Enterprise Resource Planning is complicated and requires a lot of hands on training. Trainings should occur just before implementation go-live, soon after go-live, and refresher trainings through the life of the system. Many people miss the fact that employees change both in terms of jobs and also their roles within a company. So a system that is even one year old can have many untrained people working the system (or rather struggling with the system.) To keep the system operating and extend the useful life of the system, you should provide training on these systems as frequently as each major release of the software. Further, you should allow the employees the time and money to maintain their skill with the system.
Moving to a new Enterprise Resource Planning software requires a lot of training of various types. Of course there are many different Enterprise Resource Planning applications. Each is usually delivered by the vendors or their implementors. But there are other resources for Enterprise Resource Planning Training. These can include in-person training classes, online classes, self-study books, and vendor provided training modules.
Enterprise Resource Planning Training Resources
For many Enterprise Resource Planning software, there are no resources outside of having the vendors provide the training. Many ERP software providers are too small and so the only training is from them.
Some systems, including most midrange systems, will provide CDROM Enterprise Resource Planning Training, or they may have tutorials built into the system. For larger systems such as SAP, Oracle, or others, you can buy training Enterprise Resource Planning Training modules through a variety of providers.
Other ways to obtain Enterprise Resource Planning Training include various training centers such as New Horizons or Learning Tree. These are usually more expensive than online trainings, but they include a live instructor and simulations that make the learning experience true-to-life.
Mobility is becoming more and more key to managing corporate information. As such, we have seen individual users moving entirely from their laptops to their iPad. This provides easy access to the internet, with information anywhere. This is especially true of cloud computing. With a simple iPad, you can access anything anywhere.
ERP on the iPad can be used in Sales with CRM solutions. In fact, Salesforce.com has a native iPhone app that works on the IPAD, but bother, when you can use it on the web browser just as well? Many ERP solutions now have an html interface, so using the iPad is quite easy.
Imagine if you will, a manager of a manufacturing plant browsing the production cells and being able to pull up real-time stats on her/his iPad and having the ability to discuss the results with the employees?
Or take an example of an HR Manager in an interview with a candidate in a random conference room, looking up on their iPad the available job postings for other divisions to better suit the candidate at hand.
Working on a campus environment, many times managers are running to meetings between buildings. Carrying an iPad with access to the ERP data is most convenient. These are just a few examples of mobility with ERP on the iPad.
So if these things are now possible, is it possible to run a Terminal Emulation program on the iPad to connect to a legacy ERP on the iPad? As far as we can tell, yes you can do that as there a number of Terminal Emulation programs for the iPhone and iPad. Are these as convenient as a web or even a native iPad app? Probably not, but it can be done.
ERP on the iPad on the Road
What about remote access to the central ERP system? Can you use an iPad while on the road to access your corporate data? Well that really depends upon if you have access via Virtual Private Networking (VPN) to the corporate network. You can setup VPN on the iPad and use it to connect securely to the corporate system. But it does require some setup. If the ERP has a web interface and it is exposed on the public web, then you can log in directly there. This is the easiest for the user, but requires additional layers of security from the IT department.
Security for ERP on the iPad
A key are of concern would be for ERP on the iPad to be able to wipe data for lost iPads. In other words, you’re at an airport. You turn around for a moment and your iPad is gone. You know it was on the seat next to you for a second. You have saved your passwords and access to all your corporate data is gone.
As it is now, the only thing you can do is to set a password and in the iPad’s settings, you can set it to wipe the data after so many bad attempts at the password. Of course, you have a copy on your computer in your iTunes right? So this is one method, but for the release of corporate data being accessible through the iPad, currently, you would probably be using a web browser.
If corporate ERP software providers come out with a dedicated App for their product specifically for the iPad, then they would need to build in some sort of password protection. This will not prevent the iPad from being accessed though, so Apple needs to come out with a function similar to what is available with the iPhone, to wipe corporate data. Without this, there probably won’t be a widespread migration to the iPad until this feature is available.
To summarize, it is possible now to use the iPad for mobile ERP access provided that the ERP is exposed to the Internet or by way of some sort of VPN. But it is probably not the most elegant solution, especially on older ERP systems. Ideally, ERP vendors will start to come out with native applications for the iPad which will ease the complexity for the user. This is already happing with cloud based providers. We hope that it will become more prevalent in the near future.
What do you think? Are you using the ERP on the iPad now? Please post your comments and let us know. Thank you.
ERPandmore.com is excited to announce that we have updated our ERP Vendor directory to include a lot more features and functionality.
