ERP software solutions are undergoing a series of rapid evolutions that are bringing them increasingly into the hands of smaller and mid-range businesses. If you run a business at this level and haven’t investigated ERP software modules recently, now may be an excellent time to turn your attention back to the integrated business software marketplace to find out what you’ve been missing. Compared to the offerings available just a few short years ago, current ERP software modules are expanding in power, versatility and capability while dropping rapidly in both upfront and ongoing costs.

ERP software solutions

ERP Software: How Can Back Office Management Tools Help Your Small Business Get Ahead?

ERP software modules and back office management tools are available that can help growing businesses control supply chain management, accounting, inventory control, payroll, human resource management and a wide variety of other functions. These tools allow employees to accomplish more and control more while using fewer resources, which can give businesses the cost cutting edge they need to stay ahead during challenging times. But how are current ERP software modules an improvement on older ones? And how can access to ERP systems be dropping in cost? There are several factors that play a role in both of these circumstances, but the two most important are 1. A shift in the ERP software market landscape, and 2. The increasing availability of offsite hardware providers, or hosting solutions.

First, ERP software modules are shifting in response to rising interest at smaller business levels and falling demand among fortune five hundred companies and large global enterprises. In response to this shift, established providers like SAP, Oracle and Microsoft are reshaping their approach to new products, and are focusing on generating ERP software products that are streamlined and scaled to appeal to firms with smaller budgets. Products for accounting, payroll and HR management are now available in basic, intermediate and advanced suites that can be seamlessly upgraded as client companies grow. At each of these levels, ERP software features are improving, expanding in capabilities even as they become more streamlined. Features that were once considered cutting edge are now standard, and new options are continually appearing in the back office management marketplace. ERP software product suites are also becoming better targeted to specific industries, which means greater advantages for technology managers in pharmaceuticals, apparel, food and beverage distribution, construction, etc. Products are available for almost every industry that relies on a strong manufacturing, distribution, or customer relationship management component.

Second, ERP software infrastructures are moving offsite, which reduces upfront implementation cost and the cost and risk associated with long term system maintenance. The use of hosting solutions and application service providers, also called cloud computing, are making ERP software access easier for smaller firms. For a single monthly fee, business owners can obtain a subscription that can begin and end at any time and can provide them with access to sophisticated back office management tools and data sharing capabilities. The use of ERP software once required complex implementations and the retention of a full time IT staff. But current architectures and options have reduced these obstacles for smaller firms.

Written by :

Amy Cruz