Every modern business, regardless of its scale, possesses an IT infrastructure. Smaller enterprises typically have simpler infrastructures, while larger corporations require more intricate systems, sometimes necessitating global solutions.
At the heart of the software-based IT infrastructure lies the MRP/ERP/CRM system. The specific modules implemented within this system vary depending on the business type. Generally, the fundamental modules include:
Accounts (applicable to all businesses)
Inventory management and control (relevant to all businesses)
Production management (for businesses involved in production)
Distribution (covering general distribution operations)
Online store (facilitating direct online sales), and more.
The question at hand is: Is an ERP system alone sufficient? Can it provide all the necessary details, reports, and data results?
The answer to this question is affirmative. A well-implemented ERP system is capable of fulfilling the requirements at a macro level. When correctly set up, an ERP can provide all the necessary data concerning Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and overview reporting.
However, what about conducting small-scale analyses or reviewing ideas that extend beyond the scope of the ERP system?
Consequently, I have learned to utilize ERP systems to their maximum potential. Simultaneously, I have explored methods to extract data from the system for analysis purposes and how to integrate the ERP system with external data requirements.
In cases where an ERP system is flexible, changes can be made upon request and the system can be adjusted accordingly. However, not all changes are cost-effective to implement. In such situations, users must be capable of extracting the required data and working with it in another system, such as Excel, to perform local analyses effectively.
The optimal approach when selecting an IT system is to prioritize flexibility and data availability.
Flexibility: The system should be designed to be as adaptable as possible, allowing for easy changes, filtering, and extraction of results by both programmers and superusers.
Data availability: The system should facilitate the extraction of data in a suitable format for analysis or transmission to third parties.
External tools should be utilized to fulfill all necessary requirements.
For example:
Flexibility: An ERP system should have the capability to generate new reports as needed. this should be done not only by programmers but also by superusers.
Data availability: An ERP system should offer the ability to filter, sort, and export data at any given point. for example any user should be able to extract a list of deliveries or list of materials, prices, technical data, etc
External tools: In cases where specific data analyses are required that are not provided by the ERP system (on a one-time basis), relevant data should be extracted and analyzed in an external system. The most commonly used system for data analysis is Excel, though I personally utilize MS Access, and there are several other systems that are more or less specialized in certain areas. an excel list can be used for data transfer (send a material list to a client), for a small analyse - calculate a total or partial price from a list, etc
Comentarios