Enterprise resource planning (ERP) involves the use of business management software that coordinates and integrates functions such as accounting, sales, and manufacturing. ERP programs have been around for more than three decades, but a number of recent trends have impacted the ERP landscape.
One big shift has been the availability of mobile applications for ERP. The ubiquitousness of smart phones has made it possible for executives and employees to have almost constant access to data and business management functions, and software designers have stepped up to meet the demand for user-friendly mobile ERP applications. With the right programs, it is now possible to generate, view, and utilize real-time reports and business functions from almost anywhere. This trend has taken multi-tasking to a new level, improving efficiency, flexibility, and productivity.
Another developing trend is the incorporation of the “cloud” into ERP programs. This advancement, which allows for significantly more extensive mobile access to data, has met with some resistance due to security concerns. However, as technology continues to advance, security has come to be perceived as less of an obstacle to the use of the data cloud.
The integration of sites like Facebook or Linkedin is an open question where ERP is concerned. While vendors have begun to offer this option for businesses looking to purchase ERP systems, it remains to be seen whether companies will get enough benefit from these add-ons to create momentum behind this trend.
Check out the following infographic below for more information on ERP for your industry. And if you need expert advice on ERP, you might want to consider consulting professional erp consulting services.
Infographic via AlfaPeople
