VAI, an ERP software provider, unveiled two new white papers — authored by renowned IT consultant Michael Dortch — that provide top-line guidance on how to maximize the value of existing ERP implementations with new innovations in mobile cloud technology, analytics and business intelligence. The papers, exclusively available from VAI at www.vai.net, outline specific steps that both business and IT professionals should take to add new functionality and value to ERP deployments while leveraging existing investments with minimal user disruption.
Dortch, long recognized as an ERP implementation expert for the past 25 years from his post at DortchOnIT.com, offers his advice to business leaders in the IT + “ERP3” = More Business Value paper and to IT staff in the “ERP 3” = From Enterprise Resource Planning to Enabling Rock Solid Processes. Both papers can be downloaded here at the VAI news page.
Among the key highlights of both papers is a look at how key industries will be transformed by adding new mobile cloud technology to their ERP implementations. Below is a quick snapshot of how five industries will benefit:
- Distribution: workers at any point in the value chain will
access real-time inventory information, uncover slow-moving or
out-of-stock items, and improve order fill rates, inventory turns and
responses to customer demands - Food Service: workers will hasten production and lower
operational costs by replacing manual, error-prone paperwork with
integrated solutions for tablet sand smartphones - Manufacturing: mobile networked devices and on-demand software
will enable seamless integration, tracking and optimization of tasks
from inventory, shop floor and warehouse management to capacity and
materials planning and product quality control - Retail: automation of tasks and processes will improve
inventory, purchasing, warehouse management and customer relationship
management at point of sale, both in-store and online - Service: improved integration of customer interaction and
product-related information will ease and hasten superior service and
repair, increasing customer satisfaction dramatically
“Mobile cloud technology will improve cost and operational efficiencies while expanding collaboration with customers, vendors and partners,” said Dortch. “That, coupled with new innovations from IBM’s Websphere portal and Cognos Business Intelligence, can ignite existing ERP implementations with graphically rich personalized dashboards and easy-to-use yet highly functional e-commerce applications.”
In both papers, Dortch offers specific guidance on how to get started with adding new functionality to ERP implementations such as:
- Embrace Customization as a way to reinvigorate existing ERP
investments - Conduct an Audit to examine your organization’s readiness to
add mobile cloud functionality - Develop Specific Criteria for upgrading ERP systems based on
detailed feedback from both IT and business stakeholders - Create an ERP Playbook that outlines ERP goals, processes and
supporting IT resources that will be embraced by both IT and business
teams.
