In the fast-paced digital world, the ability to adapt quickly to disruptive business processes and changing business needs is the key to success and survival. Companies may be able to change their strategy and culture, but they also need to adapt their business systems to these new processes and requirements. Five reasons why ERP systems need to be flexible in 2018:
1. Hybrid cloud configurations
Today, companies should be prepared to complement their core ERP systems with a variety of cloud-based services to take advantage of new technologies. In addition, they should support a two-tier ERP model where appropriate. One company operates more than one ERP system - often one at the headquarters and other cloud ERP services in the branches.
Enterprises should have the flexibility they need to deliver efficient, seamless workflows across multiple ERP systems, ancillary services, and diverse applications such as Customer Relationship Management ( CRM ), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Product Lifecycle Management ( PLM ) to create away - regardless of whether they are provided on site or in the cloud.
2. Business Models in Transition
Businesses should not have to restrict the way they offer their products and services because of an inflexible system. In view of the increasing demand for subscription services, insurance companies, for example, offer young drivers day-by-day insurance cover. Manufacturers of jet engines sell the useful life instead of the engines themselves.
An inflexible ERP system that does not support dynamic business processes such as new revenue models and depreciation methods can seriously jeopardize positive change. No company wants to be tied to outdated business models due to its ERP system.
3. Mobile solutions
The ability to carry out day-to-day business activities - such as confirming purchase requests, signing contracts, and looking at inventories - on the move gives efficiency a real boost.
Mobile ERP applications benefit salespeople, warehouse workers, and general managers who want immediate access to financial reports. Organizations must be prepared to mobilize relevant ERP data and processes, update data based on real-time transactions, and enable offline use cases.
4. Secure data
Inadequate ERP security can lead to asset losses and compromise data security. When backing up ERP data, the ability to integrate public clouds and tools must also be considered. To protect the sensitive data, ERP systems require secure integration with back-end and reporting systems.
5. Digital Transformation
In view of the ERP size and complexity as well as the introduction of new technologies as part of the digital transformation , ERP systems must be constantly adapted and expanded. Foresighted planning, with the flexibility and interoperability required, is the best course of action to meet the new data, security, and reporting needs of digital transformation.
