、合规性和供应链操作等任务。使用ERP系统的目的是增加可见性,收集业务各个方面的数据,并利用这些数据更具策略性地做出决策,提高企业的效率。以下是ERP系统的常见特点。了解ERP系统可以提供什么以及哪些功能适合您的业务需求应该经过深思熟虑的考虑。• 集成:ERP系统可以与许多其他业务系统集成,为企业提供全面的软件系统。数据孤岛可能会严重阻碍企业做出明智的决策。ERP解决方案最有益的元素之一是它们将财务、运营和业务数据汇集到一个中心位置,以便您可以看到所有业务领域如何协同工作。您还可以跨这些领域连接数据,以更好地了解哪些工作和哪些工作不起作用,并根据清晰的数字进行更正。• 自动化:强大的ERP系统的另一个主要优点是自动化企业中的不同操作。像工资单、订单处理、发票、报告等可重复的业务任务不再需要手动数据输入。通过自动化这些任务,员工可以专注于更有影响力的工作。随之而来的人为错误也会减少。• 会计:具有会计功能的ERP系统具有跟踪、存储和分析财务数据(如应付账款、应收账款、总账、预测和预算)的能力。一些系统还可以处理更高级的任务,如税务管理、固定资产管理、收入确认和多货币对账。ERP解决方案简化了这些任务,减少了关闭月度财务报表所需的时间。• 订单处理:ERP系统可以大大简化订单处理。首先,ERP系统通过消除手动数据输入和纸质路由来帮助自动捕获订单。然后,它通过将销售、客户服务和财务等部门汇集在一起来促进更快的订单履行,以便将订单通过虚拟价值链移动。自动化价值链可以节省时间,更快地完成订单,让客户满意。• 客户关系管理(CRM):为了让客户更满意,ERP解决方案可以通过将所有客户信息(如联系人、订单历史记录、采购订单、前景状态等)收集到一个共享且易于访问的地方来提升CRM。企业各个人员可以关注客户需求如何得到满足,并在链条的各个环节接收通知以进行干预。• 数据服务:大多数ERP系统都可以收集、跟踪和分析企业运营的各个方面的数据。通过跟踪关键业务指标并生成具有实时信息的报告,管理人员可以更快地进行课程纠正并做出更明智的决策。报告可以显示识别业务强项和效率不足的趋势和模式。• 供应链管理:ERP系统最强大的功能之一是优化供应链管理的机会。自动化和集成的供应链将建议跨位置的采购订单、工作订单和转移订单。实时供应链数据有助于确定效率不足的领域,因此企业可以控制库存、物流、分销和制造流程。• 制造:ERP解决方案可以通过帮助进行产品规划、原材料采购、生产监控和预测等操作来简化制造流程。您还可以选择辅助组装管理、工单管理、车间控制、分销计划、产品跟踪等模块。库存和预测决策可以简化和自动化。ERP系统的优点包括自动化重复流程,提高组织效率,减少和自动化重复流程,管理人员可以根据生成的报告生成准确的预测,部门负责人可以通过使用系统来减少官僚主义并促进协作。ERP系统是灵活的,这使得企业可以通过添加用户和流程来扩展。ERP系统的主要优势之一是可以从不同位置和移动设备访问信息,例如,在云集成的情况下。