More usability for ERP systems

That ERP systems are the general answer to a company's complex processes. However, a system must also be operated. Although it shows the paths that need to be taken, the user has to "walk" them themselves. This aspect is emphasised during the ERP introduction This is why it often causes more confusion for users after commissioning than they are able to fully utilise the ERP system. Added to this is the general level of knowledge about the software, which is often not standardised within the company. In most cases, a high level of support is required to enable users to utilise the system in its entirety. The multitude of functions was often daunting for ERP newcomers and therefore not very user-friendly. The reason for this is a lack of ERP usability.

Improved ERP usability would not only lead to satisfied customers who would buy it again and recommend it to others, but would also reduce the burden on support. This saves costs in the long term. Also in the user company.

However, it is difficult to bring about change in terms of ERP usability. For usability consultants themselves, the complexity of ERP systems represents a major hurdle when it comes to testing applications for usability. For this reason, special procedures are already being developed to test ERP solutions for usability.

Surveys on the subject of usability have created a summarised picture of the problem. However, solutions must ultimately be made product-specific. Nevertheless, here are a few suggestions:

Problem: Complexity due to too many options

Solution: As the user is confronted with the complexity of the system from the very first programme interface, one solution would be to offer a reduced number of options. For example, five options could be reduced to three. To ensure that the system does not lose its variety of applications, other options can still be selected in the course of work. So rather a constructive processinstead of having to work with all options from the outset.

Problem: Lack of transparency in work processes

Solution: Especially with more complex workflows, the user can be helped in terms of transparency by arranging the interfaces in the reading direction and labelling the active options. Even if it is only to track their own workflow.

Problem: Lack of access to relevant data

Solution: With correspondingly long work steps, the user should be able to access relevant results at any time. It would be helpful to have one or more clipboards that are labelled as such. Of course, all other data stored in the system must also be easy to find. A user-friendly search mask is helpful here, but is already available in some systems, such as the Enterprise Search in SAP Business One. An important step towards more ERP usability.

Problem: Routine applications are not marked as such

Solution: The problem basically shows the solution. Routine applications must be labelled accordingly. It would also be good to have an option to define these user-specifically or to link them to the user interface.

Problem: Little (flexible) assistance

SolutionAlphabetical sorting in long lists or transferable applications such as a search field with a corresponding icon would be a start. Users would benefit from flexible help functions, such as error correction, especially for modules that are not used very often.

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