This directory is a great resource for discovering ERP, CRM, and other enterprise software for your selection, or for other research. It is searchable and very fast. We will continue to be building the listings out over time, so continue to check back!
The directory includes listings for many common Enterprise Software:
Business Intelligence Software
Customer Relationship Managemen
Enterprise Resource Planning
Human Resources Management
Product Lifecycle Management
Professional Services Software
Supply Chain Management
Time and Attendance
Some of the key features that you will find:
Social media login
Demo Requests and Pricing links on many of the listings (where available)
The ability to search by category or location
Additionally, there are listings for Implementors and Service Providers.
If you are a software vendor, please claim your listing and update it with the latest software. If it doesn’t exist, please add it! We have listed many of the common providers in the United States, but we welcome any non-USA providers as well.
Further, we ask everyone who is familiar with these software companies and providers to provide a rating and review.
Ultimately, we would like this to be a very useful tool for the Industry, especially for those who are doing research, or wanting to find the latest software available.
Process manufacturing is a unique vertical market that is unlike traditional manufacturing in that thecompanies in this niche process liquids, chemicals, and fine blended ingredients. Usually the inventory is combined in a batch based on a recipe or a formula, the inventory is not assembled, but rather blended.
Many different industries use Process Manufacturing ERP software. Companies that make paints and coatings, chemicals, foods, or any other liquids based product manufacturers would benefit from this type of software. This results in some unique properties, including yield factors and re-blended waste products.
Because of these unique factors, traditional manufacturing software does not fit these manufacturers. As such, we have listed below our Top 10 Process Manufacturing Software solutions (in no particular order):
Our List of Top 10 Process Manufacturing Software
Other Process Manufacturing Software
The list above is 10 potential vendors, but you may want to look at our Vendor Directory for other candidate Process Manufacturing Software vendors. Keep in mind that sometimes a vendor can do Process Manufacturing, but that is not their primary focus. This is something to look for, but also should be something to watch out for. Just because they say they can do process manufacturing, does not mean that they are successful at it.
If you need more assistance in your search, you can talk to the experts at Software Advice to help you narrow down your search. Call them to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
ERP Software Demos are usually a key step in the process is evaluating ERP Software. This is usually performed by the software provider, but sometimes it is the value added reseller who demonstrates the software. There are usually two software demos provided by each vendor during the process.
The first step is an high-level demonstration of the overall look and feel of the software and it shows general functionality. This is usually to help you narrow down your list of prospective vendors.
The second ERP Software demonstration is very detailed and speaks directly to your unique software requirements. Ideally, you have provided a list of requirements and even better a demonstration script to the vendor that explains step-by-step what you want to see from the software.
We’ve compiled a list of seven items that you should watch out for when evaluating ERP software. These are common things to tune into when watching the software demonstration to ensure that you are getting to see the real software functionality in action.
6 Things to Watch Out for in ERP Software Demos. Click Image to schedule your free ERP Software demos
ERP Software Demos – key things to watch for
1. Tell, but no show
Vendors tell you, but do not show you
One of the most often used tricks in demos is where the vendor discusses a requirement and yet does not show how the system works. You should enforce a demonstration of the methods that the software uses to fulfill the requirements. Often this maybe on oversight on the person demonstrating the software, but many times this could be a very difficult process that they don’t want to show you.
2. Unnatural fit to requirements
Vendors spend time working on getting your requirements to work in the demo but, does it feel natural that it can be done in “real life”?
Often a complex requirement can be done by the system, but it takes a number of “unnatural acts” to make it work in real life. This is a red flag for a process problem. There are two solutions, one is that you adapt the business process of the software, or two, you live with the complex processing in order to fit your business method. If you think you can live with the software process, then mark this down as a good function. If you cannot live with the software’s best practice and you must use your process, resulting in a work around method in the software, then consider this feature as a negative response to your requirement.
3. The “herky jerky” ERP Software Demo
The speed of the demo changes with certain functionality
This can be related to number 2 above. This is more a feeling to the flow of the software. An unaturally paced demonstration usually means that there are some features that the software does not do well. Sometimes it relates to your evaluating user’s questions. Be aware of the pace and determine if the unnatural flow is due to software issues or some factor in your demonstration script.
Many times the vendor will ask if they change the order of the demonstration script to fit the flow of the software. This is usually okay, so long as they have hit upon all the areas that your script requires. If you limit them to sticking strictly to your script, then you may end up with an unusual flow to your demonstration.
4. “Its in the next release!”
