Enterprise resource planning technology continues to evolve with great speed. New innovations seem to materialize regularly, as software companies develop new system features and implementation methods. Mobile ERP technology is a product of this wider push to move such essential solutions forward. In recent years, vendors have released mobile-ready platforms that resemble social media sites and some of the other familiar portals in use today, according to CFO. These systems not only appeal to users but also provide powerful benefits for the enterprise, increasing productivity throughout the entirety of the supply chain.

Of course, mobile ERP systems, like their desktop-based predecessors, present unique implementation challenges. Sometimes, adopters fail to plan for these roadblocks and find themselves overseeing mobile ERP projects that are falling apart at the seams. With this in mind, organizations interested in adopting this technology must develop exhaustive implementation plans that address some of the singular yet common pain points that accompany mobile ERP adoption. Here are some of those complications:

Network connectivity
Users normally engage with traditional ERP platforms via Ethernet-equipped desktop computers, meaning internet connectivity is rarely an issue. For mobile ERP solutions, on the other hand, this is a critical concern, according to ERP Software Blog. In-house devices must be able to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi for mobile ERP software systems to function correctly. Surprisingly, many enterprises navigating the implementation process simply fail to give this variable any consideration or wrongly assume that existing company networks can support an influx of new devices running advanced, data-based applications.

Adopters must take great care in developing strong Wi-Fi strategies and work with external service providers to implement networks that support widespread mobile usage. Additionally, firms should emphasize data security when considering connectivity options, as large amounts of sensitive company and client information will soon be circulating internal networks.

Standardization
Apart from network connectivity, standardization is perhaps the most important variable in the mobile ERP implementation equation. What exactly is standardization? In this context, it involves rolling out uniform applications, operating systems and processing equipment, according to TechTarget. This methodology eases mobile management activities and ensures that all workers have access to equally powerful technological assets. This kind of strategy is, of course, essential for firms with multiple locations, as dealing with disparate devices and systems across several sites lays the groundwork for information technology disasters of all sorts, from data breaches to partial supply chain software outages.

Why do so many organizations fail in this regard? In many cases, it comes down to cost. Some insist on leaving underlying IT infrastructure unchanged or adopting different devices with disparate OSs in an attempt to save money on implementation. However, in the end, companies that go down this path are likely to spend more correcting everyday glitches, mitigating instances of data loss and covering IT-caused production slowdowns than they would on new equipment. 

The solution is simple here: Adopters must standardize their equipment and processes when implementing mobile ERPs.

User Training
One of the advantages of mobile ERP platforms is their usability. Because they often look and feel like conventional consumer applications, users are likely to navigate them with confidence and possibly unlock new levels of productivity. With this in mind, some companies on the verge of go-live simply skip training, assuming their employees can effectively handle the application after a few moments with the user manual or a quick tutorial. This is a mistake, IT Toolbox reported.

While mobile ERP solutions may be designed for optimal usability, adopters must still take the time to design and deploy training sessions for employees. In many cases, these instructional programs might not cover application operation but instead address the transition to mobile workflows. Workers unbound from desktop ERP portals need direction on how to navigate the post-Ethernet workplace – especially those in the warehouse, whose days will be much different with ERP-enabled devices on hand.

Mobile ERP platforms represent the future of the technology, as businesses, no matter their size, move toward more modern processes and let go of legacy hardware and software. However, those looking to embrace this destiny and adopt mobile-ready ERP software must consider all of the variables and prepare themselves for the unique implementation challenges that accompany it.