How a decent ERP system can help you stay out of jail

The finance function is the backbone of any business, managing everything from budgeting to compliance. Yet, financial mismanagement or fraudulent activities have historically landed some finance leaders in hot water – even jail!

With evolving regulatory requirements and the increasing sophistication of fraud, businesses need robust systems in place to mitigate risks.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, with their comprehensive capabilities, offer finance teams the tools to manage processes effectively, reduce errors and detect fraud before it escalates. Here’s how ERP systems help keep businesses compliant, secure, and on the right track.

1. Centralised data management

An ERP system consolidates financial data from various departments into a unified database. This eliminates the risk of discrepancies and ensures consistency across the organization. By centralising data, finance teams can spot anomalies or unusual patterns in transactions as they occur and generate accurate financial reports without relying on manual data gathering, reducing the chance of errors or omissions.

2. Access controls

ERP systems provide role-based access controls, ensuring that only authorised personnel can perform specific tasks or view sensitive information. This layered approach to security helps enforce segregation of duties and minimise risks of unauthorised access.

3. Audit trails

One of the most critical features of an ERP system is its ability to log every action taken within the system. Audit trails track user activities, creating a clear record of who made changes to financial records or system configurations. They also accelerate investigations, cutting the time it takes to identify fraudulent activities and pinpoint responsible parties.

By maintaining a detailed history of transactions, ERP systems ensure that any suspicious behaviour is quickly identifiable and resolvable.

4. Automated controls and fraud alerts

ERP systems can automate internal controls and set up alerts for potential fraud. This automation reduces the reliance on manual intervention, minimising the opportunity for data manipulation.

Setting fraud detection rules, for example, activates algorithms that flag transactions that deviate from typical patterns, such as unusually high payments or duplicate invoices. In addition, threshold-based alerts can be activated to trigger when spending exceeds pre-set limits, ensuring timely and accurate oversight.

5. Real-time reporting and advanced analytics

Accurate decision-making relies on access to timely and trustworthy financial information. Quick access to actionable information ensures better financial decision-making, reducing the risk of errors that could adversely impact the business.

ERP systems empower businesses with a number of customisable reports that generate detailed insights into spending patterns, budget adherence, and profitability. In addition, predictive analytics use data mining and modelling to detect hidden patterns and identify potential risks.

6. Compliance and Regulatory Adherence

Non-compliance with financial regulations can have severe consequences, from hefty fines to reputational damage. ERP systems help businesses stay compliant by facilitating regulatory audits and supporting internal controls.

This allows management to maintain accurate and accessible records for external inspections and align financial processes with best practices and regulatory standards to avoid inadvertent violations.

Common financial threats and how ERP helps address them

  1. Data manipulation: Prevented through automation and strict access controls.
  2. Fraudulent activities: Detected via advanced analytics, transaction logging and real-time alerts.
  3. Decision-making errors: Minimized with accurate, up-to-date financial information from centralized databases.
  4. Compliance failures: Avoided through integrated internal controls and robust reporting capabilities.

A safeguard for finance professionals

ERP systems are more than just tools for managing finances. They are safeguards for finance professionals and their businesses. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of ERP, financial leaders can ensure processes are transparent, compliant and secure. With robust systems in place, the risk of human error and fraud is drastically reduced, protecting both the organisation and its key decision-makers.

For finance teams looking to strengthen their processes and protect their integrity, adopting a reliable ERP system is not just an option, it’s a necessity!

AI or no AI, underperformance will come out in the data

Amid the buzz surrounding AI lies a critical truth: while AI can mask underperformance temporarily, data never lies. This fundamental reality highlights the importance for businesses to integrate AI with robust enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to truly elevate business performance.

ERP systems have long been seen as the backbone of organisational efficiency, streamlining processes and centralising data. However, viewing ERP as merely a tool to “get by” is a misconception. Instead, ERP systems are designed to enhance performance, providing a structured framework that supports decision-making, resource allocation and operational efficiency. The real power of ERP lies in its ability to provide accurate, real-time data that informs strategic decisions and drives continuous improvement.

