Businesses perform many operations that are repeated on a frequent basis, such as managing inventory and generating invoices. A single workflow can achieve the completion of a different operational process. Ideally, each workflow will integrate with one another to create an overarching workflow that spans all departments. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can be used to enhance efficiency, expand business growth, and streamline your document approval workflow.
Perform Audits on Current Processes
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Efficiency results from optimizing your current processes. ERP software comes with the advantage of being able to perform audits. You can assess your back-office activities, such as passing paperwork back and forth from one department to another, and create a well-defined blueprint outlining how the processes should be performed.
Next, you will take large parts of each activity and automate them with ERP. The more areas you can audit and automate, the more efficiency you will be able to achieve. The idea is to automate as much of your administration workflow as possible.
Next, you will take large parts of each activity and automate them with ERP. The more areas you can audit and automate, the more efficiency you will be able to achieve. The idea is to automate as much of your administration workflow as possible.
Eliminate Redundancies
ERP resolves redundancy issues by providing a clear picture of all activities, including those related to inventory, billing, project management, and delivery management. Having access to all of these activities using cloud-based ERP minimizes confusion between departments and enables workers to remotely access pertinent data when they're away from the office.
Reduce Human Error
No department is immune from human error, and it is not uncommon for workers to accidentally input incorrect codes or inaccurate customer data. Taking the time to correct these mistakes leads to low levels of productivity and ineffective use of resources. ERP, when implemented correctly, can void almost all instances of human error relating to administrative tasks. Human verification of automated approval processes can easily be integrated on an as-needed basis, which further streamlines the administration workflow.
Guide Automation With Rules and Triggers
Rules and triggers must be assigned to guide automation. An ERP system can respond to these rules and triggers the same way an email system sends out an automatic email. You can use a variety of actions to initiate a certain automated response. With your back office set up according to well-defined blueprints and processes, it should be fairly simple to pinpoint rules and triggers.
Consider, for example, how ERP software recognizes that your printer ink is low. This recognition can trigger an alert to the office manager to order new ink. Some of today's more advanced ERP systems can reorder the ink for you, further streamlining your administration workflow.
Generate Transparency in Supply Chains
A heavy reliance on paperwork and spreadsheets can result in a disconnect between different departments. ERP automation features remove this disconnect by keeping all workers up-to-date on project statuses. This capability is especially advantageous for manufacturing entities as it streamlines sales, production, finance, and billing activities. ERP software enables workers to input orders, communicate with the finance department, perform evaluations of inventory, and generate shop tickets simultaneously. The software can also be used to pinpoint bottlenecks.
ERP software increases efficiency, reduces human error, generates transparency, and decreases instances of redundancy. With proper implementation, ERP software is a valuable resource that can be used to streamline your administrative workflow.
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