Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems play an important role in enabling companies to streamline processes and integrate various functions into a single digital platform, but with the increasing size and complexity of modern companies, traditional Enterprise Resource Planning solutions just can’t keep up with the demand.
Enter ERP automation…
By harnessing the power of intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA), ERP system automation improves process efficiency, creates better data visualization across teams, and reduces inconsistency and duplication to keep data error-free in the long run.
This article will discuss the key features and advantages of ERP automation and a few use case examples for automated ERP systems, as well as where our team of ERP consultants can come in to help you make the most of your ERP investment, no matter what. Read on to learn more!
What is ERP Automation?
ERP automation involves using advanced features within an existing ERP system or integrating new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to automate business processes and increase efficiencies across the organization.
With the use of more intelligent technologies and advanced ERP solutions, companies in any industry are enabled to improve the efficiency of previously disparate business processes, reduce dependency on Human Resources teams to manage and analyze data such as inventory management and more, and improve accuracy and connectivity between data sources.
Traditional ERP Systems vs Automated ERP Systems
While traditional ERP system offerings do typically provide the functionality needed to complete basic business processes and keep your organization afloat, systems with ERP automation take this to the next level with the consolidation of data in a central database, the ability to perform enhanced data analytics, and integrated applications for improved connectivity.
Here are a few key differences between traditional and automated ERP systems…
- Traditional ERP systems require human intervention to enter data or perform tasks, while automated ones leverage intelligent features to decrease the amount of human intervention needed
- Traditional ERPs are typically more expensive because of the need for constant monitoring and maintenance, where automated ERPs are based on a more cost-effective Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model
- Some traditional ERP offerings aren’t run in the cloud and face increased data security risks, but automated ERP systems use cloud-based software with adequate security permissions to keep data safe
- Traditional ERPs require frequent manual updates to ensure proper functionality and scalability, while automated ERP systems can conduct updates on their own with no human intervention needed
Main Advantages of an Automated ERP Solution
Systems with ERP automation offer quite a few advantages for multiple different areas of your enterprise technology and your enterprise as a whole.
Let’s take a closer look at a few key benefits of automating your ERP solution…
Better Resource Allocation
Without the need for manual processes like manual data entry and aggregation, employees have more time to focus on more important tasks, including managing and allocating resources across different departments and areas of the organization.
This way, companies can leverage ERP automation functions to improve data visibility, enhance business process transparency, and improve resource management throughout the entire enterprise.
Improved Business Predictions
Automated ERP solutions allow end-users to automate the entire data analysis process and leverage AI and other smart features to predict business outcomes for improved decisions and process efficiency in the future.
And, with better forecasting capabilities and more accurate accurate predictions, companies are able to increase productivity and maintain a competitive edge in the long run.
More Informed Decisions
Automated ERP software reduces the amount of human interaction required for data entry and task completion within your system, thus also reducing the risk for human error in data management or task completion.
With better data processes and streamlined operations, employees can trust the information in their system, gain better insight into valuable data, and facilitate more informed business decision-making across all areas of the enterprise.
Use Cases for Automated ERP Software Solutions
Here are a few examples of how automation in ERP can streamline and improve operations…
1) Data Analysis and Reporting
From payroll management to invoicing, customer relationship management, inventory management, and more, ERP automation solutions helps companies streamline core business operations and leverage more agile solutions to manage their data in a safer, more efficient manner.
And, by offering a “birds-eye view” of different areas of your company through enhanced data analysis and reporting functions, companies can unite fragmented data in a single platform and gain better insight into operations across the board, not just in one team or department.
2) Forecasting and Planning
When it comes to predicting future business processes, budget plans, and operational costs, ERP automation provides the visibility needed to assess necessary data and the functionality needed to develop more accurate predictive plans.
With better planning and forecasting accuracy and efficiency, companies are enabled to ensure the right stakeholders have access to the right information and improve critical decision making over time.
3) Workload Management
From visualizing workflow and approval processes to keeping up with trends in workload contingencies, evaluating the sensitivity of core workflows to automation, assessing the security of data found in the workflows, and more, ERP automation handles the management and optimization of workloads so you don’t have to.
ERP automation simplifies workflows across different departments and teams and makes it easier for companies to leverage more precise automation of individual tasks for improved productivity and performance.
How Can We Help?
From helping you integrate enhanced data analytics functions into your existing ERP system, leveraging business intelligence tools to improve procurement and inventory management, reducing the risk of human error with automated data entries, or anything else in between, Surety Systems can help.
Our team of senior-level ERP consultants has the functional skills and technical knowledge needed to handle it all, no matter what. And, with a wide range of knowledge in ERP systems, including Workday, UKG, SAP, Infor Lawson, Microsoft Dynamics, and more, our consultants are guaranteed to have what it takes to meet all your project needs.
Your technology. Your priorities. Our expertise. That’s the name of the game with Surety.
Partnering with the Best
Interested in learning how an automated ERP system could benefit your organization?
Ready to get started with our team of expert ERP consultants, but don’t know if your team is prepared to handle a change like that?
Contact us today for more information about our ERP consulting services!
