What Are The Different Ways To Tailor An ERP Software?

It is a known fact that there is no one-size-fits-all ERP Software. Keeping this in mind, software developers impart a reasonable amount of flexibility into their ERP packages, so that users can tailor the software to better align it with their businesses. ERP Systems are developed keeping the best practices within different verticals and market segments in mind. So they serve as a template for organizational adaptation. While some businesses will perfectly fit in these templates, some will need the Enterprise to adapt themselves to the templates. Thus, tailoring of the ERP System becomes all the more important for all such enterprises.

Here are the different ways to tailor an ERP Software:

Configuration

When we talk about configuration, it simply means setting the parameters in an ERP System, without making any customizations/programming.. In other words, by configuring an ERP System, users can switch on and switch off various usage controls, to align the functionalities of the ERP Software with their requirements. In a configurable ERP System, users can select different ways to execute pre-defined processes and functions. Under the umbrella of configuration, users can define data structures and workflows, country-specific attributes like currencies and languages, etc. The configuration also includes the definition and structuring of hierarchy levels, departments, sales offices, etc.

Report Adjustments

In general, an ERP System provides standard reports for fundamental analytics. But individual and company-specific reports can also be created using report configurators/writers which many ERP Systems provide. The layoutof reports can be changed in different ways, for instance, the company’s logo can be added, or specific fields can be introduced or removed or columns can be shifted or various computational logic can be introduced. Most of these report writers are user-friendly and are meant for the use of Business Users. It needs no assistance from IT consultants to either create or modify reports. Users can make necessary changes to a report in accordance with the level of their authorization.

Customizations

When we talked of Configuration, it may not always be possible for an Enterprise to adopt its processes to Standard Templates and it may not be possible for the ERP to adopt according to the processes of the Enterprise by just plain Configuration. In some cases, one will need some adaptation in the ERP to match the requirements of an Enterprise. This is done by doing Customizations. It often involves changes in the Source Code of the ERP and can only be done the Company owning the ERP.

Screen Mask Adjustments

An ERP System can be personalized for individual users as well as particular user-groups by adjusting screen masks. User-specific Colours combinations, menus or buttons can be added, screen layouts can be altered inaccordance with the needs of users, input fields can be added, removed or modified, etc. No coding is required for all such adjustments as they are made by simple look-and-feel configurations provided in the ERP.  While they may not add to the Functionality of the ERP System overall, they add a great deal to the Usability and Adaptability of the ERP.

About the Author 

Ashutosh has done his B.Tech in Electronics and Communication. He started his career with a Digital Marketing company. To refine his writing style and blend it with other niche markets, he joined ESS’ Marketing Communication Team to come up with savvy and engaging content for ESS’ flagship product: ebizframe ERP. Apart from his professional calling, he loves penning down his abstract reflections whenever the urge is overwhelming.