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.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sap Course Fees - Deciding On What Module To Take
SAP is provided by SAP AG Germany which is on of the most renowned producers of business software. ERP software is becoming more and more popular between entrepreneurs of all types because it automates business processes and it makes them more efficient. The benefits of correctly implementing an ERP system are obvious and more and more business owners decide to do this. In this case, the need for ERP consultants is constantly increasing and those knowing how to use ERP software are in great demand on the work force market. People interested in giving a boost to their career or in improving their professional skills look for SAP courses more than ever.
Since good news travel fast, employees have heard about the opportunities an SAP course might provide for their career and about the fact that employers are looking for ERP consultants and have decided to go for such a course. Training institutions have also speculated the profit they would make from offering SAP courses and there is no major city where you won’t find at least one provider of SAP courses. SAP fees vary of course from institution to institution and sometimes the difference is considerable. Nevertheless, the quality of those courses also varies depending on who's providing them.
Because there are many modules available in an SAP course, the course fees will depend on how many modules you wish to attend. When deciding on what module to take, people usually consider their previous experience. Those who work in accounting, for instance, go for the accounting module, while marketing people find it more advantageous to take the sales and distribution module. SAP courses for one module can range between 10,000 rupees to 35,000 rupees.
Although the difference might seem huge at a first glance and you might wondering why to pay 25.000 rupees more for the same thing, don't forget to do a little research and to make sure that the institution providing the course is a reputable one. Quality should not be compromised for the money because after all the reason for taking this course is to know how to use ERP software and to be able to work with it efficiently. Reputable and experienced training institutions will offer more expensive SAP courses in most of the cases, but this might also be because the learning process is qualitative and they have the best teachers available.
SAP course fees are indeed varying, but the duration of a module is pretty much standardized and it usually lasts 45 days.
Read about Customization of ERP Software. Also read about ERP Project Management.
Since good news travel fast, employees have heard about the opportunities an SAP course might provide for their career and about the fact that employers are looking for ERP consultants and have decided to go for such a course. Training institutions have also speculated the profit they would make from offering SAP courses and there is no major city where you won’t find at least one provider of SAP courses. SAP fees vary of course from institution to institution and sometimes the difference is considerable. Nevertheless, the quality of those courses also varies depending on who's providing them.
Because there are many modules available in an SAP course, the course fees will depend on how many modules you wish to attend. When deciding on what module to take, people usually consider their previous experience. Those who work in accounting, for instance, go for the accounting module, while marketing people find it more advantageous to take the sales and distribution module. SAP courses for one module can range between 10,000 rupees to 35,000 rupees.
Although the difference might seem huge at a first glance and you might wondering why to pay 25.000 rupees more for the same thing, don't forget to do a little research and to make sure that the institution providing the course is a reputable one. Quality should not be compromised for the money because after all the reason for taking this course is to know how to use ERP software and to be able to work with it efficiently. Reputable and experienced training institutions will offer more expensive SAP courses in most of the cases, but this might also be because the learning process is qualitative and they have the best teachers available.
SAP course fees are indeed varying, but the duration of a module is pretty much standardized and it usually lasts 45 days.
Read about Customization of ERP Software. Also read about ERP Project Management.
SAP B1 - Business One ERP Software System
SAP B1 or SAP Business One software system differs from other SAP products, as it is especially designed for the small and medium sized business organizations (SMB's). The main advantage of this software lies in its low cost and the least time taken for the installation. SAP B1 comprises of the basic modules, and the implementation can be easily achieved, if the business process of an organization matches with the SAP B1 architecture. It may require more time for implementation, due to lots of alterations in the organization.
The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module is in built in the SAP B1 and does not exist as a separate module as in other ERP products. This software requires Microsoft Outlook to provide the automated marketing feature. Reports are generated with the help of Vision, third party software.
The Financial Management module of SAP B1 is designed to suit other project based companies. It enables unlimited allocation of budgets and generates flexible reports.
This software may cause some problem in the manufacturing module because the features deal only with the MRP. In order to access more benefits from SAP B1, various other manufacturing organizations integrate this software with N'ware. SAP B1 offers more comprehensive distribution module than the manufacturing module featuring group pricing, flexible pricing, warehouse management and multiple price list. But, this software lacks in providing the time period view of the stocks.
The purchasing module of SAP B1 manages the business operations regarding purchase order, managing the contracts to vendors, keeping track of the stocks, returned products and payments of customers. This module also helps users in calculating the price of the imported materials.
For designing reports, SAP B1 uses third party service from Vision software and the Crystal Reports. They help in generating reports related to every business operations including sales and book keeping. The user interface of SAP B1 makes it user friendly, which includes tools with drag and drop features. This software system allows customization, with provision for adding extra fields and tables.
SAP B1 ERP can be easily integrated with other SAP applications, and provides easy up gradation of the software as and when required. This ERP can be run on Microsoft Operating Systems and supports the databases of Microsoft SQL Server and IBM DB2. The price of the software is affordable, especially for the small and medium business organizations. Though the initial cost of installation appears to be low, it may prove to be expensive in the future.
Read about SAP Business One ERP Software. Also read about NetSuite ERP Software Review.
The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module is in built in the SAP B1 and does not exist as a separate module as in other ERP products. This software requires Microsoft Outlook to provide the automated marketing feature. Reports are generated with the help of Vision, third party software.
The Financial Management module of SAP B1 is designed to suit other project based companies. It enables unlimited allocation of budgets and generates flexible reports.
This software may cause some problem in the manufacturing module because the features deal only with the MRP. In order to access more benefits from SAP B1, various other manufacturing organizations integrate this software with N'ware. SAP B1 offers more comprehensive distribution module than the manufacturing module featuring group pricing, flexible pricing, warehouse management and multiple price list. But, this software lacks in providing the time period view of the stocks.
The purchasing module of SAP B1 manages the business operations regarding purchase order, managing the contracts to vendors, keeping track of the stocks, returned products and payments of customers. This module also helps users in calculating the price of the imported materials.
For designing reports, SAP B1 uses third party service from Vision software and the Crystal Reports. They help in generating reports related to every business operations including sales and book keeping. The user interface of SAP B1 makes it user friendly, which includes tools with drag and drop features. This software system allows customization, with provision for adding extra fields and tables.
SAP B1 ERP can be easily integrated with other SAP applications, and provides easy up gradation of the software as and when required. This ERP can be run on Microsoft Operating Systems and supports the databases of Microsoft SQL Server and IBM DB2. The price of the software is affordable, especially for the small and medium business organizations. Though the initial cost of installation appears to be low, it may prove to be expensive in the future.
Read about SAP Business One ERP Software. Also read about NetSuite ERP Software Review.
What Is SAP Architecture and How It Can Be Configured in Various Ways?
SAP is ERP software used for automating and integrating different business processes like production planning, inventory management, distribution, customer service, human resources management, finances or logistics. SAP architecture is divided into three layers or servers. There is the presentation layer, the application layer and the database layer. Each of them is responsible for a certain processes and contributes to the good functioning of the entire system. They all run on different servers unlike the two layer architecture, where the presentation layer and the application one were on the same server and the database layer was managed separately. However, the three layers architecture is commonly used in production and in complex systems. We can even talk about one level SAP architecture, where everything is stored on a single server.
Nowadays SAP R/3 comes in three-layer architecture. The presentation layer is the one that allows the end user to interact with the application itself. It is called graphical user interface (GUI) and it makes possible using the application. The application layer is where the applications are executed. It communicates with the database layer which is responsible for processing and managing the data. This three tier architecture increases functionality because the load is being distributed on more servers. It is not compulsory to only use three servers, one for each layer, because the functions of each layer can also be managed on more than one server. It is naturally understood that all the servers used have to be network connected. It is usually common for the application layer to be distributed on multiple servers because this way a possible overload from the end users will be prevented.
SAP Web Application Server, or shortly Web AS, and SAP NetWeaver replaced SAP Basis which was linking the three layers between them, or more accurately said, was linking the application server to the other two layers. The end users use the Graphical User Interface for connecting to the application server, which is also connected to the database server. Web AS and SAP basis both provide stability for the SAP architecture and include tools that allow the administration of the system. Web AS however includes new technologies that help develop the Internet Communication Manager that enables communication through Internet between the server and the client. SAP is flexible ERP software and SAP architecture can be configured in various ways so that it suits the needs of different business activities.
Read about ERP Implementation Best Practices. Also read about NetSuite ERP Software Review.
Nowadays SAP R/3 comes in three-layer architecture. The presentation layer is the one that allows the end user to interact with the application itself. It is called graphical user interface (GUI) and it makes possible using the application. The application layer is where the applications are executed. It communicates with the database layer which is responsible for processing and managing the data. This three tier architecture increases functionality because the load is being distributed on more servers. It is not compulsory to only use three servers, one for each layer, because the functions of each layer can also be managed on more than one server. It is naturally understood that all the servers used have to be network connected. It is usually common for the application layer to be distributed on multiple servers because this way a possible overload from the end users will be prevented.
SAP Web Application Server, or shortly Web AS, and SAP NetWeaver replaced SAP Basis which was linking the three layers between them, or more accurately said, was linking the application server to the other two layers. The end users use the Graphical User Interface for connecting to the application server, which is also connected to the database server. Web AS and SAP basis both provide stability for the SAP architecture and include tools that allow the administration of the system. Web AS however includes new technologies that help develop the Internet Communication Manager that enables communication through Internet between the server and the client. SAP is flexible ERP software and SAP architecture can be configured in various ways so that it suits the needs of different business activities.
Read about ERP Implementation Best Practices. Also read about NetSuite ERP Software Review.
Oracle ERP - A Unique Combination of Hardware and Software
Oracle ERP Software is the most comprehensive software system at present that integrates all the business functions most effectively, featuring a unique combination of hardware and software. This software is engineered to cater the requirements of different types of industries and business processes and has fast gained popularity across the globe.
Oracle software works on its own database with many advanced features that lead to a strong functioning. It can function efficiently on the global platform and takes least time for installation. Among the financial packages available in market, Oracle Financial package is the best, and the Oracle HRMS module also deserves special praise.
Oracle software provides the best customer support as it hires experts to guide the buyers about the product. Oracle ERP offers specific modules for specific functions and modules of HRMS, finance, planning, production etc. are very popular. It offers the facility to the customers to choose modules as per requirement optimizing the expenses, instead of purchasing unnecessary modules.
Oracle ERP software offers user interfaces of two types. One is called Oracle Self Service Application constituting web features. The other Oracle Forms are used for main financial transactions. These are user-friendly and are similar to the FoxPro and Dbase. Moreover, the Oracle Self Service Application can be configured to use for internet. It can be easily customized and installed quickly than the other available ERP systems. Fast adoption to the legal standards is another vital feature of Oracle ERP. Oracle ERP provides a high level of data security, which cannot be breached easily. Coupled with fast data migration and high security, this software has turned out to be the most reliable and convenient to use.
An organization has to make less investment due to the modular feature of Oracle ERP, who opts for stepwise switchover to ERP system instead of one go. Oracle has a good reputation of providing the best customer services. The reporting tool of this ERP system is another unique feature that makes it stand out from the rest.
Oracle CRM on Demand module is designed as an answer to the SaaS (Software as a Service) industry, which constitutes automation of sales force, marketing and customer support functions. Oracle is well acquainted with the back office automation, and the Oracle CRM can be best integrated with other core ERP applications. The sales force automation system improves the performance of the sales representatives by providing relevant data related to account status, sales orders, contacts, deals etc.
Oracle ERP comes with pre built integrated modules and an integration engine that facilitates the users to integrate the modules with non- Oracle systems.
Oracle ERP system has its limitations with respect to the user interfaces, which lacks the drag and drop features of the standard Windows user interface. Moreover, this ERP system cannot be used with ease when compared to other ERP products.
Read more about Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Read information on the Causes of ERP Failure.
Oracle software works on its own database with many advanced features that lead to a strong functioning. It can function efficiently on the global platform and takes least time for installation. Among the financial packages available in market, Oracle Financial package is the best, and the Oracle HRMS module also deserves special praise.
Oracle software provides the best customer support as it hires experts to guide the buyers about the product. Oracle ERP offers specific modules for specific functions and modules of HRMS, finance, planning, production etc. are very popular. It offers the facility to the customers to choose modules as per requirement optimizing the expenses, instead of purchasing unnecessary modules.
Oracle ERP software offers user interfaces of two types. One is called Oracle Self Service Application constituting web features. The other Oracle Forms are used for main financial transactions. These are user-friendly and are similar to the FoxPro and Dbase. Moreover, the Oracle Self Service Application can be configured to use for internet. It can be easily customized and installed quickly than the other available ERP systems. Fast adoption to the legal standards is another vital feature of Oracle ERP. Oracle ERP provides a high level of data security, which cannot be breached easily. Coupled with fast data migration and high security, this software has turned out to be the most reliable and convenient to use.
