Using ERP Software to Make Remote Working Easier

How ERP Software Helps Remote Workers

ERP software, or Enterprise Resource Planning software, is a powerful type of business software used by manufacturing companies, distribution companies, and other companies across all different industries.

Companies use ERP software to collect data from different sources, such as different company departments, and centralize that data so that it can be analyzed and transformed into useful business information and metrics.

By transitioning to modern Cloud-based ERP software, companies are able to significantly improve the productivity of employees working remotely.

Here are 7 ways ERP software improves remote work.

7 Ways ERP Software Improves Remote Work

1. Automates business practices

The manufacturing business involves many tasks that are usually completed manually. These tasks include managing inventory, procuring raw material, and processing customer orders. Handling these tasks by hand is time-consuming and is prone to error.

Using remotely-accessible Cloud-based ERP software, manufacturing companies can automate and streamline these tasks. ERP software makes this possible by keeping data updated in real-time and allowing efficient sharing of information.

When inventory drops below levels specified by company management, or when raw materials are running low and more material needs to be obtained, ERP software can automatically take the steps needed to ensure manufacturing processes are not halted.

2. Enables powerful reporting

Since ERP software keeps data updated in real-time, informative reports can be produced instantaneously. Further, with Cloud-based ERP software, these reports can be prepared and accessed remotely. There is no delay between when a report is requested and when it is actually delivered.

The dashboards and workflows integrated into Cloud-based ERP make it easy to gain actionable insight from the data stored within the ERP database. These dashboards and workflows can be customized for specific departments to present them with only the pertinent information they need, preventing distractions and a cluttered interface to the software.

Since ERP software collects and centralizes data from many sources, more powerful reports can be created than if ERP software is not being utilized.

3. Enhances communication

Communication between employees working remotely and employees working on company premises can pose a challenge. But, by using Cloud-based ERP software, such communication is frictionless.

ERP software improves communication between employees by ensuring that everyone is working with a “single source of truth.” This means that all employees are working with the same accurate, current data.

Collaboration can occur in real-time. There is no need for employees to email documents back and forth, often creating a situation where one department is working with a different set of data than another department.

4. Provides greater security

The security of company data is always a concern when employees are working remotely. For example, employees might be using unsecured, public Wi-Fi to access the Internet. Also, employees might be storing sensitive company information on their personal devices.

Cloud-based ERP software ensures the security of company data by keeping the data on professionally maintained Cloud servers, rather than storing data on employee laptops and desktop computers.

All data transmitted to and from the Cloud-based ERP software happens over connections secured by enterprise-grade encryption.

5. Increases employee efficiency

Without ERP software, employees often spend a substantial amount of time locating files and other company information. If an employee is waiting for information from another employee or department, the work of the employee can end up stalled.

But, with ERP, files and other company information are always available and easy to find. As previously mentioned, ERP software centralizes company data and keeps the data updated in real time.

Further, since Cloud-based ERP software can be accessed from anywhere and from any device that has an Internet connection, employees can always retrieve vital company information without needing to return to a computer. They can simply pull out their smartphone or tablet to access the ERP software.

6. Strengthens customer relationships

Customers of manufacturing companies expect to always have current information regarding their orders and other transactions. It is not acceptable for a manufacturing company to tell a customer that the desired information is unavailable because employees are working remotely.

With Cloud ERP, if a customer wants to know the status of their order, return, or other transaction, the manufacturing company employee can simply pull out their smartphone and check the ERP system to be able to provide the customer with the status of the transaction.

If a customer wants to place a new order, the employee can quickly check to make sure there is available inventory or manufacturing capacity.

7. Ensures business continuity

Recent events have demonstrated that the business world is unpredictable. At any time, offices can be forced to close and travel can be restricted. Companies can no longer rely on employees being on-premises or being able to make it to remote offices. It is important that employees be able to work remotely whenever the need arises.

The benefits of Cloud-based ERP software ensure that remote work is always possible. Since the data in an ERP solution is always up to date and accessible over the Internet, employees do not need to be on-site to obtain company information.

With ERP software, companies are able to continue operating no matter what disruptions they are faced with.

If you are thinking of transitioning to the cloud or are looking for an industry-specific ERP solution, speak with one of our team members! At Single Source Systems, we are happy to help!