5 Problems Facing ERP Managers and Owners

by Sophia Riley | May 30, 2023 | ERP

Businesses can achieve many operational improvements with the Oracle eBusiness Suite, including production, procurement, supply chain management, logistics, and finance. Developing software specific to your organization is not prudent since most digital tools for businesses should connect with other applications smoothly. 

On the other hand, IT departments have particular challenges while utilizing Oracle E-Business Suite. We’ll examine the top fix problems facing leaders and learn about products that may help employees complete tasks faster, make fewer mistakes, and perform better at work.

Top Five Problems

1. Lack of Adequate Resources

Finding someone with the skills needed to run Oracle E-Business Suite (EBS) is challenging: Those available are aging and becoming outdated. Consequently, there is a more significant requirement for training in modern technologies.

The system evolved for 25 years, and the experienced personnel who worked on them are no longer accessible.

New workers are learning these skills and advancing with technology: Experienced individuals are expensive and hard to find. Due to the additional costs of integrating the software, businesses reliant on a limited budget are in danger of rising IT expenditures. 

We attribute Oracle EBS issues to inadequately trained users on an application or feature. Failure to educate employees on the technology will affect its implementation and output. Businesses must implement a rigorous training procedure for EBS. 

2. Pressure to Reduce IT operational funds 

When a company’s chances of generating income are poor, management will consider ways of cutting costs.

It may necessitate reducing the IT department’s budget to save expenses and letting go of skilled workers, leaving the company with few technicians to support Oracle EBS implementation.

A solution would be outsourcing IT services from another company or looking for affordable, innovative solutions. The options should not jeopardize ERP’s integrity and their implementation, take too long or be too expensive. 

A successful ERP installation depends on predicting and estimating. No business owner wants to see excess expenditures caused by underestimating the requirement for human resources and adding skills or features to the system as an additional tool to the initial design.

Employers wishing to use the ERP system must align their skilled personnel. In most cases, businesses look outside the company, while inside staff are frequently favored. 

The expenditures accrued when installing ERP are more than the original costs, and the expense of personalization is the determining factor. The cost of implementing will increase as the cost of customization rises. Therefore, businesses must be cautious about potential fees that might damage their budget.

3. Spreadsheet data vs centralized systems

When constructing massive data collections such as ERP systems, consider data in spreadsheets against a central system. 

After system integration, the user base adds things to a spreadsheet in Excel that the IT Department might not consider urgent, which might bring data manipulation. 

Despite being valid at one particular moment, data rapidly becomes outdated, but users will have various versions for users.

It would help to clean data in an Oracle EBS to sort out outdated and unorganized data. Failure to do so causes delays, errors, and inefficiencies. 

To prevent these issues, a business should adopt additional digital tools to help with the tasks. It routinely cleans up temporary data and outdated transactional data while converting the most pertinent data into valuable business intelligence, 

4. Data Processing Jobs Assigned to IT Staff

Data processing tasks from other departments find their way into the IT department making managers worried about overwhelming demands for the team.

IT staff may get overburdened by the custom codes or scripts necessary to finish the routine data handling activities.

Additionally, data owners may be annoyed by how long it takes to undertake straightforward tasks like process changes or uploading items. oAppsNet tools help make massive updates and uploads simple, giving companies complete control and ownership of their data.

Oracle EBS must undergo frequent testing to guarantee its performance stays within acceptable limits. A thorough testing strategy should incorporate routine tasks like financial reporting and stress evaluations to test EBS to its maximum. 

Businesses must choose the proper metrics before its integration to build a basis for the program’s functionality and evaluate the effectiveness of your Oracle EBS implementation. It might be KPIs like the time or expense of handling a specific task. By selecting the appropriate metrics, you may convince essential stakeholders of the project’s worth, making it easy to analyze performance and the worker’s output. 

5. Data limitations impacting production 

Big corporations that process a lot of transaction data may experience reduced output and financial losses due to data processing delays. 

Despite Oracle E-Business Suite is an essential tool for data management, there are limitations to the software updating and uploading processes.  

For example, the system processes customer requests using the bill of materials, and the operation was successful. Still, if the workers did not utilize everything, had to return them, and there were damages to the items, workers need to update the information to ensure accuracy in the stock. 

Budget restrictions prevent business owners from hiring extra data entry personnel to handle the backlog. As a result, they depend on the IT Managers to devote time and money to creating efficient data-loading procedures. 

Professional Service to Eliminate ERP Errors

Enterprises rely on third-party software packages more frequently than not. oAppsNET easily links Excel spreadsheets with Oracle ERP using. It helps maintain the reliability of Oracle ERP as users enter data into the system.