An organization has to make less investment due to the modular feature of Oracle ERP, who opts for stepwise switchover to ERP system instead of one go. Oracle has a good reputation of providing the best customer services. The reporting tool of this ERP system is another unique feature that makes it stand out from the rest.
Oracle CRM on Demand module is designed as an answer to the SaaS (Software as a Service) industry, which constitutes automation of sales force, marketing and customer support functions. Oracle is well acquainted with the back office automation, and the Oracle CRM can be best integrated with other core ERP applications. The sales force automation system improves the performance of the sales representatives by providing relevant data related to account status, sales orders, contacts, deals etc.
Oracle ERP comes with pre built integrated modules and an integration engine that facilitates the users to integrate the modules with non- Oracle systems.
Oracle ERP system has its limitations with respect to the user interfaces, which lacks the drag and drop features of the standard Windows user interface. Moreover, this ERP system cannot be used with ease when compared to other ERP products.
Read more about Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Read information on the Causes of ERP Failure.
Introduction of Microsoft Dynamics NAV - Navision ERP Software
Microsoft Dynamics NAV is especially designed for midsized companies and it is appropriate for the needs of manufacturing and distribution companies. Small manufacturing units find it very useful and although it claims to be suitable for companies up to five hundred employees, it is best to be used by those who have fewer than three hundred. However, it has features and advantages that make it very popular and the fact that it is produced under the Microsoft umbrella also contributes to its popularity. Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a way of simplifying and automating all the business processes because its modules cover the entire activity of a company.
1. Financial management
2. Human resources management (HRM)
3. Supply chain management (SCM)
4. Manufacturing
5. Project management (PM)
6. Business intelligence and reporting
7. Customer relationship management (CRM)
8. Workspace optimization
Microsoft Dynamics NAV comes with multi-language, multi-locations and multi-units features which makes it very flexible and suitable for complex business processes. Compared with other Microsoft products it offers a high degree of flexibility and customization. The fact that it integrates with other Microsoft applications, like MS Office or MS Visio makes it easier to use and more friendly. Employees already familiar with the interface of MS Office for instance will find it a lot easier to use this new software and implementation will be accelerated. Its integration with Microsoft SharePoint Server makes data transmission from other locations and transactions outside the office accessible.
Business owners have the opportunity to make the best decisions using Microsoft Dynamics NAV because they have quick access to specific information and they can also use comprehensive reporting tools. The reports can be easily modified taken into consideration particular requirements one might have and they can be exported to other applications.
Implementation of Microsoft Dynamics NAV is easy and the producer claims that it will provide to your business the exact adaptability that it needs in order to face the financial and economical changes that are taking place, the changes on the market and other challenges like globalization or staying ahead of your competitors. The product comes with excellent customer support and training and the initial cost vary depending on what modules you want to buy. The cheapest version, called tier one comes with basic features for financial management, the next one contains modules for manufacturing, project managing and reporting, while the most expensive ones has tools that enable an advanced management of your business.
Read more about Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Read information on the Causes of ERP Failure.
1. Financial management
2. Human resources management (HRM)
3. Supply chain management (SCM)
4. Manufacturing
5. Project management (PM)
6. Business intelligence and reporting
7. Customer relationship management (CRM)
8. Workspace optimization
Microsoft Dynamics NAV comes with multi-language, multi-locations and multi-units features which makes it very flexible and suitable for complex business processes. Compared with other Microsoft products it offers a high degree of flexibility and customization. The fact that it integrates with other Microsoft applications, like MS Office or MS Visio makes it easier to use and more friendly. Employees already familiar with the interface of MS Office for instance will find it a lot easier to use this new software and implementation will be accelerated. Its integration with Microsoft SharePoint Server makes data transmission from other locations and transactions outside the office accessible.
Business owners have the opportunity to make the best decisions using Microsoft Dynamics NAV because they have quick access to specific information and they can also use comprehensive reporting tools. The reports can be easily modified taken into consideration particular requirements one might have and they can be exported to other applications.
Implementation of Microsoft Dynamics NAV is easy and the producer claims that it will provide to your business the exact adaptability that it needs in order to face the financial and economical changes that are taking place, the changes on the market and other challenges like globalization or staying ahead of your competitors. The product comes with excellent customer support and training and the initial cost vary depending on what modules you want to buy. The cheapest version, called tier one comes with basic features for financial management, the next one contains modules for manufacturing, project managing and reporting, while the most expensive ones has tools that enable an advanced management of your business.
Read more about Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Read information on the Causes of ERP Failure.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Accounting Software Classification and Types - Helping Small and Large Organization
Accounting software is an application or set of applications that records and processes accounting transactions according to the rules and regulations specified and takes every single transactional entry up to the final books like trial balance, profit and loss accounts and balance sheet automatically. Accounting is a part of life, it is required everywhere be it home, shop, services, companies or government departments. The books containing information about money transactions are compulsory.
Accounting software makes the task of keeping account books easy. This is done in few ways like software helping a lay man in keeping his books who has no knowledge of accounting rules. Software helping small to large organizations in maintaining books with ease by doing processing and recording on its own and relieving accounts department from repetitive work and another way is to help in analyzing the accounts data for better and profitable decisions and getting alerts for wrong decisions or pitfalls.
Accounting software generally contain modules like accounts receivables, accounts payable, general ledger, billing, inventory, purchase order, sales order, bank book and cash book. These are core modules of accounting software however non core modules may include more options like debt collection or outstanding, payment performance, expenses, payroll etc.
Accounting software can be classified as per their functionality in few categories. Personal accounting software are meant for simple accounting purposes like managing budget, expenses and income for personal accounts. These software also include reports for reconciliation like bank book and expense sheet. Inventory-accounting software is another category of software used with sales and purchase options, few of those have stock option too and use single entry system for accounting. These software are very low in terms of functionality and support only one type of regulation and currency. These software are not designed with GAAP or IFRS compliance and just provide accounting as additional feature with the software.
Accounting software used by mid level companies has multiple currency and multiple regulation options which allows the user to keep books according to international standards. Reporting of these software is robust and scalable by using external tools. These software use scalable and flexible databases at the back end like Oracle, Pervasive, MS-SQL, MySql etc. Management information systems are provided along with these software supported by capable reporting tools like crystal reports or cognos.
ERP finance software are more advanced versions of accounting software used by mid level organizations. The advantage of using such software is that these can be customized according to the user needs and requirements without disturbing the compliance with IFRS or GAAP and maintaining the accuracy and speed for transfer of vital information and analysis. Large organization may have to adopt few policies for working smoothly or covering the pitfalls, these software adjust according to such changes to allow its users work freely with same flexibility. Some accounting software are specifically designed for a particular industry, resolving industry specific problems and providing advanced features like data security and privacy. Such software are used by banks, financial institutions and government departments. These software are flexible enough to adjust according to changing rules and regulations too with greater ease.
Read information about Advantages of Oracle E-Business Suite. Also know about Open Source ERP Software.
Accounting software makes the task of keeping account books easy. This is done in few ways like software helping a lay man in keeping his books who has no knowledge of accounting rules. Software helping small to large organizations in maintaining books with ease by doing processing and recording on its own and relieving accounts department from repetitive work and another way is to help in analyzing the accounts data for better and profitable decisions and getting alerts for wrong decisions or pitfalls.
Accounting software generally contain modules like accounts receivables, accounts payable, general ledger, billing, inventory, purchase order, sales order, bank book and cash book. These are core modules of accounting software however non core modules may include more options like debt collection or outstanding, payment performance, expenses, payroll etc.
Accounting software can be classified as per their functionality in few categories. Personal accounting software are meant for simple accounting purposes like managing budget, expenses and income for personal accounts. These software also include reports for reconciliation like bank book and expense sheet. Inventory-accounting software is another category of software used with sales and purchase options, few of those have stock option too and use single entry system for accounting. These software are very low in terms of functionality and support only one type of regulation and currency. These software are not designed with GAAP or IFRS compliance and just provide accounting as additional feature with the software.
Accounting software used by mid level companies has multiple currency and multiple regulation options which allows the user to keep books according to international standards. Reporting of these software is robust and scalable by using external tools. These software use scalable and flexible databases at the back end like Oracle, Pervasive, MS-SQL, MySql etc. Management information systems are provided along with these software supported by capable reporting tools like crystal reports or cognos.
ERP finance software are more advanced versions of accounting software used by mid level organizations. The advantage of using such software is that these can be customized according to the user needs and requirements without disturbing the compliance with IFRS or GAAP and maintaining the accuracy and speed for transfer of vital information and analysis. Large organization may have to adopt few policies for working smoothly or covering the pitfalls, these software adjust according to such changes to allow its users work freely with same flexibility. Some accounting software are specifically designed for a particular industry, resolving industry specific problems and providing advanced features like data security and privacy. Such software are used by banks, financial institutions and government departments. These software are flexible enough to adjust according to changing rules and regulations too with greater ease.
Read information about Advantages of Oracle E-Business Suite. Also know about Open Source ERP Software.
SAP ERP Software Review - Expert Review
SAP ERP software was launched by SAP AG which mainly targets midsize and large organizations. Today there are more than 20,000 SAP ERP users all over the world and is one of the leading software service providers. SAP consists of complex and highly integrated modules for marketing, production, manufacturing, sales, warehouse, financial management, human resource, supply chain management and analytics.
SAP software is a capable solution which can help the organizations in increasing their efficiency, reduce lead time, better analysis for timely and accurate decisions, reduced inventory and better customer service or product quality which all combining together increase profitability of the company. SAP ERP software's strength lies in its platform technology which gives it an edge over its competition and also helps its users in closing the gap between business strategies and operational execution. SAP software uses SOA which enables its user to create work processes, functionality and work flow with greater ease, communication with legacy systems and other systems also gets easier with this architecture. SAP ERP runs on a SAP Netweaver platform which enhances integrity, its components and tools allow better orchestration of different processes and modules. SAP business object portfolio helps in extending information to people, customers and processes to optimize business.
SAP ERP software covers all the aspects of business to give complete automated working throughout the organization. Apart from main modules, analytics for finance, operations and workforce analytics are specialized sub-modules which have advanced features for planning, execution and management of different strategies related to these three fields. These sub-modules also give a view about the impact of different policies. These features and modules with immaculate integration provide smooth and efficient working to the organization. SAP ERP software provides global presence by resolving problems of currency exchange, multiple language and culture. It also automates different processes with sufficient flexibility, provides real time information, reduce chances of data redundancy and needs one time update to be implemented throughout organization.
SAP ERP has been utilized in many different industries and most popularly it has been used in manufacturing. Defense, automobiles, chemicals, consumer products, engineering, construction, life sciences, mill products and oil and gas are some of the industries which are utilizing SAP for their manufacturing units. SAP ERP is also popular and efficient in handling service based industries and distribution and wholesale, which have given it a wide variety of clients all over the world.
SAP ABAP has given flexibility in customization which allows ABAP programmers to write application which can interact with pre-designed SAP applications as well as can write and access data from data repository. Apart from this ABAP commands can be executed from the window provided at almost every form of SAP ERP which gives immense operating flexibility.
SAP ERP has been criticized for its long and complex implementation process which sometimes becomes tedious and causes software failure. The software is considered as bulky and too much IT infrastructure hungry which makes it troublesome to implement. The process of implementation and time consumed in utilizing it completely, with all the features working in full swing, is so much that it reduces ROI low to make the software costlier.
Read information about Cost of ERP Implementation. Also know about Annual Maintenance Cost for ERP.
SAP software is a capable solution which can help the organizations in increasing their efficiency, reduce lead time, better analysis for timely and accurate decisions, reduced inventory and better customer service or product quality which all combining together increase profitability of the company. SAP ERP software's strength lies in its platform technology which gives it an edge over its competition and also helps its users in closing the gap between business strategies and operational execution. SAP software uses SOA which enables its user to create work processes, functionality and work flow with greater ease, communication with legacy systems and other systems also gets easier with this architecture. SAP ERP runs on a SAP Netweaver platform which enhances integrity, its components and tools allow better orchestration of different processes and modules. SAP business object portfolio helps in extending information to people, customers and processes to optimize business.
SAP ERP software covers all the aspects of business to give complete automated working throughout the organization. Apart from main modules, analytics for finance, operations and workforce analytics are specialized sub-modules which have advanced features for planning, execution and management of different strategies related to these three fields. These sub-modules also give a view about the impact of different policies. These features and modules with immaculate integration provide smooth and efficient working to the organization. SAP ERP software provides global presence by resolving problems of currency exchange, multiple language and culture. It also automates different processes with sufficient flexibility, provides real time information, reduce chances of data redundancy and needs one time update to be implemented throughout organization.
