This blog post is about ERP solutions and outlines the essential features of an appropriate system. These include scalability, integration with other applications/systems, user access controls that must support a multitude of security protocols (think password quality), automated workflows with tight integrations that enable your customer to do business without having to fill out the same form over and over again for every transaction or task.

Scalability

Many systems in the market promise to deliver a specific set of features, but the real test for erp software hong kong is how it performs in your business and over time.

Over the years, we have worked with hundreds of organizations and seen every possible scenario. Some companies have started with a simple system only to realize that they needed far greater functionality as they grew. This is why scalability is such an important feature. There are three primary ways to scale an ERP system:

Application/Database Optimization. How the application or database is structured can significantly affect scalability. We have seen different systems that were very successful initially but ultimately rejected because the end users needed help to use them. For example, many companies will outgrow their initial database structure and need to migrate to a different solution because of data integrity and flexibility issues.

Flexibility. You want your system to adapt as your business grows and changes. One way to ensure that is by using a system with a modular approach. Modules can be added or removed without having to rewrite the entire application and all associated data. This requires good automated background processes that keep your database clean and optimized over time.

Scalability. Companies in specific sectors, such as retail, have very high volumes of transactions, which means companies need very robust systems that can handle huge numbers daily. For example, if you are working with an inventory system and suddenly have to add new products/SKUs for every product category, you need to make sure your solution can support this growth and changes over time.

Integration with other systems. Another essential feature is integration with your existing systems. As your company grows, your processes become more complicated and convoluted. You will want to be able to route orders from a customer order system through to an inventory management system so that the appropriate items can be allocated to the appropriate department or warehouse. For many companies, this is a critical feature, as it allows for one point of entry for all of their business transactions and allows for better data integrity and control.

User Access Controls

The following essential feature you will certainly want in an ERP solution is user access controls. These include the following:

Separation of duties. You want different groups to have access to other parts of the application. For example, an accounting department may need access to financial information, and a purchasing department may need access to inventory. The more tightly segments your user base and associated access control, the more likely you will be able to protect your data and ensure that no one has unnecessary access to that data.

Logging/Monitoring Conduct. You will also want monitoring or auditing functionality in place concerning who is using which screens, what they are doing while on those screens, and how they are interfacing with the system.