5 Reasons to Invest in a Next Generation ERP Solution

Over the last few decades, Enterprise Resource Planning (or ERP) software has undergone a number of significant shifts. In the 80s and 90s, they were the height of IT sophistication, offering complex programs to help tackle the overwhelming growth of business data. In the 00s and 10s, big data and an increasing dependence on technology mean that this growth has become even more intense. Unfortunately, many ERP systems in the marketplace haven’t responded well to this change.

Many ERP packages available today are just older versions of software with a stylish new interface makeover (also known as screen scraping the presentation layer)–the technology remains the same. These ERP packages are referred to as the dreaded “legacy” systems. Unless a company wants to struggle with software that was originally built for operating systems such as DOS, these should be avoided at all costs.

A next generation, or postmodern, ERP system is a CIO’s best approach to managing a company’s key business information. A next generation ERP such as Reflex, for example, offers a variety of fully integrated, real-time module apps that can be personalized according to industry. They also offer a number of other innovative benefits, such as mobile functionality and embedded analytics. Below are five key reasons mid- to large-size organizations have for investing in a next generation ERP solution.

“Having a single IT partner such as Reflex to provide a fully integrated end-to-end solution for all aspects of our business is one of the key drivers that keeps us ahead of the competition.” – Derek Currah, President and General Manager, Comco Pipe & Supply Company (Division of Russel Metals Inc.)

 

1. Cutting-edge Technology

Don’t rely on old technology to solve new business problems. Reflex is one of few ERP systems built entirely on new technology (the Microsoft .NET framework) so that it can keep up with the business demands of today. Because of this new technology, Reflex software can adapt to changing needs with ease, such as the crucial need for mobile and online access, so that companies can access relevant information whenever necessary.

2. Mobile Access

No matter what, mobile access is key. We live in a world where you can get practically anything delivered to your door with the tap of a button. And, for people in many different industries, access to business information in the field is crucial. With mobile functionality and web portal access for clients, employees, stakeholders, and more, Reflex ERP helps take business management to the next level–anytime, anywhere.

“…when you look at what we can now do through the Dealer self-service web portals, we can attest to the Reflex value proposition: ‘Turn the data you have into the information you need.’ It is truly amazing.” – Tom Moore, Vice President & General Manager, Factor Forms

 

3. Modulated Apps

The beauty of having a fully integrated ERP system is that the company gets full control over the functionality they want. For example, a construction organization might want all of the construction-specific modules, as well as full financial management, a human resources and payroll module, a relations management (CRM and all stakeholders) module, mobile field services, and a customer portal for real-time updates. Thanks to Reflex ERP’s full integration, these modules can be made accessible at the client’s discretion and the data entered into one module is immediately shared amongst the others in real time. Data re-entry? A thing of the past.

4. Embedded Analytics and Business Intelligence

If all business data is housed in one place, why should a company need an external program to generate reports? A next generation ERP system like Reflex offers embedded analytics and business intelligence, so that users can generate personalized reports and ad-hoc queries to showcase business data whenever they like. The best part about Reflex’s analytics is that you never have to wait for data to sync because everything within the system is updated instantly in real time.

5. Hosting Options

If something claiming to be a next generation ERP system doesn’t offer hosting options, then take a step back. Complex software such as ERP systems should be hosted according to the client’s discretion. Reflex ERP, for example, is built from highly functional, adaptive software that can run on virtually any device and can be hosted on-premise on the client’s server or in the cloud, offering the flexibility of choice.

There are a number of other features inherent in next generation ERP systems, all of which are beneficial to the management of business data. The most important thing to remember when looking for an ERP package is that the business itself shouldn’t have to change its processes to meet the needs of a software solution, but rather the opposite. A next generation solution will ensure that options are available to each business, from the manufacturing industry, to commercial or residential real estate, widespread distribution networks, construction organizations, and more.

To learn more about how the next generation Reflex ERP software can help your business, visit our About page.

*Originally posted by Cheryl Cottrell-Smith on LinkedIn Pulse.