SAP ERP has been utilized in many different industries and most popularly it has been used in manufacturing. Defense, automobiles, chemicals, consumer products, engineering, construction, life sciences, mill products and oil and gas are some of the industries which are utilizing SAP for their manufacturing units. SAP ERP is also popular and efficient in handling service based industries and distribution and wholesale, which have given it a wide variety of clients all over the world.
SAP ABAP has given flexibility in customization which allows ABAP programmers to write application which can interact with pre-designed SAP applications as well as can write and access data from data repository. Apart from this ABAP commands can be executed from the window provided at almost every form of SAP ERP which gives immense operating flexibility.
SAP ERP has been criticized for its long and complex implementation process which sometimes becomes tedious and causes software failure. The software is considered as bulky and too much IT infrastructure hungry which makes it troublesome to implement. The process of implementation and time consumed in utilizing it completely, with all the features working in full swing, is so much that it reduces ROI low to make the software costlier.
Read information about Cost of ERP Implementation. Also know about Annual Maintenance Cost for ERP.
SAGE ERP Software Review - Expert Review
SAGE is leading ERP software provider in small and medium sized category with SAP, Oracle and Infor quite behind in terms of number of users and revenue. SAGE ERP is a global solution with clients in 24 countries, it has 21% market share in mid size segment according to a survey conducted in 2006. SAGE Accpac extended enterprise business suite and SAGE ERP X3 are two major products providing ERP solutions targeting mid size companies.
SAGE ERP is built on SOA architecture with common business logic interface providing interface with windows, devices like hand phones and mobile, spreadsheets, other interfaces and internet browser through API, XAPI and SOAP. This interfacing is handled by common process server. SAGE ERP software has connectivity with SQL, Oracle, PSQL, Ingres and DB2 through a common database services interface. The business logic section contains number of business logic processes which process, store, and transfer the data as specified in the program.
SAGE ERP software contains all the features to support working of small to large organizations from financial management to other advance activities like discrete manufacturing and improving customer, supplier and employee communication. SAGE ERP software are compact and easy to use flexible solutions which are most suitable for mid size companies as they more cost effective compared to other ERP solutions. Customization of SAGE ERP software's is easy and web enabled accounting features allows this ERP to be used through desktop and laptop with an internet connection.
SAGE ERP provides modules of its ERP in the form of mini application which can be chosen according to the requirement. Even the desktop computers in an office can be customized by giving access to those applications only, which are required by the person working on that desk, which makes this software very easy to operate and handle. Ease of use and capable and complete solutions are the reasons for its huge success in the small and mid size section of the market.
The flexibility, scalability and service oriented architecture of SAGE ERP software is its biggest strength, it is available as per 100, 200 and 500 users according to the size of the company and with options and facilities to upgrade. Available modules in the ERP cover activities like accounting and operations, wholesale distribution, manufacturing management, customer relationship management, E-commerce, electronic data transfer, service management and warehouse management. System manager of the ERP provide data access, manage security and data processing while alerts server enhances communication between back office, front office and e-commerce systems by monitoring data fields for specified activities.
The SAGE ERP software are considered as too much fabricated and incapable to handle complex and multi-faceted working of large organizations where there are profiles working with mixed responsibilities and changing roles. Work processes need to be defined regularly with every change in the work flow and data security within the organization is also questionable. But the ease of use, web enablement and customization of the ERP Solution puts it way ahead of its competition in the small and midsize market.
Read information about Cost of ERP Implementation. Also know about Annual Maintenance Cost for ERP.
SAGE ERP is built on SOA architecture with common business logic interface providing interface with windows, devices like hand phones and mobile, spreadsheets, other interfaces and internet browser through API, XAPI and SOAP. This interfacing is handled by common process server. SAGE ERP software has connectivity with SQL, Oracle, PSQL, Ingres and DB2 through a common database services interface. The business logic section contains number of business logic processes which process, store, and transfer the data as specified in the program.
SAGE ERP software contains all the features to support working of small to large organizations from financial management to other advance activities like discrete manufacturing and improving customer, supplier and employee communication. SAGE ERP software are compact and easy to use flexible solutions which are most suitable for mid size companies as they more cost effective compared to other ERP solutions. Customization of SAGE ERP software's is easy and web enabled accounting features allows this ERP to be used through desktop and laptop with an internet connection.
SAGE ERP provides modules of its ERP in the form of mini application which can be chosen according to the requirement. Even the desktop computers in an office can be customized by giving access to those applications only, which are required by the person working on that desk, which makes this software very easy to operate and handle. Ease of use and capable and complete solutions are the reasons for its huge success in the small and mid size section of the market.
The flexibility, scalability and service oriented architecture of SAGE ERP software is its biggest strength, it is available as per 100, 200 and 500 users according to the size of the company and with options and facilities to upgrade. Available modules in the ERP cover activities like accounting and operations, wholesale distribution, manufacturing management, customer relationship management, E-commerce, electronic data transfer, service management and warehouse management. System manager of the ERP provide data access, manage security and data processing while alerts server enhances communication between back office, front office and e-commerce systems by monitoring data fields for specified activities.
The SAGE ERP software are considered as too much fabricated and incapable to handle complex and multi-faceted working of large organizations where there are profiles working with mixed responsibilities and changing roles. Work processes need to be defined regularly with every change in the work flow and data security within the organization is also questionable. But the ease of use, web enablement and customization of the ERP Solution puts it way ahead of its competition in the small and midsize market.
Read information about Cost of ERP Implementation. Also know about Annual Maintenance Cost for ERP.
Oracle ERP Software Review - Expert Review
Oracle is one of the giants of ERP software industry with more than 6 million customers all over the world, though all of them are not ERP users, but still Oracle holds a leading place in the industry. Oracle has taken over JD Edwards and PeopleSoft at different stages of its growth path which has improved the versatility of the company in terms of providing solutions to the organizations.
After acquiring JD Edwards and PeopleSoft it released advanced and enhanced versions with a focus of providing complete ERP solutions. Oracle E-business suite is a set of applications developed with in-depth functionality of different departments of the organization, these applications can interact with each other to form a strong and robust platform with latest facilities. Other solutions provided by Oracle in lines with ERP solutions are JD Edwards world and Oracle fusion applications. Oracle fusion applications are independently working applications targeting a particular aspect of organizations like CRM, SCM, etc which can be even integrated together to provide compact and complete solution to the user.
Oracle ERP solutions are often criticized for their un-integrated application architecture with different applications tied together to provide one single solution. JD Edwards and PeopleSoft now have many applications attached to the main software, developed at Oracle after their acquisition, to make the product suitable for the needs of the organization and serve the purpose of a full fledged ERP solution. Oracle E business suite is also an integration of such specialized applications knitted together to form a large application. The expertise and undoubtedly best database at the backend of these applications serves well to overcome the deficits of such integration and provides reliability and speed to storage and retrieval activities performed by these applications. Interaction with legacy systems and other popular systems is another feature of Oracle ERP which makes it easy to adopt and use.
After taking over Sun Microsystems, Oracle ERP software has also received a shot in the arm to boost up quality and reliability of its services. The SOA architecture in its true sense is the basic feature of this solution. Integration and communication amongst different applications and with legacy systems provide flexibility and easier implementation and operation. The applications have in-depth functionality to suit and serve organizations of different size and industry with industry specific solutions. Most reliable data storage system makes the circle complete and serves in the best possible way. Disintegrated architecture of Oracle ERP is best suited for Oracle on demand model and Oracle ERP appears to be most suitable solution for midsized and small companies in terms of investment and facilities.
However if the formation of Oracle ERP software is claimed to be as its weakness, people at Oracle rebound this criticism by claiming and proving over and over as its biggest strength. With Oracle's own servers and other related facilities dropping in, today Oracle has released biggest version in terms of new functions and features. Providing one single application to serve the purpose of providing ERP solution to organizations is a far off thing and most of ERP vendors are giving up this thought now. With this Oracle ERP seems to be in much better position than others.
Read information about Advantages of Oracle E-Business Suite. Also know about Open Source ERP Software.
After acquiring JD Edwards and PeopleSoft it released advanced and enhanced versions with a focus of providing complete ERP solutions. Oracle E-business suite is a set of applications developed with in-depth functionality of different departments of the organization, these applications can interact with each other to form a strong and robust platform with latest facilities. Other solutions provided by Oracle in lines with ERP solutions are JD Edwards world and Oracle fusion applications. Oracle fusion applications are independently working applications targeting a particular aspect of organizations like CRM, SCM, etc which can be even integrated together to provide compact and complete solution to the user.
Oracle ERP solutions are often criticized for their un-integrated application architecture with different applications tied together to provide one single solution. JD Edwards and PeopleSoft now have many applications attached to the main software, developed at Oracle after their acquisition, to make the product suitable for the needs of the organization and serve the purpose of a full fledged ERP solution. Oracle E business suite is also an integration of such specialized applications knitted together to form a large application. The expertise and undoubtedly best database at the backend of these applications serves well to overcome the deficits of such integration and provides reliability and speed to storage and retrieval activities performed by these applications. Interaction with legacy systems and other popular systems is another feature of Oracle ERP which makes it easy to adopt and use.
After taking over Sun Microsystems, Oracle ERP software has also received a shot in the arm to boost up quality and reliability of its services. The SOA architecture in its true sense is the basic feature of this solution. Integration and communication amongst different applications and with legacy systems provide flexibility and easier implementation and operation. The applications have in-depth functionality to suit and serve organizations of different size and industry with industry specific solutions. Most reliable data storage system makes the circle complete and serves in the best possible way. Disintegrated architecture of Oracle ERP is best suited for Oracle on demand model and Oracle ERP appears to be most suitable solution for midsized and small companies in terms of investment and facilities.
However if the formation of Oracle ERP software is claimed to be as its weakness, people at Oracle rebound this criticism by claiming and proving over and over as its biggest strength. With Oracle's own servers and other related facilities dropping in, today Oracle has released biggest version in terms of new functions and features. Providing one single application to serve the purpose of providing ERP solution to organizations is a far off thing and most of ERP vendors are giving up this thought now. With this Oracle ERP seems to be in much better position than others.
Read information about Advantages of Oracle E-Business Suite. Also know about Open Source ERP Software.
ERP Software Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Total cost of ownership begins with calculation of all direct and indirect costs involved in all the processes of ERP software's life cycle starting from implementation to replacement. Most of the time when it comes to ERP, total cost of ownership is calculated as per cost of buying, implementation and IT infrastructure required for running the software. This can be seriously misleading as TCO of ERP software has many silent expenses which are evident after the implementation process.
The best way to control total cost of ownership of ERP software is to take wise steps right in the beginning, asses the cost those can be incurred in the start as well as during its life cycle and keep those costs under control. For TCO analysis there are five aspects of ERP life cycle which play a major role, these are acquisition, implementation, operations, maintenance and replacement.
Before implementation selection of proper ERP which suits to the need, size and working style of the organization can keep TCO under control to a large extent. Functional analysis of the company which can clearly and in detail depict the present working, identify problem areas, chalk out the flaws in the functionality and identify areas which can be corrected or improved with the use of IT, helps immensely in proper ERP selection. The “as is” document of the organization helps in matching the most suitable ERP, applying TCO with this, it brings down the cost which is incurred by customization, purchasing of add on tools, training, hiring IT manpower to install and make the software run without problems.
Identifying cost involved in implementation process for calculating total cost of ownership of ERP software is comparatively easy as this process involves mostly direct costs. The cost of purchasing the software itself, servers, clients, peripherals, networking infrastructure, software for support and maintenance are some of the costs which can be calculated. If functional and technical analysis has been done by hiring an external consultant then this cost is also added up in TCO analysis.
Operations and maintenance are the two processes for which assessment of costs is important as these phases of ERP software life cycle incur heavy costs on total cost of ownership. Both of these phases of ERP life cycle are process and people oriented hence it is difficult to assess hidden costs yet in these phases most of the indirect costs reside and direct costs are shifted away. Staff training, inclusion of skilled and trained IT team for internal support, use of most suitable implementation strategy, change management, availability and cost of new upgrades and benchmarking of current operations are few centers which shall be studied well to identify hidden costs in operations and maintenance phases.
Cost of replacement for total cost of ownership calculation of ERP software is completely based on assumptions but can be done on hard facts by analyzing present scenario. Some factors which may allow determination of approximate cost of replacement or avoiding replacement are stability of the ERP vendor, technology of the software, dependency on the vendor for future support and smooth functioning of the ERP software, disaster management, recovery management and identification of most suitable substitute of the ERP software can help in calculating much realistic cost of replacement in total cost of ownership analysis.
Read information about ERP Vendor Selection. Also know the ERP Software Features.
The best way to control total cost of ownership of ERP software is to take wise steps right in the beginning, asses the cost those can be incurred in the start as well as during its life cycle and keep those costs under control. For TCO analysis there are five aspects of ERP life cycle which play a major role, these are acquisition, implementation, operations, maintenance and replacement.
