Page 57 - MetalForming August 2014

aggregating numerous datapoints into displays that use colors, gauges, graphs and other visual representations. Use this aggregated data to display for man- agers trends, averages, unusual results, compliance with goals or expectations, and other actionable information. These ERP dashboards represent real- time visualizations of data with pre- built performance indicators.
Go mobile. Companies must obtain instant access to relevant production, shipping, quality and financial infor- mation, whether in the field, at a cus- tomer site, on an offsite assignment or anywhere else away from the office. Today’s ERP systems must offer enhanced mobile connectivity for on- the-go responsiveness at all levels. Func- tion-specific applications for mobile devices make internal operations such as finance, purchasing, service and sales management, more efficient.
When evaluating ERP systems, com- pare how effectively each system can deliver mobile access to BI reporting.
TECHNOLOGY
features. Many vendors let users oper- ate entirely within the ERP system, linking them in real time to colleagues, supply- chain partners and cus- tomers without having to switch applications. Also be on the lookout for inte- grated ERP workflow tools to automate business process- es. For example, some sys- tems can auto- matically route documents throughout the organization, ensuring infor- mation stays up to date, shortening the lifecy- cle of more lengthy manual processes, creating workflow tasks for users, initiating approvals for workflow steps, tracking individual workflow docu- ments and assigning e-mail notification for workflow steps. MF
INFORMATION
Mobility-enhanced interfaces will continue to drive ERP vendors to add innovations in this area.
MANAGEMENT
Look for collabora-
tion. Consider ERP sys-
tems that incorporate
engagement, collaboration and busi- ness conversations into the ERP user interface via real-time chat and related
DEVELOPMENT
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SOFTWARE
INTERNET
ANALYSIS