AI as enabler

Artificial intelligence, when partnered with ERP, creates a formidable duo. AI excels at processing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and making predictions. This capability, when integrated into an ERP system, can transform an underperforming team into a high-performing one. AI can elevate the overall output by leveraging data insights, thus enabling even average performers to achieve exceptional results.

This winning combination is like having a world-class coach for a sports team. The coach (AI) analyses performance metrics, identifies areas for improvement and develops strategies to enhance player performance. Meanwhile, the ERP system acts as the comprehensive playbook, ensuring everyone is on the same page, executing their roles efficiently and adapting to real-time feedback.

Businesses need to view AI not as a replacement but as an enabler, much like the transition from encyclopaedias to Google or from fax machines to email. AI represents the next logical step in this evolution. However, AI alone cannot deliver excellence. It requires the right systems and infrastructure to fully realise its potential. This is where ERP systems come into play.

By coupling AI with ERP, businesses can move forward in the right direction. This integration provides more accurate data, enhances workforce performance and improves overall business efficiency. The synergy created by this partnership leads to better decision-making, increased productivity and a competitive edge in the market.

In the end, data remains the ultimate arbiter of performance. AI can help interpret and optimize data, but it cannot alter the fundamental truths that data reveals. Underperformance will always be visible in the data, regardless of the sophistication of the AI used. Therefore, businesses must focus on leveraging AI to enhance their ERP systems, ensuring that the data they collect and analyse accurately reflects their performance and informs their strategic decisions.

As financial services companies continue to operate in the modern business landscape, the integration of AI and ERP systems stands out as a game-changer. By embracing this powerful combination, businesses can ensure that they are not just hiding underperformance behind sophisticated technology but are actively using it to drive genuine improvement and achieve sustainable success. The future belongs to those who recognise the true value of data and harness the power of AI and ERP to turn insights into action.

Epic ERP’s own ‘Incredible Hulk’

Mihir Gulabbhai started at epic ERP in 2017 as junior consultant. At the time he was the youngest member of the team. In the past seven years his career has grown exponentially and today he holds the position of principal solutions and technical pre-sales engineer. Here is his story, in his own words…

By Mihir Gulabbhai

In 2017 I was fresh out of varsity with an honours degree in mechanical engineering. I was eager yet somewhat unsure of where to head next. University wasn’t easy, but with my degree in hand, I was filled with innovative ideas and a desire to change the world. The challenge was figuring out which direction to run in. When I first heard of epic ERP, I struggled to grasp what ERP systems were all about, and I certainly didn’t see how my mechanical engineering degree would be relevant. But I was curious and open to new opportunities, so I decided to pursue this unknown path.

In 2017, I applied to epic ERP and soon had an interview set up with MD Stuart Scanlon. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I researched as much as I could, completed a pre-interview questionnaire and showed up in a formal suit and tie, ready to make the best impression. When I arrived, though, I was pleasantly surprised to find a family-oriented workspace that instantly put me at ease. The interview turned into an engaging conversation with the directors. Soon after, I received a job offer for the role of junior consultant.

Still young and uncertain of my value, I accepted the offer – and that’s when my career took a major turn for the better. I started at epic as the youngest member of the team, quickly earning the nickname “Hulk” due to my size – a moniker that has stuck with me to this day.

In those early days, I struggled to even differentiate between a purchase order and a sales order. But eager to learn, I jumped right in, joining Hennie and Phillip on projects like ILT and Tecko. My first task? Building a dashboard and a configurator, concepts I barely understood at the time. But with support from the team and my own determination, I picked things up quickly and got my hands dirty from day one.

Within a year I had gained valuable insights and was contributing meaningfully to projects. One of my fondest memories is of my director making me a cup of coffee – a small gesture, but one that epitomises the caring, collaborative atmosphere here.

Speaking of coffee, we have an ongoing joke at the office when we design systems – we always ask, “Should we have the coffee machine add marshmallows too?” That sense of humour, combined with the creative freedom to work on internal projects like buzz wire integration and Scalextric tracks linked to ERP systems, makes work fun and rewarding.