Before implementation selection of proper ERP which suits to the need, size and working style of the organization can keep TCO under control to a large extent. Functional analysis of the company which can clearly and in detail depict the present working, identify problem areas, chalk out the flaws in the functionality and identify areas which can be corrected or improved with the use of IT, helps immensely in proper ERP selection. The “as is” document of the organization helps in matching the most suitable ERP, applying TCO with this, it brings down the cost which is incurred by customization, purchasing of add on tools, training, hiring IT manpower to install and make the software run without problems.
Identifying cost involved in implementation process for calculating total cost of ownership of ERP software is comparatively easy as this process involves mostly direct costs. The cost of purchasing the software itself, servers, clients, peripherals, networking infrastructure, software for support and maintenance are some of the costs which can be calculated. If functional and technical analysis has been done by hiring an external consultant then this cost is also added up in TCO analysis.
Operations and maintenance are the two processes for which assessment of costs is important as these phases of ERP software life cycle incur heavy costs on total cost of ownership. Both of these phases of ERP life cycle are process and people oriented hence it is difficult to assess hidden costs yet in these phases most of the indirect costs reside and direct costs are shifted away. Staff training, inclusion of skilled and trained IT team for internal support, use of most suitable implementation strategy, change management, availability and cost of new upgrades and benchmarking of current operations are few centers which shall be studied well to identify hidden costs in operations and maintenance phases.
Cost of replacement for total cost of ownership calculation of ERP software is completely based on assumptions but can be done on hard facts by analyzing present scenario. Some factors which may allow determination of approximate cost of replacement or avoiding replacement are stability of the ERP vendor, technology of the software, dependency on the vendor for future support and smooth functioning of the ERP software, disaster management, recovery management and identification of most suitable substitute of the ERP software can help in calculating much realistic cost of replacement in total cost of ownership analysis.
Read information about ERP Vendor Selection. Also know the ERP Software Features.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
ERP Software Selection Process - Steps To Select Right ERP For Your Organization
For a proper ERP selection, a planned and collective approach is required which may avoid the pitfalls and help the management in reaching at a stage where they have ample information to make a correct decision. There are many reasons for making an improper selection, some of them are so simple that it is difficult to avoid them in normal decision making process.
Understanding, 'as is', of the company is the first and most important step that decision making body of any company seeking an ERP selection has to take. Deep and practical understanding of all the departments, identifying bottlenecks and scope of improvement in the processes for efficient working is easily understandable once an exhaustive and detailed study is conducted. The preparation of as is document helps in creating awareness in all the members and bring them at same level of information about the working pattern and style of working.
Once the problem areas and bottlenecks are chalked out, these can be used as selection criteria for the ERP software selection. The ERP suited most to resolve the situations of poor working and can offer solutions to the problems company is facing shall be short listed for further analysis. This document also helps in creating a checklist of processes those can be started or rather can be improved by utilizing advantages of IT which may be vital for increasing profit margins of the company. Such processes shall be identified by giving sufficient stress as such an improvement help in increasing ROI on ERP software and using ERP as a tool for business growth.
Gathering information about ERP vendors is another important step in ERP software selection which also includes a detailed study of options, facilities, modules and client list of the vendors. Always stress should be laid on analyzing main software rather than analyzing it with add on tools or facilities those will be available after customization. Most suitable ERP software with minimum customization is better option, lack of customization also works well for keeping TCO under control and lesser complexity in training and understanding of the software.
Too much stress on initial prices shall not be laid rather short listing most suitable ERP with minimum customization, effective training methods and easier implementation process shall be preferred. Demonstration of the ERP software shall be designed specifically focusing and suggesting solutions to the problems of the company. The new way of handling present working after the installation of new system shall be explained in detail and all the people who will be working on the new system shall be involved in the demonstration with freedom of putting forward their opinions and advices. Always remember that costly software does not necessarily means it is good software too and vice versa.
Vendors with track record and clients in similar industry shall be preferred. This helps in selecting software which might be having industry specific solutions, experience and understanding of industry working with the vendor. Sometimes during selection process previous experience with a particular system by one or few members of the decision making body can turn the discussion in favor of a particular system irrespective of its facilities and suitability to the present company. Such a situation needs to be avoided for proper ERP software selection.
Read information about ERP Vendor Selection. Also know the ERP Software Features.
Understanding, 'as is', of the company is the first and most important step that decision making body of any company seeking an ERP selection has to take. Deep and practical understanding of all the departments, identifying bottlenecks and scope of improvement in the processes for efficient working is easily understandable once an exhaustive and detailed study is conducted. The preparation of as is document helps in creating awareness in all the members and bring them at same level of information about the working pattern and style of working.
Once the problem areas and bottlenecks are chalked out, these can be used as selection criteria for the ERP software selection. The ERP suited most to resolve the situations of poor working and can offer solutions to the problems company is facing shall be short listed for further analysis. This document also helps in creating a checklist of processes those can be started or rather can be improved by utilizing advantages of IT which may be vital for increasing profit margins of the company. Such processes shall be identified by giving sufficient stress as such an improvement help in increasing ROI on ERP software and using ERP as a tool for business growth.
Gathering information about ERP vendors is another important step in ERP software selection which also includes a detailed study of options, facilities, modules and client list of the vendors. Always stress should be laid on analyzing main software rather than analyzing it with add on tools or facilities those will be available after customization. Most suitable ERP software with minimum customization is better option, lack of customization also works well for keeping TCO under control and lesser complexity in training and understanding of the software.
Too much stress on initial prices shall not be laid rather short listing most suitable ERP with minimum customization, effective training methods and easier implementation process shall be preferred. Demonstration of the ERP software shall be designed specifically focusing and suggesting solutions to the problems of the company. The new way of handling present working after the installation of new system shall be explained in detail and all the people who will be working on the new system shall be involved in the demonstration with freedom of putting forward their opinions and advices. Always remember that costly software does not necessarily means it is good software too and vice versa.
Vendors with track record and clients in similar industry shall be preferred. This helps in selecting software which might be having industry specific solutions, experience and understanding of industry working with the vendor. Sometimes during selection process previous experience with a particular system by one or few members of the decision making body can turn the discussion in favor of a particular system irrespective of its facilities and suitability to the present company. Such a situation needs to be avoided for proper ERP software selection.
Read information about ERP Vendor Selection. Also know the ERP Software Features.
Future of Enterprise Resource Planning Software for Organizations
To get a view of future scenario of enterprise resource planning software it is necessary to understand the present scenario of ERP in terms of its optimum utilization, ignored areas and untouched sectors. ERP has become an integral part of business today due to its proven benefits and huge capacities but it is very easily evident that there is much to be explored and need to give up a previously set goal.
Gone by are the days when ERP software was meant for large and big business organizations only which have capacity of investing money in millions. Today with the introduction of SaaS model, ERP on demand and cloud computing, ERP software has come in the reach of small and medium sized companies which has opened gates for ERP vendors to capture new markets. Simply reduced cost, integration and interaction of different departments, capacity to work with different set of rules and regulation, multi currency, multi lingual, web store and SFA are not just the features which are going to suffice the needs of small and medium sized companies.
More dominant role in strategic planning is one of those areas which may see a lot of change in future versions of ERP software. Till today even though a lot of hype has been created by the vendors about this feature but due to one or the other reasons user have not shown trust and courage to rely on the planning which is supported or chalked out largely by their enterprise resource planning software. Utilization of resources at the disposal of the software can help organizations in much more effective way than today, particularly small and medium sized companies are going to be benefited by this feature as they have less to invest on hiring planners compared to large organization.
Another area which might see some positive changes in enterprise resource planning software is budgeting. Many ERP users are still using conservative systems for calculating and sanctioning of budgets for different processes and activities. Perhaps ERP vendors in near future might bring in new ways and solutions to resolve the problem of budgeting.
More of cost effective offers and better SaaS models are expected in near future as all the giants of ERP industry are now trying to fish in the small and medium sized market where companies does not have kind of enormous budget to spend on IT infrastructure and ERP software purchase and implementation. Subscriptions will get more and more lenient and user friendly to draw in more and more users from this sector. Cloud computing promises most till date as far as future planning and developments are concerned.
Perhaps the biggest change that might be in store of future is goodbye to the concept of one single enterprise resource planning software to provide well integrated, seamless working in a large organization where all the departments are knitted together through single application. The future ERP software will be more like a network of applications designed specifically for a particular department of the organization like CRM, SCM and financial management where they are used with a top quality infrastructure enabling them to interact and exchange information in real time.
Read information about ERP Software Selection. Also know the Disadvantages of ERP Software.
Gone by are the days when ERP software was meant for large and big business organizations only which have capacity of investing money in millions. Today with the introduction of SaaS model, ERP on demand and cloud computing, ERP software has come in the reach of small and medium sized companies which has opened gates for ERP vendors to capture new markets. Simply reduced cost, integration and interaction of different departments, capacity to work with different set of rules and regulation, multi currency, multi lingual, web store and SFA are not just the features which are going to suffice the needs of small and medium sized companies.
More dominant role in strategic planning is one of those areas which may see a lot of change in future versions of ERP software. Till today even though a lot of hype has been created by the vendors about this feature but due to one or the other reasons user have not shown trust and courage to rely on the planning which is supported or chalked out largely by their enterprise resource planning software. Utilization of resources at the disposal of the software can help organizations in much more effective way than today, particularly small and medium sized companies are going to be benefited by this feature as they have less to invest on hiring planners compared to large organization.
Another area which might see some positive changes in enterprise resource planning software is budgeting. Many ERP users are still using conservative systems for calculating and sanctioning of budgets for different processes and activities. Perhaps ERP vendors in near future might bring in new ways and solutions to resolve the problem of budgeting.
More of cost effective offers and better SaaS models are expected in near future as all the giants of ERP industry are now trying to fish in the small and medium sized market where companies does not have kind of enormous budget to spend on IT infrastructure and ERP software purchase and implementation. Subscriptions will get more and more lenient and user friendly to draw in more and more users from this sector. Cloud computing promises most till date as far as future planning and developments are concerned.
Perhaps the biggest change that might be in store of future is goodbye to the concept of one single enterprise resource planning software to provide well integrated, seamless working in a large organization where all the departments are knitted together through single application. The future ERP software will be more like a network of applications designed specifically for a particular department of the organization like CRM, SCM and financial management where they are used with a top quality infrastructure enabling them to interact and exchange information in real time.
Read information about ERP Software Selection. Also know the Disadvantages of ERP Software.
Best Practices in Payable Management to Reduce Mistakes
Payable management is a tough process to handle because it involves many activities which consume time and manpower and without following best practices chances of mistakes is always high which can be costly for the company. Large part of time is wasted in covering up for the errors or confusions created by the suppliers which make payable management even more tedious to handle.
Managing proper time of payment according to cash flow of the company is the best practice for payable management. This practice not only improves the profitability of the company but also improves cash flow. Some companies workout the date of payment of invoices after a particular period and this period is calculated as per company's sale and total payouts made in one financial year. Obtaining discounts on payments made before or on due date, segmenting the suppliers according to the goods they supply helps in working out suitable terms of payment for better payable management.
Repetitive tasks not only consume valuable time but also chances of errors in those works are high. Automating repetitive tasks like invoice feeding, matching the invoice with receipt of payment, real time access to pending invoices for payments and prior information about the near due date invoices can be automated by the use of technology.
OCR with accounting or ERP software is adopted by many large organizations for automating such processes. Making regular or recurring purchases with cards and making payments with electronic fund transfer also helps in reducing work load which eventually reduces the chances of mistakes in payments and wrong entries. Other practice adopted with use of technology for payable management is use of web based catalogs which is a very simple way of keeping track of all the purchases made by the employees and payment is made for bulk purchases made in a period as mutually decided between buying company and supplier. Usually this practice suits best for MRO purchases and other recurring purchases.
Strict rules and their compliance shall be followed to avoid frauds and illegal transactions. With the use of technology in payable management training and making employees aware about payment ethics of the company, maintaining proper security measures in the software and identification of the person before allowing access to the data and disallowing authority of one person to make the payments are few best practices to avoid fraud payments and transactions. Maintaining two way communication with the vendors, maintenance of vendor master file with all the details to access them, conducting random checkups about vendor status and keeping the number of active vendors to minimum are also best practices in payable management.
Different payment terms can be worked out with vendors differentiated by the type of commodity they supply. Some vendors supply commodities which are low value and low risk as they are not costly and easily available, some have commodities of high value and low risk. Payment terms with such vendors can be strictly bargained if purchases are frequent and of decent quantity. Whereas vendors supplying high value and high risk commodities which are important due to short supplies and strategic commodities which are compulsory for production can be given more favorable payment terms to ensure smooth supplies and comfortable relationship.
Read information about ERP Software Selection. Also know the Disadvantages of ERP Software.
