How to Use ERP Software | SAP Business One

Sole reliance on Excel spreadsheets puts growing businesses at a requisite level, but it limits their capability to meet the vast demands of most industries. Whatever the business, there are many available ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems on the market to provide solutions to a wide range of business processes. However, knowing how to use ERP software might seem intimidating and time consuming, when whatever is working now is just fine (for now).

If you are considering using ERP software, there are things you should be looking for, to best suit your business.

Among the many options of ERPs, the SAP Business One software is already the popular choice companies of all sizes purchase to accomplish desired results. Organizations benefit from the system’s capabilities to improve processing, automate reporting, and mandate data accuracy.

Since using the software goes beyond installations and following basic directions, the usage process of the ERP system can be intimidating to try and implement, especially without any training. It’s important to have a better insight into the ERP, how it works, how it benefits your business, the implementation, and much more.

Understanding ERP Software

A proper definition of ERP software is a solution stack that controls and manages the multiple aspects of day-to-day business processes.

The system encourages balance, optimizes business processes, and boosts inter-departmental communication. Some key sectors where the ERP system influences include:

Supply chain management
Inventory management
Customer relationship management
Sales management
Manufacturing processes
Delivery planning – timesheet and delivery
Project management
Documentation, reporting, and analytics
Accounting and financial management

How ERP Software Works

ERP is a core system with a central database anchoring several plug-in services and software packages designed to address and solve specific enterprise challenges.

Integrated into the system is a master database to house all the essential company data needed for resource planning, including purchases, invoices, and financial records. This enables companies to access real-time data, including information on the supply lines and the availability of finished goods in every warehouse.

The database also keeps sales information, including the products customers have ordered and every specific internal process involved in moving the product from the warehouse to the customer.

While this may already seem efficient, simply storing data isn’t enough.

ERP software goes further by using a data analytics system to create and update reports on regular schedules consistently.

It integrates the data collected to find strategies for the company to increase efficiency and reduce waste of resources. Using the ERP ensures multiple departments across the organization can easily share and view the appropriate data to assist in developing business goals and improving the business processes.

How ERP Helps Your Company

The impact of Enterprise Resource Planning on business values is undeniable.

As ERP software forms a core system based on the business data and processes, the workflow improves – even between separate departments.

Here are the specific benefits of ERP and how it enhances the business values:

Generates real-time data to develop business insight
Reduces operational costs by streamlining business functions
Improves workflows and collaborations through shared data
Encourages a common user experience to enhance efficiency
Aligns business activities to form a consistent infrastructure
Flexible modularity for project planning and management
Facilitates regulatory compliance to reduce risk and promote integrity
Improve financial control and data security

The benefit of the ERP software extends to several business sectors regardless of the size. Business activities can vary based on the industry and several other factors. However, planning is compulsory as long as the organization purchases products and services, manages people, accounts for finances, and makes sales. Handling these processes through the integrated software platforms makes it more effective. The SAP Business One is designed for easy integration and management of core functionality in all businesses. Watching the free SAP Business One training series and how-to series videos is a vital suggestion for getting you started and taking your business operations to the next level.

Guidelines for Using ERP Software

Considering the importance of the ERP software, the time, initial cost, and effort involved in implementation are easily acceptable. Before starting the ERP system, you must know how to get the most out of it. These tips can get you started.

Review your business operations

Some aspects of your business process may need more attention than others. Therefore, it’s essential to review your business and track the areas that require improvement. Observing this helps to know the integrations to focus on and measure the outcome and ROI after implementing the ERP.

Encourage training

Conducting consistent training for employees and end-users of the ERP solution helps your company quickly adapt to the ERP system. As the ERP software gets more advanced, each individual needs to understand the updates and changes that can help them make quicker business decisions.

Prioritize quality data

While the ERP system manages all aspects of data flow, all information must be accurate, valuable, and high-quality. Focus on designing the data entry standard that includes proper specifications and how to handle each documentation. Ensure each user across all departments have access to these best practices.

Modify your ERP software

Like a few others, SAP Business One is a versatile solution to suit several business types. Customize your ERP software to fit your business needs. Some requirements can be turned on or off, including or excluding specific fields. Integrations and plug-ins can help you get the most out of your software. You can also give the task to your service provider the best results.

Prepare for advancements

As ERP systems continue to advance daily, it’s better to confirm the longevity of your product.

Future Proofing your ERP software helps to know its sustainability and how much your company can get from it. The ERP providers should be ready to adapt to the updated developments in business technology. Hence, you need to determine the expected advancements and the additional features you’re likely to get.

Take advantage of mobile apps

Modern ERP solutions that function on iOS and Android persuade employees and users to adapt swiftly to the system. Leveraging mobile Apps gives remote access and increases the visibility of crucial information. This way, everyone can stay up-to-date with the business operations regardless of their location.

Establish your integration options

ERP integration allows you to add features that can improve your business operations. It’s best to ensure the integration focuses on and addresses the critical areas of your business. Common integrations for SAP Business One include eCommerce, Online Retailers, CRM, 3PLs, Shipping & logistics, and Travel Expense management.

ERP Software, Your Business, and Support One

The ERP software is a powerful strategic tool for managing business operations. It provides visibility and intelligence, increases efficiency, boosts productivity, and reduces error.

With the ERP system, growing companies have a better chance of meeting the demands of the industry, while being able to scale from within at the same time. Regardless, it’s possible to use the software without experiencing its full potential. A better understanding of the capabilities is your first step toward getting the most out of the system and leveraging it to improve your business values.

Contact Support One to learn how to use ERP software like SAP Business One.