Speaking of Scalextric tracks, the one we built for Epicor to demonstrate multiple data point measurement was so successful and popular that we sent our entire set to Epicor in Dubai!

Over the years, I’ve gone from feeling like “I don’t know anything” to leading the professional services team as a senior consultant. Today, I am proud to hold the position of principal solutions and technical pre-sales engineer, running the pre-sales front at epic ERP. To put it simply: I’ve gone from learning to bake a cake with my bare hands to developing automated cake machines – and now, I’m selling those machines too.

Growth, to me, is not just about professional advancement; it’s about personal development in all aspects of life. From the shy, ambitious young man I once was, I’ve grown into a respected, slightly grumpy, but knowledgeable leader.

I love Stuart’s “balancing chair” philosophy, with the legs representing health, family and work. If one leg is shorter than the others, the chair will most likely topple over. This has stuck with me and influenced not just my work but my personal life as well. I’ve grown both in my career and as an individual, learning to manage projects, business and time more effectively. This growth has allowed me to achieve personal milestones, like buying my own apartment and fulfilling my petrol-head dreams – responsibly, of course.

Why epic ERP? It’s all in the name: E.P.I.C. Excellence, Partnership, Innovation, Commitment – these are the pillars that define who we are. epic ERP is not just a company; it’s a second home for me. The opportunities for career growth, continuous learning and collaboration are unparalleled. The dynamic work environment keeps you engaged, always evolving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We give back to the community, have fun at Friday braais and, most importantly, do work that we can be proud of.

The work we do at epic ERP is impactful, helping businesses streamline their operations and improve efficiency. That’s something I’m proud to be a part of, and it’s what sets us apart – our people and our culture.

Epic ERP has been more than just a workplace for me; it’s been my happy place for the past seven years, a place where I’ve grown and thrived. I’m excited for what’s still to come as I continue my journey with this amazing team.

How an ERP system can alleviate burnout and overload

Demand for efficiency and productivity has never been as high as it is today. Employees find themselves grappling with manual tasks, data overload and a never-ending to-do list. This often leads to burnout and overload.

The World Health Organization (2019) classifies burnout as a syndrome resulting from workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Those who suffer burnout report feeling low in energy or exhausted. They also feel mentally distanced from their jobs, sometimes experiencing negativity or cynicism, while their productivity tends to slump. 

Mental health has become a huge issue in the workplace, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic. In its 2022 Work and Well-being Survey the American Psychological Association found that 7 in 10 workers in the US (71%) believe their employer is more concerned about the mental health of employees now than they were in the past. 

The solution to workplace burnout lies in optimising processes and empowering employees. On the operational side, a powerful ERP system that streamlines operations, eliminates manual tasks and provides a comprehensive overview of the entire business can help to reduce stress and burnout in the workplace.

Implementing an ERP system like epic ERP can actually benefit both businesses and their employees by reducing burnout and overload.

Streamlining processes

One of the primary advantages of an ERP system is its ability to streamline business processes. Traditional manual workflows are often cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Employees spend countless hours on repetitive tasks that can be automated, leading to frustration and burnout. Epic ERP automates these tasks, freeing employees to focus on more value-added activities.

By streamlining processes, the ERP system helps businesses to reduce the risk of bottlenecks and delays, resulting in a smoother and more efficient operation. This not only enhances overall productivity but also reduces the stress and workload on employees who no longer have to deal with manual, repetitive tasks.

Manual data entry and reconciliation can be a major source of frustration for employees. The constant need to enter data into multiple systems, check for errors, and resolve discrepancies is not only time-consuming but also mentally exhausting. A good ERP platform eliminates the need for manual data entry by centralising information and automating data flows.

This means employees no longer have to spend their time on mundane data-related tasks. Instead, they can rely on the system to handle data accurately and efficiently, allowing them to focus on tasks that require their expertise and creativity. This not only reduces burnout but also minimises the risk of human error, leading to better data quality and decision-making.

Incorporating an ERP system from epic ERP into your business isn’t about replacing employees; it’s about enhancing their job experience and reducing the burden of burnout and overload. By streamlining processes, eliminating manual tasks, providing a comprehensive overview, and enhancing job roles, epic ERP empowers employees to be more productive, make better decisions, and focus on what truly matters.