You may begin considering the full scope of your project by implementing a digital strategy. Also, check your anticipated costs and timing as you proceed. You can commit to a schedule or budget to address pain problems hastily and effectively. 

Experts provide accurate projections based on the particular circumstances of your business and industry standards. They know what is trending in the market and how other businesses in your industry address their demands for digital business solutions.

2023 Trends: Remove Human Error with Oracle and 3rd Party  ERP Tools

by Sophia Riley | May 2, 2023 | ERP

Accessing quality data is advantageous for all enterprises because inaccurate facts and inadequate information hamper prudent decision-making. It results in the wastage of resources, a decline in revenue, poor customer service, and wrong projections. Annually organizations incur millions in costs resulting from imperfect data. 

Read on to learn more about mistakes staff will likely make when using ERP systems, look at possible solutions, and recommend third-party tools for your business.

Improved ERP processes and technology prevent insufficient data.

ERP system integration enhances data quality by eliminating human error, which can be costly to businesses. Making mistakes is easy during data entry: it may be incorrect number typing, entering values in a wrong field, or omitting information. 

Complex systems will make ERP data processing much harder. One of the digital transformation trends in 2023 is integrating data processing tools as businesses attempt to enhance the process and data quality. Technology and digitization will aid in reducing human errors. 

Best Practices for ERP Data to Reduce Errors

Utilize ERP Features and Expertise

Businesses must adopt emerging technical data solutions to address issues brought on by outdated procedures. Manual processes encourage human mistakes, and repetitive tasks can lead to errors. If programs do not integrate, they are less valuable. Businesses may manage and exchange all digital data operations with the aid of contemporary ERP solutions, and there is a need for additional tools.

Working with an ERP professional when looking for a technological solution to find the best way to improve data quality is critical.

Cut down on manual data entry  

Data input errors arise when done manually, and businesses must automate as many ERP data procedures as possible. Still, It’s best to input as little as possible using the Oracle system. 

Making data more accessible to the end user is a fundamental benefit of ERP integration.  Digital tools make data from across the businesses readily available to staff and management.

Data Pre-Validation  

Pre-validation technologies work to reduce the likelihood that incorrect data will enter your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, which might reduce your company’s productivity, data accuracy, and ability to make decisions.

When an issue happens, users must immediately know where it is and how to correct it. The program provides immediate error notifications and recommends the best action. Ensure the oAppsNET notifies you in real time for flagged errors.  

Automation

Copying and pasting or typing data manually between systems tends to be slow and error-prone. Instead, businesses may use automation to save time and improve accuracy.

Pitfalls of ERP Data Processing Tools that Affect Accuracy

Oracle has several incorporated tools for data management. However, users may find it lacking because they are challenging to use and navigate, which increases the likelihood of mistakes and incorrect data entry into your ERP system. Here are some of the pitfalls; 

Forms 

Data filling on Oracle forms is exhausting and repetitious. The data is separated into many formats, making the interface unsuitable for bulk data extraction or input. Form parts must be filled out manually and slowly by users. The intricate arrangement of the Oracle forms makes the entire procedure error-prone.

WebADI (Oracle E-Business Suite)

Most users cannot customize spreadsheet layouts using WebADI’s complicated user interface. Instead, users must browse enormous sheets stuffed with pointless fields, which leaves a lot of chances for error. Additionally, to prevent data loss when customizing layouts may require you to call an expert technician for maintenance and patching. 

FBDI (Fusion Cloud Applications)

FBDI templates lack a straightforward mechanism to input data sets as they can be ambiguous and inconsistent. Linking many spreadsheets together is necessary to load numerous parts of data. Users must compare the Excel sheet with feedback on errors with the presentation in another document making it difficult to interpret and to make changes. Pre-validation of the data is also not possible.

ADFdi (Fusion Cloud Applications)

ADFdi is easier to use than FBDI. However, it only has a few applications. Users can only view a single field at any moment, and there is no option to view every detail of a chunk of data simultaneously. Catching faults is less probable with this constrained viewpoint. 

An External Tool for Better ERP Data Processing

oAppsNET software is a viable solution for users worldwide and many businesses. It seamlessly connects with the Oracle system, enabling users to create and update ERP data using spreadsheets from Microsoft. Oracle ERP data management is made simple and error rates significantly reduce using oAppsNET software. 

Users of oAppsNET can access all of Excel’s features, such as formulae, predefined values, and copy & paste. Users may eliminate many laborious, tedious, and error-prone components of maintaining Oracle data. Spreadsheets are readily customizable to display pertinent columns, minimizing confusion and mistakes while handling information for Oracle ERP. 

