Garage management systems 38 www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2025 Managing business more effectively Chris Dalton, co-founder and CEO of the Midlands-based operational ERP software developer, jobmate, says even small businesses should consider a digital helping hand in the workplace Businesses are fast becoming aware of the benefits associated with using an efficient ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, but they can be forgiven for not fully understanding how to select a solution that best fits their business model. In broad terms, an ERP system should ensure increased productivity by automating all key business processes while providing management insight, control and agility. The system should embrace reporting, IT requirements, accounting, e-commerce, labour, purchasing, HR and cost control, forecasting and job planning. Most importantly, it should be a native-cloud SaaS where the operating system and data are in the cloud, allowing them to be simply integrated through APIs with other software, plus fully cyber-secure by being hosted in a reputable cloud software service. So, how do you choose and what sets operational ERP apart from standard ERP systems? Are you thinking: “I have heard of ERP, but I am confused by the many providers who each offer a different suite of services.” ERP stands for: Enterprise (the business), Resource (the employees, products, suppliers and assets of the business and Planning (the planning of the work and services the business of fers). Or put simply, it’s all about controlling every key aspect of your business through one operational software. However, ERP is not to be confused with financial and CRM packages, which the common definition of ERP often creeps into. Buyer beware! Traditionally, ERP has been the domain of large businesses. It can be expensive, inflexible, customised to a particular business requirement, and not always user-friendly — most likely because its user interface model is drawn from a spreadsheet design. These ERPs are often known as ‘onprem’, which operate on a company’s own hardware/network infrastructure. Mobile ability is also limited or nonexistent as it requires special devices, not just an everyday Android or Apple mobile phone or tablet. The software used is ‘compromised’, with feature modules that serve a purpose but were never best-in-class; hence, businesses may be liable to underperform by using adequate yet not wholly applicable or integrable software. The systems can be expensive to maintain and have high initial development costs, implementation fees and licences. The evolution of ERP systems from traditional on-prem to SaaS nativecloud-based (operating software and data are in the cloud), particularly with the advent of native cloud hosting (AWS and Microsoft Azure), has significantly expanded ERP software’s reach through flexibility and lower costs for medium- and smaller-sized businesses. This shift initially drove an app market based on singular features, but now, more complex native cloud ERP systems are available. Their advent is bringing down prices and improving accessibility through PWA (progressive web application) to mobile apps, which provides greater accessibility, control and cost reduction. The key advantage of native cloud over on-prem software is that you can easily connect to other software through APIs while benefiting from a flexible and multi-functional solution. It also brings the peace of mind that comes with being virtually impervious to cyber-attack. This change has created a best-inclass software pedigree. An ERP system collects financial data, manages jobs, suppliers, stock and keeps costs down
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=