Sound like a solution your company needs? Chat to us today info@epicerp.co.za

Change management’s crucial role in ERP implementation

Change is a constant in the business world, and nowhere is this truer than in the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. ERP implementations represent a significant shift for organisations, touching the very core of their operations. From altering daily workflows to reshaping established processes, its impact is extensive.

As epic ERP MD, Stuart Scanlon, says, “Implementing an ERP system is like performing open-heart surgery on a patient who is walking around and interacting with his/her environment. You simply cannot shut an entire company down in order to implement it. The company has to remain operational with as little disruption as possible.”

Effective change management is, therefore, key for success.

ERP implementations activate a torrent of change within an organisation, which often leaves employees feeling uneasy. To address the challenges and fears surrounding these changes, you need to adopt a well-defined approach to change management. It is crucial that top management provide ongoing support and adopt a proactive stance toward change to avoid ERP implementation failures.

Change is a process, not an event. Firms must adopt a structured framework when implementing change in their organisations. Drawing from Dr John Kotter’s Eight Stages of Change Management theory (1995), we have put together a comprehensive approach to help guide organisations through the often-disruptive process of ERP transformation.

Kotter’s eight stages of change management

1. Create a sense of urgency

  • Conduct ROI analysis to underscore the tangible benefits. (See our previous article “Unlocking the ROI of an ERP system”.)
  • Identify opportunities, including non-traditional benefits through structural changes and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reporting.

2. Form a powerful guiding coalition

  • Establish a leadership coalition capable of steering the change.
  • Drive the implementation by maintaining focus on the urgency and opportunities that form part of the transformation.

3. Create a vision

  • Develop a compelling vision of the future state, highlighting the benefits of the change.
  • Formulate strategies to realise the envisioned change.

4. Communicate the vision

  • Tailor communication methods to the organisational culture.
  • Set behaviour standards through effective messaging, shaping the organisation’s attitude toward the project.

5. Empower others to act on the vision

  • Identify and eliminate barriers to change.
  • Encourage inputs and critiques on the future vision.

6. Plan for and create short-term wins

  • Align employee rewards with the change process.
  • Celebrate small achievements as steps toward larger change goals.

7. Consolidate improvements and produce more change

  • Boldly adjust systems, structures and policies as the partnership gains support.
  • Hire and promote individuals who can actively contribute to implementing the vision.
  • Introduce new projects supporting the future vision.

8. Institutionalise new approaches

  • Integrate change into the organisational culture.
  • Establish leadership succession that upholds the future vision and embodies the change culture.

Change management stands as a cornerstone in the success of ERP implementations. A clear strategy and vision, communicated effectively from the executive team to every employee, form the foundation for success. Linking remuneration to change efforts provides a tangible incentive for employees resistant to change.

Beyond the realm of ERP projects, fostering a culture of change positions an organisation to adapt swiftly to external shifts, creating a more resilient and agile entity in our ever-evolving world. Over and above our software offering, epic ERP can help you across your business with all the change management aspects associated with your ERP implementation. Contact us today to find out how.

Be sure to choose the right costing method when setting up your ERP system

In the world of accounting and inventory management, selecting the right costing method is crucial. Different industries and businesses have unique needs, and the choice of costing method can significantly impact financial reporting and decision-making.

Some common costing methods that can be applied when you implement an ERP system are weighted average (average costing), standard costing, and first-in, first-out (FIFO). Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision for your business.

Here is a breakdown of each of these methods, along with some of its pros and cons:

Average cost method

The average cost method, also known as the weighted-average method, calculates the cost of inventory items by dividing the total cost of goods purchased or produced in a period by the total number of items. It offers a straightforward way to assign costs to inventory.

The calculation is simple, and it evens out the costs of stock throughout the year.

Businesses that prefer the average cost method are often those in industries with high stock movement and where basic or simple analytical tools are required.

Pros:

  • Easily understandable.
  • Evens out costs of stock during the year.
  • Stock adjustments can be done over all stock quantities, including specific stock items.

