Saturday, November 20, 2010

Web Based ERP Software - Advantages and Disadvantages

Web based ERP is definitely a controversial subject because it has its advantages and disadvantages. Some argue that it doesn’t provide all the benefits and functionality of ERP software, which might be true to some point. Nevertheless, it seems like a great option for small and midsized companies which don't have the necessary resources to invest in ERP software. Web based ERP clearly provides benefits for a business and it's up to the business owner to decide if they are sufficient for the activities he or she is conducting.

ERP was initially used only in the manufacturing sector, but it then developed and started being implemented in companies of all types because the benefits of automating and integrating various business processes and the activity of different functional departments became clear for almost everybody. All the company's departments are able to access databases in real time and this leads to important savings in what concerns money and time.

The greatest advantage of web based ERP consists of the fact that it can be accessed remotely from basically anywhere in the world where there is internet connection and a browser. Access can be ensured with or without a password and communication is fast and efficient. A manager or any other employee found outside of the business premises can easily exchange data with any of the company's departments. This is highly beneficial for sales person who usually work outside of the office. Quick communication with the company enables them to serve the customer faster and more efficient and it also simplifies their work a lot. Customers' complaints and requests, as well as orders, are managed easier and the company's responsiveness is increased. Managers will also be able to control their business and to take decisions in what concerns resource allocation or other important aspects from wherever they are.

Another significant advantage that web based ERP has is the fact that it requires no implementation at all and this significantly cuts down the costs. This is very important especially for small companies which would like to benefit of an ERP system but can't afford the implementation. There is no software and no hardware needed and the risk of failing in the implementation process is eliminated. There is no point in worrying about maintenance and up gradation when using web based ERP and eventual customization that you might want to do does not interfere with your business processes. It is also advantageous in what concerns training the employees for using it, because this is far simpler than if you were using ERP software.

Read about Web Based ERP software. Also know about ERP Software Selection.

Types of ERP Software System - SAP Infor and Oracle

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software system aims in integrating the vital functions of an enterprise leading to a better communication and flow of data through the different units of an enterprise, regardless of their geographical locations. A standard ERP system constitutes of a software component, hardware infrastructure and a process documentation component. An ERP package integrates several functions like production, finance and accounts, supply chain management, asset management, logistics and many more. Different types of ERP software are available in the market catering to the needs of all types of business and corporate houses. Large global organizations require complex ERP package to support more functions than the small and medium sized enterprises.

A brief synopsis of the different types of ERP software is given below

SAP R/3 and B1: This is one of the most popular ERP software applications in the world with a record number of customers. SAP ERP offers two types of packages, SAP R/3 and B1. SAP R/3 integrated software is suitable for very small and big enterprises, and supports all the vital functions. This system can be customized to meet the specific requirements of a business. The client/server architecture enables this system to run on various platforms like Windows Server, UNIX and OS/400. Various database packages like SQL server, Oracle or DB2 can be used in implementing SAP R/3.

SAP B1 package, also known as "Business One", is more suitable for the small and medium sized organizations. This package comes with pre- built modules like Customer Relationship Management, Finance, e-commerce, Warehousing, procuring and reporting.

LN/Baan: Originally created by The BaaN Corporation, LN ERP software package is configured for the manufacturing industries, which have a complex working system. The complex supply chains of these industries follow different methodologies. Suitable for the large business organizations this ERP software offers better communication and collaboration and enhances the performance and productivity. It leverages the IT infrastructure thereby reducing the expenses. This package offers a high level of customization and is largely adopted by the made-to-order and engineering-to-order organizations.

Oracle e-Business Suite Financials and PeopleSoft Enterprise: Oracle has launched two ERP software packages. One is E- Business Suite Financials, which is a user- friendly package ideal for the financial services organizations. This package offers modules for dynamic planning, budgeting, forecasting, multidimensional analysis of profits and all sorts of financial operations. It supports the functions of globally scattered organizations. The second Oracle ERP package is the People Soft Enterprise, which is highly customized, and is targeted for the complex business functions. This customized package supports a wide range of functions of different types of organizations and can be run on a number of database systems and architecture.

Read about Top 10 ERP Software. Also know about ERP Software Selection.

What Is Tally ERP Software and Latest Versions?

Tally is mostly known for producing accounting software which is very popular because of the advantages that it has over other similar products on the market. However, lately the products of the company have developed and it now claims that it offers complete business solutions with Tally ERP. There are still many people who only buy it for accounting software because this was the product that made Tally famous in the first place. Nevertheless, the company is trying to increase its market share in what concerns complete business solutions and has come up with considerable improvements.

The last version of Tally ERP has come up on the market with significant changes from the last ones and the most important innovation refers to the multi locations and multi user features. Tally software can be used from different geographical locations based on a user name and a password. Due to the multi lingual features, Tally ERP can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world. Remote access based on administrator's password greatly increases the business's flexibility because business activities can be conducted in various locations.

