3.12 ERP, CRM, SAAS
v Enterprise Software:
Ø ERP (Enterprise Resource
Planning) software modules are integrated components that manage specific
business processes within a single, centralized system, offering benefits like
streamlined operations, improved data accuracy, and real time visibility across
the enterprise.
Ø Basic modules often include
Financial Management, which handles accounting and financial reporting; Human
Resources (HR), for managing personnel; Procurement, for purchasing goods and
services; and Supply Chain Management, which tracks goods from suppliers to
customers.
Ø The core benefit of an ERP
system is its unified platform that automates processes, reduces errors and
redundancies, and provides crucial data for strategic decision making.
Common Basic ERP Modules
·
Financial
Management:
Manages accounting, accounts payable and receivable, financial reporting, and
overall cash flow.
·
Human
Resources (HR)/Human Capital Management: Handles payroll, employee data, talent
management, and other HR functions.
·
Procurement: Manages the purchasing of goods
and services from suppliers.
·
Supply
Chain Management: Oversees
the flow of goods from suppliers through manufacturing to customers.
·
Inventory
Management:
Automates inventory tracking, reduces handling costs, and optimizes stock
levels.
·
Customer
Relationship Management (CRM): While sometimes a frontoffice tool, it's integrated into ERPs
to provide a holistic view of customer interactions and sales.
Key Benefits of ERP Modules: -
·
Streamlined
Operations:
Automates workflows and integrates business processes across different
departments, leading to increased efficiency.
·
Enhanced
Data Accuracy:
Creates a single, unified database, eliminating data inconsistencies and
reducing errors.
·
Real
time Visibility:
Provides a centralized dashboard with real time data, giving leaders an
instant, enterprise-wide view of operations and performance.
·
Improved
Decision Making:
Delivers accurate, upto date data for better strategic planning and informed
decision making.
·
Reduced
Costs:
Simplifies IT infrastructure by replacing multiple systems with one, lowering
maintenance and support costs.
·
Better
Communication:
Fosters seamless communication and collaboration between departments by
breaking down information silos.
v
CRM: Customer interaction
management: -
Ø Customer Relationship Management
(CRM) is a business strategy and technology driven approach that focuses on
building, managing, and improving interactions with customers.
Ø It involves collecting, storing,
and analyzing customer data to strengthen relationships, improve customer
satisfaction, and increase business profitability.
Ø CRM is supported by specialized
software systems that integrate sales, marketing, and customer service
functions into one platform.
Ø The importance of CRM lies in
its ability to transform raw customer information into actionable insights.
Ø For example, businesses can
track customer purchase history, preferences, and feedback, which helps in
designing personalized marketing campaigns, offering relevant products, and
improving after sales support. This leads to higher customer loyalty, repeat
purchases, and long-term profitability.
Ø CRM not only improves efficiency
but also builds trust and long-lasting relationships, giving businesses a
competitive edge in today’s customer centric marketplace.
Features of CRM Software: -
1.
Customer
Data Management: -
Stores detailed information about customers such as contact details, purchase
history, and preferences.
2.
Sales
and Marketing Automation:
- Helps in tracking leads, sending promotional emails, and managing campaigns.
3.
Customer
Support: - Provides
helpdesk and ticketing systems to resolve customer queries efficiently.
4.
Analytics
and Reporting: - Generates
insights about customer behavior, sales trends, and performance metrics.
5.
Integration: - Connects with other
applications like ERP, social media, and ecommerce platforms.
Benefits of CRM Software in Business:
·
Builds
stronger customer relationships by offering personalized experiences.
·
Increases
sales by identifying opportunities and automating follow-ups.
·
Enhances
customer service through quick response and problem resolution.
·
Improves
decision making using real time data analysis.
·
Supports
customer retention with loyalty programs and feedback management.
v DBMS: Use cases in business
operations: -
Ø
A
Database Management System (DBMS) is software that enables the creation,
organization, retrieval, and management of data in a structured way.
Ø
In
modern businesses, data is considered a critical asset, and DBMS plays a
central role in storing and processing this data efficiently.
Role of DBMS in Business
Operations:
1.
Centralized
Data Management:
-DBMS stores data in one place, reducing duplication and inconsistencies.
2.
Data
Security and Integrity:
-Ensures authorized access, backups, and recovery.
3.
Efficient
Decision Making:
-Provides tools for data analysis, reporting, and forecasting.
4.
Scalability: -Handles growing volumes of
data as business expands.
Use Cases of DBMS in Business:
·
Banking
& Finance:
DBMS is used to maintain customer accounts, transactions, loan records, and
fraud detection systems. For example, every ATM transaction is recorded and
updated in real time.
·
Retail
& Ecommerce:
Businesses like Amazon use DBMS to track inventory, process orders, manage
product catalogs, and analyze customer buying patterns.
·
Healthcare: Hospitals use DBMS to manage
patient records, treatment histories, billing, and scheduling.
·
Human
Resource Management (HRM):
Companies maintain employee databases for payroll, attendance, and performance
management.
·
Supply
Chain Management (SCM):
DBMS supports tracking of goods from suppliers to customers, ensuring timely
deliveries.
v Software as a Service (SaaS):
Ø Software as a Service (SaaS) is
a cloud-based software delivery model in which applications are hosted by a
service provider and made available to customers over the internet.
Ø Instead of installing and
maintaining software on individual computers or servers, businesses can access
applications through a web browser by paying a subscription fee.
Ø Examples include Google
Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Zoom.
Features of SaaS:
1. OnDemand Access: Applications are available
anytime, anywhere through the internet.
2. Subscription Based Pricing: Users pay monthly or annually
rather than purchasing licenses upfront.
3. Automatic Updates: The service provider manages
upgrades and patches without user intervention.
4. Scalability: Resources and services can be
scaled up or down easily depending on business needs.
5. Multi Tenancy: A single instance of the
software serves multiple customers securely.
Benefits of SaaS in Business:
·
Cost
Efficiency:
Reduces expenses on hardware, software licenses, and IT maintenance.
·
Flexibility: Employees can work remotely and
collaborate in real time.
·
Faster
Deployment:
SaaS applications are ready to use immediately without lengthy installations.
·
Enhanced
Collaboration:
Tools like Google Docs or Microsoft Teams support teamwork and communication.
·
Focus
on Core Business:
IT teams spend less time managing software and more time on strategic tasks.