Vendors offer solutions that are they are not able to show
This is a classic ERP Software Demos maneuver. Your requirements cannot be fulfilled by the current revision of the software, but the vendor assures you that it is slated for the next release. According to them, this will be available by the time you go live on the software. This is often true, but keep in mind that new release features often bring bugs with them and are not as polished as older functionality. Further, you may end up being the first ones to use this new functionality. Just keep this mind and consider using this as a point of negotiation, or simply document these features for your reference so that during the implementation you can keep track of when these items will actually be released. It is not uncommon for something that is slated for next release to be bumped and postponed until a later release.
5. How can I get there from here?
Vendors fly around the screens, but there is little sense to how they are navigating
Many systems have shortcut keystrokes. You sometimes can type in a short code and the screen will jump to another window. Or, the code is a numeric value representing the screen you want to go to. So the real question is how useful is this to the typical user within your company? Will they be able to grasp the jumping around shortcuts or will they rely on the navigation menus. Are the menus cumbersome? Often these shortcuts are implemented in systems where the navigation is not so straightforward. Test a few use cases out on how a typical clerical person might get around in their daily work. Good systems allow you to create custom menus for individual users.
6. Great feel getting data in, but can’t get data out
Overall feel to the software: is it efficient, can you see yourself using it on a daily basis, and does it provide the information you need?
Often you will run across a great ERP software. The look and feel is good and your users will really like it. But the question is, can you get the information you need out of it? How are the lookup screens? How are the data views (information providing screens)? You need to be careful of systems that require all data inquiries in the system to be only output as a report. Ask the vendor to demonstrate things such as an A/R or A/P account information screen, or Supplier/Customer profile screens. How easy is it to see on-screen the data you need to run your business? How easy will it be to answer customer inquiries?
7. The mystery reporting system
Input screens, Output screens and Reports
This is closely related to number 5 above. There are some ERP systems that don’t have a native reporting system and require you to use Crystal Reports, or some other tool to get at your data. Be aware of this and be sure to have a demonstration of the reporting system. Don’t look solely at the reports themselves, but find out how easy or hard it will be to create and organize custom reports. This is especially true of financial reports as they often have their own report writer separate from the main system report writer.
ERP Software Demos Summary
Lastly, if you are in the process of looking at vendors and deciding who you should have in your ERP Software Demos, you should look at this free vendor analysis tool from SoftwareAdvice.com that helps you evaluate the best vendors for your company. Also be sure to check out ERPandMore.com’s ERP Vendor Directory to find candidate vendors for your ERP Software Selection.
ERP Software Demos – Anything else?
Any other useful ERP Software Demos tips? Please post your comments below.
Starting an ERP selection and Implementation seems like a huge undertaking. It can be, but it can also be straightforward if you do things properly. Where to Start with your ERP Selection and Implementation
If you are a small to medium sized company, here are some tips to get you going:
1. ERP Vendors – who should you look at? There are many different ERP vendors. The easiest way is to use a free evaluation service such as SoftwareAdvice.com. Their advisors ask you some questions to profile the type of business you are in and then from that they can give you a short list of candidates to focus on. One good article you should examine is to help you understand how ERP vendors are categorized is “ERP – What Tier are you in?” You can also reference our ERP directory for a listing of various ERP vendors.
3. ERP Negotiation – How to reach a successful outcome? Negotiation can be stressful, but really it doesn’t have to be. It is a dance that the vendors go through everyday, so they know how to work it and how to make you come to their desired decision point. You can learn more about negotiation through various books, or you can start with this article on ERP Negotiation.
We hope these links and articles will help you sort out resources as to where you can start with your ERP project. For more information, please also see our ERP Bookstore where we have a lot of useful books on ERP Selections and Implmentations.
ERP Software done correctly can be a great tool for improving a business. Done badly, it can demoralize employees and drive down business results.
Case-in-point: ERP Software should enable business processes, not torture the employees. “My experience with SAP was of an all-purpose integrated business solution. At the beginning of the day, I clocked in using an SAP applet. Next, I would go through a set of SAP generated planned-production orders, direct work orders, or reported directly to my supervisor. After looking through the routing information (generated through SAP), I would complete the specified task. When the task was complete, I would “clock-off” on the job, which entailed bringing the PPO to a computer, scanning it into an SAP applet, and entering my badge number (employee ID). Another thing I found interesting was the request to clock off on all activities. Even if I had only swept or scraped tape off the floors (it was a slow summer), I was asked to clock off on something called “lean labor.” I found this curious, though I suppose from an efficiency standpoint it was very important. To refer back to these “value-chains,” it is important to know exactly what every employee, piece of inventory, and work order are doing at any given time. Whether it is benig worked on, working on something, or finished, this real-time updating system allows everyone company-wide to see which projects are in progress, which are complete, and which have not been touched. Also from a managerial standpoint, it is important to see how much work each individual employee is doing and how well they are performing, not to mention that employee’s ID will always be attached to that job if future concerns arise.
