What is ERP software? Functions and instructions for use

What is ERP software?

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is a comprehensive management system that helps businesses automate and connect important business processes. ERP unifies functions such as accounting, human resources, inventory management, and sales into a single platform. This helps businesses save time, costs and have an overall view of operations, thereby supporting faster and more accurate decisions. In addition, ERP also increases transparency, enhances work efficiency and improves relationships with customers thanks to centralized and accurate data management.

Functions of ERP business management software

ERP management software provides a wide range of functions to solve specific problems in businesses. It includes:

• Financial management: Automate accounting processes, cash flow control, book management and detailed financial reporting, helping businesses accurately grasp their financial situation, thereby making strategic decisions. fast and effective.
• Supply chain management: Optimize the entire process from procurement, production, storage to distribution, thereby tracking each link in the supply chain, minimizing disruption risks and optimizing operating costs.
• Human resource management: Integrating human resources management tools such as timekeeping tracking, salary calculation, performance evaluation and recruitment management, helps automate administrative tasks and support the development of effective human resource strategies.
• Customer relationship management (CRM): Businesses manage customer information, track transaction history, and personalize customer experience through ERP software. From there, businesses can maintain good relationships with customers, increase satisfaction and boost revenue.
• Production management: ERP supports the management of the entire production process, from planning, progress tracking, quality control, to materials management, helping to ensure products are produced on time, with the right quality and Optimize resource use efficiency.
• Reporting and data analysis: The ability to generate reports and analyze data in real time, allowing businesses to gain insight into their operations, thereby making data-based decisions, instead of relying solely on count.

When should businesses invest in ERP?

Businesses should consider investing in ERP software when:

• Growth in scale: As businesses scale and the number of transactions increases, information management becomes more complex.
• Ineffective operating process: If a business has difficulty managing the process, it leads to waste of time and resources.
• Need to improve decision-making ability: When businesses need accurate and timely data to make strategic decisions.
• Want to improve customer experience: If your business wants to improve customer service and maintain good relationships with customers.
• Using many independent software: When a business is using many different software systems, it makes it difficult to share information and coordinate between departments.

What to expect in an ERP software

Managing a business with an ERP system brings many benefits, helping to improve operational efficiency and optimize processes.  

• Centralized, unified data management: When implementing ERP, business data will be organized and managed in a comprehensive and unified manner. Centralized database management helps employees access reports quickly, minimizing delays when synthesizing information, especially for large and complex businesses. .
• Standardize information, minimize errors when entering data: With ERP, data only needs to be entered once, the information will automatically be stored and synchronized between departments, helping to minimize errors and save data entry time.
• Collect data quickly, speed up workflow: Compared to performing processes manually, where documents must be transferred from one department to another, applying ERP solutions helps increase working speed. Furthermore, ERP solves the problem of "bottlenecks" in businesses.
• Control operations easily, manage business effectively: ERP has an "Audit Track" feature that helps management check employee activities on the system. Thanks to that, managers quickly identify transactions that need to be checked and monitor the entire process, implementing internal control easily.

Typical ERP software in the Vietnamese market today

Odoo software

Odoo is one ERP solution open source, flexible and highly customizable. It provides a full range of tools to support business processes, from CRM and PoS to time off management and expense reporting. Odoo easily integrates with popular applications such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive, QuickBooks, Zapier,... and allows connection with thousands of other applications.  

However, Odoo requires technical knowledge to deploy and customize, can be difficult to integrate with existing systems, and some features require licensing or usage fees. Odoo has a free version, and paid versions start from 180,000 VND/user/month. This software is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses that need comprehensive management of business operations and want to take advantage of open source code.

SAP ERP software

SAP is ERP software that provides overall management functions such as finance and accounting, CRM, sales, purchasing, warehouse management, production, projects and material needs planning. With the system running online, users can manage their business from anywhere. This helps ensure efficiency and flexibility in operations.

SAP software requires large investments in hardware and software, requires significant time and resources to deploy, and has a complex interface that requires extensive training. SAP is suitable for large or multinational businesses with complex management needs, want to optimize performance and have the ability to invest heavily in information technology.

Viindoo Software 

Viindoo software is a solution set of unified business management software, highly rated for SMEs. Viindoo integrates 56 applications on one platform instead of separate software. Therefore, Viindoo allows businesses to manage all activities seamlessly and customize operations according to needs, create effective operating processes and reasonably decentralize user rights.

Viindoo software stands out with the ability to customize and expand features, helping businesses flexibly develop. Viindoo also provides ERP implementation consulting services, data consolidation support and management process optimization in areas such as purchasing, finance and human resources. This is a suitable choice for small and medium enterprises with reasonable implementation costs.

Viindoo software offers a lifetime free experience opportunity for an application, helping users explore basic features without paying. Besides, users can also test full features for 15 days at no cost. To learn more and register for consultation, fill out the consultation form right here. 

Oracle ERP software

Oracle ERP is a cloud software solution for multi-industry businesses that helps manage complex operations with the ability to handle big data. The software integrates modern technologies such as Blockchain, Machine Learning and IoT, providing comprehensive management capabilities. 

