How do ERP solutions work with e-commerce?

Compiere ERP systems can help your e-commerce business thrive. With the Compiere Web Store you can easily offer both physical and digital merchandise in a secure environment that can be customized to the look-and-feel of your web site. Our web store is fully integrated with our ERP solution so that it is always up to date with the latest products and inventory information. No synchronization or extra integration work is required. We also provide the ability to run sales, promotions, and discounts on either a global or per customer basis. With a web store that's fully integrated into your ERP system, you'll feel comfortable knowing that your inventory, customer contact information and financial transaction information is always current and easily accessible across your entire enterprise.

How difficult is it to upgrade ERP software?

Compiere presents another break-through in ERP software - an easily upgradeable application! While many traditional ERP vendors sold the promise of free upgrades, in reality hardly any businesses were able to take advantage of them because they had spent large sums of money customizing the software for their industry and thus had voided their support contract. But easy upgrades aren't just a sales pitch with Compiere ERP. Compiere was built to make customizations and extensions simple without impacting the migration process. No longer does an ERP system need to remain static, as if frozen in time. Now you really can keep up with all the latest product features without sacrificing your custom extensions.

Is a "single instance" of ERP software better?

Although every business is unique, running only one instance of an ERP application provides several advantages. When running a single instance of ERP software, you save time and have better quality information across the company because you need only input that information once rather then multiple times. Running a single ERP instance also means all your financial data resides in one place which creates a simpler audit trail, eliminates consolidation errors, and saves time and money when closing your books. A single ERP instance also allows you to run comprehensive company-wide reports that allow executives to share resources more easily across the company and see where cross-promotional opportunities may be in order. Single ERP instances are generally less expensive to support, and migration to the newest Compiere ERP software release is quicker and easier, allowing you to take advantage of the latest features we have to offer in a timely manner.

How do companies organize their ERP projects?

There are three common approaches to installing a new ERP system in an enterprise:

1. Enterprise-wide full installation - This approach was very common in the early days of enterprise resource planning software installations as, at the time, many large corporations were trying to quickly become Y2K compliant. The biggest challenge usually encountered was getting employees to cooperate and accept a new software system. If you are leaning towards this method of installation, make the transition easier by clearly outlining the ways that the new ERP software will be an improvement over existing software. Provide training for your employees to increase their comfort level with the new system. If your top level staff members are solidly behind the new ERP system and you take the time to help transition your staff to the change, you will go a long way towards helping your company achieve a successful ERP installation.
2. Unit by Unit - This is common approach among large or diverse companies where there are not many common processes across business units. Management will locate a particularly open-minded and flexible team and install a pilot ERP system in that department. Some process that don't vary much across the company, such as financials, bookkeeping, and HR may be installed across the entire enterprise, but the pilot department has it's own separate ERP system and database, or "instance". Once the company feels comfortable with the success of the installation, the pilot team is used as an in-house customer reference to sell other units on the ERP business solution. This process can be somewhat time consuming, but does often lead to increased employee acceptance of the new ERP application as they hear testimonials from peers on the benefits of the new system. More departments may be added over time with their own discreet instances of the ERP application, or the company may try to consolidate them into a handful of different instances or perhaps even into a single ERP instance for the entire enterprise.
3. Key-Process Installation - Smaller companies often opt to focus on a few key processes for their initial ERP installation. For instance, they may decide to start out using the ERP application's financial module and add other features as the company grows. Since Compiere provides companies a fully integrated ERP system rather than requiring a company to purchase separate modules, it's easy for a company to add additional processes as the company desires new functionality. Traditional ERP software often caused problems down the road for this type of installation since they required choices to be made at the time of the initial installation that could not easily be changed at a later date. You won't face that problem with Compiere ERP software. Compiere is designed to change with your company now and in the future. Be aware, though, that an ERP implementation isn't really successful until it is in use by employees. You must still expect to devote some time and energy to training employees on new features as they are implemented.
   

How long will do ERP implementations take?

The actual installation of Compiere ERP software can be done in a day or two by experienced IT staff. However, keep in mind that implementation of any ERP solution also includes importing old data from various sources into the new system, the integration and testing of the ERP system with existing corporate software, the training of employees on the use of the new system, and the completion of any enterprise-specific customizations. Enterprises also usually find it worthwhile to take time at the beginning of the ERP implementation process to review their current business practices, seeing where they can be streamlined now that they are no longer be 'locked into' a specific business flow with a restrictive software package. The whole process traditionally takes several months to a year depending on the size and complexity of your business.

Compiere's flexibility makes the ERP installation process much easier than a similar installation with traditional ERP applications because, unlike other enterprise applications, with Compiere the decisions you make today can be changed tomorrow. All of the information provided during implementation can be adapted or modified at any time to meet the changing needs and demands of your company. Other ERP systems don't allow these on-the-fly changes. The result is that with these traditional ERP applications, changing anything - whether something complex, like your chart of accounts or even something as simple as a product search key - can require expensive and time consuming modifications or even complete product reinstallations.

What are the costs associated with ERP implementation?

