What are the Types of Enterprise Systems?
The different types of enterprise systems include:
- Enterprise resource planning or ERP software
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Supply chain management (SCM) software
What Are Enterprise Systems?
Enterprise systems (ES) are software applications integrating different departments, data, and workflows into a unified system. This integration gives a clear view of the entire business, helping companies make informed decisions, improve collaboration, and boost efficiency. Beyond simplifying complex operations, ESs are the force multipliers companies rely on for growth, agility, and sustainable competitive advantage.
ERP Software
ERP merges finance, HR, manufacturing, and other business tasks into a single system. This enables efficient management and real-time data access for informed decision-making. Core functionalities include:
- Financial management: Manages monetary operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, budgeting, and asset management.
- Human resource management: Oversees employee data, payroll, recruitment, benefits, training, performance evaluations, and more.
- Manufacturing and production: Manages the manufacturing process from raw material procurement to finished product storage, including quality control, production planning, and shop floor activities.
- Inventory management: Tracks products or components across multiple locations, managing stock levels, reorder points, and stock movements.
Popular ERP systems
Using an ERP like Oracle NetSuite, a food and beverage company can monitor the flow of ingredients and production schedules, manage its finances, and ensure timely distribution—all from one platform.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is one of the most popular ERP systems, holding over 30% of the ERP market share. It combines a familiar Microsoft interface with strong financial management, CRM, and supply chain management modules.
CRM Software
CRM solutions manage and analyze interactions throughout the customer lifecycle. Its goal is to improve business relationships, retain clients, and drive sales growth. It stands at the intersection of sales, marketing, and customer service.
Core functionalities include:
- Contact management: Captures basic contact details, interaction history, preferences, social media activity
- Sales management: Monitors where each lead is in the sales funnel, tracks potential sales opportunities
- Marketing automation: Automates promotional emails, social media posts, targeted marketing campaigns
- Reporting and analytics: Offers insights into sales performance, customer behavior, potential growth areas
Using a CRM, companies can track which customers show interest, who makes purchases, and who might be interested in future offers. All customer interactions, from emails to purchase history, are stored and analyzed for patterns, enabling targeted marketing and better customer service.
Popular CRM Systems
JobNimbus is one of the leading CRM systems for the construction industry. It can help contractors with sales, including lead tracking, scheduling, and estimating features.
Zoho CRM is another popular CRM system. Built for small businesses across several industries, it streamlines sales processes with a user-friendly interface and low price.
SCM Software
SCM systems oversee and manage the entire supply chain’s flow - from raw material sourcing to product delivery to the end customer.
Core functionalities include:
- Inventory management: Monitors and manages stock levels in real-time across different warehouses.
- Demand forecasting: Predicts future customer demand using historical data, market trends, and advanced algorithms.
- Supplier and vendor management: Streamlines selecting, evaluating, and monitoring suppliers and vendors.
- Procurement: Manages purchasing operations, from raising purchase orders to goods receipt.
Popular SCM Systems
Manufacturers can use Oracle SCM Cloud to monitor raw material availability, track shipments, and even forecast potential delays, ensuring production isn’t halted due to supply chain hiccups.
Blue Yonder Luminate is another leading SCM system that offers a wide range of modules, including demand management, lifecycle planning, and order fulfillment. It also has predictive analytics to help businesses like retailers forecast future sales.
