For over two decades enterprise resource planning (ERP) has allowed companies to capture, manage and translate data into business intelligence. Successful ERP systems, like Microsoft Dynamics NAV, should increase collaboration, improve communication and streamline all organizational processes. It can be easy to misunderstand or misuse ERP altogether, and companies that fall into such a trap will find themselves with little return on investment. Used correctly, however, and business management software will help you design a better business. Here are a few ERP features to help you get an idea of the range of uses this solution offers:

Supports any business: ERP, as the name suggests, was at one time reserved for large company use. Bigger organizations had the capital required to invest in and develop a viable solution. Technological evolution, however, has allowed for greater accessibility and even the smallest of businesses are able to find ERP systems that are affordable and suit their needs. Microsoft Dynamics NAV is a good example of this. There are also a wider number of specializations and modules available now, and mobility has increased, giving companies with even the most unique processes a chance to get on the bandwagon.

Improves procedures: Never adopt a new ERP system with the intention of having it replicate your existing work practices. The goal in proper ERP implementation should always be improvement. While this can come with a series of challenges — for example, necessitating change management — overall it will only add value to your business. Routine manual interventions and paper-based processes can be outmoded through automation. Sales can be accelerated and inventory optimized. When you are open to change, and willing to use your imagination, ERP will become a blessing.

The advantages to ERP are clear. If your business is ready to find implement an ERP solution such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV, contact Accent Software. We have the experience required to make the process smooth and easy.

As part of the technological sphere, ERP is naturally subject to a fast rate of change. As software companies design ways to make their products more effective, allowing for companies to minimize wasteful tendencies and increase efficiency, businesses will have to decide how they want to keep up with the always in-flux world of enterprise resource planning. But what should businesses expect in the coming year? Jennifer Schiff of Tech Central looks into her crystal ball in a recent article.

• Hybrid clouds: Chris Wolf, CTO of VMware, believes that the boom in "multi-cloud" strategies in 2014 will roll over into this year and continue to grow. The adaptability that the hybrid cloud offers will be too tantalizing of a prospect for enterprises to pass up in the near future.
• Mobile enterprise apps: As the practice of doing work on one's mobile phone becomes more prevalent, so to will the number and capabilities of mobile enterprise apps. "As employees spend less and less time in the office, having solutions – CRM, BPM, etc. – that are mobile friendly will be essential," says Michael DeFranco, founder & CEO of Lua, a company that offers secure messaging for the enterprise.
• More user-friendly: Business Intelligence software's capabilities are improving alongside the ease of use of these solutions.  Sleeker interfaces and more intuitive navigation systems will populate the ERP world in the months ahead.

The face of ERP is a constantly shifting one, and it can be difficult to keep up with at times. If you need help modernizing your business management software, get in touch with us at Accent Software. We're well-versed in the ins and outs of ERP and can help propel your company into the new year.

Many businesses are familiar with the benefits that enterprise resource planning (ERP) can provide. The way that resources are managed has the potential to make or break a company's success. It is important to have a clear view of all of your company's essential processes in order to be able to manage resources, and today there are many choices of business management software available to help accomplish this. 

One of the benefits of ERP software is that it allows decision-makers to create strategies based on data. Through data-based decision making, companies are able to hone their performance in various areas to reach optimum levels and create a better business. When these capabilities are combined with other business processes in the company, it can make the path to achieving specific business objectives clearer. 

However, the process of getting all of the moving parts to work together can be a challenge. For this reason, it is important to take the time to properly select and implement the ERP software that will meet the unique needs of your company. With Microsoft Dynamics NAV business software, your company can improve its bottom line through the functionality that directly addresses your company's objectives and can be tailored to meet fluctuating demands. 

As a Microsoft business solutions partner, Accent Software works with your company to deliver the training, support and service you need to make the most of your business management software. For over 15 years, we have been providing companies with customized ERP solutions. If you are a business in the Kentucky, Ohio or Indiana area, we can work with you to configure and implement a system that is specifically tailored to your needs. 

Enterprise resource planning is an important tool for businesses both large and small. The more efficiently resources can be used, the greater the benefits will be for the bottom line. However, expenses that go unmonitored can add up quickly. With the help of the right business management software solutions, companies can maximize their operational efficiency, while saving money in the process. 