The single user version of Tally ERP can be easily used from a single computer, but there is also the multi user version which can be installed on more computers connected through LAN. Software can be controlled from a single place and this makes it perfect for retail units. Collaboration and communication between different business locations of the same company is very much improved and it also takes place a lot easier with the multi user and multi location features. Business processes are simplified and a better control is allowed. Customer service becomes a lot easier to be offered because the multi location features allow information to quickly “travel” from one place to another.

The latest and improved version of Tally ERP allows integrating the activity of different functional departments. The reporting features have also been developed a lot and reports are being generated in a matter of seconds. The advanced security system of Tally ERP is making it more credible among potential customers. Other improvements from previous versions refer to the integration support and the transparency. They both weight significantly in the eyes of business owners looking for ERP solutions. The transparency enables the customer to see how the business solution is being created and reaches the company. Tally ERP has high chances to become popular among users because it has a friendly interface, it is easy to use and to customize and it allows incremental implementation.

Read information about Tally ERP Software. Also know about ERP for SME.

Syteline ERP Software System From Infor

In the ever changing market scenario, it has become mandatory for the whole sale distributors to improve their profit margins considerably, and look for new opportunities to shine above the rest. Infor ERP SyteLine offers the comprehensive business solution that helps the distributors to be responsive and extract the maximum benefits from the opportunities.

Managing a huge business often creates difficult situations, especially with the extended supply chains. ERP SyteLine package helps in planning, selling, shipping and other essential services and streamline the wholesale distribution process. SyteLine ERP coupled with the Supply Chain Management integrates the suppliers and customers along with the main business processes of the organization. This system helps in keeping the inventories at the minimum level and avoids redundancies, which increases the profitability of the wholesale business to a great extent. It guides the distributors to face the fluctuations in demand and supply and helps them in taking quick and effective measures. Based on these factors, the assembling and shipping of products is optimized that guarantees success in the business.

Infor ERP SyteLine eases the core business process by improving the planning, managing inventories, processing orders and shipping. The total business expenditure is considerably reduced, with a marked improvement in the performance. This software package is unique in anticipating the market trend and demand of certain products, and guides to find new potential customers. Apart from managing the customer relationship, it also provides useful tools for maintaining relations with the suppliers.

In production planning, ERP SyteLine helps in planning in coordination with the capacity, demand and material supply. It also helps in scheduling the operations against various limitations like workforce, machine equipments, tools etc. Consideration of these vital factors, erases all sorts of trouble and confusion, and saves the business from incurring financial loss. Improvement in the shipping has helped in just-in-time delivery of the goods to the customer. This has helped in building up of a strong customer relationship, essential for the business growth.

This software is completely based on the Microsoft.Net Technology that includes MS SQL Server and MS Exchange Server. This technology helps in easy integration with all Microsoft products, and can also be run with other Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) applications which integrate the customers and suppliers. ERP SyteLine is a simple software package, which can be customized according to the business requirements. One can easily add or remove certain fields, labels and screens without any extra programming or extra investment. Other features include development of the administrative work, use of Graphical User Interface according to Windows standard. The software is available in 19 different languages to carry out the operations in different locations.

Read about ERP Features and Functions. Also know about ERP for SME.

Sap HR Module - Human Resource Management to Manage Work Force

Human resources management is a very important part in the activity of any business, regardless its size or its field of activity. Unless the work force is managed properly, the entire business might go down. Profitability goes hand in hand with efficient business processes and a hectic management of the human resources will result in chaos in what concerns the well being and the efficiency of that business. This is why ERP software usually incorporates a human resources module and this is also the case with SAP, which comes with SAP HR Module, where HR stands for human resources. There is a lot of information about the employees that needs to be managed and there are many things that need to be kept under control. Information about a company’s employees also needs to be integrated with other business processes.

SAP HR module is going to allow you to attract work force towards the company and to keep it there. It makes possible retrieving any information about human resources in the blink of an eye. This way the mangers can instantly find out data about job profiles and job responsibilities. There is a clear difference between task, job, position and person and this helps managing information a lot.

The recruitment process is also simplified a lot by using the SAP HR module because the structure of the company, the openings and the uncovered needs in what concerns work force are more visible. Employment history and personal data of the employees are available with just a few clicks. Besides this, the SAP HR module also helps in evaluating the employees’ performance and in determining their income. Salaries, bonuses, sick pay or vacation allowances, as well as travel pay and other material benefits are being kept under control and changes can be made with easiness and can be also made known to all interested parties.

SAP HR module comes with time management tools which enable managing payrolls, bonuses, overtime, sick leave and vacations. Travel management is also of high importance, especially in multi location companies. It is also beneficial for big sales team. SAP HR module simplifies dealing with travel information, the approval of travel requests and other details like reservations and payment for those on business trip. The training and development module enables the management to anticipate the employees’ need for training and to encourage career development. This module also helps in replacing employees in key positions easier.

Read about Customization of ERP Software. Also read about ERP Project Management.