7 ERP functionality checkpoints

1. Basic Functionality

Almost every ERP comes with the basic functionality of Accounting, Sales, Purchase, Inventory, Banking, and Reporting modules. Some advanced ERPs also include features like CRM, Services, and Production Management. A handful of ERPs have Project Management as a built-in capability.

The point here is, don’t get overwhelmed with the above listed functional capabilities of an ERP. It is always better to look from your business point of view to map the functionalities of the ERP. As I have mentioned in my previous article, you are the master of your business. You know your pain points better than anybody else. Look for a solution for those pain points in the system. This way, you are sure to make the right choice.

2. Extended Functionality

Any ERP, whichever may be the brand or vendor, is not a perfect fit for every industry. Everyone has a sweet spot. Ask the salesperson for a reference customer who is in your similar line of business. References will reduce the surprises and implementation risk considerably. Also, make sure that the ERP confirms various industry best practices and standards.

3. Mobile Extended CRM

Customer Relationship Management is a standard module with all prominent ERPs. But when you look at this functionality, it has the highest use, when your salesperson is on the move. You need to make sure that there is an extended Sales & CRM mobile app available. For sure, this will make your sales team more agile and responsive to the customers. To a great extent, mobile apps are no more an option but a necessity.

4. Mobile Extended Services

Mobile enablement is vastly right for the service team also. Service people are always on the move. They need to have all the information about the customer, equipment, and the incident history handy with them. If they can have information about the availability of the spare parts back at your warehouse, the service call will be most practical and productive. A seamlessly integrated mobile app is a must for the service team. Think about it, whether your business has a service component or not.

5. Integration with E-commerce

Today, most of the business has an e-commerce extension to their core business. Do you have an e-commerce webstore? Or are you planning to have something similar soon? Are you selling your products through portals like Amazon? The above questions will answer your requirement to have a different kind of stock, delivery, and payment transaction requirements for your business. Your system should do these transactions and must be in a position to integrate with your primary business. This integration will improve the responsiveness and fulfillment capability of your e-commerce business. Responsiveness is one of the significant success factors for your e-business!

6. Integration with your office apps

Emails are an integral part of any business. Every interaction with the customer is essential and needs to keep as a record. Here comes the challenge. If you are going to do this manually, let me tell you, it will never happen. The case is worse if you have a sizable sales team with multiple product lines. You need to have the functionality to integrate your emails and documents automatically with your ERP. Automation will eliminate the challenge of manual tagging and filing of the emails with respective customer/vendor. I am sure this will be an immediate productivity booster. 

7. Reporting & Dashboards

Last but not least, Reporting is one of the big things you need to make sure before you finalize your ERP purchase decision. What are the standard reports available? Using the reports, do you have the facility to slice and dice the data for your analysis purpose? How easy can you export the data from your ERP to your favorite desktop app, Excel? Can you see the reports and dashboards while you are on the move using a mobile app? Can you create a new Report with a few clicks, or you need a programmer to make it every time? Please understand, report generation is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process!

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