ERP goals: Why a clear goal leads to project success

At the beginning of one ERP implementation hopes are often high. The new system should simplify processes, create an overview and a basis for decision-making and lead the company to (even) greater success. However, with a quick implementation of any ERP solution the work is not done.

A clear project structure is essential for ERP success in the respective company. In particular, the goals should be defined in advance. Practice shows that when objectives are vague, there are often requests for changes during the project. However, this is time-consuming and therefore expensive. The goals can also be used to monitor in retrospect whether the desired effect is occurring.

To get a more accurate picture of the possible goals of a ERP system make, here is a list of the main ERP goals:

1. General ERP goals

On the one hand, an ERP Costs reduce. This goal is paramount because all subsequent ones are related to it. In addition, it should of course make all processes more efficient and increase sales. Reliable evaluations are also among the desirable factors of an ERP system. This improves the planning quality, especially with large and complex amounts of data.

2. ERP goals in individual business areas

The ERP goals in finance are important. It is also advantageous to be able to create periodic financial statements faster with an ERP solution. Another function that one can expect from an ERP system is to simplify reporting to authorities such as sales tax advance returns. The system can also increase cost transparency.

3. ERP goals in sales and marketing

In marketing and sales, an ERP solution has one primary goal: improving customer relationships. This is done, for example, by retrieving data quickly and accurately, which means that the service can be improved efficiently.

4. ERP goals in warehousing

The objective in the materials management focuses on the one hand on the inventory. A clear overview helps to reduce inventory and thus save costs. The ERP can also be used to lead time shortened and the ability to deliver increased.

5. Functional level ERP goals

The functional goals of an ERP system are difficult to list. There are infinitely many. Especially in this area, the possibilities of using an ERP system are inexhaustible and new ones are constantly being added. For example, with just a few clicks, an ERP solution can be used to generate a PDF that is automatically attached to an email. The system can also indicate upcoming tasks and process steps, as well as inform colleagues about certain curtains. This is how an ERP system becomes an important tool for internal corporate communication. All tasks for employees can be managed. This is not too time-saving, but also prevents errors and workers can be efficiently deployed where they are needed. Another advantage is the clear history in ERP solutions. In this way, documents can always be stored in a targeted manner and called up again. In addition, good and reliable evaluations can always be easily created on this basis.