Con:

  • Less suitable for tracing variances within stock movements and pricing.

Standard costing

Standard costing is a practice used to estimate the expenses of a production process based on historical data and probable future changes. It is used by manufacturers to plan their costs for the coming year on various expenses, such as direct material, direct labour or overhead.

This method involves comparing budgeted costs to actual costs. It is more complex and requires a detailed historical dataset of stock prices and movements to accurately implement budgeted figures.

Standard costing is the preferred method of businesses that want to trace variances regularly and in more depth, including price and quantity variances for materials, labour and overheads.

Pros:

  • Provides beneficial analytical information when implemented correctly.
  • Allows tracking of variances and costs in a structured way.

Cons:

  • Requires established accounting teams and detailed historical data.
  • Involves a significant initial time investment in determining budgeted costs.

FIFO

FIFO costing tracks the price of items based on their cost at the time of purchase order receipt. It applies this cost to each shipment of the item until the receipt quantity is exhausted.

FIFO is calculated by adding the cost of the earliest inventory items sold, ensuring that the oldest stock is used first.

Industries that require the sale of the oldest stock items first, such as those dealing with perishables, prefer FIFO. It also helps monitor stock obsolescence.

Pros:

  • Easily understandable.
  • Accurate gross profit at a given point in time when implemented correctly.

Cons:

  • Less suitable for tracing variances within stock movements and pricing.
  • Stock adjustments can be more complex and time-consuming, as they need to be done per cost layer.

The choice between these methods may vary depending on the focus of your industry or the reporting requirements of your company.

Below are a few examples of where you can apply the above costing methods depending on your stock movement:

For businesses that stock or buy to order, all three methods can be applicable.

  • FIFO is highly beneficial in industries dealing with goods that have a limited shelf life, such as food products. FIFO is also advantageous for businesses with specialised stock and low quantity movement.
  • In industries with high quantity movement and similar items, all three methods can be considered.
  • In industries where stock prices are highly volatile, both average and FIFO methods can provide advantages.

For manufacturing-focused businesses, streamlined processes may make average cost methods or standard costing more appropriate

In short there is no single costing method that trumps all others. The choice of costing method should align with your business’s unique needs, industry focus and analytical requirements.

Contact epic ERP for an assessment. We will help you chose the right costing model for your business. 

Ethics and Relationships: You’re Invited to a Marriage!

Ethics and Relationships

Join Epic ERP: Exposing the Flaws in Traditional ERP Relationships:

Our MC, Gavin Sharples, is known for his non-traditional take on motivation and relationships.

Top psychologists will take on the task of comparing vendor relationships to those in a marriage: Ethics and ERP can co-exist!

GIBBS Doctoral Candidate will advise on how to tell when costs start outweighing benefits – it’s time to exit!

Some ERP implementations fail. How do you avoid making an epic mistake when choosing your vendor?
 

Event Date and Time:

  • Tuesday, 28 November 2017 13:00PM
  • La Toscana, Montecasino

 

Why Should YOU Attend?

  • This is the most innovative ERP event of the year! Never before attempted and first of it’s kind.
  • Additionally, as a guest, you will learn whether your relationship with your technology vendor is really working. Which, saves you and your company money!

 

You will gain Expert Opinions in:

  • ERP and Ethical Relationships within the industry
  • Whether or not you’re in an abusive relationship
  • Due to those never-ending ERP costs, at what point should you divorce your ERP vendor?

 

Contact us For More Information:

Find out at the event! RSVP today or call: +27 11 367 0620
 
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ERP is Going Mobile

Mobile ERP

In an increasingly connected world, companies are embracing mobile as an effective platform to communicate, manage employees and reach customers or suppliers. This is seeing traditional enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions evolving to be more cognisant of an active user base that requires real-time information irrespective of their physical location.

 

In this environment, decision-makers must continuously evaluate how adaptable they are to utilising mobile to pull relevant data from a multitude of sources. In turn, this [data] is used to develop customised products and services catering for end-users that are expecting a bespoke approach. While there will always be a need for off-the-shelf solutions, the growth in accessibility to information means people want their solutions providers to use the information they have about them to produce more tailored offerings. This will help African entrepreneurs leapfrog traditional economies, as more innovative technology can be used from the start.

