Every business is like a huge piece of machinery – every part of it has to work harmoniously together for the benefit of the end goal. This means there has to be something that pulls every cogwheel closer together. In our modern world, one of the best ways you can make your machine perfectly in-sync is to develop ERP software.
Why do you need to use ERP software?
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a system of applications that connects every part of your operation into one coherent structure. With the help of ERP software, you can both achieve a lot more and solve lots of problems that any huge system has, such as:
- Making reporting faster and more relevant, which will improve the accuracy and accessibility of data;
- Creating an effective and easy-to-manage chain of supply and distribution;
- Eliminating unnecessary tasks and improving time management (both for the employer and employees);
- Simplifying the process of planning. ERP makes it easier to share the main goals with every department and make each of them aware of the smaller steps performed by other departments;
- Saving time and money by automating processes and creating clear standards and instructions for others.
All of these factors make ERP attractive to all types of entrepreneurs. Really, who wouldn’t want to save money and make their job easier? However, ERP soft development is a very complicated and complex process. It requires investing a lot of money and man-hours into it. Its custom developed ERP has a lot of pitfalls and could potentially cause literally millions of dollars in unforeseen expenses. According to statistics, people choose to implement this type of system mostly to replace obsolete technological choices. So, if you’re new to this type of system, consider consulting or hiring an ERP developer.
If you’re determined to design your own ERP software, there are some steps you mustn’t forget. Take a look at them below.
How to start the ERP software development
ERP development requires careful planning and knowledge of modern hardware and software technologies. To simplify this process for you, here are some of the main points that you can follow as a plan.
1. Research the pre-made ERP solutions available on the market
Before you start the long and arduous path of developing your own ERP software, take a look at some examples of such software. Most of them were developed for small and large enterprises by professional software (ERP) developers. More often than, not purchasing such a solution is cheaper than making one from scratch.
The downside of such a decision would be a less personalized experience and the lack of some features that might be an exclusive solution for your needs. And, you will still need to spend quite a lot of time fine-tuning the system.
Try comparing prices and manhours you’d need to spend to make it work. While looking for adequate ready-to-use solutions, pay close attention to the following companies:
- SAP,
- Infor,
- Oracle,
- NetSuite.
2. Check to see if you have the basic resources
Now, if you’re sure it would be better to start ERP system development from scratch, you should estimate the resources at your disposal, both financial and human. Make a rough business plan to understand the amount of money you might need to spend. Assemble a team of professionals who have experience in developing similar software. Appoint some ERP developer who is competent enough to be the lead for the process.
We can help you with planning: REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATION SERVICE
Your best option is to choose the members of your workgroup from the employees that have been working for your company for a while. They will know the structure of the company and they will better understand the task you put in front of them. However, you shouldn’t hesitate if there is a way to hire experienced temporary workers at a lower price. Sometimes nearshore ERP developers work quickly and professionally because they know this field very well.
3. Conceive the overall system and its layout
Now it’s time to decide which parts of your project will have their own modules and set up their hierarchy. It would be best to include the heads of different departments in the discussion. Furthermore, during this stage, you should also determine the functions each app module should have. It is also time to decide whether your app will work with a cloud service or internal servers, whether it will be accessible on smartphones, and whether you will add any social network elements.
One of the most common questions you need to answer during the development of ERP is whether to use cloud services or local ones. On one hand, using cloud services is an innovative and trendy choice. It doesn’t require a lot of maintenance from you. Besides, it leads to the easier integration of smartphone access. On the other hand, cloud services are reputed not to be the best in terms of their security measures. The choice is completely yours.
4. Start designing the application
If your hardware is ready, it’s time to learn how to create ERP software. The key steps for designing such a massive program are:
- Divide your system into layers to make maintenance and management easier;
- Design the databases, which are the most important elements for fast and effective data exchange;
- Make a foundation that can be used as a skeleton for any new features you add;
- Create the user interface. Make it as simple as possible because this system should be able to be used by everyone. You don’t want to spend hundreds of hours teaching newcomers how to work with it;
- Add the features you need and pay special attention to the service function of the software (security, time of response, etc.)
All in all, you will need to use all your knowledge in both back-end (Java, SQL, etc.) and front-end (JavaScript, CSS, ReactJS, etc.) ERP software development, so it will definitely be a challenging task.
5. Create prototypes and start gathering feedback from users
Before making the early versions of your application, test every layer separately. Take notes on the feedback for each level and address the complaints you might get in the next iteration of your app. After you are certain that every component works fine on its own, unite them into one system. Perfect the entire ERP solution and optimize the code where possible.
Read more about MVP: MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT: 6 BENEFITS OF BUILDING AN MVP
After the end of the prototype run, you can put together your first blueprint. Compare your goals and your business plan with the reality of the situation. Make the necessary corrections to your budget.
6. Building the final version of your ERP software
To ensure that every layer of your app works well, build the final version of your app by using a plan similar to the one you used during the prototype run. Build one module, make sure that it’s stable, and then add another to it. Continue adding modules, gathering feedback, and correcting mistakes until your application is ready.
Do not forget testing your system: QUALITY ASSURANCE SERVICE
Conclusion
Overall, it’s safe to say that ERP software is an important instrument and that it’s not going away anytime soon. Whether you’ve decided to buy a solution from a third party or to try and create an application by yourself, you’re pushing the industry forward. If you’re not convinced enough to try an ERP system development for your company yet, don’t be afraid to try! According to statistics, 74% of the people who try ERP are satisfied with the results. So, make your life and the lives of your employees much easier and contact a professional ERP developer right now. >> go to Contact Page <<
