Enterprise resource planning software has helped a wide array of organizations improve both their productivity and profitability. These software solutions allow decision-makers to peel back the curtain on operational processes and uncover ways to make improvements within an organization from the top down.

However, like most technology, ERP platforms are evolving. Now, vendors are creating their solutions with ease of use and engagement in mind. This is one of the reasons why mobile ERP functionalities are in increasingly higher demand.

There are several reasons for this. However, the biggest could be the implementation of bring your own device policies that many companies have begun employing. BYOD essentially means that organizations allow employees to user their personal mobile devices for business purposes. This lowers overhead by eliminating the need to buy these gadgets for workers to use. In addition, BYOD capitalizes on the familiarity that people already have with the devices they own as opposed to forcing them to learn something new.

As such, companies that already have an ERP system in place, as well as those considering installing the software, are inquiring more about mobile options offered by vendors. According to the ERP Software Blog, platforms that support the use of tablets and smartphones offer organizations a wide range of benefits.

Most importantly is that mobile ERP will help a company improve the relationship it has with its existing customer base by providing them with critical information that they deem relevant. In addition, by allowing staff members to have access to an ERP system using a tablet or smartphone, this puts an organization at a supreme advantage over its competitors that are not using systems that have mobile integration.

When considering an ERP platform that offers users access to the system via mobile, decision-makers should keep several factors in mind before settling on a choice.

Choosing the right mobile ERP solution
When exploring ERP software packages that support mobile devices, Enterprise Apps Today offered a number of suggestions that companies may find helpful.

For starters, vendors should have platforms that makes delivering a positive user experience a priority, the website wrote. However, it’s important for companies to set expectations for staff members and inform them of what the experience will be like using a mobile device to engage with an ERP system. There will be times when the completion of certain processes can be slower or require more steps than others. However, the integration of mobile will certainly make their day-to-day tasks easier to accomplish.

Another consideration that needs to be taken into account is connectivity. If a user isn’t able to engage with the ERP system using a mobile device, this can quickly lead to frustration. Organizations should consult with their information technology departments to assess the available options that will make connectivity a non-issue. Another factor related to workers being able to adequately engage with the ERP software using a mobile device is the number of people requiring mobile access. Generally speaking, the more users there are, the greater the impact on being able to adequately interact with the system. Typically this means that connections may be slower. It’s important for companies to only provide those who will need to use their mobile devices the most with the ability to engage with the platform effectively.

Mobile will continue to reshape the enterprise resource planning software sector and more companies will demand this functionality from the vendors they work with. Expect software manufacturers to invest significant revenue into meeting the needs of their clients who desire to have smartphone and tablet functionality as part of their solution.