How to Use Mobile ERP Apps

Last Updated: October 19th, 2023
Researched and Written by: Sydney Hoffman

Mobile ERP is a software platform that allows users to access and manage their ERP software from mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. You can use a mobile ERP app in six steps:

  1. Download and install the app on your mobile device
  2. Log in using your ERP credentials
  3. Tap on the specific module or function you need, like sales or inventory
  4. Customize notifications and alerts for critical tasks or updates
  5. Utilize tools like search, filters, and reporting
  6. Log out of the app to protect your ERP data

What Are ERP Mobile Solutions?

Mobile ERP solutions are digital platforms offering ERP features tailored for mobile devices. They’re accessible via the cloud. They also ensure real-time synchronization with an organization’s core system for on-the-go access.

Core features include:

  • Mobile Modules: These modules are optimized for smaller screens, ensuring a user-friendly experience that doesn’t compromise on functionality. Specialized features cater to tasks commonly executed outside the office. For instance, a field agent might use a mobile module to record service completion or check the next assignment.

  • Notifications and Alerts: Mobile ERP apps often feature real-time notifications and alerts, ensuring users are immediately informed about critical updates or tasks. Whether it’s stock that’s running low or a task nearing its deadline, mobile ERP apps provide instant alerts to prevent oversights.

  • Secure Access: Data transferred between the mobile device and the central system is encrypted, preventing unauthorized interceptions. Many mobile ERP solutions incorporate additional layers of security, such as biometrics or OTPs, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the data.

Read more: The Best Mobile ERP Apps Guide

Can We Use ERP on Mobile?

Yes, ERP systems can be accessed and utilized through mobile devices. Many ERP providers now offer mobile apps or responsive web designs optimized for mobile use. This has revolutionized the way businesses access and manage their data.

  • Device Compatibility: Mobile ERP solutions are designed to be compatible with various mobile devices, from smartphones to tablets. They’re developed with an understanding of the nuances between different operating systems, like iOS, Android, and even less common platforms like Windows Mobile or BlackBerry OS. This ensures optimal performance regardless of the chosen device.

  • User-friendly Interface: With simplified designs, mobile ERP apps aim to declutter the user space, making navigation straightforward. Recognizing the varying screen sizes and resolutions, these apps employ responsive designs. This ensures that regardless of whether you use a compact smartphone or a larger tablet, the display adjusts for optimal viewing.

  • Seamless Synchronization: Changes made on the mobile app reflect in real-time in the central ERP system. Recognizing that users might not always have access to stable internet, many ERP mobile apps allow offline work. Once reconnected, they synchronize the offline changes, ensuring no data loss.

NetSuite Mobile App Dashboard
NetSuite’s mobile dashboard depicts user-defined KPIs.

Why is Mobile ERP Important?

Mobile ERP systems are essential for their variety of benefits:

  • Real-Time Decision Making: Real-time access to data, particularly when away from a conventional office setup, helps executives make informed decisions. Mobile ERP provides instant access to vital data such as sales figures, inventory status, and customer feedback, regardless of physical location.

  • Increased Productivity and Efficiency: Mobile features streamline operations by minimizing delays and reducing manual input. For example, field agents can update the database instantly with mobile ERP, allowing headquarters to quickly use the new data to speed up processes like inventory management and invoice generation.

  • Enhancing Customer Service: ERP systems with mobile access allow businesses to respond to customer inquiries and orders swiftly. With access to real-time data, support agents can address queries, track orders, and resolve issues, often exceeding clients’ expectations.

  • Fostering Scalability and Flexibility: Evolving alongside companies, mobile ERP provides a scalable operational backbone. It adapts to increased data and processes, managing more customer information and sales data. Mobile ERP systems can be customized or expanded to handle this additional data complexity.

  • Ensuring Business Continuity: Through risk management features, mobile ERP plays a pivotal role in mitigating risks and minimizing downtime. These features include risk management, predictive maintenance, and data backup features. These enable firms to anticipate issues, create contingency plans, and protect against unexpected disruptions.

Who Uses Mobile ERP Systems?

A wide range of professionals and businesses uses mobile ERP systems:

  • Executives: Top-tier executives like CEOs, CFOs, and CIOs use mobile ERP to tap into instantaneous insights regarding company performance. Whether it’s tracking quarterly sales, monitoring cash flow, or assessing inventory turnover, the data is just a tap away.

  • Sales Professionals: With access to real-time inventory data, sales representatives can assure clients about product availability and delivery timelines. Many mobile ERP systems integrate with CRM modules, allowing sales personnel to swiftly update client interactions, track leads, and forecast sales trends.

  • Field Agents: Professionals such as service technicians or delivery personnel use mobile ERP to update job status, check schedules, or access client information on the go. Mobile ERP systems can provide optimized routes for delivery personnel or traveling technicians, helping save time and reduce fuel costs.

  • Remote Workers: As remote work becomes more prevalent, mobile ERP ensures these workers stay connected to the company’s core operations. Features like chat, video conferencing, and shared task boards allow remote workers to collaborate seamlessly with their colleagues.

In a world increasingly dominated by mobile technology, ERP solutions tailored for mobile use are no longer just an advantage; they are essential. By integrating mobile ERP systems into their operations, businesses can stay agile, informed, and ready to face the challenges of the modern marketplace.

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