Compiere's commercial open source ERP software frees you from the burden of the initial product licensing fees that accompany all traditional ERP applications. Instead, use your budget to create a successful ERP implementation for your particular enterprise. Rather than paying software fees, you may decide to have a Compiere Partner create an industry specific feature, or you may have a large staff that could benefit from training on your new system. You may also find that years of working with multiple incompatible data sources has left you with "dirty data" that needs to be cleaned up prior to importation in the new ERP system. Perhaps you've decided that now is the time to upgrade some of your servers or workstations. However you decide to use the money you've saved, you can feel confident that Compiere provides you the best enterprise resource planning business solution at the lowest total cost of ownership.

Can ERP applications help with my integration problems?

One of the reasons businesses look into ERP applications is that their enterprise is experiencing difficulty in integrating the information they have stored in widely diverse applications that can't "talk" to one another. Organizations within a company may even use different programs to perform the same functions. When you install an ERP application you solve many of your information integration problems. Compiere ERP is an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relations Management (CRM) software solution that combines the power of point of sales (POS), distribution and inventory, e-commerce, accounting, and workflow systems within one robust application. With an ERP system you have better data quality, since information need only be entered once to be available to the entire company. You are also able to easily run reports using enterprise-wide data, allowing you to quickly see trends developing within specific organizations or across your entire company. If you require industry specific software that requires integration with your ERP system you may wish to speak with one of our Compiere Partners worldwide for assistance.

Can I use an ERP system to manage a global enterprise?

Compiere's enterprise resource planning software is an excellent solution for managing a global enterprise. Traditional ERP applications weren't developed for the complexities of the global market. Gaps in functionality arise when these features are simply layered on top of existing code. However, Compiere ERP software was designed with global markets in mind, featuring multi-currency, multi-tax, multi-costing, multi-accounting and multi-organizational functionalities. Our accounting solutions cater to the needs of your enterprise, no matter what currency or schema you use. Compiere even provides the flexibility to account in one or more accounting schema in parallel.

Compiere allows users all over the world to connect with your ERP system, so geography is no barrier to your business. Plus Compiere ERP applications also feature language packs and the ability to customize both the Web Store and the application itself to suit your language requirements.

Will an ERP application fit the way I do business?

With traditional ERP solutions, this question was vital. ERP applications normally come with a built-in system of "Best Practices" whose restrictive rules limit your business processes. That is not the case with Compiere. Our open source ERP system was built to adapt to your business structure because we know that every company has unique needs. Compiere is not only easy to customize, we also make it easy to change your ERP implementation decisions at a later time. We know that every company grows and changes and we created ERP software that can adapt with you.

Can ERP software improve business performance?

ERP solutions give you the ability to save time and money across your entire enterprise. With ERP software you need only input customer, vendor, and order data once and then share it across your functional departments. You can automate inventory and warehouse procedures as well as billing and accounting procedures. You can use ERP applications to create reports and analyze enterprise trends quickly and easily, allowing you to respond quickly to shifts in the market. Compiere also helps make e-commerce easy. The information in our Web Store is shared with the standard application, so no synchronization or extra integration work is required.

Does my enterprise need an ERP software solution?

For years only very large corporations have been able to enjoy the benefits of enterprise resource planning applications. Now, Compiere ERP and CRM puts the power of timely and consistent communications within reach of all businesses by offering a superior ERP solution that is affordable, adaptable, and scalable.

Is your company burdened by multiple data sources that you can't integrate? Are you losing time and money by duplicating order entries and business processes throughout your enterprise? Are timely customer delivery and inventory stocking procedures getting to be more than your current ERP system can handle? Do you have multiple warehouses that share resources or do you frequently do business in a multi-currency, multi-tax environment? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then your enterprise may want to consider investing in Compiere ERP.

What makes Compiere open source ERP software better?

Fast and Flexible ERP Implementation

Unlike other enterprise resource planning applications, with Compiere ERP software the decisions you make today CAN be changed tomorrow. All of the information provided during your ERP implementation can be adapted or modified at any time to meet the changing needs and demands of your company. By choosing Compiere, you can reduce hidden organizational, on-going-integration, operational and maintenance costs.


Commercial Open Source ERP Software

Open Source solutions like Compiere offer numerous benefits over traditional ERP software, like low cost of ownership and unparalleled product control. Compiere is true open source. This means that Compiere ERP software is available free for everyone to download, and it cannot be bought or merged out of existence - ever. This gives freedom from vendor lock-in, and the security of knowing your investment in Compiere will last as long as you want it to.

Compiere pairs those open source benefits with professional training and services. Our rapidly growing, worldwide network of Compiere Certified Partners provide a wide variety of enterprise resource planning services, including: turnkey solutions, ERP implementation, customizations and extensions, maintenance, upgrades and version migration.


