Why are ERP systems Complicated?
By definition, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is complicated. It can be viewed as having many components that work together intricately and seamlessly. This is a necessity since a business requires tracking activity in many diverse areas such as accounting, sales, customer relationship management, inventory, warehouse management, manufacturing, and yet these areas must somehow come together for concise financial reporting and planning.
Add to this the fact that companies often require functionality that is not included in the ERP, but has been provided by the community through third party apps. These apps can be installed in the ERP software (Microsoft Business Central for our purposes here) and become part of the solution as a seamless integrated whole.
Selecting the appropriate app, configuring it and providing training is a key task. Having a competent and experienced partner is key as they will be able to recommend apps they have used in the past that are tried and true. Importantly, but sometimes overlooked is the publisher of the app. Do they provide good support? Do they continually improve their app?
By selecting appropriate apps, we simplify the user experience, thus reducing complexity. There is the complexity of the software itself, but as far as user experience goes, the complexity is beyond the visibility or awareness of the user. One doesn’t need to know the inner workings of a mechanical watch to wear the watch and tell the time.
Having an ERP system available in the cloud simplifies not only the user experience, but reduces cost for your company. No longer are complex physical servers required, nor the whole host of required accompanying software. While the technology to run ERP in the cloud is complicated, it is not something you need to concern with anymore. That tedious and costly endeavor is now handled by the publisher of the ERP software. All you need is a web browser or a tablet or phone.
Reducing complexity for the user is key to a successful implementation. This is accomplished by implementing the system appropriately for the company involved taking into consideration its staff, its capabilities, its resources and so on. The implementation to be successful must be managed well and in an extremely organized fashion. Done right, ERP implementations can be smooth and with relatively few bumps in the road. Complexity can be taken down to simplicity for the user and the company.