Oracle components like search buttons, dropdown options, and timestamps within the spreadsheet aid in maintaining accurate data. Businesses enhance data quality further by pre-validation before uploading and real-time error reporting. The oAppsNET program identifies each inaccuracy in the datasheet. It provides users with specific warnings detailing how to correct errors so they can proceed quickly and effectively.

Users may immediately evaluate the modifications in Oracle after importing data or exporting tasks directly to the worksheet to ensure users make all necessary changes. Instead of viewing a single item at a time, users of oAppsNET may view multiple data fields simultaneously. 

These capabilities aid in returning data control and ownership to company owners using oAppsNET solutions. Teams may increase accuracy and reduce reliance on IT by spotting and fixing problems as they happen. 

The Final Thoughts

Companies may eliminate manual data entry and improve the process by utilizing oAppsNET. The tool automates procedures, significantly enhancing data quality. More outstanding reporting, insights, and decision-making result from superb data quality.

Everyone benefits from this as it saves time tracking errors and correcting them, freeing your team members from tedious data input responsibilities. 

Learn how the data loading tools from oAppsNET will improve the correctness of your ERP data. Contact a specialist immediately to discuss your requirements and request a free trial.

ERP Implementation Strategies

by Sophia Riley | Apr 18, 2023 | ERP

The preparation, configuration, customization, and deployment of an ERP system affect all areas of any organization, including production, human resources, supply chain and finance. 

It is vital to consult the key stakeholders when implementing ERP systems and other digital tools to prepare the organization for the changes. Several elements influence the plan for an enterprise resource planning software deployment and timeline for implementation. Here are some factors to help decide which approach is best for enterprises across industries;  

• Size of the business 
• Number of outlets
• The complexity of company procedures
• Number of third-party programs
• Number of personnel
• Industry type and organizational structure
• Personalization
• Master and transactional data transfer

ERP installations can take a few months to years, depending on the chosen implementation strategy and the nature of business operations. The success relies on selecting the best ERP partners, creating an extensively researched project strategy, and appropriate resource allocations, irrespective of the completion date.

Every ERP deployment has three key pillars: 

• Technology
• Process
• People 

Most ERP installation failures result from poor resource management, planning, and risk management. Malfunctions can disrupt crucial business operations, which may overpower an IT team’s capacity for evaluating risks and making effective change management. 

An awareness of the linkages between the three key pillars involved will determine ERP integration. 

The implementation tactics are essential for effective ERP deployments.

You can choose from tested methods for switching or upgrading enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms: each has its pros and cons. 

The outcome hinge on the stakeholders’ collaboration toward a common objective and desire for corporate success.

Let us look at four implementation techniques: 

1. Big Bang strategy 

The ERP implementation strategy entails a company transitioning from its current outdated system to a revolutionary alternative all at once. The big-bang technique could lower the expenses of integration and involve a simultaneous transition to a new framework for everything. 

A business sets a date for switching to the new system and must finish all integration work before going live. It includes system configuration, data organization, personnel training, and setup tasks. The big-bang method demands numerous resources to help with the transition, making businesses in some sectors hesitant to employ it. 

Advantages

• Reduced installation timeframe
• Compared to alternative deployment strategies, it is a cheaper option. 
• The roll-out occurs according to a scheduled go-live date,
• Users undergo training before the ERP system integration completion. 

Disadvantages

• With the haste to modify the entire operation, it is easy to miss some details.
• Employees must familiarize themselves with the new system before the planned deployment date.
• Falling back to a previous system is not an option.
• A breakdown in one region might impact other parts of the system.
• Performance may decline upon deployment. 

2. Phased roll-out strategy: 

In this method, the ERP system’s components deployment is one at a time, progressively substituting the previous system. For instance, a business with many locations may implement an updated ERP solution one place at a time. 

The phased roll-out strategy has a negligible effect on the firm. Its primary benefit is providing users additional time to learn and adapt to a new system. It allows for gradually replacing outdated systems instead of a total overhaul. Depending on business units, system components, and geographical locations, it would help evaluate each deployment phase. 

Advantages 

• Insights the team learns during the initial phases are advantageous to future phased roll-outs.
• There is enough time for changes to the scheduled roll-out.
• Users have a longer duration to accustom themselves to the new system. The project implementation team practice practices the approach in preparation for later roll-out stages
• It is a systematic implementation strategy
• It has a lower risk.  

Cons

• It involves continuous change across a longer time frame
• If necessary, returning to the past system becomes more challenging.
• Management must find solutions to problems during the implementation to enable the roll-out.
• Personnel experience work-related tiredness
• has an extended deployment period
• It delays system integration for the entire business process.
• Possibility of increased integration complexity
• Interface software would require more technological resources. 

