Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Mobile ERP: Value and Challenges

By Apoorva Kasam - October 25, 2023 5 Mins Read

Mobile ERP

Mobile ERP has become essential for firms to adopt the remote work trend. It allows users to access the ERP system from any mobile device, regardless of time or location. By offering remote access to ERP software via mobile devices, firms become more flexible and responsive to changes.

What is the Need for Mobile ERP?

Old ERP systems were desktop-based, hampering the user’s accessibility to work on multiple systems. Fortunately, the adoption of smartphones has revolutionized the ERP landscape.

Mobile ERP uses enterprise mobility apps, allowing users to access vital business information and perform tasks efficiently. This move towards mobility improves collaboration and drives operational efficiency.

Here are a few ways Mobile ERP drives business agility and efficiency.

1. Enhanced Customer Experience (CX)

Delivering exceptional CXs is vital for businesses. Mobile ERP enables firms to offer seamless and personalized customer interactions. Firms with easy access to real-time customer data can respond better to customers in real-time. They can resolve inquiries, access order histories, and provide accurate information on product availability.

With mobile ERP software, it becomes easy to access customer details, update service requests, and provide instant solutions. This helps establish a customer-centric approach, build stronger relationships, and drive customer loyalty.

2. Coherent Communication

Mobile ERP systems facilitate coherent communication across departments and even geographically dispersed locations. These systems enable real-time business data sharing, enabling employees to collaborate on projects, exchange updates, and provide prompt feedback.

Coherent communication and collaboration streamline workflows, eliminate challenges, and enhance decision-making processes.

3. Better Data-Driven Decisions

Data has become valuable for informed decision-making in the modern business ecosystem. ERP uses this data to provide firms with insights and analytics. They can monitor KPIs, track sales trends, and identify growth opportunities by accessing critical business information through ERP applications.

When these ERP apps are available on mobile devices, they can offer customizable dashboards and reports. This makes it simple for users to visualize business data in an actionable way. With better data-driven decisions, firms can respond swiftly to market changes, adapt their strategies, and gain a competitive edge.

4. Scalability 

Scalability becomes a critical factor as firms grow and evolve. This offers the scalability required to support business expansion. It allows firms to

  • Easily add or remove users
  • Adapt to changing requirements
  • Scale their operations without disruptions.

It allows firms to embrace trending tech and integrate with other digital tools. This helps them remain agile, embrace innovation, and future-proof their operations.

5. Maximum Resource Allocation

Optimal resource allocation is a crucial driver of a successful business. This offers businesses real-time visibility into their operations, enabling better resource planning and allocation.

Firms can optimize their resources, minimize waste, and meet customer demands effectively. This is possible only with up-to-date data on inventory levels and production schedules.

Moreover, this enables employees to capture data and update records easily. This reduces the chances of errors or delays. It also simplifies operations, leading to optimal resource utilization. With the right balance of resources, companies can achieve cost savings and greater operational efficiency.

6. Solid Accessibility and Flexibility

This lets employees use software apps to perform tasks, view vital information, and make informed decisions on mobile devices. This eliminates the need for traditional, desktop-based systems. Moreover, it increases accessibility and flexibility and supports mobile workforce and remote work arrangements.

7. Helps Develop a Streamlined Supply Chain

This streamlines the supply chain. It helps maintain detailed records of the inventory and suppliers.

It also allows for real-time tracking of raw materials and finished goods flow. The mobile software gathers data from all supply chain elements in a unified location.

This allows firms to clearly understand the complete supply chain and develop ways to improve it.

Challenges of Mobile ERP and How to Resolve Them

1. Security Challenges 

Security issues are the key challenges when implementing a mobile ERP solution. Mobile devices are more vulnerable to malware and hacking than traditional desktop and server platforms. This makes them a prime target for cyber-attacks.

Moreover, integrating ERP systems with other business systems increases the attack surface.

Solution

Firms must ensure that all mobile ERP solutions have solid security, like encryption, user authentication, and access control.

2. Compatibility Challenges

Mobile ERP solutions must also be compatible with existing hardware and software. Without this, it becomes hard to use the full potential of the mobile ERP solution.

Solution

Ensuring all devices run seamlessly on the mobile ERP solution is essential. Regular updates to the ERP solution will help ensure compatibility with the latest infrastructure.

3. Cost Challenges

Companies pay for cloud-based mobile ERP solutions as per usage. So, scaling up their use of cloud-based ERP solutions will add to costs. In addition, there may be an extra expenditure in implementing and maintaining the mobile ERP solution.

The same goes for developing custom mobile apps and integrating with existing enterprise systems. Another factor to consider is the cost of training the employees using the mobile ERP solutions.

Solution

Consider the challenges and weigh them against the long-term benefits before using mobile ERP. Look for business sustainability and higher ROI in the long term.

Also Read: ERP Trends Defining the Future of Business Operations

Conclusion

Mobile ERP allows firms to access, analyze, and manage their ERP systems via mobile devices from anywhere, anytime. It helps streamline operations, increase productivity, and enhance customer service.

By offering real-time access to vital data, mobile ERP increases operational efficiency and helps make decisions quickly and accurately. Also, it allows firms to become more customer-centric. They can then be more agile and responsive to customer needs. Lastly, it reduces costs by eliminating manual processes.

Check Out the New Enterprisetalk Podcast. For more such updates follow us on Google News Enterprisetalk News.



AUTHOR

Apoorva Kasam

Apoorva Kasam is a Global News Correspondent with OnDot Media. She has done her master's in Bioinformatics and has 18 months of experience in clinical and preclinical data management. She is a content-writing enthusiast, and this is her first stint writing articles on business technology. She specializes in Blockchain, data governance, and supply chain management. Her ideal and digestible writing style displays the current trends, efficiencies, challenges, and relevant mitigation strategies businesses can look forward to. She is looking forward to exploring more technology insights in-depth.

Subscribe To Newsletter

*By clicking on the Submit button, you are agreeing with the Privacy Policy with Enterprise Talks.*