How can you easily configure and customize ERP?

1 Configuration vs customization

Before we dive into the details, let's clarify the difference between configuration and customization. Configuration is the process of setting up the ERP system according to your business requirements, such as defining your organizational structure, chart of accounts, workflows, user roles, and access rights. Configuration is usually done through the ERP system's user interface or administration panel, without modifying the source code or adding new features. Customization, on the other hand, is the process of changing the ERP system's functionality, appearance, or behavior, such as adding new modules, fields, reports, dashboards, or integrations. Customization is usually done by modifying the source code, using a development platform, or hiring a third-party developer.

2 Benefits and drawbacks

Both configuration and customization have their benefits and drawbacks. Configuration is easier, faster, and cheaper than customization, as it does not require any coding or development skills. Configuration also ensures that your ERP system is compatible with future updates and upgrades, as it does not alter the core functionality. However, configuration may not be enough to meet your unique or complex business needs, as it is limited by the ERP system's predefined options and features. Customization, on the other hand, can give you more flexibility and control over your ERP system, as it allows you to tailor it to your exact specifications and preferences. Customization can also give you a competitive edge, as it can enhance your customer experience and differentiate your brand. However, customization is more difficult, time-consuming, and expensive than configuration, as it requires coding or development skills. Customization also increases the risk of errors, bugs, or security issues, as it may interfere with the ERP system's stability and performance. Customization also makes it harder to update or upgrade your ERP system, as it may cause compatibility or functionality problems.

3 Best practices

To configure and customize your ERP system effectively and efficiently, you should follow some best practices. First, you should analyze your business needs and goals, and identify the gaps and opportunities in your current ERP system. You should prioritize the most critical and valuable features and functions, and avoid unnecessary or redundant changes. Second, you should choose an ERP system that is flexible and adaptable, and that supports configuration and customization options. You should look for an ERP system that has a user-friendly interface, a modular architecture, a development platform, and a strong community or support network. Third, you should plan and document your configuration and customization process, and test and validate your changes before implementing them. You should also backup your data and source code, and monitor and evaluate your ERP system's performance and functionality after the changes.

4 Configuration tools

There are many tools and methods you can use to configure your ERP system, based on its features and capabilities. Parameters are settings you can adjust to change the behavior or appearance of your ERP system, such as currency, language, date format, or color scheme. These parameters can usually be accessed and modified through the ERP system's user interface or administration panel. Profiles are predefined or customized sets of parameters that can be applied to different users, groups, or scenarios, such as roles, permissions, preferences, or workflows. These profiles can usually be created and managed through the ERP system's user interface or administration panel. Additionally, templates are standardized or customized formats used to create or modify documents like invoices, orders, reports, or dashboards. These templates can usually be accessed and edited through the ERP system's user interface or administration panel.

5 Customization tools

Customizing your ERP system is possible through various tools and methods, depending on its features and capabilities. Code is the most basic and powerful tool, allowing you to modify the source code or add new code to change the functionality, appearance, or behavior. It requires coding languages, frameworks, and standards. Alternatively, a platform provides a graphical user interface (GUI) or a drag-and-drop interface to customize your ERP system without coding skills. Finally, you can hire a developer or company to customize your ERP system if you lack the skills, resources, or time. This tool requires investment and trust as it involves costs, contracts, and quality standards.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?