Managing proper time of payment according to cash flow of the company is the best practice for payable management. This practice not only improves the profitability of the company but also improves cash flow. Some companies workout the date of payment of invoices after a particular period and this period is calculated as per company's sale and total payouts made in one financial year. Obtaining discounts on payments made before or on due date, segmenting the suppliers according to the goods they supply helps in working out suitable terms of payment for better payable management.
Repetitive tasks not only consume valuable time but also chances of errors in those works are high. Automating repetitive tasks like invoice feeding, matching the invoice with receipt of payment, real time access to pending invoices for payments and prior information about the near due date invoices can be automated by the use of technology.
OCR with accounting or ERP software is adopted by many large organizations for automating such processes. Making regular or recurring purchases with cards and making payments with electronic fund transfer also helps in reducing work load which eventually reduces the chances of mistakes in payments and wrong entries. Other practice adopted with use of technology for payable management is use of web based catalogs which is a very simple way of keeping track of all the purchases made by the employees and payment is made for bulk purchases made in a period as mutually decided between buying company and supplier. Usually this practice suits best for MRO purchases and other recurring purchases.
Strict rules and their compliance shall be followed to avoid frauds and illegal transactions. With the use of technology in payable management training and making employees aware about payment ethics of the company, maintaining proper security measures in the software and identification of the person before allowing access to the data and disallowing authority of one person to make the payments are few best practices to avoid fraud payments and transactions. Maintaining two way communication with the vendors, maintenance of vendor master file with all the details to access them, conducting random checkups about vendor status and keeping the number of active vendors to minimum are also best practices in payable management.
Different payment terms can be worked out with vendors differentiated by the type of commodity they supply. Some vendors supply commodities which are low value and low risk as they are not costly and easily available, some have commodities of high value and low risk. Payment terms with such vendors can be strictly bargained if purchases are frequent and of decent quantity. Whereas vendors supplying high value and high risk commodities which are important due to short supplies and strategic commodities which are compulsory for production can be given more favorable payment terms to ensure smooth supplies and comfortable relationship.
Read information about ERP Software Selection. Also know the Disadvantages of ERP Software.
Accounting Software Buyer's Guide for Organizations Or Individuals
A buyer's guide explains crucial criteria which can help in choosing the right kind of accounting software for the organization or individual purpose to fulfill the requirements. There are many types of accounting software which may appear same in terms of features and modules but are seriously different from one another in terms of functionality. The difference is due to their design which is different because it is focused at either providing solutions to certain industry specific problems or to automate certain time consuming processes involved in general accounting activities.
Identification and deciding your own individual or organizational need is the first step that is required to be taken. Some organizations need inventory finance software and some project based accounting, however there are other types of accounting software too other than these which have specific functionality. Some high end accounting software include all the functionalities required by different industries which are costly and robust but provide valuable solutions like multiple currency, language, capability to comply with different set of rules and regulations, consolidation, flexible reporting, cost analysis, project analysis etc. Understanding and analyzing requirement of the purchasing organization gives out a clear cut picture about the functionality sought in accounting software and solutions expected.
Specific requirement analysis is another step according to buyer's guide that a buyer needs to take before choosing any accounting software. These specific needs can be either due to industry or internal functionality of the company. Sufficient support for some special processes in the working, which are most of the time crucial and important for the company and not possible to drop or change them easily, shall be checked. Reason for this is that if such a change is forced to due to lack of support in the software, it may prove fatal for the working of entire company.
Another criteria according to buyer's guide is software's scalability, the accounting software shall be able to scale itself with growing number of users and shall be able to perform equally well with bulk data as it can perform with small data. Ability to adept and adjust according to the new requirements due to market changes or changes in accounting rules and regulations is also an important factor. Accounting run by rules but tax structures and slabs keep on changing and they may change even between financial years. Most of the software have rich functionality but are unable to give proper solutions to such changes which disturb the smooth functionality.
Strong data security, validation, correction routines and authority checks are other features which are to be considered if accounting software is needed to run in a multi-user environment, does not matter whether at single location or multiple locations. Any buyer's guide would suggest giving priority to the accounting software which uses flexible, reliable, scalable and secure data repository at the back end. Strong database at the back end largely ensures easy customization of the software and also integration of the accounting software with other applications or legacy systems. Backup and recovering the data in the cases of data corruption or system breakdown is easy with a capable database.
Read information about Top 10 ERP Software. Also know the Benefits of ERP Software.
Identification and deciding your own individual or organizational need is the first step that is required to be taken. Some organizations need inventory finance software and some project based accounting, however there are other types of accounting software too other than these which have specific functionality. Some high end accounting software include all the functionalities required by different industries which are costly and robust but provide valuable solutions like multiple currency, language, capability to comply with different set of rules and regulations, consolidation, flexible reporting, cost analysis, project analysis etc. Understanding and analyzing requirement of the purchasing organization gives out a clear cut picture about the functionality sought in accounting software and solutions expected.
Specific requirement analysis is another step according to buyer's guide that a buyer needs to take before choosing any accounting software. These specific needs can be either due to industry or internal functionality of the company. Sufficient support for some special processes in the working, which are most of the time crucial and important for the company and not possible to drop or change them easily, shall be checked. Reason for this is that if such a change is forced to due to lack of support in the software, it may prove fatal for the working of entire company.
Another criteria according to buyer's guide is software's scalability, the accounting software shall be able to scale itself with growing number of users and shall be able to perform equally well with bulk data as it can perform with small data. Ability to adept and adjust according to the new requirements due to market changes or changes in accounting rules and regulations is also an important factor. Accounting run by rules but tax structures and slabs keep on changing and they may change even between financial years. Most of the software have rich functionality but are unable to give proper solutions to such changes which disturb the smooth functionality.
Strong data security, validation, correction routines and authority checks are other features which are to be considered if accounting software is needed to run in a multi-user environment, does not matter whether at single location or multiple locations. Any buyer's guide would suggest giving priority to the accounting software which uses flexible, reliable, scalable and secure data repository at the back end. Strong database at the back end largely ensures easy customization of the software and also integration of the accounting software with other applications or legacy systems. Backup and recovering the data in the cases of data corruption or system breakdown is easy with a capable database.
Read information about Top 10 ERP Software. Also know the Benefits of ERP Software.
Accounting Software Best Practices to Ensure Maximum ROI
Following best practices for accounting software implementation and selection ensures maximum ROI and eradication of problems or bottlenecks in the system for better and efficient working. Like ERP and other software of similar magnitude accounting software too need a planned approach for a proper selection and smooth operation at later stages, any flaw or omission may throw the whole effort in vain.
Before selecting any particular accounting software preparation of RFP will prove more than handy as it becomes an important document to guide and set a benchmark for short listing the most suitable software according to the needs of the company. Another benefit of this document is that during its preparation the management discovers all the problem areas and changes that may be required after the installation of new system.
Always short list 2-3 software and invite them for demonstration designed according to the RFP. Involve all the concerned people from executives to senior accountants of the company to take part and watch the demonstration and identify which software caters to the needs of the company in the best way. This is also one of the best practices to build trust of the employees in the accounting software and gives them a very good chance to get acquainted with its capabilities and shortcomings.
Avoiding too much customization is the best practice which is ignored many times by the buyers due to lesser purchase price of particular accounting software. Most of the time such a selection leads to a wrong decision as too much customization can prove costly and may disturb the functionality of the main software to create run time errors and problems.
Determining the budget before going for implementation and after the selection of accounting software is another best practice as it avoids situations like lack of funds or compromising quality due to under estimation of cost. Include each and every activity involved in the implementation from purchase of software to training, implementation, infrastructure, consulting and customization.
Selection of most suitable implementation strategy is an important decision to make as a wrong strategy can create mistrust amongst the employees and can make the new system unpopular to cause a failure. Study of the present system while making RFP can help in correct selection as it gives complete idea about the problem areas and the magnitude of changes the new system will bring in. This knowledge helps in choosing correct implementation strategy.
Creation of project team for the implementation process is another best practice if project team represents all the areas of the company which will be affected by the new accounting software. This team may also conduct a dry run of the project on a test data before going for actual implementation and get the results tested and approved by all the concerned departments for preventing any chances of minor faults and omissions in the software or the process.
Project team shall also ensure that sufficient importance is given to the mostly neglected part in the implementation process but a very crucial one, training. Sufficient training about handling the new system, differences in it with old system, ways to handle the situations and best practices to avoid incorrect entries or incorrect module selection shall be given before handing over the new accounting software to the users.
Read information about Top 10 ERP Software. Also know the Benefits of ERP Software.
Before selecting any particular accounting software preparation of RFP will prove more than handy as it becomes an important document to guide and set a benchmark for short listing the most suitable software according to the needs of the company. Another benefit of this document is that during its preparation the management discovers all the problem areas and changes that may be required after the installation of new system.
Always short list 2-3 software and invite them for demonstration designed according to the RFP. Involve all the concerned people from executives to senior accountants of the company to take part and watch the demonstration and identify which software caters to the needs of the company in the best way. This is also one of the best practices to build trust of the employees in the accounting software and gives them a very good chance to get acquainted with its capabilities and shortcomings.
Avoiding too much customization is the best practice which is ignored many times by the buyers due to lesser purchase price of particular accounting software. Most of the time such a selection leads to a wrong decision as too much customization can prove costly and may disturb the functionality of the main software to create run time errors and problems.
Determining the budget before going for implementation and after the selection of accounting software is another best practice as it avoids situations like lack of funds or compromising quality due to under estimation of cost. Include each and every activity involved in the implementation from purchase of software to training, implementation, infrastructure, consulting and customization.
Selection of most suitable implementation strategy is an important decision to make as a wrong strategy can create mistrust amongst the employees and can make the new system unpopular to cause a failure. Study of the present system while making RFP can help in correct selection as it gives complete idea about the problem areas and the magnitude of changes the new system will bring in. This knowledge helps in choosing correct implementation strategy.
Creation of project team for the implementation process is another best practice if project team represents all the areas of the company which will be affected by the new accounting software. This team may also conduct a dry run of the project on a test data before going for actual implementation and get the results tested and approved by all the concerned departments for preventing any chances of minor faults and omissions in the software or the process.
Project team shall also ensure that sufficient importance is given to the mostly neglected part in the implementation process but a very crucial one, training. Sufficient training about handling the new system, differences in it with old system, ways to handle the situations and best practices to avoid incorrect entries or incorrect module selection shall be given before handing over the new accounting software to the users.
Read information about Top 10 ERP Software. Also know the Benefits of ERP Software.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
ERP Software Pitfalls and Disadvantages That You Must Know
Implementation of ERP software involves the integration of all the vital functional units of an organization into a unified system, to enable a free flow of data and information, with the objective of better productivity and profit. This technical changeover does produce many positive results, but the pitfalls of ERP software cannot be neglected either.
Firstly, the complexity of this software regarding implementation, up gradation, maintenance and customization creates many problems, and if these aspects are not dealt carefully, it may lead to the total failure of the system.
Secondly, the designing of the ERP software may pose compatibility problems with the existing software of the organization. Lack of compatibility reduces the efficiency of the ERP software. This hampers the proper flow of data and information that will have a negative impact on the productivity.
Implementation of ERP software involves huge capital investments, which can be a serious burden for middle and small business enterprises. To prevent huge expenditure in procuring various software and hardware equipments, many small organizations retain their previous infrastructure, which prevents them to extract the maximum benefit of ERP. In addition to these, costs involved in training the in-house members, hiring experts and other hidden costs involved in up gradation and customization becomes a huge burden for every organization.
It takes years to implement the full software package, and very few organizations are in the position to bear this wastage of time that affects the business of the organization.
There always remains a hidden concern regarding the planning in ERP implementation, as some flaws in the planning may lead to the total failure of the ERP system resulting in heavy financial loss.
ERP software provides high security to all the important data and information of an organization, provided this security is properly maintained. If there is any faltering in the maintenance, the organization may suffer seriously. Highly paid officials are generally hired for this purpose, which is an extra burden to the organization.
If any unit of an organization enters incorrect data, it will affect the functioning of other units working downstream, which can reduce the efficiency of the ERP system.
Sometimes the manufacturing unit needs a lot of changes according to the market requirements and the previously installed ERP cannot cope up to the changes and becomes obsolete resulting in severe loss of the organization.
The organization undergoes a drastic change with the implementation of ERP. Although the change is very much necessary, it creates panic among the staff, and they resist such changes. Their accountability will be questioned very often, which will not allow them to relax.
Read information about ERP Implementation Strategies. Read information about Infor SyteLine ERP.
Firstly, the complexity of this software regarding implementation, up gradation, maintenance and customization creates many problems, and if these aspects are not dealt carefully, it may lead to the total failure of the system.