 

ERP Mobility:

It, therefore, makes sense that mobile ERP has been identified as a business imperative in the digital world. Being able to use ERP that is untethered to an office environment, provides the user with the ability to take advantage of more enhanced business capabilities than was previously available.

 

And while this leads to improved productivity, it also empowers employees to build deeper relationships with customers and their business environment. With mobile ERP, they have access to all the latest data and can resolve just about any customer query while meeting with them personally.

 

This also empowers the field worker to respond faster to everything from competitive quotes to changing market dynamics such as, changes in exchange rates or fuel price increases and the associated impact it will have on transport costs as an example.

 

Escalating Speed of Innovation:

Despite the advantages to be gained from mobile ERP, this segment of the business is traditionally slow-moving and resistant to change. While some of it might have to do with perceptions around virtualised and hosted solutions, a lot of the hesitation to adopt more mobile solutions can be ascribed to the level of integration required in the business.

 

ERP, like so many mission-critical systems, is not something that can be easily ripped and replaced. It might be possible for small to medium enterprises to innovate fast and change their approaches to ERP quickly, larger organisations need to take a more considered approach.

 

Whilst this puts CIOs responsible for looking after large organisations under immense pressure. To try and balance the need to be innovative with the business requirement of ‘keeping the lights on’. It provides greater opportunity for start-ups to embrace modern technology. The same can be said with those organisations who rushed into Cloud Computing without due consideration for the process change required, learnt these lessons the hard way.

 

Keeping it simple

For many of them, an incremental path to implement mobile ERP seems the one that makes the most business sense. Of course, this does not mean innovation cannot happen or that it will take too long to effect change. Instead, those areas in which mobile ERP are piloted and tested provide the business with the opportunity to experiment in a ‘safer’ environment than would have been possible if it was implemented on an enterprise-level.

 

Companies should also avoid the temptation of trying to be ‘too flashy’ with their mobile ERP installations. By starting off slowly and gradually bringing in more features, users can get used to the benefits of mobile ERP without being distracted from the business objectives.

 

It also provides the business with the opportunity to get valuable feedback from users and refine and enhance the mobile ERP offering based on growth requirements.

 

Irrespective of how it is implemented, mobile ERP is here to stay.

ERP bringing about behaviour change

Mobile ERP

Changing Behaviour from Enterprise Resource Planning:

Despite the focus on digital transformation, the value traditional approaches bring to the organisation cannot be underestimated. By having a solid foundation underpinned by proven business best practices, the organisation is in a much better position to roll out more innovative solutions. In this environment, enterprise resource planning (ERP) has become more critical than ever in managing all the elements effectively.

 

In many respects, the emergence of the cloud as a viable business platform has heralded in the digital era. This signalled the start of a behavioural change in IT departments. Whether you call it software-as-a-service, virtualisation, or hosted solutions, the shift between on-site and off-site solutions management has irrevocably transformed enterprise.

 

No longer required to fulfil an IT support and maintenance role, technology departments could now focus on bringing more innovation into the organisation by being able to develop more customised technology solutions. With cloud (whether it be in a private or hybrid model) simplifying the administrative hassle, organisations could focus more on product differentiation.

 

Along for the Ride:

 

As cloud implementations grew in prominence across industry sectors, so too did the need to adopt more traditional business practices. Companies who did not effectively analyse the business impact of cloud on existing systems and processes were found to struggle while those that took a more considered approach reaped the rewards.

 

Under pressure to align more closely with the cloud approach, ERP as a traditional business approach required a more nuanced look at itself. Gone were the days where on-premise was the priority. Cloud computing pushed mobility as a growth pillar. In this dynamic segment, ERP had little choice but to find a way of pulling information from several hosted data sources. Mobile employees and customers meant ERP had to evolve to still deliver business value.

 

Fortunately, it has not been a case of ‘me too’ strategy when it comes to ERP and how it is incorporating digital transformation elements. Instead, ERP is providing executives with the best of both worlds (the traditional and the digital).

