A custom ERP software platform is a piece of enterprise technology that can truly transform your business, its operations and even its bottom line by promoting better productivity and opening the door to new opportunities. A custom-developed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system can include any and every feature your business may conceivably require, which makes this a wonderful investment for your company.
So what kinds of features and functionalities can you include in your upcoming ERP development project? Let’s examine some of the most sought-after and common ERP software features.
What Are the Most Common ERP Software Features and Functionalities?
In addition to featuring integrations with a range of different software platforms (such as a point of sale systems, database, CRM and third-party software), an ERP system will centralize most or even all of your operations into a single, consistent platform. This not only improves intercompany operations, but it also eliminates many of the inefficiencies that exist when a business uses multiple stand-alone software platforms.
Let’s look at some of the most sought-after ERP software features.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software Capabilities
A CRM platform is at the core of many companies that deal in some form of sales. A CRM system is used to track and manage interactions with customers or clients — from customer accounts management and sales pipeline tracking, to inventory management, sales analytics and even an online or point-of-sale (POS) portal. A CRM is one of the most useful tools for managing your customers and the sales process, making it a vital component of your ERP software platform.
Messaging and Communications
A good ERP system will include secure and user-friendly messaging and communications capabilities that allow for the efficient flow of information throughout your business. Some companies may require different communications platforms, from a mobile-friendly messaging platform with full encryption and security, to a video conferencing platform with military-grade security. Whatever your needs, centralizing your communications into a single platform will improve efficiency and productivity. Your ERP software development team can also arrange for full integration with mission-critical enterprise mobile apps or indispensable third-party platforms.
Human Resources Functionalities
Human Resources-related tools are very useful ERP software features. Your developers can work to develop HR functionalities that allow you to centralize your operations in a single platform. Just imagine the ability to log into a unified system where your team can manage employees and employee data, onboarding and offboarding resources, employee-related documents, timekeeping, bookkeeping, benefits management and even financials. This can be a reality when you invest in a custom ERP software platform! Your development team can integrate your ERP system with third-party HR tools or build a fully custom portal to suit your unique needs. What’s more, all of these HR tools can be situated within the same framework that other divisions of your company are using. This consistency allows for greater connectivity, strong cohesiveness and improved ease of use.
Sales and Marketing
Your sales team may need tools that extend beyond the traditional CRM platform, while your marketing team will definitely be using lots of tools and software to get the job done. A sales and marketing portal can be home to some wonderful ERP software features, which improve productivity by streamlining and centralizing the many tasks that your sales and marketing departments oversee. This also allows for greater collaboration between your sales and marketing teams, which is always beneficial. What’s more, by shifting marketing and sales operations to a single ERP software system that includes a CRM portal, your marketing and sales experts will have access to essential data that can be leveraged to improve your bottom line.
A Financial Management Portal
A well-built ERP software system will often include a financial management portal. This secure platform can be used in many ways, from storing and processing financial information and transaction data, to budgeting, analytics and predictive analytics tools. Your platform can allow for management of accounts receivable and accounts payable, budgets, cost tracking and reimbursement, financial forecasting and so much more. Centralizing all of your data and all of your financial tools in a single ERP software platform can open the doors to new opportunities.
Manufacturing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management Tools
If your company manufactures, buys or sells tangible goods, then your new ERP software features should include tools that allow you to track, manage and analyze relevant data. Features and functionalities can include logistics tracking, supply and distribution management, inventory management, manufacturing management and beyond.
Creating a Customized Selection of ERP Software Features for Your Unique Business
The beauty of a custom-developed ERP software system lies in the fact that you can build it to include all of the features and functionalities that you need to succeed. You can include features that will allow you to do away with extraneous third-party platforms. But you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, so if you find that a third-party software portal works really well for you, you can opt to integrate this third-party software into your ERP system.
The first step toward making your new ERP platform a reality is identifying your needs for Enterprise Resource Planning software. The process of creating your software requirements document is a wonderful exercise that will prompt you to perform a comprehensive evaluation of your needs.
At 7T, we specialize in digital transformation through emerging technologies, as we integrate cutting-edge solutions into virtually every development project that we take on. From mobile app development projects, to custom software such as a CRM platform or ERP development, we’re ready to deliver collaborative, multi-phased software development services.
7T has offices in Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and Austin, but our clientele spans far beyond Texas and the midwest. If you’re ready to harness the power of a custom software platform and today’s most innovative technologies, contact 7T today.