ERP: Empowering Organisations & Accelerating Growth

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As we finish our recent work engaged in an ERP Options Appraisal, Programme Manager, Jacqueline Cripps writes about the growth of ERP in the market, the benefits on implementing an ERP solution and how Caja can support organisations through the digital transformation.

 

Digital transformation is all around us. Business innovation is more prevalent today than it ever has been.

Over the past decades, organisations have been warming to the integration of innovative, digital technologies into all areas of a business to improve operations and service. The need for operational efficiency and transparency in business processes, demand for data-driven decision-making and a surge in adoption of cloud as well as mobile applications are behind the trend.

More recently the 2020 global pandemic forced massive changes in industries around the globe, pushing many organisations to adjust strategies to incorporate digital technology to succeed in today’s business environment.

Introducing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): a global market that is expected to reach $80.3b by 2028 (and a projected 50% growth over the next 6 years).

If you’re in the world of business, you’ve likely heard of ERP.  In fact, you and your organisation may even be using it. Think SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, Workday. Industry names that offer software and systems to help businesses perform better. Not as a standalone solution, but as an enabler to the wider dynamics of business that include People, Processes, Technology and Data.

Put simply, ERP is a process used by organisations to manage and integrate the important parts of their business. ERP typically refers to a type of software that stores all entered data into a single database, allowing departments to work with the same information across the business. This data can be organised, analysed and accessed in real time, helping tie together a multitude of business processes into one system. This customer management, human resources, business intelligence, financial management, inventory and supply chain capabilities.

Growing organisations are beginning to ask the question: “What is the business case for ERP?” Which is exactly what Caja are in the business to do: help answer this question. ERP implementation and digital transformation are one of the core services that Caja offer. A service they don’t just do – but do well.

Recently Caja had the opportunity to demonstrate their sector knowledge and work with a Local Authority in Greater Manchester to address this question. Over a 10 week period, Caja worked with the Local Authority to identify how a future ERP and wider business transformation could provide opportunity for business changes that wouldn’t just address their immediate needs, but ultimately enhance performance, growth and service delivery.

These included:

  • Introduction of efficiencies across the business from; workflows and standardisation, automations, improved collaboration, standardised approvals, improved tracking and transparency, improved data visibility and reliability, enhance compliance, flexibility in services, improved governance; improved supply chain and supplier management
  • Ability to support the strategic objectives of business and Transport Strategy
  • Ability to accommodate current covid climate and new landscape of ways of working
  • Realisation of financial benefits such as: potential savings from ongoing reduced Opex for operating the system; and opportunity costs (efficiency savings) within Functional areas.

Given the rate of digital acceleration, transformation and the need to adapt to the ‘new’ workplace, organisations will continue to turn to technology as a tool to support business. Future trends suggest that ERP software will continue to play a vital role in keeping business processes efficiently operating, enabling higher levels of performance and success.

 

About the author:

Jacqueline Cripps is an experienced consultant with strong experience in strategic leadership, delivering change and project/programme management. Having worked with organisations such as Transport for London, Greater London Authority and Public Health England.

If you’d like to connect with Jacqueline, visit her LinkedIn page.