 

Shifting Processes:

Being such a mission-critical system, Legacy ERP is not an easy one to transform into a digital process. But thanks to the growing emergence of Modern ERP that are able to provide real-time data analysis, and agility where processes are being adapted on a continual basis. This leaves many organisations having to customise and tweak their legacy enterprise resources to be more in tune with digital requirements.

 

With the likes of predictive analytics, machine-learning, and the Internet of Things becoming part of the ERP puzzle, decision-makers are realising the need to grow into a more dynamic (technology-driven) environment.

 

This shift provides not only competitive benefits but also results in cost-efficiencies. Companies can more quickly adapt to external factors using a more fluid ERP system with their strategies (and, per implication their products and services) following suit.

 

Granted, there is still a long way to go to effectively transform this vital business system, but the signs are there that many are considering this new environment.

Epic ERP: Adapting to change

Company Culture

Despite change in the workplace being a common occurrence, the pace of it has escalated significantly in recent months given the importance of digital transformation in business. How then can employees successfully adapt to it while still maintaining focus on their daily responsibilities?

 

Virtualisation, cloud computing, artificial reality, machine-learning, and other terms have become all too common in organisations across industry sectors. With technology permeating virtually every facet of the corporate environment, decision-makers have no choice but to embrace it if their businesses are to remain relevant. Competitive (and bottom-line) pressures have become significant with many organisations feeling the pinch to optimise processes on an all too regular basis.

 

Amidst all of this, is the humble employee who must face an ongoing ‘sink or swim’ scenario. Uncertainty around job roles and responsibilities, team structures, and even business strategy result in a volatile environment where people do not know how to respond to ongoing changes.

 

Companies need to put People-first:

For many employees, the routine of their work is something they can find comfort in. Knowing what to expect from any given day (within certain parameters) mean they can prepare themselves mentally for the tasks at hand and plan their agendas accordingly.

 

Of course, there is an inevitable risk in becoming too routine and falling in to regular patterns. Innovation is one of the areas that suffer the most as is the potential to embrace new ways of doing things. The pressure to embrace digital transformation processes has changed this.

 

Companies can ill afford to ignore new technologies that promise better work efficiency, real-time data analysis, as well as a host of business intelligence and other features to increase profitability and stakeholder value. However, one of the biggest mistakes any organisation can make is to ignore the human element in this.

 

The temptation to implement the latest and greatest technology should not come at the cost of alienating employees or their positions inside the organisation. In fact, digital transformation is as much about technology change as it is about putting people first and becoming a more effective business.

 

Decision-makers therefore need to communicate to all levels of employees to ensure that when change is taking place, everybody has an awareness of what is happening inside the organisation and what the potential impact will be on their divisions, teams, and themselves.

 

Be Aware of a Cultural Shift:

While change is situational and transition becomes psychological, executives need to be more in tune with how employees are facing new technologies and different methodologies of performing their job functions.

 

This means adapting the organisational culture to be more reflective of one that is embracing technological change but doing so with employee benefits (such as becoming more efficient at doing their jobs) in mind. It is not a case of changing for its own sake but doing so in a manner that enhances the business strategy.

 

Part of the process of helping employees be more open to this change is to invest in their continuing education. Companies who invest in their people are the ones that will reap the rewards down the line. Employees should never feel that they have become surplus to requirements. Instead, they should see the business taking interest in giving them the skills needed to be successful in a business world.

 

Finally, companies must learn to analyse performance and provide insightful feedback in much clearer ways than in the past. People inside the business need to understand what exactly is expected of them, how they will be measured, and what they can do to get the recognition they deserve.

 

With the only constant being change, how best a company manages that in a digitally-rich world becomes the difference between longevity and simply surviving.

Embracing a Mobile ERP World:

Mobile ERP

Stuart Scanlon Speaks on Mobile ERP:

 

The popular IT vernacular of last year – cloud computing, big data, and virtualisation – has been replaced with the likes of mobility and digital transformation. And yet, the building blocks of enterprise resource planning (ERP) remain integral to the success of the business. How then is the new dynamic impacting on such a fundamental technological component?

