Intelligent ERP: Myth or Reality? Business Intelligence Software and Responsive Decision Making

Business Intelligence software is a term that we hear being discussed more and more in conversations relating to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP systems) and business software in general. At the root of the spread of business intelligence software is the desire to make not only smart decisions, but decision backed by hard fact analytics based on business performance, goals, and key data provided by BI tools. As business intelligence software and BI tools becomes more predominant, we have ‘borrowed’ a series of blogs from Sage ERP X3, the first part of which starts here. Hope you enjoy this introduction to Intelligent ERP and BI tools.

By Isabelle Saint-Martin, ERP Product Marketing Manager, Sage Mid-market Europe

Business Intelligence Software, Intelligent ERP: Myth or Reality

This is the first in a series of four blog posts in which I explore intelligent ERP and its impact on businesses.
Fully mature ERP is more than a management tool as it:

  • drives a company’s competitiveness?
  • improves productivity?
  • helps to create value.

With business intelligence features, ERP has become a dynamic steering instrument. In the framework of global business planning, business leaders see the modernization of management tools as a key lever for growth.

First, in order to meet user requirements, ERP has to be relevant. It has to provide high level features and functions, including specialized functions, and must be able to meet the needs of all business areas. Providing the right information, in the right place, at the right time and in a form most appropriate to the context of use impacts on software design, in particular applied kinematics and ergonomics. Sage is committed to useful technology and choices based on a perfect user experience. Our solutions are delivered on a technical platform which delivers integrated core components, as well as added value functions such as decision support, document management and mobile working.

Decision support for increased responsiveness in management and decision making

The need for tools to facilitate decision-making is the number one driver for new software systems in businesses, or for reworking existing systems. And with good reason, since the current economic climate leaves no margin for uncertainty. It is now essential for all enterprises, irrespective of size, to equip themselves with effective business management tools.

Decision support integrated into ERP empowers companies to intuitively exploit the richness of their management data. Instant queries and results, in real-time, will optimize responsiveness. Predictive analysis functions help anticipate upcoming trends and fine-tune action plans. So all personnel, in any business area, can make informed decisions based on reliable and customizable indicators for their own activity-related needs (changes in revenues and expenses, client rankings, stock rotation, etc).

All personnel are involved because they contribute to business performance, individually or collectively. An operational user or decision maker will be more effective if he/she has easy access to reliable information: relevant indicators, activity analyses and a transverse vision on traceability of operations. Nevertheless, making a judgement on the relevance of a solution requires in-depth evaluation. An ERP package integrating such functions will only benefit an enterprise if the software publisher has successfully developed and delivered all the necessary components for a fast and easy roll out. Installation and adoption may be ‘plain sailing’ in technical terms, but support and the human factor are still crucial aspects.

For more information about Sage ERP X3 and its decision making tools click here, or read about Steelcraft’s decision to implement Sage ERP X3 because of the business and process information it provides to the management team.

Previously posted at the Sage ERP X3 blog.