3. The parallel adoption strategy

Involves running the older system with the newly installed one side by side for a period after the ERP deployment. The duration of both operating concurrently might be anywhere from a day up to weeks or a few months. 

The Parallel adoption method has the benefit of offering an insurance policy if anything goes amiss. Business processes won’t be affected if the recently installed ERP system malfunctions. This method provides statistical comparisons which help verify that the new ERP system is carrying out the required functions. This approach works best in extremely important circumstances that cannot withstand a significant ERP system failure. 

Advantages 

• Reduces migration and data integrity problems
• The risk is medium.
• Helps consumers feel more confident using the new system 

Disadvantages

• Data double-keying requires a lot of manual effort.
• More potential for error
• Increased likelihood of higher costs 

4. Hybrid Adoption Approach: 

The method incorporates the three previous approaches: phased, big bang, and parallel implementation strategies. 

Several hybrid tactics are used based on the business’s type and scale. Small to medium-sized businesses with limited locations often employ straightforward hybrid deployment tactics, but large companies may need more intricate deployment strategies for a successful ERP system integration.

Advantages

• Enhanced ERP implementation controls
• Medium risk

Disadvantages

• Execution is expensive
• A lengthy process
• It may jeopardize the complete integration outcome.

Tips for ERP Integration Strategies

The method of ERP adoption can be long; therefore, choosing the best technique is essential. All stakeholders will see a significant improvement in the business operations, ensuring a return on investment. 

It is easier and faster to complete the process if you develop standard procedures in the industry. Most importantly, partner with an established and reputable firm for implementation. 

A clear ERP implementation plan and communication method are critical for the project’s success. By doing so, the migration to advanced technologies will head in the correct direction and cut implementation expenses. 

An ERP specialist will help you identify your unique system requirements and aid with customization to your company’s needs. They assist in identifying crucial features for company growth and guarantee ultimate system performance. 

Supply Chain Deficiencies and Accounting Automation

by Jose Jimenez | Jan 20, 2022 | ERP

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The accounts payable department in a business refers to the work where you pay your suppliers and, in turn, receive the products to put up in your store. Any pending payments, any discounts to be availed, and all the paperwork associated with your accounts belong to the AP department.

Source: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/11/how-to-stop-supply-chain-issues-disrupting-the-economic-recovery/

While the supply chain involves a lot more than the scope of this article, any disruption in the supply of products or the selling of these products will lead to a disruption in the accounts department of your business. This article will highlight how the ongoing supply chain crisis affects your AP department.

Delay in payment

With the advent of the pandemic, every industry has seen a huge shift in the supply and demand of products. The clearest of them all is in the sanitation industry. While people used to buy sanitary products like masks and sanitizers before the pandemic too, after the virus took effect the demand increased explosively, causing there to be excess demand and inadequate supply. Due to this break in the supply chain in various such sectors, many big companies have started delaying their payment to their suppliers.

These delays in payments are nowadays extended to over 90-120 days, which is a very long time to go without any payment. Such actions affect the trust between you and the supplier and also adversely affect your AP department. Backlogs in such payments can increase the workload and the paper load in the accounts department.

Additional Financial Costs

When there is a shortage of a certain product, like we have seen a lot during the first wave of the infamous CoVID-19 pandemic, it is often followed by inflation. This isn’t just at the retailer to the consumer level but also at the distributor to supplier level. This means that if you want quick and immediate services, you often will have to pay a lot extra. These financial costs are not just damaging your business, but your accounts department too.

If you have automated your AP workflow, there are certain values you might have entered for the cost of certain products. You’ll have to overwrite all the costs that you have fed in, which is a huge hassle. It is even harder if you are doing the work manually, you’ll have to account for every last penny that is being spent in the company.

Subpar product quality

As demand increases, production will also increase. However, keep in mind that all the processes are facing an increasing shortage of raw material or the supply of the same. Due to this, the product quality is affected gravely. Any form of marketing or branding falls short of making the product successful if you don’t have the quality to back it up. The products that are being made after the pandemic have defects, which disappoint the retailers, which ultimately adds up to the supply chain.

Any form of defect in the product means that it will be returned or scrapped, both of which incur losses in the ledger of the company. This ledger is then overlooked by the accounts payable department, which has to look at all the payments that have to be made to the vendors and suppliers. This is also a matter of goodwill between you and the vendor.