Now from a business standpoint this is all well and good. But what about the employee? A lot of days, clocking and clocking out I felt as though it did not matter whether or not I was even there. There were simply no jobs to be done for entire weeks at a time, but that did not change that I had to “clock out” for certain jobs. Of course, a business wants to make sure that all of its employees are being as productive as possible, but clocking out on cleaning out the same area 3 times during a week seemed redundant and absurd. Not to mention clocking out on an activity such as “material handling” or “lean labor” is fairly arbitrary. This of course necessitated a manager to scold me when my productivity levels fell (ie playing Frisbee with a cardboard box in the back). It is important to note that I was simply summer-hired as well. Working full time at a job as a number would eventually get fairly tedious. As one of my co-workers noted to me, they had simply clocked in and clocked out for a couple of weeks and clocked off on none of the jobs they were doing. No one said anything to him. So who’s checking these jobs?” – Andrew Mellino
Implementing technology to collect data is one thing, but ERP should not be just about the numbers. ERP ideally should be “process improvement enabled by technology.” It should not be a tool to harass the employees. This is a key concept to understand when implementing and going through the design phase. Which processes are broken and which processes are working fine. Once you have defined that, then see where the ERP software can enable best business practices. It is essential that the employees have a buy in and provide feedback to this step.
If you get the employees to buy into the implementation and how it will change their jobs, you will gain the benefits of higher utilization of the system and overall better adoption. If you fail this step, you will have a failed ERP implementation. There is a saying that you should “drive data collection to the source.” This means that you should have the person who is directly responsible for the source of that data be the one who is entering it. When the ERP system is not implemented with the employees in mind, the employees will be unmotivated to use the system, ensure that the data is accurate, or even bother to put in correct information.
With the help of your line employees, design in best practices and work with them to build a system that they will use and will benefit not only them by making their jobs easier, but also benefit the whole company by driving positive results.
Defining your ERP Evaluation Criteria is essential for paring down the vendors and getting to the final choice. There are two focus areas for determining your selection criteria:
Determining your ERP Evaluation Criteria
1. ERP Evaluation Criteria – Process
The Process analysis for determining your ERP Evaluation Criteria is the method you would use to determine the flow of data through the system and how it would follow along your established or to-be business processes. For example, following a process flow of quoting an order, receiving the order, manufacturing or purchasing the product, shipping, and finally invoicing the order is known as the order-to-cash process flow.
There are other anther ERP Evaluation Criteria processes such as procure-to-pay, which maps the inventory requirement through the accounts payable billings. Another example could be the HR process of recruiting though retirement.
Using Process Flow documentation to determine your ERP Evaluation Criteria
By mapping out these processes in a tool such as Microsoft Visio Standard 2010 and developing a detailed flow diagram, you will have a good understanding of how your business operates. With this knowledge, your evaluation of various business management software will be a lot easier. Further, you can see how closely the software’s process flow mirrors your company’s or how disjointed the software is when it comes to your business.
2. ERP Evaluation Criteria – Functional
ERP Evaluation Criteria for the system is the detailed list of all of the things you need the system to do, from processing purchase orders, processing a sales order, to invoicing a client and producing financial reports. These are the nitty gritty things that your system should do. A good place to start is to evaluate your current system. What are the functions that the current system does well? Include these in your list. What are the things that your system does poorly, include the desired functionality in your list.
Your list should not be 10,000 lines, but rather it should look at those items that make your business unique. For example, most every business has to cut A/P checks. So most systems can do that. So do not list as a requirement that the software should be able to cut A/P checks, rather make your requirement specific to your company, such as “System should be able to cut 3 copy laser checks, with reprint capability.” That very specific requirement will help you distinguish the vendors from one another.
A good place to start is with an ERP Evaluation Criteria Template. ERPandMore has many different templates to assist you in evaluating various ERP software venders and have best practices built in. In using these as a starting point, you will save yourself countless hours in both preparing these criteria templates as well as in differentiating the vendors your are looking at. We hope this has helped to answer How to determine your ERP Evaluation Criteria
and developing a detailed flow diagram, you will have a good understanding of how your business operates. With this knowledge, your evaluation of various business management software will be a lot easier. Further, you can see how closely the software’s process flow mirrors your company’s or how disjointed the software is when it comes to your business.