Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is an end-to-end solution for business process management.

Imagine being able to consolidate the data from every department within your company — from HR and sales, to manufacturing and distribution — into one system. ERPs integrate all business processes, data collection, and reporting into one database to provide CEOs with real-time data on every facet of their business for a complete picture of their company that can be used to make smarter, data-driven decisions.

An effective ERP:

  • streamlines processes
  • lowers risk
  • requires fewer resources
  • keeps budgets under control

How does an ERP work?

An ERP is comprised of different modules or dashboards for each department of your business:

  • Finance
  • Costing
  • Quality management
  • Sales
  • Distribution
  • Customer relationship management

Departments enter relevant data into their respective modules, which can be seen and accessed by all other departments. For example, once your sales team places an order, it’s automatically delivered to the shipping department, saving time and minimizing the risk of a re-keying error.

The modules communicate with one another, automatically merging all data collected from each into one shared database, eliminating the need for separate spreadsheets or databases.

What types of businesses use ERPs?

Mid-sized companies across all industries are adopting ERPs to streamline their processes and cut unnecessary costs. Although upfront customization and implementation costs can be hefty, the ROI often makes them a smart investment for SMBs and start-ups growing at a faster-than-normal rate.

Modern ERPs can be customized based on your vertical, services, and company size. Simply choose the quantity and type of modules you need to run your day-to-day operations. An experienced, software-agnostic IT consultant can help you personalize your ERP to maximize its effectiveness.

How do I choose the right ERP provider?

Technology has a finite lifespan. The same holds true for ERP software; most businesses will need to replace or update it every 10 – 12 years. And if your software is out of date, it’s likely that your understanding of ERP implementation is out of date, as well.

That’s why it pays to work with a software-agnostic ERP consulting partner.

Rather than choosing an ERP solution based solely on price and flashy new technology, An ERP consultant can help you determine the industry-specific tools you need to fit your company’s size and needs. Look for a consultant who is:

  • Software-agnostic. This way, you won’t be steered toward specific brands simply because there’s a kick-back. A software-agnostic partner will look at a wide variety of ERP solutions to find the one that’s right for your company’s industry, size, and needs.
  • In the trenches. An effective ERP partner stays ahead of technological advances and changes in the industry.
  • Able to act as a liaison between your company and the software vendor
  • Capable of configuring your ERP to perfectly fit your needs
  • Willing to handle all updates, changes, and customizations as your company grows.

ERP’s aren’t one-size-fits-all. And neither are ATB Technologies’ clients. That’s why, rather than representing a specific ERP vendor, we focus on your needs and research the best solution—regardless of brand. We’re experts in IT, but our specialty is understanding clients’ needs and delivering results.

ATB understands the ERP landscape and how the latest trends impact companies of all shapes and sizes. So, whether your business is a local start-up growing fast, a regional mid-sized organization, or an international enterprise, you can rest easy knowing we’ll walk you through each step of the way to find the perfect ERP solution.

To get you started, we’ve created a software-agnostic guide to the top five ERP trends, and how each can help you overcome your company’s greatest challenges.

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