Model-driven Architecture Puts You in Control

Compiere's enterprise resource planning software creates an environment free of restrictive rules that limit your business processes. Its model-driven architecture enables you to be in control of every aspect of the ERP application and continue to adapt, update, add new features, and extend Compiere to suit the needs of your company - always. Compiere's customizable web- and window-based user interfaces enable you to create a consistent, personalized appearance for the application no matter where it is being used - office, home, hotel - wherever. The web-based interface also provides flexible, remote deployment options and complete access for customers, partners and executives from anywhere at anytime.


ERP Applications Designed for the Global Economy

Traditional ERP applications weren't developed for the complexities of the global market. Gaps in functionality arise when these features are simply layered on top of existing code. Compiere was designed with global markets in mind, featuring multi-currency, multi-tax, multi-costing, multi-accounting and multi-organizational functionalities. Our accounting solutions cater to the needs of your enterprise, no matter what currency or accounting schema you use. Compiere business solutions even provide the flexibility to account in one or more accounting schema in parallel. Compiere also features language packs and the ability to customize both the Web Store and the application itself to suit your language requirements.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

This comprehensive product lifecycle management (PLM) knowledge base models modern product and design-related aspects of PLM for both discrete and process industries. It details product development and portfolio management, manufacturing process management, ideation and requirements management, service data, and regulatory and compliance criteria. This comprehensive knowledge base incorporates the criteria of TEC's other PLM knowledge bases.


Core PLM for Process Industries

Core PLM, Product Specification and Recipe Management (PDM and RM) for Process Industries covers the base foundation of PLM for the process (or recipe-based) manufacturing industries such as food & beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical and others. It covers design and product-related aspects of PLM including management of material specifications, recipes, formulas, production processes, design tools, document management and collaboration.


Core PLM for Discrete Industries

Core PLM and Product Data Management (PDM) for Discrete Industries covers the base foundation of PLM for the discrete manufacturing industries such as automotive, electronics, aerospace and defense, medical devices, complex machinery and others. It covers design and product-related aspects of PLM including management of material specifications, product structures, production processes, design tools, document management, and design collaboration.


Regulatory and Compliance

The Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge Base covers the requirements for ensuring products and their associated materials comply with both external and intenal rules and regulations. It covers regulatory and requirements needs, as well as product related components of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S).


Product Development and Portfolio Management

The Product Development and Portfolio Management Knowledge Base covers the execution processes of new product development projects and programs, including phase-gate processes. It also addresses Product Portfolio Management (PPM), including the evaluation processes of new and existing products and product portfolios to provide the most valuable, balanced, and well aligned portfolio of products.

Information Security

Information Security Selection

Based on a wide range of security-related issues, the Information Security Knowledge Base covers both solution suites and individual software packages. Organizations can evaluate the capabilities of different vendors' firewall, intrusion detection, anti-virus, virtual private network, public key infrastructure, cryptography, and other enterprise security solutions.


Firewall

Firewalls protect enterprise computer systems from attacks by individuals wishing to crack or otherwise compromise an internal network. The firewall knowledge base addresses requirements for network interfaces and protocols, content filters, VPN capacity, and other security characteristics.

Human Resources (HR) System

This knowledge base on human resources management systems affords clients the opportunity to rapidly determine their criteria for management and employee personnel tasks. Its extensive criteria include benefits and payroll management, employee self service, data warehousing, and health and safety requirements.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

Criteria in this knowledge base pertain to managing supplier, manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and customer business processes. Addressing demand management, warehouse management, international trade logistics, transportation execution, and many other issues for a complete solution, this knowledge base will support your evaluation of an SCM suite.

Content Management

Enterprise Content Management Systems (ECM)

Content management systems enable management of web site content,internal corporate documentation and information, and group collaboration. This Enterprise Content Management (ECM) knowledge base covers requirements for content authoring, workflow, presentation, asset management, reporting, backup, and other criteria for content management processes.


Web Content Management Systems

Web content management (WCM) systems manage content creation, review, and approval processes for web site content. This may include public Web sites (Internet), or private web sites (intranet or extranet). Use a WCM solution to organize and manage documents; provide content version control, collaboration utilities, and user or document level security.

Document Management Systems

Document management systems (DMS) assist with the management, creation, workflow, and storage of documents within different departments. A DMS stores documents in a database and associates important information about the documents, to the documents (known as metadata). Most systems provide workflow engines to design and support document creation, publication, and usage. DMS solutions are often used by insurance and health care industries, government bodies, or other organizations processing high volumes of documents.

Business Intelligence (BI)

This business intelligence (BI) knowledge base covers a full range of BI functionality. BI applications enable real time, interactive access, analysis, and manipulation of mission-critical corporate information. BI users are able to access and leverage vast amounts of information to analyze relationships and understand trends that support business decisions. This knowledge base covers everything from data mining to analytics, querying, reporting, workflow, and in-depth analysis.

Business Process Management (BPM)

Business process management (BPM) defines, enables, and manages the exchange of enterprise information through the semantics of a business process view, which involves employees, customers, partners, applications, and databases.

Business Performance Management (BPM)

Business performance management (BPM) enables organizations to translate strategies into plans, monitor execution, and provide insight needed to manage and improve financial and operational performance. This knowledge base covers scorecards, dashboards, business activity monitoring, and more.