Secondly, the designing of the ERP software may pose compatibility problems with the existing software of the organization. Lack of compatibility reduces the efficiency of the ERP software. This hampers the proper flow of data and information that will have a negative impact on the productivity.
Implementation of ERP software involves huge capital investments, which can be a serious burden for middle and small business enterprises. To prevent huge expenditure in procuring various software and hardware equipments, many small organizations retain their previous infrastructure, which prevents them to extract the maximum benefit of ERP. In addition to these, costs involved in training the in-house members, hiring experts and other hidden costs involved in up gradation and customization becomes a huge burden for every organization.
It takes years to implement the full software package, and very few organizations are in the position to bear this wastage of time that affects the business of the organization.
There always remains a hidden concern regarding the planning in ERP implementation, as some flaws in the planning may lead to the total failure of the ERP system resulting in heavy financial loss.
ERP software provides high security to all the important data and information of an organization, provided this security is properly maintained. If there is any faltering in the maintenance, the organization may suffer seriously. Highly paid officials are generally hired for this purpose, which is an extra burden to the organization.
If any unit of an organization enters incorrect data, it will affect the functioning of other units working downstream, which can reduce the efficiency of the ERP system.
Sometimes the manufacturing unit needs a lot of changes according to the market requirements and the previously installed ERP cannot cope up to the changes and becomes obsolete resulting in severe loss of the organization.
The organization undergoes a drastic change with the implementation of ERP. Although the change is very much necessary, it creates panic among the staff, and they resist such changes. Their accountability will be questioned very often, which will not allow them to relax.
Read information about ERP Implementation Strategies. Read information about Infor SyteLine ERP.
ERP Software History - Disadvantages of MRP and Emergence of ERP
The evolution of ERP has its roots in 1960, when different software applications were launched to help the manufacturing unit of an organization. In gradual course of time, the MRP (Material Resource Planning) software was developed in 1975 followed by the advanced software MRP2 in the subsequent years. The major drawback of MRP was that its functionality was restricted only in the manufacturing unit and not universal as ERP. Whereas, the function of ERP software package extended beyond the manufacturing unit and integrated all other major units like finance, human resource, customer relationship, marketing, supply chain management including the logistics. This resulted in a huge reduction of costs in the organization, and the ease of operation resulted in other benefits.
Disadvantages of MRP
MRP software was introduced in 1970 as a solution for the production and manufacturing units. Its operation was restricted to the estimation and purchase of the raw materials required by the organization and other operations in the production units.
Although MRP software package attained fame, but the exorbitant costs and a number of practical problems prevented this software to deliver the desired results. Moreover, it demanded a high level of expertise and huge manpower to run the whole system efficiently.
Emergence of ERP
ERP emerged as the incarnated form of both MRP and MRP 2 software systems with multi benefits that integrated all the major units of an organization in a unified system. This enabled the better flow of data and communication within the organization resulting improved performance and better margins in the business.
The multifaceted form of ERP came into extensive use in the 90's with different modules that could be operated from any remote corner of the globe, which aided in the global business. The client server technology in ERP facilitated the use of servers that were located in remote areas. The clients could easily access the servers through different user interfaces that improved the flow of data and information.
The ERP software started operating through the internet in 2000, thus enabling different customers to place their orders from any part of the globe through their respective workstations and make online payments.
The year 2004 saw the Service Oriented Design of ERP, which enabled the communication between the software applications, which are run on different platforms. This helped the vendors in merging of the different software according to the requirements of the customers.
ERP system is constantly undergoing changes with the latest introduction of the ERP Software-As-A-Service (SaaS).
Find information on ERP Software Selection. Read SAP ERP Review and features and advantages.
Disadvantages of MRP
MRP software was introduced in 1970 as a solution for the production and manufacturing units. Its operation was restricted to the estimation and purchase of the raw materials required by the organization and other operations in the production units.
Although MRP software package attained fame, but the exorbitant costs and a number of practical problems prevented this software to deliver the desired results. Moreover, it demanded a high level of expertise and huge manpower to run the whole system efficiently.
Emergence of ERP
ERP emerged as the incarnated form of both MRP and MRP 2 software systems with multi benefits that integrated all the major units of an organization in a unified system. This enabled the better flow of data and communication within the organization resulting improved performance and better margins in the business.
The multifaceted form of ERP came into extensive use in the 90's with different modules that could be operated from any remote corner of the globe, which aided in the global business. The client server technology in ERP facilitated the use of servers that were located in remote areas. The clients could easily access the servers through different user interfaces that improved the flow of data and information.
The ERP software started operating through the internet in 2000, thus enabling different customers to place their orders from any part of the globe through their respective workstations and make online payments.
The year 2004 saw the Service Oriented Design of ERP, which enabled the communication between the software applications, which are run on different platforms. This helped the vendors in merging of the different software according to the requirements of the customers.
ERP system is constantly undergoing changes with the latest introduction of the ERP Software-As-A-Service (SaaS).
Find information on ERP Software Selection. Read SAP ERP Review and features and advantages.
ERP Software Benefits - Advantages of Enterprise Resource Planning
In the present day economic environment, the use of ERP has been of prime importance to cater the on growing demands of a business organization. The success of any business rests on three important factors like strategic planning, organizational management and proper monitoring of the operations. Although, the function of ERP is based mainly on the operational system of the organization, still the planning and the management units also gain heavily from its implementation. ERP integrates all the important functional units of an enterprise into a unified system of operation that produces multi-benefits in the business.
ERP Software Benefits
1. The installation of ERP software package involves huge costs and takes few years in implementing it successfully. But the multi benefits of this software outperform all the costs and the toil involved in its installation. This software always helps in maintaining its focus on the growth of the business.
2. ERP plays an important role in the "Strategic Planning" of a business organization that helps to set new goals, plan strategically to achieve new targets based on the assets and the requirements of the organization and evaluate the possible outcomes. This helps in better management of the organization leading to better profit margins.
3. The integrated system of the ERP provides the necessary information that enables faster decision making. Any important data can be easily accessed from any point, and the well coordinated information system enables better decision making.
4. The unification of the system helps in better visibility of the business and helps in proper monitoring of the operations.
5. The integrated feature also helps in reducing operational costs due to the advanced coordination system among the various functional units of the organization. It helps in lowering costs involving inventory, marketing, production and other supportive features.
6. The easy accessibility of the data from the data warehouses enables a better day-to-day management that helps in taking timely cost effective measures. It helps in easy tracking of the costs involved in operations and controls them as required.
7. The well coordinated communication system helps in a better team work that ultimately leads to the growth of the business.
8. It helps in building a healthy and long term relationship with the customers through the timely delivery of goods and attending to their problems on the first call.
9. ERP system leads to a drastic reduction of IT related costs thereby reducing the total cost of ownership.
10. Through the use of internet, it helps in better communication and collaboration within and out of the organization.
11. ERP helps in effective management of the assets through the optimal use of machinery, materials and manpower.
Find information on ERP Software Selection. Read SAP ERP Review and features and advantages.
ERP Software Benefits
1. The installation of ERP software package involves huge costs and takes few years in implementing it successfully. But the multi benefits of this software outperform all the costs and the toil involved in its installation. This software always helps in maintaining its focus on the growth of the business.
2. ERP plays an important role in the "Strategic Planning" of a business organization that helps to set new goals, plan strategically to achieve new targets based on the assets and the requirements of the organization and evaluate the possible outcomes. This helps in better management of the organization leading to better profit margins.
3. The integrated system of the ERP provides the necessary information that enables faster decision making. Any important data can be easily accessed from any point, and the well coordinated information system enables better decision making.
4. The unification of the system helps in better visibility of the business and helps in proper monitoring of the operations.
5. The integrated feature also helps in reducing operational costs due to the advanced coordination system among the various functional units of the organization. It helps in lowering costs involving inventory, marketing, production and other supportive features.
6. The easy accessibility of the data from the data warehouses enables a better day-to-day management that helps in taking timely cost effective measures. It helps in easy tracking of the costs involved in operations and controls them as required.
7. The well coordinated communication system helps in a better team work that ultimately leads to the growth of the business.
8. It helps in building a healthy and long term relationship with the customers through the timely delivery of goods and attending to their problems on the first call.
9. ERP system leads to a drastic reduction of IT related costs thereby reducing the total cost of ownership.
10. Through the use of internet, it helps in better communication and collaboration within and out of the organization.
11. ERP helps in effective management of the assets through the optimal use of machinery, materials and manpower.
Find information on ERP Software Selection. Read SAP ERP Review and features and advantages.
ERP Software and Business Strategy - Using ERP As the Beneficial Tool
The effectiveness of the multi-faceted ERP software package is unquestionable, but there is no fixed formula or a well defined methodology that will guide the organization to develop a business strategy to extract the maximum benefits from ERP. It is a tough situation for the business executives and the management in properly aligning the ERP with the business strategies. But there are some standard principles and result oriented techniques, which can be applied to most of the business organizations to frame a business strategy to derive the ERP software objectives to the best. The applications of the ERP software must be linked directly to the different entities of the business organization to make the proper use of ERP.
ERP applications streamline all the major functions of the enterprise producing a real-time visibility of the business and increasing its productivity. It is always tough to strike a balance in managing the huge costs and the inherent risks involved in ERP implementation with the immense potentiality of the software package, which contributes significantly in achieving business goals.
Implementation of ERP puts the organization under stress. The ability of the organization to assimilate the changes related to ERP and its readiness can either lead to tremendous success or produce turmoil that will readily affect the organization's strategic performance.
Strategy of ERP Implementation
This is perhaps the most important business strategy, which every organization must consider seriously, as the success and the failure of ERP execution is totally dependent on the implementation strategy. To achieve success in ERP implementation, the organization should set up well developed project plans by expert consultants and should have an extensive repository of various software tools that will collectively aid in an organized and successful ERP implementation.
Implementation of ERP should come under three major factors like Vital, Essential and Desirable (VED). The vital things must be considered first followed by the other two. ERP implementation must follow some basic rules, but it is not necessary that it should be restricted within these.
1. Implementation should be directed towards the AIM of the organization.
2. It must be time bound with a realistic approach.
3. Carrying out implementation in different phases through a well chalked out project plan.
4. Change Management Program (CMP).
5. Prior training to the users to make the software applications user friendly
6. Provide supporting tools like Web-based project management, automation tools, web based issue resolution system and other internet based tools that help in better flow of information.
Read information on SAP R/3 Architecture and system management. Find information on the Disadvantages of ERP.
ERP applications streamline all the major functions of the enterprise producing a real-time visibility of the business and increasing its productivity. It is always tough to strike a balance in managing the huge costs and the inherent risks involved in ERP implementation with the immense potentiality of the software package, which contributes significantly in achieving business goals.
Implementation of ERP puts the organization under stress. The ability of the organization to assimilate the changes related to ERP and its readiness can either lead to tremendous success or produce turmoil that will readily affect the organization's strategic performance.
Strategy of ERP Implementation
This is perhaps the most important business strategy, which every organization must consider seriously, as the success and the failure of ERP execution is totally dependent on the implementation strategy. To achieve success in ERP implementation, the organization should set up well developed project plans by expert consultants and should have an extensive repository of various software tools that will collectively aid in an organized and successful ERP implementation.
Implementation of ERP should come under three major factors like Vital, Essential and Desirable (VED). The vital things must be considered first followed by the other two. ERP implementation must follow some basic rules, but it is not necessary that it should be restricted within these.
1. Implementation should be directed towards the AIM of the organization.
2. It must be time bound with a realistic approach.
3. Carrying out implementation in different phases through a well chalked out project plan.
4. Change Management Program (CMP).
5. Prior training to the users to make the software applications user friendly
6. Provide supporting tools like Web-based project management, automation tools, web based issue resolution system and other internet based tools that help in better flow of information.
Read information on SAP R/3 Architecture and system management. Find information on the Disadvantages of ERP.
ERP Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) And Thier Benefits
SaaS ERP is a specially designed model of ERP software, where the software can be accessed through the internet. This model of SaaS is hosted by a vendor of the ERP software package on the web server. Many customers can access the ERP software package only through an internet connection. This is a recent development of the ERP implementation and the customers are freed from many tensions and hassles regarding the implementation of a full ERP software package. This particular feature of “Software-as-a-Service” has many advantages compared to the conventional ERP software.
Implementation of conventional ERP system involves lots of planning, huge capital investments and is a time consuming process. In addition to these, regular up gradation costs, other investments, maintenance costs can be quite pesky for the customers. On the other hand, SaaS ERP is devoid of any technological concern and saves the huge initial investment of both time and money. The customer can use the SaaS ERP only for his business purpose and leave the technical and maintenance related worries to the vendor. The vendor gains by serving a number of customers at a time.
Providing this special type of service through SaaS ERP, has been possible due to the widespread advancement of various technological features that support this function. Latest development of Visual Studios has helped in creating this special type of service. Introduction of Ajax, a special web application program, has enabled in speedier interactions among the users. The Service Oriented Architecture of this model supports communication between different individuals. The wide use of broadband connection has further facilitated in providing such web based services.