 

Given the imminent arrival of new multi-national data centres in South Africa, much attention has turned to the feasibility of going the cloud route (likely still a hybrid approach) for local businesses. Certainly, while companies across different sectors have started to embrace virtualised solutions, many analysts expect a significantly more mainstream adoption once those new data centres open in 2018.

 

Becoming Mobile First:

Apart from addressing concerns that exist around potential bandwidth limitations of accessing data hosted thousands of kilometres away on other continents, the new local data centres will see faster (and more reliable) connectivity between corporate users and their mission-critical information. Already, we are seeing businesses embrace mobile enterprise solutions to gain real-time insights while out in the field.

 

Of course, a further advantage of going the local route is the fact that any potential compliance and regulatory concerns are taken care of by keeping data within the borders of the country. This is contributing to Africa being a mobile-first continent. Even South African businesses are becoming less focused on rolling out traditional solutions and more geared towards being mobile-friendly.

 

Impact of Mobile on ERP:

This push towards mobile is driving the need for easier and faster ways to access data while away from the office. It stands to reason that accessing systems on a smartphone or tablet is becoming a corporate priority.

 

For this to work effectively, ERP needs to transform as well. In fact, mobile ERP is one of the biggest growth areas for vendors in the months (and potentially years) to come. By creating an enabling environment for mobile ERP systems, business users will be able to access everything from reports and job processes to financial data and other components while working remotely.

 

Granted, several solutions already exist in this space to help drive mobile ERP, but there is still significant opportunity for refinement. Effectively integrating with the back-end database wherever it is located becomes a priority. All the user-friendliness and design engagement mean very little if the right information is not accessible quickly and reliably.

 

A ERP Solution for All:

Significantly, these mobile ERP solutions can cater for organisations of all sizes. Even small to medium enterprises can benefit from this mobile approach with ERP becoming more affordable. Despite the hype around the cloud and virtualization, the business benefits they bring to the digital transformation initiatives of businesses cannot be ignored.

 

So, while mobile ERP might still be considered a relatively niche field amidst all the excitement of other digital initiatives, it will be a vital element of any business strategy. How decision-makers will implement it and integrate with the rest of their data-driven solutions will be an ongoing part of the process.

 

Irrespective the way forward, companies who have been ignoring the mobile route need to start re-examining their approaches before it is too late. Digital waits for no one.

Epicor expands South African footprint

Astria Technologies

Epicor Appoints Astraia Technology:

ERP Suite of Business Solutions:

Western Cape technology consulting firm Astraia Technology has been appointed as an Epicor Value Added Reseller (VAR) through South African distributor Epic ERP. This sees companies in the region benefitting from strong local support for the global enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite of business solutions.

 

“We are extremely excited to have Astraia on board. They have a solid reputation in the Western Cape and is the business partner of choice for many organisations across industry sectors. Epicor is strongly positioned in South Africa and we have seen companies embrace its cloud-centric approach to meet the requirements of the digital age. Astraia will further cement this thinking with its customers as it provides specialist consulting services that align with the Epicor strategic objectives,” says Stuart Scanlon, managing director of epic ERP.

 

David Bryant, CEO of Astraia, says this appointment is not just about the technology solutions available through epic ERP but is also a reflection of the shared values of both organisations.

 

“For us, it is about the power of relationship. Like us, Epic ERP believes in honesty, integrity, and excellence. Add to this the extent at which Epicor meets business requirements, and you have room for almost infinite possibilities,” believes Bryant.

 

According to Bryant, companies in the Western Cape are committed to capitalising on opportunities as the area has become one of the fastest-growing in the country. Astraia clients range from financial services to mining and manufacturing. The company focuses on the process of ERP and will look at integrating all its solutions to bring value through the Epicor suite.

 

“Companies are more open to ERP than in the past as it has become more affordable and accessible because of the benefits that cloud computing provide. This partnership with epic ERP provides us with the opportunity to offer our customers the best in technology solutions built upon the foundation of our strong relationship with them and epic ERP,” he concludes.