Every growing company gets to a point where spreadsheets no longer allow for operational efficiency. In such cases, most companies begin to consider ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems to help solve their data collection, organization, and interpretation operations. No doubt, ERP is an intensive process that needs careful planning with monitored management. ERP systems change the entire procedure of a business. While ERP has many benefits, it also comes with a huge price tag. But there is a better solution for companies that are looking for a less expensive, and more flexible approach.

Who Uses ERP?

ERP helps businesses across every industry. Some of them include;

• Advertising and digital media
• Apparel, footwear and accessories
• Campus stores
• Consulting
• Education
• Energy
• Financial services
• Food and beverage
• Health and beauty
• Healthcare and life sciences
• IT services
• Manufacturing
• Media and publishing
• Nonprofit
• Professional services
• Restaurants and hospitality
• Retail
• Software and technology
• Transportation and logistics
• Wholesale distribution

What are some of the challenges with Enterprise Resource Planning?

The application of ERP is geared towards automating a business process while providing controls through a centralized database that collects data from all company departments to provide clear insights. ERP allows decision-making in businesses to be more efficient since the information needed is collected across all departments and then connected to a centralized source. ERP also reduces the challenge of getting every stakeholder in different departments to be on the same page with up-to-date insights. However, implementing ERP systems has its challenges which are;

Deciding which business process needs to be automated

Every company works with functionalities and processes across every department. One of the challenges involved in determining which of these processes to be integrated. Too many processes mean longer implementation time and incurred costs.

Lack of flexibility

Just as mentioned earlier, implementing ERPs in a company can change operational processes due to a lack of flexibility. This also insinuates that after an ERP implementation, more resources are needed to reorganize and retrain team members to adapt to the new process. This proves more difficult if team members are resistant to change

High Implementation and Maintenance costs

Every ERP system needs maintenance, and upgrades and they all come with costs. Most companies are aware of these costs which can be hidden even if the cost of starting out is low. Other challenges include;

• Selecting Right Vendor
• Top Management Approval
• Integration Process
• Appropriate Training
• Data Quality Challenge
• Hardware Requirements
• Employee retention

How is Low Code and No Code (LCNC) a better ERP alternative?

While the LCNC market is forecasted to be worth $187 billion by 2030, most businesses are yet to understand the benefits and offerings of the non-technical alternative of business automation. Simply, LCNC involves solving business processes and providing functionalities for companies without the complex technical aspects. Most businesses need extensive customization which is known to be both costly and time-consuming. The problem with customizations for businesses that opt-in for conventional ERP is the resistance to ever-changing processes and operations. This lack of flexibility forces businesses to either retain a process or spend more revenue on integrating more customizations. With LCNC options, it is easier to accelerate solutions and customizations with evolving changes.

Conventionally, an organization will need to write a code for every change in their ERP system, update operational systems, team members, and implement such changes into workflows and reporting systems. Also, it is easy to skip critical processes during such ERP integration which extends the waiting time to write new codes and implement them. This is why LCNC is better suited.

In fact, most ERP vendors are beginning to merge Low code and no code functionalities that are less technical to allow flexible change. LCNC is better adapted because a larger number of personnel will be able to tackle custom functionalities and processes with easy drag and drop features.

Are there risks associated with LCNC?

One of the problems with LCNC ERP solutions is their limitation to certain industries. Platforms that design LCNC systems design them to be intuitive to suggest workflow and customizations. However, many employers need special training on the usability of LCNC platforms. Another factor to consider with low code and no-code platforms is security. Changes that occur on such platforms can trigger a system vulnerability. This is why it is important to always check to make sure that systems remain secure during customization.

At Low Code Road, we help businesses take the first step to process integration. We walk you through the steps and ensure that all your business needs are met and optimized for better, quicker, and more efficient operational benefits. Feel free to reach out to us for more information