We get it. Every industry is different, and within each industry, no company is exactly the same. So, when it comes to ERP integration, you should take into account exactly how your business will utilize the system and how it will accommodate your current processes.
Even if you have not kept up with our blog, you may have heard about how an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system can make running your business a whole lot easier. However, you might be curious how this solution can streamline practically every aspect of your business, especially if your industry or company, in particular, has a lot of specific demands.
Industry requirements, regulations, and best practices all influence how your company operates. So, you need an ERP integration that seamlessly configures everything onto one easy-to-use platform. In order to ensure you have a successful and fully integrated ERP system, it is extremely helpful for your solution to have certified partners that make the process as easy as possible.
So, before we delve into all of the benefits of a complete ERP integration, let’s discuss how establishing a certified partner network is advantageous for your business.
What is a Certified Partner Network?
Every company wants to get the best return on their investment, and it’s important to make sure your business is getting the most out of what you’re paying for. Integrating your ERP system with other software platforms like eCommerce, Point of Sale, or customer relationship management solutions can help you get the most out of your ERP implementation.
But, what exactly is a certified partner network? A certified partner network helps streamline the ERP integration process and ensures that the implementation is done correctly. Depending on your ERP provider, they will most likely have a partner network that they can easily connect with to set up all of the software that your business specifically needs in its ERP.
When you partner with a company that understands your business, you create an ERP system that is more efficient and personalized. This company will take into account your business requirements to create a system that works perfectly for you.
Different Types of ERP Integration
There are many different types of integrations, and each integration is unique. The best way to choose the right integration is to match the integration type to the business problem you’re trying to solve. Without further ado, here are some of the common types of ERP integration.
eCommerce
When you properly integrate an eCommerce platform, such as Shopify, Squarespace, Amazon, BigCommerce, etc., you know that your business data is collectively synced with your ERP. This means that you don’t have to worry about maintaining two separate systems, which can cause overlapped data, inaccurate pricing, outdated inventory, incorrect shipping addresses, and other inconveniences.
The purpose of establishing an ERP integration with your eCommerce platform is to mitigate the risks that come with using multiple systems to manage and track your business data. With an integrated eCommerce system, all of your data is synchronized, which helps maximize your revenue and boost productivity.
Point-Of-Service (POS)
For many businesses, POS systems are a crucial aspect of their day-to-day operations. They manage sales transactions, customer information, and real-time inventory. But, when the front-end POS system is not connected with the back-end ERP system, it can cause big problems for the company.
Wasted time and resources, improper inventory tracking, duplicated processes and more can result from having detached ERP and POS. However, with an ERP integration that combines with your POS system, you can experience the benefits of streamlined data all on a single platform.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
You may have already read about the numerous benefits that accompany integrating your ERP with a CRM, but we’ll break it down a little further for you. The purpose of a CRM is to deliver the best interactions between your company and your customers.
By integrating a CRM and ERP, you will be able to manage the customers and their data more effectively. A combination of CRM and ERP will help you to improve the customer experience, reduce costs, and create a seamless business process.
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
An EDI solution is the platform in which many businesses communicate with vendors, customers, and other companies. It enhances business communication by eliminating human error and paper-based documents.
An integrated EDI improves supply-chain visibility, eliminates costs from human error, automates processes, and accelerates business cycles. So, your company will be able to experience flawless communication and improved business performance.
5 Benefits of ERP Integration
Now that we know a little more about some of the different types of integrations, let’s discuss the main benefits of a fully integrated ERP solution. We mentioned a few in the sections above, but now we can dig a little deeper.
1. Synchronized Data
When your data is centralized, you don’t have to worry about updating multiple platforms to ensure that information is correct across the board. ERP integration allows data to be automatically transferred between all of your integrated systems, so you can rest easy knowing that your business information is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Real-Time Accuracy
With all of your data simultaneously synchronized across all your integrated platforms, you can get accurate business information from anywhere at any time through your cloud ERP. This is extremely helpful for many industries, such as field services, construction, and retail, because it avoids redundancy and ensures that employees always have access to current and updated information.
Additionally you can be proactive in stopping issues in their tracks instead of having to wait till the project is over and it is too late.
3. Advanced Financial Management
An ERP integration allows for better financial management because it provides transparency and visibility of the organization’s finances, so you can make informed financial decisions and plan for the future. Since ERPs offer advanced accounting capabilities, integrating your ERP system will give you the ability to manage your finances in the most efficient way possible while eliminating the risks of human error.
4. Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Every business wants to know how they can improve their efficiency. That’s why an ERP integration is so beneficial because it reduces time spent on manual tasks, thus optimizing your processes and improving your productivity. It speeds up your daily operations and allows your employees more time to focus on their projects.
On top of that you won’t have to waste time bouncing around different platforms to track down vital information.
5. Personalized Customer Service
Earlier in this article we talked about how a CRM and ERP integration enhances the customer experience. More specifically, an integrated ERP allows you to better serve your customers by creating customized profiles that combine their website behavior and purchases. With this information, you can tailor your product offers, marketing, and customer service messaging to specifically apply to a customer.
Examples of ERP Integration Services & Partners
While there are numerous services and platforms that can be integrated with your ERP solution, here are a few that can significantly enhance your project-based business’s operations.
- Avalara – Helps businesses of all sizes achieve compliance with transactional taxes, including sales and use, VAT, excise, communications, and other tax types.
- Configura – Creates intelligent space-planning software for manufacturers, dealers, and designers in the Contract Furniture, Kitchen & Bath, Material Handling, Industrial Machinery, and Laboratory and Healthcare industries.
- Oracle – Maximizes IT efficiency by enabling enterprises to create and run agile, intelligent business operations.
- Solomon Coyle – Allows customers to map their financial and other data elements to their annual survey categories.
- Ask Nicely – Receive customer responses and relevant metrics about your products and services that give you the feedback you need to improve the solutions you provide your customers.
- Intellinetics – Allows users to incorporate security access, approvals, and workflow into their business processes.
- D-Tools – Offers resource management, common bill of materials, labor estimating, task notification, and much more.
Experience the Ease of ERP Integration With Strong Partnerships
When you work with a company that has a strong network of certified partners, you know you’re getting the best service on the market. That’s why Khameleon only partners with the most qualified companies to provide you with the comprehensive support your business needs to improve its bottom line.
Choosing to work with Khameleon will not only improve your operational efficiency, but it will also reduce your costs and increase your productivity. So, start getting the most out of your business and schedule a FREE demo of Khameleon’s cloud-based ERP.