FEATURE : ERP in the ERP space to ensure success and enterprisewide integration .
Ramachandran said the focus of ERP is no longer only on enterprise-wide planning , but has expanded into a wider ecosystem encompassing customers , suppliers , partners , competitors and stakeholders . “ In fact , Gartner predicts that by 2023 , majority of ERP systems in the enterprise will incorporate at least one fourth-era functionality . CIOs should be looking
CIOS SHOULD INVESTIGATE EXTENDING ERP BEYOND THE BACK OFFICE BY GRANTING ERP ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL , INTERNAL USERS LIKE SALES , SERVICE , AND WAREHOUSE STAFF .
Darren De Vries , SADC Channel Partner Manager , Seidor Africa at how the proposed ERP implementation would deliver the following to their business : operational efficiency and resource productivity and the ability for the ERP system to support scalability and change in business models ,” he said . “ Today we see more and more ERP vendors delivering complete integrated suite of ERP applications on the cloud with the best technology embedded with enhanced user experience and is scalable in nature . In addition , cloud ERPs are mostly developed from scratch with an agile enterprise in mind and with the ability to deliver in a multi-tenant model .”
He said the industry is seeing more and more features that make it more palatable for smaller SME organisations to get the value of an integrated ERP . “ Larger organisations who are running on legacy ERP systems can migrate and modernise to leverage on the integrated digital edge in terms of user interface / user experience , real time analytics and AI , digital assistants and robotic process automation use cases . They are scalable in nature to support growth and business resilience demands ,” he said .
De Vries said taking technology out of the equation and focusing on purely business benefits , CIOs should investigate extending ERP beyond the back office by granting ERP access to additional , internal users like sales , service , and warehouse staff . Furthermore , he explained that integration with external customers , suppliers and business partner systems will provide tangible benefits . “ A business intelligence platform providing real-time reporting and analytical capabilities should also be a serious consideration ,” he said .
According to Tech Mahindra ’ s Ramachandran , the key challenges enterprises in the Middle East face , starts with selecting the right ERP based on their business ( service , supply chain or manufacturing ). “ Moving ahead the implementation phase has its own challenges . At times skill and talent shortage gap within the organisation does not support such a transition . In fact , this gap impacts every facet of the business and requires the ability to comprehend new ways of working supported by the ERP ,” he said .
According to De Vries , cloud ERP is especially attractive to small and midsize companies because it provides an operational investment option , faster deployment and allows them to focus on their core business while outsourcing IT functions to ERP vendors .
De Vries believes that there aren ’ t challenges for MEA enterprises to consider when implementing ERP , as much as there are some key success points . “ Firstly , and probably most critical to the success of the ERP project , is top-down commitment from the directors to the department heads and process owners . A steering committee should be established to keep these key stakeholders regularly informed as to the status of the project ,” he said . “ The ERP vendor will include aspects of change management during the implementation process such as super-user testing and end user training but customers are strongly advised to drive their own change management programme focusing on how the project will support
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