The prime benefits of using SaaS ERP are
1. Paying according to usage resulting in lower cost.
2. Faster implementation and interaction saves time.
3. Lesser investment costs in IT infrastructure.
4. Easy to access.
SaaS ERP helps in easy deployment of service from the technical point of view and offers flexibility to the customers. The customers only need to pay according to their usage thereby saving huge investment costs. The customer doesn't have to bother about the IT expenditures, barring the installation of workstations and internet connections. The vendor conducts a thorough study of the organization and arranges for the accessibility of the ERP software from his web server. All sorts of software, back up services and middleware are provided by he vendors that are shared by many. Latest up gradations of the software are maintained by the vendors, and the customers need not spend for any extra hardware installations. The web based of SaaS ERP enables the customers to access the data from any part of the globe. Even the vendors and the suppliers can access any information with due permission. This enables a wider range of accessibility that covers the main areas of the organization.
Read information on SAP R/3 Architecture and system management. Find information on the Disadvantages of ERP.
Implementation of conventional ERP system involves lots of planning, huge capital investments and is a time consuming process. In addition to these, regular up gradation costs, other investments, maintenance costs can be quite pesky for the customers. On the other hand, SaaS ERP is devoid of any technological concern and saves the huge initial investment of both time and money. The customer can use the SaaS ERP only for his business purpose and leave the technical and maintenance related worries to the vendor. The vendor gains by serving a number of customers at a time.
Providing this special type of service through SaaS ERP, has been possible due to the widespread advancement of various technological features that support this function. Latest development of Visual Studios has helped in creating this special type of service. Introduction of Ajax, a special web application program, has enabled in speedier interactions among the users. The Service Oriented Architecture of this model supports communication between different individuals. The wide use of broadband connection has further facilitated in providing such web based services.
The prime benefits of using SaaS ERP are
1. Paying according to usage resulting in lower cost.
2. Faster implementation and interaction saves time.
3. Lesser investment costs in IT infrastructure.
4. Easy to access.
SaaS ERP helps in easy deployment of service from the technical point of view and offers flexibility to the customers. The customers only need to pay according to their usage thereby saving huge investment costs. The customer doesn't have to bother about the IT expenditures, barring the installation of workstations and internet connections. The vendor conducts a thorough study of the organization and arranges for the accessibility of the ERP software from his web server. All sorts of software, back up services and middleware are provided by he vendors that are shared by many. Latest up gradations of the software are maintained by the vendors, and the customers need not spend for any extra hardware installations. The web based of SaaS ERP enables the customers to access the data from any part of the globe. Even the vendors and the suppliers can access any information with due permission. This enables a wider range of accessibility that covers the main areas of the organization.
Read information on SAP R/3 Architecture and system management. Find information on the Disadvantages of ERP.
Enterprise Resource Planning ERP Software Future
The efficiency and benefits of ERP system are beyond any doubts, and many business organizations are fast implementing this software package to scale new heights in performance and profit making. Since the emergence of ERP from MRP software, its advanced features like providing e-commerce and other net based services, are fast gaining popularity in the market. Although the use of ERP is mostly restricted to large business organizations, small and middle sized organization are also joining the band in implementing this multi-faceted software. The flexibility, which ERP offers through different customized modules has widened its acceptability.
ERP will continue to dominate the operation and functions of not only the manufacturing organizations, but also of other service providing organizations. The concept of ERP II is being seriously considered that will emerge with more advanced features in the near future.
1. Future ERP software package will include more use of the internet by using the tools like Enterprise 2.0 and Web2.0. In this area, Microsoft's data centric web technologies are gaining more popularity according to the demands of the market. Updating data online through internet is very convenient and so the customers are more leaned towards web based services. Such ERP packages will always keep the customers updated with the latest information of the changing business scenario, through online automated data refreshing system. It will also provide online alerts to the business partners, regardless of their location in any part of the globe. Provision to integrate the business partners will also be included in the package.
2. The installation cost of ERP package will be greatly reduced in future, as there is a sharp drop in the price of hardware and software equipments for the past few years. This will encourage more small and mid sized organizations to implement ERP, and the vendors can capture a better portion of the market by introducing latest advanced features at the optimum cost.
3. Latest introduction of ERP SaaS has been one of the cost effective implementation of ERP, where the customers can access the benefits of this software through the web server hosted by the vendor at any geographical location on use-and-pay basis. The vendor through the web server provides service to many customers at a time, and the customers have to pay according to the usage of the server. Experts are of opinion that in future, SaaS ERP model will occupy a considerable share in the market, as it removes all the hassles of the customers reducing the Total Cost of Ownership.
Keeping in view of the beneficial aspects of SaaS technology, the key players of ERP like SAP, Oracle and Microsoft are carrying on extensive research, and are planning to launch new models of SaaS ERP.
Find information on the benefits of Web Based ERP System. Read information on the different Types of ERP Software.
ERP will continue to dominate the operation and functions of not only the manufacturing organizations, but also of other service providing organizations. The concept of ERP II is being seriously considered that will emerge with more advanced features in the near future.
1. Future ERP software package will include more use of the internet by using the tools like Enterprise 2.0 and Web2.0. In this area, Microsoft's data centric web technologies are gaining more popularity according to the demands of the market. Updating data online through internet is very convenient and so the customers are more leaned towards web based services. Such ERP packages will always keep the customers updated with the latest information of the changing business scenario, through online automated data refreshing system. It will also provide online alerts to the business partners, regardless of their location in any part of the globe. Provision to integrate the business partners will also be included in the package.
2. The installation cost of ERP package will be greatly reduced in future, as there is a sharp drop in the price of hardware and software equipments for the past few years. This will encourage more small and mid sized organizations to implement ERP, and the vendors can capture a better portion of the market by introducing latest advanced features at the optimum cost.
3. Latest introduction of ERP SaaS has been one of the cost effective implementation of ERP, where the customers can access the benefits of this software through the web server hosted by the vendor at any geographical location on use-and-pay basis. The vendor through the web server provides service to many customers at a time, and the customers have to pay according to the usage of the server. Experts are of opinion that in future, SaaS ERP model will occupy a considerable share in the market, as it removes all the hassles of the customers reducing the Total Cost of Ownership.
Keeping in view of the beneficial aspects of SaaS technology, the key players of ERP like SAP, Oracle and Microsoft are carrying on extensive research, and are planning to launch new models of SaaS ERP.
Find information on the benefits of Web Based ERP System. Read information on the different Types of ERP Software.
Importance of Enterprise 2.0 and ERP Software
Today the success of any business in the ever changing economic scenario depends upon the agility and the readiness of an organization to accept and assimilate new changes. Changes are necessary for the business growth, and every organization is striving to outshine the other in the best possible manner. The tremendous potentiality of ERP applications in the business is proven, and in order to include more flexibility to the system, many ERP vendors are bringing in Enterprise 2.0 in their ERP software package. With the widespread use of internet, customers are bent towards Web based applications to carry on the business operations with more convenience, and Enterprise 2.0 is nothing but the inclusion of the Web 2.0 services in the organization.
ERP applications in general aid in the free flow of communication and data among the different units of the organization establishing a well knit communication system. Whereas Web 2.0 services enable more social interaction and collaboration making the web services more responsive. Introduction of Web 2.0 has totally changed the business environment, and it emphasizes more on social collaboration in business growth.
In a traditional business environment, the flow of information is unidirectional, but with Enterprise 2.0 the information flows laterally, and from top to bottom and vice versa. In short, it cuts the traditional chain system of information flow.
Introducing Enterprise 2.0 into ERP applications reduces the IT costs and improves productivity of an organization. This offers more flexibility to the employees to collaborate and communicate through different social computing tools in the most productive manner. Enterprise 2.0 offers better searching capabilities using multiple information repositories, and the users can access more information quickly leading to the wise decision making. The searching highlights the relevant data and displays them in well organized manner through charts, tables etc. as required by the user. Moreover, this web technology is user friendly and does not require any special training. Through few clicks of the mouse and a little bit of typing, the user saves more time and becomes more productive. This technology helps in the integration of the business partners, customers and suppliers and streamline the operations.
Improved collaboration brings in more information that enriches the organization with better knowledge that helps in improving productivity and solves problems in the near future. IT costs are reduced as the organizations have to maintain only Web Application servers instead of maintaining a number of cumbersome hardware and desktop equipments.
The Enterprise 2.0 can be incorporated successfully into those ERP applications, which are based on Service Oriented Architecture instead of outdated client/server technology.
The Service Oriented Architecture of ERP is a standard form of software architecture that provides maximum flexibility in supporting various applications enabling efficient data flow.
Find information on the benefits of Web Based ERP System. Read information on the different Types of ERP Software.
ERP applications in general aid in the free flow of communication and data among the different units of the organization establishing a well knit communication system. Whereas Web 2.0 services enable more social interaction and collaboration making the web services more responsive. Introduction of Web 2.0 has totally changed the business environment, and it emphasizes more on social collaboration in business growth.
In a traditional business environment, the flow of information is unidirectional, but with Enterprise 2.0 the information flows laterally, and from top to bottom and vice versa. In short, it cuts the traditional chain system of information flow.
Introducing Enterprise 2.0 into ERP applications reduces the IT costs and improves productivity of an organization. This offers more flexibility to the employees to collaborate and communicate through different social computing tools in the most productive manner. Enterprise 2.0 offers better searching capabilities using multiple information repositories, and the users can access more information quickly leading to the wise decision making. The searching highlights the relevant data and displays them in well organized manner through charts, tables etc. as required by the user. Moreover, this web technology is user friendly and does not require any special training. Through few clicks of the mouse and a little bit of typing, the user saves more time and becomes more productive. This technology helps in the integration of the business partners, customers and suppliers and streamline the operations.
Improved collaboration brings in more information that enriches the organization with better knowledge that helps in improving productivity and solves problems in the near future. IT costs are reduced as the organizations have to maintain only Web Application servers instead of maintaining a number of cumbersome hardware and desktop equipments.
The Enterprise 2.0 can be incorporated successfully into those ERP applications, which are based on Service Oriented Architecture instead of outdated client/server technology.
The Service Oriented Architecture of ERP is a standard form of software architecture that provides maximum flexibility in supporting various applications enabling efficient data flow.
Find information on the benefits of Web Based ERP System. Read information on the different Types of ERP Software.
An Executive's Guide to ERP Software - Essential Modules and Implementation
ERP software system integrates all the important functional units of an enterprise into a unified form to enable a better performance in the business. It efficiently integrates and shares the data and relevant information from all the units, irrespective of geographical locations and helps the management personnel in better decision making.
Among the plethora of latest commercial ERP applications, it is tough to select the right one for the organization. Going by the definition, standard ERP application software must consist of the following essential modules.
1. Financial module covers the wide area of job costing, cash flow, maintenance of general ledger, accounts payable and account receivable, manages fixed assets and produces required financial statements.
2. Supply Chain Management (SCM) module covers the features of procurement, booking of sales order, management of inventory, planning and management of the supply chain, e-commerce etc.
3. Manufacturing module covers all aspects of manufacturing like taking work orders, planning and engineering, processing the bills of materials, quality control, scheduling work capacity etc.
4. Human Resource Management (HRM) module helps in proper management of the workforce by deploying the right person in the right job. It maintains the payroll and the performance of the employees.
5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module covers the areas like planning and marketing management, providing customer support, maintaining help desks and call centre, maintaining partner relationship management (PRM).
Implementation of such a complex software system of ERP requires technical expertise and proper training to the in-house technical staff to prevent any problems or monetary loss in future.
In order to maintain a consistency throughout the life cycle of the product, it is necessary to be in constant touch with the client leaders as they have the knowledge to predict the possible outcomes. The client leaders can guide in following the right steps at the start of any project.
The end user leaders can introduce new ideas and solutions, while creating the project that are important in the business growth.
Every organization undergoes changes with time, and there should be enough scope for the customization of the ERP to suit the growing needs of the organization. Unplanned implementation of ERP with rigid features can lead to the total failure of the system.
Proper training regarding the use of ERP must be provided at the initial stages of the adoption of this software. Time and funds should be allocated properly while providing training to the personnel to prevent huge expenditure in future.
The main objective of ERP implementation is to increase the productivity of an organization, and it is the duty of the executive and the team leaders to help other users to remain focused in achieving targets. Proper and clear communication among the team members and able leadership is the key to the success of this mission. Right personnel should be selected while implementing ERP to manage trouble shooting and other aspects before its execution.
Find information about Benefits of ERP for SME. Also find information on the Advantages of ERP in an organization.
Among the plethora of latest commercial ERP applications, it is tough to select the right one for the organization. Going by the definition, standard ERP application software must consist of the following essential modules.
