When an organization wants to automate its business processes, decision makers typically look to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions. Here we will take a closer look at these systems, what they do and how they differ.
What is ERP?
According to Gartner®, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is defined as follows: "Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the ability to deliver an integrated suite of enterprise applications. ERP tools share a common process and data model that covers broad and deep end-to-end operational processes such as those found in finance, human resources, sales, manufacturing, service and supply chain. ERP applications automate and support a wide range of administrative and operational business processes in various industries. "*
Basically, ERP is a platform used by organizations to manage and unify different parts of the business such as finance, human resources, procurement, operations and project management.
What are the benefits of ERP?
An ERP system provides a centralized, integrated solution for the organization that automates functions, operations and processes throughout the company. Storing information in one system eliminates human error and duplicate data entry and shares information across the organization, resulting in a single source of truth. Key benefits include:
Supply chain management is the process of managing the production flow of a product or service offering, from the procurement of materials, supplies or contract services to the delivery of goods or services to the end customer, maximizing quality, delivery, customer experience and profitability.
What are the benefits of SCM?
CRM software is used to manage and analyze customer interactions and data in real time throughout the customer lifecycle. It aims to improve customer service, customer loyalty and increase sales. CRM systems are an important tool for sales and marketing teams as they bring together customer data from different channels or points of contact. They also provide sales staff with detailed information on customers' purchase history and buying preferences.
What are the benefits of CRM?
The global trend towards digital transformation means that all companies will eventually need an ERP system, an SCM system and a CRM system, or a single solution for all. An ERP system focuses on managing business processes that improve efficiency, agility, resilience and flexibility. Integrating your ERP system with an SCM system enables better visibility of the entire service delivery process. And integrating customer data from a CRM system means that data is available across the organization. Combining your systems means that data is captured once during an initial transaction, stored centrally and updated in real time, providing a highly effective tool for overall business management.
What is ERP?
According to Gartner®, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is defined as follows: "Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the ability to deliver an integrated suite of enterprise applications. ERP tools share a common process and data model that covers broad and deep end-to-end operational processes such as those found in finance, human resources, sales, manufacturing, service and supply chain. ERP applications automate and support a wide range of administrative and operational business processes in various industries. "*
Basically, ERP is a platform used by organizations to manage and unify different parts of the business such as finance, human resources, procurement, operations and project management.
What are the benefits of ERP?
An ERP system provides a centralized, integrated solution for the organization that automates functions, operations and processes throughout the company. Storing information in one system eliminates human error and duplicate data entry and shares information across the organization, resulting in a single source of truth. Key benefits include:
- Reducing the overall cost of ownership can increase margins.
- The single data source improves operational productivity by reducing manual tasks, saving time, resources and costs.
- No major upgrade projects required as you can access new features and functionality immediately.
- Improved employee experience with enhanced tools helps retain valuable talent.
- Increased agility helps organizations survive and thrive in a turbulent market.
- Processes between departments are optimized and integrated, giving decision makers access to reliable data.
- ERP systems are scalable and can be adapted to specific organizational requirements.
- ERP systems optimize procurement using historical demand data to improve procurement processes.
Supply chain management is the process of managing the production flow of a product or service offering, from the procurement of materials, supplies or contract services to the delivery of goods or services to the end customer, maximizing quality, delivery, customer experience and profitability.
What are the benefits of SCM?
- Improved collaboration with suppliers helps to create better relationships that are more flexible and better understand cost constraints and objectives.
- Working to the same standards as trusted suppliers helps to increase quality control.
- Reduced costs and improved liquidity, as monitoring costs and prices contributes significantly to an organization's liquidity.
- Improved risk mitigation through better visibility from start to finish of the supply chain.
- Increased agility, resilience and flexibility.
- Better visibility and data analysis with tools that can monitor the performance of the business.
CRM software is used to manage and analyze customer interactions and data in real time throughout the customer lifecycle. It aims to improve customer service, customer loyalty and increase sales. CRM systems are an important tool for sales and marketing teams as they bring together customer data from different channels or points of contact. They also provide sales staff with detailed information on customers' purchase history and buying preferences.
What are the benefits of CRM?
- Better knowledge of customers leads to increased revenue.
- Improved management and insight into your sales funnel.
- Easier capture and maintenance of marketing and sales leads.
- Better creation of buyer personas to improve segmentation for creating better marketing campaigns.
- Better team management leading to increased productivity.
- Improved customer service experience and reporting.
- Better ability to analyze data.
The global trend towards digital transformation means that all companies will eventually need an ERP system, an SCM system and a CRM system, or a single solution for all. An ERP system focuses on managing business processes that improve efficiency, agility, resilience and flexibility. Integrating your ERP system with an SCM system enables better visibility of the entire service delivery process. And integrating customer data from a CRM system means that data is available across the organization. Combining your systems means that data is captured once during an initial transaction, stored centrally and updated in real time, providing a highly effective tool for overall business management.