Difficulty in accessing capital

Many small businesses find it difficult to access their capital in the middle of such a supply chain crisis. They find it difficult to pay basic bills like electricity or water bills and to top it all off there is a shortage of products. This causes the capital to diminish at a faster pace causing the business to see many ups and downs. This supply chain crisis has been affecting everyone adversely, especially the businesses that had been steadily growing before the lockdown.

The accounts payable departments of these businesses have been growing too, considering that they haven’t been dealing with big amounts of money. This means that due to the excessive workload these businesses are facing, they have been suppressed and haven’t been growing well. Capital has been a problem for many startups, due to which many people have been facing a great deal of stress.

Endangering goodwill

The goodwill between the business and the supplier is a very pristine relationship that should not be broken in any situation. However, this supply chain crisis puts this goodwill between a rock and a hard place. Suppliers find it hard to supply the product to the retailers on time, while the business people find it hard to pay off the money on time. Due to this, the accounts payable department also faces many mishaps; the entire money is put on hold, the paperwork increases, and the workload gets stressful. This also adversely affects the AP workflow.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Back To The Office: Deep Thoughts With Your ERP

by Jose Jimenez | Jun 8, 2021 | ERP

Let’s face it–nothing’s more off-putting than when you go to a family gathering and some relative comes up to you and says, “Oh, that’s you….yes….I forgot who you were….you look so different now.” If we’re not careful, we’re going to have that same “moment” with our own workplaces as we start to transition back to in-person office life. It also means that you’ll need to do some reflection on employee roles and potentially think about doing some recalibration and/or retraining.

Network concept, digitally generated image

Let’s think about what that might look like if you have an enterprise resource planning system (ERP). Whether you’re new to the ERP game or trying to make your current setup more efficient, right now is the absolute best time to remember how to have successful ERPs whether it’s pre or post-pandemic.

For a successful ERP, you’ll need to reflect on four key questions (although the first one’s a bit of a two-parter):

1. Who’s on our team and where can I set them up for success?
2. What’s the best ERP solution for the company?
3. Who’s the best vendor that will help me implement my ERP?
4. What should the official roles be for the members of our ERP team?

Who’s on our team and how I can set them up for success?

If you had the time to study some of the best managers regardless of whatever field they’re in, you’ll find a common bond pretty quickly–they know who they have and where they belong.

Before you even pick an ERP, you need to have a solid idea of the strengths and weaknesses of your team. Take this information with you to the marketplace once it’s time to go searching for your new system. Let those strengths and weaknesses guide your selection.

What’s the best ERP solution for the company?

Armed with the knowledge you found from the previous question, you are now making nearly the most informed decision possible as you select the best ERP solution. However, you can make this decision even MORE of a slam dunk if you consider the size of your business.
Think about which of these three most sounds like your business:
Small Business: Very few employees, most of your customer base is local, basic bookkeeping programs are plenty sufficient for your needs.
Medium Business: Several employees, growth has been quick, overseeing the addition of new employees has been more difficult when using procedures that worked as a small business
Large Business: Extremely high number of employees, a large customer base that reaches nationwide or even globally, many sophisticated needs occurring simultaneously

There are plenty of ERPs that can be tailored to business size. Consider that benefit when making your choice. You might even build some more goodwill with your team by asking for their input on the decision, too.

Who’s the best vendor that will help me implement my ERP?

Just like the previous question, there are lots of options. However, while we must admit we are biased, we’re big fans of our friends clocking in at #2 on this menu of vendors here.

Rely on the expertise of your vendor for a seamless transition.

What should the official roles be for our ERP team?

Depending on the needs of your business, these roles will vary significantly. However, we recommend thinking about these roles that will likely be critical for the success of any business:

The “Manager”–this is the person who makes all of the overall final decisions on anything ERP-related. They should be skilled at soliciting input from other team members and communicating their own ideas to the rest of the team.

The “Implementer”--this is the person who will oversee the implementation of the ERP and organize training as necessary. They should have substantial knowledge of ERP vendors and how to work with them.

The “Expert”–this is the person who acts as your go-to member for all questions tech-related. Having more than one person in this role can be very successful, too, especially if your company is large and/or you want to provide more leadership opportunities for your brightest stars.

The “Reps”–these will be people who represent their various departments. They should be people who can communicate their own teams’ most immediate unique needs as they relate to ERP matters.

The “Writer”–this person will be your master at organizing information and relaying it back to the rest of the team. ERPs are complex systems with lots of moving parts. You’ll need someone who knows how to articulate everything that’s going on but in a way that everyone can understand.

So there’s a quick guide to get you started. As with any big decision, reflection and contemplation are critical. Bring your team members into the process, and let us know how it’s going on our social media pages!

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