Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is a backbone for large and small companies. An ERP system coordinates all of the information that flows between divisions of your company, whether there are three or thirty. ERP add-ons manage all kinds of day-to-day business information, including information about customers, production, and supply lines.
An ERP is scalable and viable for diverse industries because it is modular. Companies can choose the components they want, leaving the others behind. These modules, also known as ERP add-ons, can coordinate any number of departments. ERP add-on software can bring immediate business success; that’s why ERP is important. Here are three ERP add-ons that tend to make businesses run easier.
What is an Add-on Module in ERP Software?
ERP add-on module is a function added to an existing ERP software application. It is an additional functionality provided by the ERP vendor. A module that enhances the core functionalities of the ERP system.
Top 3 Must-Have ERP Add-Ons for Business
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Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Getting what you need to run your business can be complicated. SCM module can make your supply chain more visible. It lets you see where things are running smoothly and, more importantly, where the chain might develop a few kinks.
Companies dealing in retail and high-demand fields need this kind of add-on to ensure that inventory is flowing at a steady rate. Too little and too much can hamper these types of businesses.
To some extent, the supply chain management system can predict the customer’s actions and prompt businesses to take action. Through the SCM module information, you can clearly communicate with vendors, distributors, customers, or transporters, so they know what is going on with your business. Even your competitors can be incorporated the supply chain into ERP data, giving you a full picture of what you’re up against when something goes wrong with your supply chain.
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Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Folding in neatly with supply chain management is Supplier Relationship Management. This ERP add-on allows for real-time collaboration with your suppliers. With SRM, you can keep track of delivery schedules, capacity planning, quotation, quality, inventory, credit, and any number of other aspects important to coordinating suppliers.
SRM functions allow you to build schedules and plans with your suppliers, privately conduct trade exchanges on the web, and track your incoming goods via GPS.
It also provides a real-time dashboard to view how your suppliers are doing. If a supplier has a delay, a properly configured SRM add-on could tell you about another supplier that could take up the slack.
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Warehouse Management System (WMS)
ERP systems often offer a warehousing module. These systems allow you to monitor and arrange the storage and movement of goods within your company.
The rise of automated warehouses and tracking of goods through RFID (Radio Frequency ID) means the standard warehousing capability is no longer enough. Thus, the warehouse management ERP add-on was created. WMS is essential to optimize both storage and distribution. WMS has a number of functions incorporated into its overall suite, including:
- ERP in inventory management help to Keep track of a large number of Stock Keeping Units (SKU), even for hundreds of thousands of items.
- Controlling and coordinating the warehouse’s forklifts, conveyors, and other automated equipment allows you to optimally store and move your goods.
- Tracking cross-docking (immediately placing incoming goods into an outgoing vehicle) to increase inventory movement.
- Support for high volumes of zone picking or wave picking.
- Electronic generation of ASN (advanced shipping notification).
- Automatic collection of data gathered via barcodes and RFID.
- The coordination of labor, including scheduling, assignments, and monitoring.
ERP systems are built broadly because they have to cover the business basics. Your business may require something more. The ERP add-ons listed above are great additions for many businesses, but many more enhancements available could make your business run easier.
If you’d like more information about the industry-specific solution, you can ask our ERP Software experts at SoftwareSuggest.
Shariq Toor is a SEO & Outreach Specialist at the Marketing Zen Group, who loves to work on new ideas for technology and search engine marketing. During his off time, he loves to practice photography and keeps up with his favorite sports – especially cricket. Follow him @shariqtoor to discuss the latest in SEO, photography and of course, cricket.
