ERP Software

ERP Software for the Service Industry

ERP Software integrates all business related functions into one, cohesive information system. These functions include all the resources and activities needed to properly operate a business. Some of these functions are: inventory, order fulfillment, billing, CRM, new projects, Human Resources, supply chain management, manufacturing, shipping, and payroll. The Software Systems are based on a common database and a modular software design. This database permits the various departments of a company to both store and retrieve information which is accessible and easily shared. Because the design is modular, a company can choose only the modules it is going to require.  It is even possible to combine modules from different vendors. The purpose of ERP Software is to create a more efficient and effective business; one that can reduce waste, duplication of tasks, and costs while increasing productivity and profit at the same time.

The Service Industry can be defined as that part of the economy that creates and provides services instead of tangible goods. Economists tend to make a distinction between economic activity in goods-producing industries and in service industries.  Businesses that fall under the heading of service are: health care, banking, communications, legal, lodging, recreation, engineering, private education, business services, and social services. The three industries within the services division that experienced the most growth in the last decade have been: business services; health care; and social services.

The model for running an efficient, productive, successful business today definitely includes ERP.  ERP Software for the Service Industry is specialized, but it is still enterprise resource planning software for a business. Companies that provide services also deal with personnel, customers, reports, payroll, billing, expenses, and profits. As a result, good ERP Software for the Service Industry must take all of these functions into account and include functions more specific to the service being provided. For example, Software for healthcare agencies must have applications that manage scheduling staff and matching the on-call calendar to the date patient visits must be made. Software for legal firms, on the other hand, need to offer more specific management such as the added functions of client list management, case management, document handling, document production, conflict checks, phone messaging, time capture, client billing, trust accounting, and case expense tracking.

Just like any ERP software, the value of ERP Software for the Service Industry is really determined by how much employees change the way they used to do their jobs. If service industry employers are willing to use the software, there is no doubt that a company will reap benefits from the software.

Written by :

Amy Cruz