Technology’s presence in our personal lives is increasing—and technology in the workplace is no exception. Industries have been transformed by advancements in computer networking as each generation brings more technological prowess with them into the workforce. Many positions, for instance, require the use of digital technology or software.
A greater reliance on mechanical processes also means that intuitive tools for interfacing with machine are integral to maintaining streamlined operations. Enterprise resource planning solutions enable businesses to interact seamlessly with their technology so that they can maximize their workflows.
Here are three separate ways ERP software can enhance interaction between humans and machines:
1. Automation
Manual procedures expend time and energy of your team, as well as leave greater margins for human error. Statistical probabilities dictate that mistakes are more likely to occur when one task is repeated over and over.
Business cycles are more drawn out the less automated they are. Singular procedures convert into reactionary activities dependent on individual input of gatekeepers. Human error and any other unexpected circumstances can stall or completely derail an entire supply chain at critical junctions.
Automation in key processes significantly reduces the chance for such situations to form, and saves time otherwise spent on manual cataloging. Instances of the latter can also feed into the former, such as lagging manual compliance procedures preventing timely fulfillment of regulations. Failure to meet these requirements can produce dire consequences, therefore increasing the possibility of downtime or outright bankruptcy.
Developments in enterprise resource planning software open possibilities to address these potential pitfalls with automation features. Functions preprogrammed through ERP solutions can ensure more repetitious tasks do not suffer from user error, as well as allow human input to be transferred to monitoring the system. With more resources devoted to oversight, and processes delegated well ahead of execution, potential glitches can be identified and solved more easily. Automated compliance programs can also have a beneficial impact, especially if you are in an industry that faces heavy regulation.
2. Communication
Efficiency cannot be maintained if each individual business unit cannot remain in contact with one another consistently. Lack of visibility between teams can lead to incomplete and inaccurate reporting that will affect productivity levels. Walled-off siloes are less likely to maximize value, and are ultimately more likely to detract from it as your business will not be using all of its resources efficiently.
You can be similarly handicapped by outdated customer relationship management practices. Distant departments with little to no active communication will not be able to coordinate properly when engaging clients. One silo may in charge of back-end logistics while another conducts forward-facing operations with customers, but without an adequate means of exchanging information they will not be able to complement one another. Worse, they might actually impede each other – and the entire company in the process – if they act without access to the other’s data.
Enterprises with remote locations and functions that require travel can become even more strained. Less physical access between personnel can translate to more stalled processes if there is too much reliance on outdated communication routines. Modern technology combined with customized ERP solutions can provide superior modes of interaction between disparate siloes that allow for real-time communication.
Enterprise-level digitally-connected devices are becoming more prevalent and offer several opportunities to take advantage of when used in conjunction with modular ERP systems. Mobile applications provide multiple opportunities to alleviate some of the traditional burdens with remote interaction, as well as offer more simplified methods of two-way dialogue. Cloud networking options allow offsite access to data from almost any location. Expanding digital channels are offering easier ways to communicate both internally and externally, and ERP solutions act as a facilitator of those message delivery systems.
3. Data
Informational metrics determine the viability of all operations. Performance statistics, inventory levels, and all other numbers associated with output govern all of the decision-making for subsequent action steps. The acquisition of data is vital to the successful maintenance of any commercial enterprise, as is the proper field application of said data once it is acquired.
Timeliness is also paramount when data is concerned. Information can become useless once too much time has passed. Data must be gathered and disseminated at the right juncture in order to receive the maximum output from its deployment. With informative, up-to-date records, standalone business units can better address their emerging pain points before they become detriments to the entire organization. If the problems are too large for an individual department to deal with on its own, then having the actual data enables them to accurately inform everyone else of the pending crisis.
The inherent nature of data is fluid and subject to change as factors evolve. An important stipulation for any data gathering system is that it is scalable so that it can be adjusted for growth. Modern ERP solutions must be built to be able to successfully manage not only expanding figures, but also new sets of data as additional elements come into play.
Flexible ERP systems can act as effective hubs for data, especially in organizations with disconnected siloes. Comprehensive enterprise software allows users to access data in real-time, and certain modules permit expanded flexibility in remote data entry and retrieval so that it can also be managed while on the road. The central compilation of this data enables widespread organizational access at any time, ensuring that all departments can obtain the most up-to-date information on demand.
ERP Is the Link Between Humans and Computer Hardware
Enterprise resource planning systems provide organizations with a top-level view of their operations. Part of this encompassing outline therefore obviously includes the technology necessary to business functions. ERP software forms a natural bridge between humans and networked machines that allows users to leverage their tools in performing tasks that augment their roles. If you would like to learn more about a modern ERP solution that will help you automate your workflow processes, check out our page on Sage X3.