As suggested by its name, ERP software functions as the main software system for all areas of an enterprise. Through the promotion of best business practices and the use of a single database, Enterprise software:

• maximizes efficiencies,
• improves reporting capabilities, and
• Streamlines the flow of information throughout an organization.

THE BENEFITS OF ERP SOFTWARE

Enterprise Resource Planning breaks down barriers between departments by using a single database for the storage of all corporate information, streamlining the flow of information. This type of architecture allows management visibility into every area of the enterprise. Similarly, Enterprise software empowers employees. It provides staff the ability to quickly gather data from both inside and outside of their own department so they work more efficiently.

The benefits of locating data in a single, easily accessible database are tremendous. Consider the following ways in which the single database structure of Enterprise Resource Planning software improves corporate efficiencies:

• Data is keyed once, rather than being re-keyed into different systems.
• Supply chain flow improves as employees are able to quickly access inventory and shipping information for customers.
• Detailed records of customer transactions are instantly available to customer service and sales employees through the ERP software, decreasing order time and promoting up-selling opportunities.
• Data lag-time is eliminated due to the real-time delivery of data Enterprise software. Downloading data from one system to another is no longer needed.
• Procurement and sales department communication improves, decreasing the overhead costs of keeping inventory surpluses.
• Cash collection capabilities increase; late or non-paying accounts prompt immediate updates through the ERP software system, not only to receivables departments, but to sales as well.
• Orders arrive in real-time from sales to the manufacturing plant.
• Automation of manufacturing processes leads to increased productivity.

The ability of ERP software to promote effective business methods is considerable. Implementation requires the replacement of old, often inflexible legacy systems. This can result in major changes in actual business practices. As Enterprise Resource Planning software breaks down the barriers between departments, human resources can be reallocated to areas of strategic corporate benefit.
Enterprise resource allocation can also help improve reporting and accuracy. In fact, ERP encourages:

• Location of all data in a single database where it is easily accessible.
• Reduction or elimination of reliance on paper documents.
• Elimination of re-keying of data (which can produce errors).
• Integration of reports; sales, financial, and manufacturing reports can be viewed in conjunction.
• Improved monitoring capability enabling management to view departmental data instantly.
• A single interface allowing users to easily use and interpret reports all through the same ERP software system.

The value of an Enterprise Resource Planning software system is in its ability to function as a comprehensive system. The level of comprehensiveness may vary by individual providers or by their particular industry focus. Nevertheless, a complete Enterprise software system may include the following modules:

• Accounts receivable
• Accounts payable
• General ledger
• Sales and marketing
• Customer relationship management
• Material resource planning
• Bill of materials
• Inventory control
• Purchasing
• Logistics
• Work order management
• Shop floor control
• Budgeting
• Sales analysis
• Report writer
• Order entry
• E-commerce

VEEKAY IS THE SOLUTION PROVIDER AT YOUR END ON ERP PROJECTS