Oracle is suitable for businesses that need quick deployment, ease of use and does not require complex customization, and is suitable for businesses that want to integrate many functions such as finance, CRM and supply chain management in a single system. Pricing is often tailored to each business's specific needs, including installation fees and monthly fees. Oracle has some shortcomings, such as providing only basic features and limited customization capabilities.  

Ecount ERP software

Ecount ERP is a cloud-based business management software solution, ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. The software provides comprehensive management features such as warehouse, production, sales, purchasing, accounting and payroll, with an intuitive interface and cross-device integration.  

Ecount ERP has reasonable costs, good customer support, and safe data security. However, the software lacks some advanced features, depends on an internet connection, and has limited customization capabilities. Ecount ERP is suitable for small and medium enterprises, manufacturing, commerce and businesses that want to save costs.

Misa ERP software

AMIS.VN software developed by MISA is an online ERP solution for small and medium enterprises at a reasonable cost. It supports remote management, ideal for companies with branches or employees who often work outside the office. AMIS.VN provides financial data and reports, helping managers adjust business operations effectively.  

The software is suitable for businesses that have simple workflows and need a comprehensive and easy-to-use management solution. Disadvantages of Misa ERP software are limited customization, cost of upgrading to new versions, competition with other ERP solutions and dependence on the supplier for technical support and maintenance. 

Netsuite ERP management software

NetSuite ERP is a cloud-based ERP solution for businesses of all sizes. NetSuite provides highly customizable and fully integrated modules such as accounting, finance, order management, inventory, manufacturing, supply chain, and CRM. Therefore, this software helps optimize comprehensive business operations.

NetSuite is suitable for large, multinational businesses that need a comprehensive and flexible ERP solution. The disadvantages of NetSuite are high deployment and maintenance costs, complexity in configuration and use, deep customization that requires specialized knowledge, and cost.

Epicor software

Epicor is a popular ERP software for small and medium businesses, which can be deployed on servers or cloud platforms. This software supports financial management, supply chain, production and human resources, helping to improve business performance. Developed on a modern Microsoft technology platform, Epicor is very suitable for manufacturing and distribution businesses with complex processes.

The software provides in-depth modules for many industries such as consumer goods, food processing and electronics manufacturing, meeting the diverse needs of businesses. However, Epicor also has some disadvantages such as high deployment costs and requiring a stable internet connection

>>>> See more: Erp software for small and medium businesses

The company provides reputable ERP software

When choosing an ERP software provider, choosing a company with experience, reputation and the ability to provide good support services is very important. A reliable supplier not only provides quality software but also supports effective system deployment and maintenance, ensuring businesses can take full advantage of the software's features.

Viindoo is an excellent choice among ERP software providers. With many years of experience in the industry, Viindoo is recognized through prestigious awards in the field. 2024 is the 4th consecutive year that Viindoo is honored to be named in the Sao Khue Award for its groundbreaking technological innovations and products in the field of Business Administration. These achievements demonstrate Viindoo's reliability and capabilities in providing solutions and consulting on ERP implementation comprehensive and high quality. 

Instructions on how to use ERP software

To apply ERP software effectively, businesses need to prepare some basic elements. 

• First, it is necessary to clearly define the goals and requirements of the business ERP system, including the processes that need optimization and the necessary functions.  
• Next, businesses need to have qualified personnel to carry out the implementation, including experts in the fields of finance, production, and supply chain management.  
• Finally, investing in information technology infrastructure, such as servers and stable internet connections, is also important.

System process diagram of ERP software, it usually includes the following main steps:

• Step 1 - Collect data: All information from different departments (finance, sales, production, etc.) is collected into the system.
• Step 2 - Data processing: Data is analyzed and processed to produce information useful for decision making.
• Step 3 - Process management: Business processes are automated and optimized through ERP software, helping to improve performance and reduce errors.
• Step 4 - Reporting and analysis: The system provides detailed reports and data analysis to support leaders in making strategic decisions.

Below are the steps to use ERP software coming:  

• Step 1 - Login and install: Visit Viindoo's website and use your account information to log in to the system. If you don't have an account, you'll need to register and be granted access from an administrator. After logging in, you may need to configure basic business information such as company information, users, and system settings.
• Step 2 - Enter and manage data: Use the data entry feature to bring information about customers, suppliers, products and services into the system. Access modules to manage and track data, including inventory management, orders, and financial information. These modules provide tools for searching, filtering, and analyzing data.
• Step 3 - Use main functions: Use key functions such as financial management, warehouse management, sales and purchasing management, and human resource management.
• Step 4 - Generate and view reports: Use reporting features to create custom reports based on data in the system. Access generated reports and use them to analyze business performance, track key metrics, and make data-driven decisions.

With the information provided above, hopefully you will consider and find the right ERP software for your business. If you want to learn more about effective ERP management software, please contact Viindoo at website viindoo.com or contact hotline 02257309838 immediately.

>>>> Further Reference:

• Lessons on successful ERP application in Vietnam
• 8 steps to successful ERP implementation and notes to reduce risks