As part of the digital transformation of companies, the implementation of an ERP has become a necessity.
Many business have decided to entrust the development and implementation of their ERP to a freelance To help them in this crucial phase of their development.
Find out what an ERP is, its different versions and existing solutions, How to create a tailor -made ERP as well as our advice for a successful creation.
What is an ERP?
ERP (company Resource Planning) or PRG (integrated management software), is a software package that companies use for the management of their daily activity (stock management and purchases, risk management, accounting, supply chain, etc.). The ERP centralizes the information related to the various services of the company and compiles the data between them in the form of a single source of information without duplicate and perfectly reliable.
On Cloud or on site, ERPs are in the form of integrated and complete platforms, real nervous systems of companies. These manage all aspects of the company, distribution and production, while guaranteeing the clarity of your business process, with differentiated access according to services and users.
The implementation of an ERP is often delegated to a ERP specialist Because they require technical knowledge for in -depth personalization.
The different types of ERP to set up
Depending on the needs of your business, a choice between different ERPs will be necessary.
Implementation of a generalist ERP
It is Passe-Partout software that will meet the overall needs of a company in a simple and efficient way. Designed to adapt to all trades, it has flexible parameters on which it is possible to play to best stick to the various business (TPE, company, etc.).
However, if your field of activity has a large number of specificities, This type of ERP may be quickly limited.
Implementation of a specialized ERP
Specialized ERPs are designed to meet the needs of a trade, commercial mode or a particular sector of activity. In addition to the features of a general ERP, it allows you to take into account targeted development factors.
However, such a tailor -made tool can offer less flexibility than a generalist ERP and presenting constraints in the event of the needs of needs or the profession if it has been developed too quickly. This approach will take more time than the establishment of a general ERP if you want it to be carried out correctly.
The different ERP solutions
Depending on your expectations and those of ERP users, different solutions can be implemented:
Establishment of an open-source ERP
Open-source ERPs, such as Compiere or Openbravo, do not require buying a license, which represents a large financial advantage. However, they are not free, as certain technical updates or maintenance can induce costs.
It will also be necessary to anticipate the cost of deployment of the ERP in the company. Very popular with SMEs thanks to their handling and easy integrations, they provide a complete and rapid solution to the general needs of these structures.
Establishment of a owner ERP
Also called “Erp on allowed”Owner ERPs, whose license must be purchased, are hosted on the company's internal servers, providing access to site data by users and a tool system to perform daily processes. Very fashionable a few years ago, owner ERPs (SAP, Sage, Oracle, Cegid, etc.) can no longer find as much thanks to users.
With their high maintenance and equipment costs (backup devices, servers, software, secure installation, etc.), limited features (speed, flexibility, absence of reporting, etc.), as well as increasingly nomadic employees, companies quickly have needed new services.
Nevertheless, the presence of a after -sales service and a maintenance service remains appreciated by certain users, as well as keeping hands on the data.
Establishment of an ERP in SaaS mode
Fast and flexible, ERPs in SaaS mode (Software as a service) are on the rise. As well adopted by start-ups, VSEs and SMEs, as well as large structures, this solution constantly accessible and on all devices seduces via its subscription system.
ERP suppliers in SaaS offer solutions guaranteeing accessibility, data storage, reporting and data intelligence tools, reinforced security with real -time updates, without user intervention .
With low initial costs and outsourced expertise, many companies have already been seduced. The publishers of ERP owners like SAP, Cegid, Oracle and Sage, also offer a SaaS version of their creations. However, you will no longer be the sole master on board.
Why create a tailor -made ERP?
Create your own ERPit is to invest in a 100 % functional tool you are the owner. Rather than being satisfied with a solution partially suitable for your needs, the implementation of an ERP sticking perfectly to your activity, as well as your corporate culture will require a little more effort at start -up, but you Stay the sole decision -maker and create a solution that will make value to your business while improving its performance.
How to create your tailor -made ERP?
The creation of an ERP cannot be improvised. For a successful ERP, compulsory passage by the following steps:
Make an inventory
Before defining where you want to go, look from where you leave. The first step is to diagnose the current situation of the company and its information system by asking key questions:
- For what put in place an ERP ?
- What information flows are already available and what tools are in place currently?
- What is the central goal of this deployment?
- Who will be ERP users? /Li>
- What business processes are affected by this implementation?
- What elements will the longevity of your ERP guarantee?
You will be able to precisely write the definition of the needs of your company, to establish a factual specifications and carry out the establishment of an ERP which integrates the suitable and compatible tools with your CRM and your processes.
Collect the needs of employees
In addition to the support of management, the implementation of an ERP will need field data to brilliantly accomplish its task. So put your collaborators in the loop by taking the time to study their needs and problems. In this way, you will kill 3 strokes by recovering precious data, involving future users and highlighting their skills.
This step is important since it will define The final price of your ERP. Entrust its creation to a freelance to obtain a more advantageous price, rather than a large agency.
Develop the ERP by iterations
Constitute a team specially dedicated to the organization of the project. This will be responsible for configuring your software so that it perfectly meets the specifications and the needs of all users.
Before launching, the team will test the ERP several times so that it is as effective as possible as soon as it is implemented.
Establishment of the ERP and collect feedback
After choosing the most suitable ERP system, and formed a dedicated work team, it is time to deploy the ERP. The system will certainly not be perfect the first time and it will necessarily be necessary to make changes little by little and thus have the most efficient tool possible.
Solicit your employees to collect feedback to orient the modification or training needs, and once again, involve them in the project.
Train the teams in your ERP
Now that the ERP is implemented, it is time to train your employees. Whether for production, inventory or payroll management, your employees are directly affected by this new tool. Demystify it and make them aware of the new advantages for their work by practice and training.
You can also set up training modules directly on the ERP via an on -board application support, for self -training that will increase your performance and decrease support requests.
Measure the available data
As soon as it is set up, Your ERP will collect new precious datawhich will allow you to manage the evolution and development of your business, whether with your employees via the development of corporate processes and culture, or with your customers, for better experience and/or implement more efficient products and services.
You have just triggered a perpetual change based on the data collected, allowing you to be competitive and as close as possible to your target in real time.
Who to call on to set up an ERP?
If you do not have internal skills to develop your tailor -made ERP and you do not wish to recruit, you can also call on a freelance to ensure all or part of the project.
This will have the knowledge and equipment necessary for a successful implementation, which it can immediately make available to your company.
Our tip to create an ERP and set up it
Have a tailor -made ERP is a great way to develop your business with employees involved and stay in tune with the development of your business processes and for your target customer experience.
To save precious time and be accompanied by experts, you can call on a developer on our freelance In order to quickly find the person (s) who will make your ERP project reality.