By Olivia Cahoon
Manufacturers and distributors are left with many options as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software shifts to cloud-based deployments. Not only do companies need to explore ERP software features that are integral for their business, but there is the pressing question of whether they want to use a cloud-based, hybrid, or legacy system, as discussed in the November issue feature article on the topic.
Here, we provide some of the most popular ERP software available and what platforms they can be used with.
Enterprise Resource Planning
Acumatica offers custom-fit business management applications that range from basic online financial management to full ERP functionality. Their browser-based solutions include ERP and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software with focused suites on distribution, financials, manufacturing, service, and customer management on the same database. It features execution capabilities to engage customers, streamline internal processes, and eliminates the need for synchronization.
The Apprise ERP software solution is designed to make business management better for importers, wholesalers, and distributors of consumer goods. It can be deployed on premises or in the cloud. Built into the system is retailer compliance, electronic data interchange, demand planning, financials, profitability scorecards, business intelligence, manufacturing, importing, logistics, mobile sales, eCommerce, and warehouse management.
Epicor ERP is available in the cloud and on premises, and leverages Microsoft technology. It includes solutions for CRM, manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and human capital management. Using technology like Web services, Epicor offers industry- specific solutions designed for manufacturing, distribution, and service industries. It is designed to help organizations work better based on five principles—collaborating, choice, responsiveness, simplicity, and mobility.
NetSuite’s platform, SuiteCloud, offers personalization, customization, and development within a framework of security, scalability, globalization, and built in capability of updated software. The platform allows quick and easy integrations into other platforms allowing real-time data across their software system. With automatic upgrades twice a year, SuiteCloud is entirely cloud-based.
Oracle ERP Cloud is part of the Oracle Cloud Applications suite that includes finance, human resources, supply chain, sales, service, and marketing functions to connect businesses across their organization’s fundamental areas. Oracle can connect among the cloud, on premises, and to third-party solutions using one standards-based cloud platform to provide secure connections.
Oracle recently announced the acquisition of NetSuite.
SAP S/4HANA is a real-time ERP suite built on an in-memory platform, SAP HANA, and levels at a consumer-grade user experience with SAP Fiori. It is deployable on premises, in the cloud, or using a hybrid model, and aims to drive instant value to any industry or business.
Syspro offers Syspro 7 with a 64-bit option that is built on Microsoft.NET foundation. It is offered through a hosted or private cloud, and on premise. It utilizes software to facilitate service oriented architecture, screen customizations tools for comfortability, and mobile access. It simplifies ribbon bars and provides movie-stylized tutorials for operator adoption. With this software, it is capable for manufacturers to repopulate specific screens for the widest possible employee use.
Know What You Need
ERP software enables organizations to better their business by enhancing customer service and obtaining real-time insight into operations. As ERP strategies expand into a cloud-based platform, businesses need to look at features like what type of businesses the offered ERP software caters to, when determining what kind of solution will work best for their company. Knowing what your organization needs from its ERP software is important. SW
Aug2016, Software Magazine
