What Exactly is an ERP System?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software has actually been around for quite some time! ERP systems have helped a lot of organizations improve and become more effective and efficient.

Where did ERP systems come from?

“Back in the day” a lot of manufacturing businesses were finding road blocks with managing their entire manufacturing operation. They could not effectively track customer orders, demands, parts needed for fulfillment, etc. So a software called MRP (Manufacturer Resource Planning) was first founded to manage those issues. This software was soon implemented by most manufacturing companies so they could manage their shop floors. Businesses were able to maximize manufacturing efficiency. Since then the industry has evolved from MRP to ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).

What do ERP systems do?

ERP systems evolved from the need to have a single, unified visibility into how an organization works. Businesses have one system that can do everything they need a piece of technology to do for their daily operations.

ERP systems should NOT be one-size-fits-all

Every business is different with unique challenges. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all ERP solutions. We don’t want to implement a new ERP system for a business where they won’t need or use all of the different tools. Once you’ve implemented your unique system you can also tailor the access of certain departments. For example, the HR department may only be able to see HR-relevant tools, the sales department will only see sales-relevant tools, and so on.

How does a business get started with ERP systems?

The truth is: ERP systems can fail. The system itself is pretty much fail-proof. It’s robust and intelligently designed. The issue is human error and ignorance. This is why our job is so important. We train you, support you and continue to work alongside you so that you’re actually seeing a profit from your investment. Our team of consultants have been working with these systems for a long time and, unlike sending you the product and wishing the best, we insist on long-term partnerships with our clients.

Please contact us for a consultation. We’re laid back, fun and love meeting new people! When we commit to that partnership, we work hard. We’ll provide clear steps of how we work and what we can do with your unique ERP system.

The Parker Initiative