The 4 benefits of an ERP open to the outside world

Today, a materials trader can no longer rely on just one tool to manage his business. CRM for customer relations, ERP for operational management, inventory management software, specific estimator solutions… You are familiar with all these tools and they are even essential for you to guarantee your performance. But navigating from one to the other has its share of drawbacks: loss of time, double entries, lack of visibility…

The solution: bet on business software, open and able to interconnect with other solutions in your ecosystem. We then speak of interoperability. Focus on 4 benefits of an open business ERP.

1. Save time everyday ⏳

To fully understand the benefits of a Business ERP open, you have to know what you’re talking about. Interoperability is the ability of a computer system to adapt and communicate with other independent systems. By being compatible, the various systems operate in a network and this facilitates the transfer of data from one tool to another. To achieve this, an API (Application Programming Interface) is used: it is a standardized and documented software interface that makes it possible to offer a set of services to other software for exchanging data and features.

The time saving is therefore significant: an ERP for materials trading interconnected with your various business solutions makes it possible to speed up the transmission of information, guarantee the reliability of the data while facilitating its use for your employees. No more risk of errors or loss of information, automated tasks thanks to tools that work together… You save time while gaining agility and performance.

2. Take advantage of a scalable solution 📈

The API operation of your materials trading software is to be considered as a set of “bricks” each with their own utility. An interconnected ecosystem thus makes it possible to add bricks or “modules” according to one’s needs, to take advantage of a truly adapted management solution.

The scalable aspect of your ERP is crucial: there is no point in investing in a cumbersome solution, which integrates functionalities that you will never use. The advantage of open source software lies both in controlling your investment and in supporting your growth, at your own pace.

3. Benefit from expert and specialized tools 🎯

A 3rd reason why your ERP must be open to other systems: the ability to rely on partners who are experts in their areas of expertise. 3D software for kitchen plans, estimator specializing in door frames, measurement software, outsourced accounting… The performance of each of its tools depends on the expertise of the designer-publisher. With an open ERP, you benefit from professional solutions, specialized but connected to a global management software.

On the market, more and more independent traders are joining building materials groups. With the rise of e-commerce, these groups are offering their own web solutions, with the need to keep control of the tools shared by members. However, for a materials trade, the e-commerce platform must be interconnected with its stock management software. He must be able to digest the data transmitted, to integrate them in his operation and the operational of the company. Hence the importance of an open ecosystem: via the API, the group’s marketplace and the trader’s ERP are constantly interconnected.

4. Simplify implementations 👍

In general, the operation by API and the opening of the systems makes it possible to gain in autonomy. Open management software is often standardized and documented: any partner wishing to interface with the solution can rely on this documentation and develop its service without this requiring additional developments or heavy intervention by the initial publisher.

An open ERP greatly simplifies the various steps implemented. From implementation to day-to-day use, including getting started by employees or integrating a new service, everything is made easier by opening the software.

This operation also promotes the acceleration of the marketing of new solutions that can benefit the materials trader. By allowing tools to interconnect with the ERP database, the time to market is reduced, promoting innovation in the sector at the service of users.

Beyond the need to rely on an open ERP to be more efficient, be aware that API-based systems are a step towards the Cloud. With interoperable Saas software (Software as a service: this is software installed on remote servers rather than on the user’s machine), you facilitate your access to a substantial catalog of solutions and software bricks. Agenda for scheduling your deliveries, mapping tool for your rounds, planning, team messaging, PIM, GED, CRM… There are a number of restricted components or complete solutions to further professionalize your activity. For a publisher today, the API is an essential trajectory to move towards public hosting.