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// EDITOR ’ S QUESTION ?
MARLON DOOGAN , SENIOR MANAGER , EMEA INDUSTRY ADVISORS , ORACLE NETSUITE
I n their infancy , many growing companies rely on a patchwork of entry-level software solutions to help run their business . However , eventually they reach a point where spreadsheets and disconnected systems no longer cut it . That ’ s where Enterprise Resource Planning ( ERP ) comes in . ERP systems collect and organise key business information and help organisations run lean , efficient operations as they expand . No matter the sector , expanding businesses want a system that is scalable by design , is built for quick expansion , expands globally and future-proofs them to succeed .
Every small business dreams of becoming a fast-growing company , and they can be . But that ’ s a struggle when the information needed to execute processes and make key decisions is spread across systems and departments . An ERP system can compile front and back-end company information in a central database for cross-departmental visibility , spanning financials and accounting , through to HR , commerce and inventory management . ERP helps eliminate problems with conflicting sources of data and empowers teams to analyse various scenarios , discover process improvements and generate major efficiency gains . That translates to cost savings and better productivity as people spend less time digging for data .
Rising costs , an uncertain economy and inefficient processes all impact a new business ’ ability to scale up . And yet , perhaps one of the biggest value propositions of ERP systems is they can save organisations money through automating repetitive tasks . This minimises errors as well as spotting
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AN ERP IS ALSO
AN ASSET WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION .
inefficiencies leading to better deployment of all resources . Plus , by adopting an ERP system during the early stages of the business ’ evolution , SMEs can benefit from best practice and avoid growing pains later down the line .
An ERP is also an asset when it comes to planning and co-ordination . Employees can see current available inventory and customer orders in detail , then compare supplier purchase orders and forecasted future demand . ERP software improves communication and collaboration as well because workers can check on the status of other departments to guide their own decisions . Not only this , but financial reporting standards and governmental and industryspecific data security regulations change frequently , and an ERP can help your company stay safe and compliant .
Many of the world ’ s best-known and most successful firms have leaned on ERP for the last quarter of a century . Now , this software can be configured to meet the needs for businesses of all sizes . The right ERP system will be scalable and flexible enough to meet a business ’ s needs today and for the foreseeable future and will help unify people , core business processes and technology . Businesses that don ’ t want to remain stagnant , inefficient and disorganised should look to ERP systems as an essential tool in their operations .
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NO MATTER THE SECTOR , EXPANDING BUSINESSES WANT A SYSTEM THAT IS SCALABLE BY DESIGN .
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