Making the Most of Configuration Tools in Your ERP Implementation

Implementing an ERP system comes with many advantages – whether you use it for manufacturing, sales planning, or inventory management, an ERP system provides up-to-date, real-time information that enables your organization to seamlessly manage core business processes. When ERP systems were first developed, they were based on the generic need of various types of organizations across diverse business segments and geographies. As times (and technology) evolved, modern ERP systems started offering a plethora of functionalities, which can be overwhelming; enterprises are required to cherry pick suitable relevant components of the system and set up and align those components to meet their specific business requirements.

Since no two enterprises are alike, there is little probability that two ERPs will be alike; ERP systems have to be flexible and meet the needs of enterprises implementing them. When you start implementing an ERP into your enterprise, the two words you will most likely hear are configuration and customization. ERP configuration deals with system components but does not cater to the business process needs unique to your organization. Customization, on the other hand, operates specifically to meet the unique needs of your business. By writing custom code, you can enable your ERP to do just about anything.

Make the Most of Your ERP Configuration Tools

Configuring your ERP is one of the most important steps of an ERP implementation. By configuring ERP system components, you enable the system to work within a given environment, which includes language, currencies, time zones, and workflows. By adopting or changing system parameters, you make sure the system meets your business' financial, language, vendor, partner, and customer-facing needs. Let's see how you can take full advantage of your ERP system by adopting the right configuration tools and features:

1. Start Simple: When setting up an ERP software, it is important to start by establishing a basic system which you can build on later. Although most ERP vendors today offer pre-configured modules, you can begin by creating database(s) that will be used for actual business transactions and activities. Next, set up calendars for tracking information vital to all business aspects. Ensure proper recording of time periods that can be utilized for financials, payroll, statistics, billing, and other similar time-based tasks. You can then pre-define and configure country codes, currencies and tax codes based on the countries you and your vendors, partners and customers operate from.
2. Integrate: Since an ERP will most likely not be the only system in your business, getting different software applications and platforms to work in conjunction with your ERP will result in a more efficient and effective output. Using configuration tools, you can integrate your ERP with your CRM, data warehousing, BI, and other business applications and enable them to share information automatically and in real time.
3. Enhance: With configuration tools, you can decide how various aspects of your ERP will work: How do you want your databases to interact? Do you want to opt for automated updates that allow data to be shared, or backed up in the cloud or any offsite location? By configuring your ERP according to your business needs (industry and vertical), you can see how your system behaves with other integrated modules and ensure it helps in managing and running your business better.

Streamline Your Processes

As you decide to implement an ERP, in order for the software to adapt to your business environment and needs, you will be required to configure and/or customize the solution using a set of tools. Using configuration tools, you can configure the ERP system such that the chosen features and capabilities aid in streamlining processes and help in meeting long-term business goals.

Successful ERP implementations are a combination of careful in-house planning and controls, expert and accountable consultants, and technology processes that meets business needs. Read this ebook that provides insight into the major financial commitment that an ERP implementation requires, how to avoid ERP implementation failure, and how to ensure an attractive ROI of an ERP implementation.