26 January 2022
What are ERP's features?
Knowing ERP's features means knowing the qualities of one of the technologies that is leading to the so-called Industrial Revolution 4.0. Indeed, it is a clearly revolutionary tool that can take companies and manufacturers further. That is why we want to talk to you about some of its main features below, so that you can better understand their importance.
1 .- ERP's features: Process automation
The first and most important feature of ERP is process automation. ERP is a tool that allows us to perform different functions in different areas of our business automatically. From the supply chain to the delivery of the product to the final customer. This is why it makes our company's work so much easier, and why we are able to achieve greater performance and additional advantages. The way it does this is largely due to the Internet of Things technology, which is nothing more than the application of the Internet to the different devices in a production centre in order to interconnect them with the main ERP. In this way, there is a constant flow of information.
ERP makes a business more efficient by automating many of its tasks, as these tasks, in many cases, are routine operations that can be delegated to this tool. In short, in this first point we could say that one of the characteristics of ERP is that it facilitates the scalability of your company.
2 .- Integration
The second ERP feature that we want to talk about is integration. This could be a result of the previous one or, rather, a way to take advantage of it. ERP is a tool that can gather information about the processes of different departments. However, it would be of no use if, in the end, such information were isolated and compartmentalised. What would be the point of dividing up and automating tasks if we then have to manage them one by one? Therefore, together with process automation, ERP is also capable of offering integration.
This means that all the information from each of the departments is centralised and coherent with the rest in a central device. In doing so, we not only achieve a complete vision of the company: Beyond that, we achieve a coherent vision for each of its parts. This allows all departments to work together, as there is an interconnected flow of information between them. It should also be said that ERP can, in turn, be integrated with other software. In this way, we can draw competitive advantages from other software and ERP itself.
3 .- ERP's features: No duplication
Another of the most important features of ERP is its avoidance of duplication. It is a tool that, unlike traditional database management, permits the efficient elimination of databases. Some companies have databases that, although very useful, are inefficient in terms of data duplication. In the end, a huge amount of information, often duplicated, is handled. ERP not only centralises this information, but also has a unique and cohesive database of all departments with which it is possible to manage each of them from a single point.
4 .- Introduce real time in operations
In line with the above, it should also be noted that ERP is a technology that allows us to introduce real time into our operations. In addition to being able to perform different operations synchronously, we can also make them have a real time speed. This is of crucial importance not only when managing projects and planning them: This is essential when it comes to improving the quality of our decisions, as we will have better and more timely information.
The reason for this is that it helps us to identify problems that are happening in any department. Not only that: Problems that are occurring on any device. For this reason, we can say that ERP is a tool that maximises the efficiency of a company. It allows us to analyse each component and make the best decision based on its results.
5 .- ERP's features: Modularity
Modularity is one of ERP's most important features. This modularity means that ERP is a tool built in "blocks" or "modules". In this way, it is possible to design ERP to the exact extent of a company's needs. This is a very important feature, since, not only will we find ERP tailor-made for our sector: Beyond that, we can shape ERP specifically for our company. This is a highly adaptable tool.
However, it is also highly adaptable when it comes to sustainability. Precisely because of this feature of ERP, it is possible to adapt its configuration to the company's needs over time. For example, in the face of its potential growth. In this way, we are acquiring a tool that, after time, we can easily expand or modify thanks to this modular nature.
6 .- Intuitive operation
Finally, the most important features of ERP are its ease of use or how intuitive it is. It is a tool that offers us an easily interpretable interface. For the same reason, it is a tool that can be implemented in any kind of company. For example, in SMEs.
However: It should also be noted that a training process must be implemented among employees so that they know what ERP is and how it works. This training is often in the hands of the companies that develop them.
We hope these lines will help you to understand some (but not all) of ERP's features. In SEIDOR we can help you make your business a more efficient structure.
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