Manufacturing companies know that when there are many different areas to monitor, it can be easy to lose sight of certain aspects of the business. ERP software helps increase the visibility of each area so efforts can be better coordinated. This allows companies to closely track inventory and share that information with suppliers. When software is used in ERP, processes that were previously conducted manually can be automated instead, saving time and money while improving operational efficiency. 

A cloud-based system can provide numerous benefits such as easier access and reduced costs. With the cloud, SMBs may be able to take advantage of the benefits of an ERP system without having to incur significant costs to do so.

As noted by Sharon Florentine in an article for CIO, "Cloud computing has enabled small and midmarket businesses (SMB) to offload costly, resource-intensive functions like storage, web hosting, and email, but many smaller companies still struggle to cobble together sufficient enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions to manage their business processes and plan for future growth." 

It is worth noting that the advantages of a cloud-based system or a local system will depend on the requirements of your company. 

Improving the efficiency of processes is a primary objective of ERP software. With an effective system, companies can lower costs by decreasing waste and improving production. As the Small Business Chronicle points out, having streamlined processes is a key to increasing efficiency. 

"Streamlined design processes mean less rework, which also reduces costs. ERP systems improve sales forecasting, which leads to improved inventory management throughout the supply chain. For example, if a parts supplier knows when each one of his customers will need new supplies, he can plan his production shifts to manufacture just enough to fill demand, and he will not have to carry excess inventory or not have enough parts on hand to fill customer demand," writes Chirantan Basu. 

When it comes to manufacturing ERP software, you have a choice. The system that is right for your business needs will depend upon your current and future requirements, making it important to consider customizability when selecting a software system. A Microsoft business solutions partner, Accent Software can work with your company to implement the business management software that most effectively meets your business needs. 

Whether your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is currently working to your company's best advantage, or there is room for improvement, chances are that at some point the time will come for the system to be replaced. The software system in place today may function smoothly, but to keep up with the changing pace of business, your company's ERP system must be able to keep pace with the latest trends.

But switching ERP systems can be a big undertaking. As such, it's a good idea to take a look at your current system to see what can be changed, before deciding to replace the system. 

As Robert Kugel writes in an article for Smart Data Collective, in some cases in which a company's ERP system begins to show signs that it will do more to hinder progress than to help it, it may be time to make an adjustment. However, these changes do not automatically mean that the entire system must be replaced. Kugel describes some of the signs that it might be time to change your system.

Here are some signs that may indicate that it's time to make the switch:

The system was not implemented correctly. When an inexperienced software consultant installs your ERP system, it is possible that it will not be configured optimally. In turn, this could create issues that affect your business operations. Having a knowledgeable consultant can help ensure your system is set up well right from the start. Kugel suggests soliciting feedback from various groups that use the system in order to determine whether the issue is stemming from the software or is being caused by other factors. 

When the system struggles to handle multiple business functions. When business management software must handle a multitude of different tasks, creating an effective system can be a challenge. If your current system is not meeting your operational demands, it may be time to alter it or upgrade. 

When configuring the system becomes too difficult. Kugel notes that changes in a company over time can lead to difficulties in configuring a system. Some of the reasons for this occurrence may include a change to the business model, or it may no longer be able to handle the volume of transactions from increases in demand. 

When there is more data than the system can handle. Your current system may be experiencing more data than it is equipped to manage. However, this does not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced entirely. An operational data store can be implemented to handle this aspect of your operations, thereby taking some of the stress off of the ERP system. 

By taking a close look at your current software and how it is managing each facet of your business, you will be able to determine whether it's time to switch systems, or if there are other changes that can be made to improve the one currently in place. With a software system that allows you to make the needed changes, you make sure your ERP system meets the challenges and changes of your business. It is important to bear in mind not only what your company's needs are, but what they may be in the future, and select an ERP software that is versatile and adaptable as your business evolves. 

When you have manufacturing software that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your specific company, your company can save time and money making improvements on an as-needed basis, rather than having to overhaul the system entirely. Accent Software provides comprehensive business management software for companies in the Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana areas. We can help make your software transition a smooth one.