Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is an all-in-one business process management software that allows an enterprise to manage its business including clients, employees, suppliers, projects, manufacturing, warehousing and shipping. Some ERP solutions also include a ledger for accounting, a human resource module and a bill of materials (BOM).
Many small, medium and even large-sized companies have not yet invested in an ERP because of the high price and learning curve due to the complexity of outdated legacy systems. With today's advances in technology, programming and online UX, it is possible to create light custom solutions which cut cost and the necessary learning time. The main advantage of an ERP is to eliminate human errors due to data manipulation between applications using excel spreadsheets. Additionally, an ERP allows for better communication and work flow between team members, customers and vendors when working in real time on the same platform. An ERP also helps the manufacturing process using a bill of materials to buy the right amount of parts not to have overstock of some and not enough of others delaying the manufacturing of your products. At the end of the day an ERP will give you better control and visibility of your enterprise reducing redundant tasks and save you money by eliminating most human errors by standardizing critical business procedures and lowering purchasing costs.