1. Financial module covers the wide area of job costing, cash flow, maintenance of general ledger, accounts payable and account receivable, manages fixed assets and produces required financial statements.
2. Supply Chain Management (SCM) module covers the features of procurement, booking of sales order, management of inventory, planning and management of the supply chain, e-commerce etc.
3. Manufacturing module covers all aspects of manufacturing like taking work orders, planning and engineering, processing the bills of materials, quality control, scheduling work capacity etc.
4. Human Resource Management (HRM) module helps in proper management of the workforce by deploying the right person in the right job. It maintains the payroll and the performance of the employees.
5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module covers the areas like planning and marketing management, providing customer support, maintaining help desks and call centre, maintaining partner relationship management (PRM).
Implementation of such a complex software system of ERP requires technical expertise and proper training to the in-house technical staff to prevent any problems or monetary loss in future.
In order to maintain a consistency throughout the life cycle of the product, it is necessary to be in constant touch with the client leaders as they have the knowledge to predict the possible outcomes. The client leaders can guide in following the right steps at the start of any project.
The end user leaders can introduce new ideas and solutions, while creating the project that are important in the business growth.
Every organization undergoes changes with time, and there should be enough scope for the customization of the ERP to suit the growing needs of the organization. Unplanned implementation of ERP with rigid features can lead to the total failure of the system.
Proper training regarding the use of ERP must be provided at the initial stages of the adoption of this software. Time and funds should be allocated properly while providing training to the personnel to prevent huge expenditure in future.
The main objective of ERP implementation is to increase the productivity of an organization, and it is the duty of the executive and the team leaders to help other users to remain focused in achieving targets. Proper and clear communication among the team members and able leadership is the key to the success of this mission. Right personnel should be selected while implementing ERP to manage trouble shooting and other aspects before its execution.
Find information about Benefits of ERP for SME. Also find information on the Advantages of ERP in an organization.
A Guide to Quick and Successful ERP Implementation in The Organization
Implementation of ERP refers to the installation of an integrated software package that unifies all the data and communication of a business organization. This enables a better functioning of the organization resulting better margins. The package is cross-functional and covers all important functionalities of the enterprise. Various areas like Customer Relationship Management, Asset management, HR, accounts and finance, manufacturing, transportation etc. are efficiently managed by this integrated software.
Small and large business organizations are facing a number of challenges in this ever changing economic scenario. In order to survive in this tough competition, the business enterprises are compelled to use ERP software as the most important tool to improve their overall performance.
The ERP software is bit complex in nature, and a lot of spade work is absolutely necessary for the successful installation of this package. In other words, the success of ERP implementation depends on the ground work. The effective results of ERP can be obtained only after proper execution of the basic procedures.
Firstly, the organization should choose the right kind of ERP software that best serves the purpose of the enterprise. Implementation of ERP involves high cost and longer periods of time. So, the choice must be made carefully after analyzing the requirements and the situation of the enterprise by a team of experts.
Secondly, the changes necessary for the organization for the effective ERP implementation needs to be analyzed and sorted out properly. ERP should be treated as a mere tool to run the business in a more efficient manner than to consider it as the "rejuvenator" of the business.
Restructuring of the organization followed by gap analysis should be carried out efficiently to ensure the systematic follow up of the corresponding steps. Proper planning by a team of experts will only enable to implement the above requirements.
The organization must maintain a standard quality of IT facilities, which are at par with market demands and of international repute, especially in a global business. This helps the people in operation in constant modification and up gradation of the system according to the situational demands to remain tuned in the competitive market.
Customization of ERP software is often required to extend its functioning using new user interfaces. This involves more costs and demands a separate level of expertise.
The organization must have a team of technical experts to run this complicated software efficiently. Constant monitoring of the computer networking, internet connections, security installations and the support system is necessary by these experts to carry out the essential functions of the enterprise.
Above all, an efficient ERP administrator is essential, who can handle new users, set up different reports and printers and can face any software problem arising from ERP system.
Find information about Benefits of ERP for SME. Also find information on the Advantages of ERP in an organization.
Small and large business organizations are facing a number of challenges in this ever changing economic scenario. In order to survive in this tough competition, the business enterprises are compelled to use ERP software as the most important tool to improve their overall performance.
The ERP software is bit complex in nature, and a lot of spade work is absolutely necessary for the successful installation of this package. In other words, the success of ERP implementation depends on the ground work. The effective results of ERP can be obtained only after proper execution of the basic procedures.
Firstly, the organization should choose the right kind of ERP software that best serves the purpose of the enterprise. Implementation of ERP involves high cost and longer periods of time. So, the choice must be made carefully after analyzing the requirements and the situation of the enterprise by a team of experts.
Secondly, the changes necessary for the organization for the effective ERP implementation needs to be analyzed and sorted out properly. ERP should be treated as a mere tool to run the business in a more efficient manner than to consider it as the "rejuvenator" of the business.
Restructuring of the organization followed by gap analysis should be carried out efficiently to ensure the systematic follow up of the corresponding steps. Proper planning by a team of experts will only enable to implement the above requirements.
The organization must maintain a standard quality of IT facilities, which are at par with market demands and of international repute, especially in a global business. This helps the people in operation in constant modification and up gradation of the system according to the situational demands to remain tuned in the competitive market.
Customization of ERP software is often required to extend its functioning using new user interfaces. This involves more costs and demands a separate level of expertise.
The organization must have a team of technical experts to run this complicated software efficiently. Constant monitoring of the computer networking, internet connections, security installations and the support system is necessary by these experts to carry out the essential functions of the enterprise.
Above all, an efficient ERP administrator is essential, who can handle new users, set up different reports and printers and can face any software problem arising from ERP system.
Find information about Benefits of ERP for SME. Also find information on the Advantages of ERP in an organization.
Total Cost of Ownership of ERP Software - Enterprise Resource Planning
ERP software package helps in the integration of all the functional units of an organization in a unified system to enable better performance and productivity. ERP implementation is very expensive and is installed based on long term perspectives. Extensive upfront planning is required before implementing or purchasing this complex software, otherwise it may lead to disastrous consequences. A thorough analysis of TCO or Total Cost Ownership helps to minimize the risks.
TCO encompasses the estimation of direct and indirect costs involved in the implementation of ERP like procurement of hardware and software, implementation and operational costs, annual maintenance, and other costs that may arise during the entire life cycle.
The main objective of TCO is to minimize the changes with reference to the main software, as frequent up gradation and customization involves heavy expenditure. It is wise to select the proper software that follows the basic and standard operations so that changes can be done only in extreme situations.
Various software tools are available to gauge the TCO of the ERP of an organization. These tools sharply focus on the best practices of ERP, and a disciplined approach to software deployment, which helps in the reduction of TCO. These tools effectively measure the direct expenditures, strength of the workforce and their performance, quality of service and also help to find out the strength and the weaknesses.
TCO helps in understanding and controlling the risks involved in the ERP application. Through necessary changes in the management, it helps in maximizing the organizational fiscal benefits and minimizing the risks.
Proper estimation of direct and indirect costs is the most critical application of TCO. While the direct costs are associated with tangible assets like expenditures based on client payments, procurement of computer peripherals, servers, internet, labor payment etc. These are easy to estimate and they generally don’t deviate too much from the budget. But the indirect costs are related to downtime in technology and staff, which are difficult to anticipate, and have significant contribution in the overall Total Cost of Ownership. Maximum indirect costs lie in the training and support system of the end-user. TCO analysis can be fruitful only if the direct and indirect costs are estimated properly.
TCO can be best realized by conducting simulations based on assumptions and anticipations of different critical situations.
It would be wrong to confuse TCO analysis as an approach to cost cutting. On the contrary, it helps in providing appropriate services worthy of the cost. TCO analysis does not bother much about the technological aspects. Its focus remains in the efficiency of operations, improvement of performance and the satisfaction of the users.
Read information about ERP Implementation Strategies. Read information about Infor SyteLine ERP.
TCO encompasses the estimation of direct and indirect costs involved in the implementation of ERP like procurement of hardware and software, implementation and operational costs, annual maintenance, and other costs that may arise during the entire life cycle.
The main objective of TCO is to minimize the changes with reference to the main software, as frequent up gradation and customization involves heavy expenditure. It is wise to select the proper software that follows the basic and standard operations so that changes can be done only in extreme situations.
Various software tools are available to gauge the TCO of the ERP of an organization. These tools sharply focus on the best practices of ERP, and a disciplined approach to software deployment, which helps in the reduction of TCO. These tools effectively measure the direct expenditures, strength of the workforce and their performance, quality of service and also help to find out the strength and the weaknesses.
TCO helps in understanding and controlling the risks involved in the ERP application. Through necessary changes in the management, it helps in maximizing the organizational fiscal benefits and minimizing the risks.
Proper estimation of direct and indirect costs is the most critical application of TCO. While the direct costs are associated with tangible assets like expenditures based on client payments, procurement of computer peripherals, servers, internet, labor payment etc. These are easy to estimate and they generally don’t deviate too much from the budget. But the indirect costs are related to downtime in technology and staff, which are difficult to anticipate, and have significant contribution in the overall Total Cost of Ownership. Maximum indirect costs lie in the training and support system of the end-user. TCO analysis can be fruitful only if the direct and indirect costs are estimated properly.
TCO can be best realized by conducting simulations based on assumptions and anticipations of different critical situations.
It would be wrong to confuse TCO analysis as an approach to cost cutting. On the contrary, it helps in providing appropriate services worthy of the cost. TCO analysis does not bother much about the technological aspects. Its focus remains in the efficiency of operations, improvement of performance and the satisfaction of the users.
Read information about ERP Implementation Strategies. Read information about Infor SyteLine ERP.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tally Accounting Software- Best Home Accounting Software
Tally is software which is very easy to use for small business owners as well as personal users. Usually instead of learning accountants, individuals as well as small business owners need to organize and manage their financial accounts and tax quickly and easily. For this purpose they go for simple accounting software rather than going for professional software. For small business owners or for personal users, both proprietary and free software are available online.
Home accounting software is having many features -
1. It is easy and simple to use. It is not associated with any complicated terms. Any people interested in using this software can use it from day one.
2. It is having tiny installation file even less than 1 MB. It can easily be carried in flash drive or pen drive.
3. You can protect yourself account files with a password.
4. It is also having the feature to support multiple files. Due to this feature you can keep various types of self account files which are used for different purposes.
5. For easy browsing of entered data between all listings and reports there is an inter link.
6. You can use it as your bank book, personal stock/inventory keeper or as an assets manager. It is used to maintain your day to day accounts or for your any particular financial transactions.
7. For the purpose of maintaining their accounts and detail of all the reports, it is used by doctors, small business firms, lawyers, educational institutions, engineers, professionals, salary class people, self employed people etc.
8. For starting using self accounts no prior accountancy knowledge is required.
To fulfill your needs for the purpose of accounting this software is very helpful and it doesn't require a lot of money to spend on it. It is very helpful in making budget of your money in order so that it may last longer.
It keeps all the records of the taxes and all the financial details. Now with the help of this software it is very easy to figure out your taxes. It is very helpful in paying off the loans or even it curtails the over expenses as it can easily figure out the available fund to be spend on each area.
Always choose the accounting software which is easy to learn so that you can make full use of it. If you don't require varieties of features then some inexpensive software are also available.
Read more about Tally ERP Software Review. Find information about SAP ERP Course Fees and duration of the course.
Home accounting software is having many features -
1. It is easy and simple to use. It is not associated with any complicated terms. Any people interested in using this software can use it from day one.
2. It is having tiny installation file even less than 1 MB. It can easily be carried in flash drive or pen drive.
3. You can protect yourself account files with a password.
4. It is also having the feature to support multiple files. Due to this feature you can keep various types of self account files which are used for different purposes.
5. For easy browsing of entered data between all listings and reports there is an inter link.
6. You can use it as your bank book, personal stock/inventory keeper or as an assets manager. It is used to maintain your day to day accounts or for your any particular financial transactions.
7. For the purpose of maintaining their accounts and detail of all the reports, it is used by doctors, small business firms, lawyers, educational institutions, engineers, professionals, salary class people, self employed people etc.
8. For starting using self accounts no prior accountancy knowledge is required.
To fulfill your needs for the purpose of accounting this software is very helpful and it doesn't require a lot of money to spend on it. It is very helpful in making budget of your money in order so that it may last longer.
It keeps all the records of the taxes and all the financial details. Now with the help of this software it is very easy to figure out your taxes. It is very helpful in paying off the loans or even it curtails the over expenses as it can easily figure out the available fund to be spend on each area.
Always choose the accounting software which is easy to learn so that you can make full use of it. If you don't require varieties of features then some inexpensive software are also available.
Read more about Tally ERP Software Review. Find information about SAP ERP Course Fees and duration of the course.
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