Although Enterprise Resource Planning is often associated with large conglomerates, small businesses can also reap the rewards of ERP software. The technology has continued to maintain its effectiveness across companies of all sizes, but now (thanks to its convenient, cost-effective nature), cloud-based ERP appeals to most small businesses.
Web-Based ERP Software for Small Businesses: An Overview
ERP no longer belongs solely to multinational companies with deep pockets. As technology has evolved, so has this software that provides cross-department coordination and streamlining – among many other features – through a highly intelligent, customizable and fully integrated software (AKA – cloud-based ERP).
Integrated ERP restructures multiple processes across every facet of your business including the product/service development, supply chain, human resourcing, finance and accounting, CRM and marketing to name just a few.
It serves to standardize data inputting/interpreting, simplify inter-departmental communication, allows greater permission-based access among management as well as employees, creates easier reporting and forecasting, plus develops, and improves the inner workings (i.e., services and products) of your growing business. This is all accomplished under a single operational suite, hosted in the cloud.
What does that mean for your business? Considerable time and resource savings, increased productivity, accelerated growth, greater profit margins and strengthened ties with customers – both potential and existing.
How Is This Achieved?
A significant piece of ERP software for small businesses involves automation. Given that the foundation of cloud ERP is modern technology, automated processes are a big part of that foundation.
Automation replaces many of the functions that are performed unnecessarily by your valuable employees.
Automation has a measurable impact on time efficiency for internal and back-office business operations such as bookkeeping and accounting, administration and clerical work, data entry, supply chain management etc.
By applying automation to some of the tasks associated with these areas, you cut out significant time spent (often needlessly) on repetitive processes, while encouraging optimum productivity by allowing your employees to focus on their full range of skills – which is the reason you hired them.
Small businesses can’t afford to spend more time than is necessary on work that can be easily fulfilled via automation. As a bonus, human error is avoided when tasks (particularly those of a data-heavy nature) are complete via automation.
Enable Seamless Collaboration Between Users – Wherever in the World They Are Operating From
As remote working and working from home is at all-time high, fast and clear communication between members of your team has never been more valuable. A high-quality ERP system allows team members to share information and collaborate wherever they are based – in real time.
Provide World-Class Customer Service
With improved communication between your team members, the next step is to bridge the gap between your employees and your customer base. By arming your sales teams with the tools and processes to communicate with customers more effectively (and efficiently), new and reoccurring sales will undoubtedly follow.
Use Historical Data to Predict the Future and Drive Business Growth
ERP is implemented across all facets of your business operations, and as such, allows you to track an impressive amount of actionable data. Through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), key decision makers can assess the information being collected and develop strategies to save costs, increase profits and propel the business further.
If you are a small business looking for new ways to streamline and expand, reach out and learn more about how ERP software can advance your day-to-day as well as your long-term goals.
