Building an edge by utilizing the Cloud ERP

With the advent of Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery model, several companies have started adding applications to the Cloud. For example, Salesforce.com was one of the early companies to offer CRM in the cloud. Open ERP also has cloud offering called “Cloud ERP” which has gained a global acceptance.

So what are the advantages of having ERP in the Cloud?

  • Cost: One of the biggest advantages of using Cloud ERP software is the cost as compared to the implementation of on premise ERP solutions. Traditional ERP systems were implemented at customer premises that required significant investments in IT infrastructure and people. With the cloud, the investment is reduced to zero. The Cloud service provider has already invested in the infrastructure and people on behalf of the customer.
  • Scalability: As the number of users of ERP keeps increasing, the customer just needs to apply for new user accounts in the cloud. He does not need to plan ahead of time in terms of hardware or architecture changes. Hence Cloud ERP is lot more scalable than on-premise ERP implementation
  • Flexibility: Good ERP software is the one which has flexibility. The cloud adds another deployment option for companies, thus making it much simpler. Cloud ERP offers on premise, hosted and hybrid options for customers.
  • Maintenance: Cloud ERP is maintained by the vendors, so there is no headache of maintenance and support. Constant support is provided by the vendor in case of any queries. Implementation time: For standard out-of-box implementations, Cloud ERP allows the customer to get started with their ERP software immediately. The lead time of implementation is zero!
  • Anywhere Access: For global companies that need their employees to access a centralized ERP software, Cloud ERP is perfect. Since the entire ERP software itself is hosted in the cloud, employees can access the ERP software from anywhere in the world.

If you have any questions or are interested in implementing cloud ERP for your organization, let us know! You can reach us using our contact form.

Best ERP for your Business

Best ERP Software

Whether it’s a growing firm or an established corporation, sooner or later every organization needs to streamline its business process. The best way to do is by means of implementing ERP system in your organization. ERP streamlines all your process like Sales, Marketing, Accounting, Purchase, Warehouse, Shipping, HR, etc. Since ERP system works closely with each and every process in your organisation it is of prime importance to choose the best ERP for your business type.

How to compare ERP solutions which fits best for your business

ERP Implementation requires various pre-implementation strategies such as selecting the open source or proprietary ERP software, vendor, selecting platform, finalizing the ERP system towards the implementation and so on. These steps need to be considered since it may help you in selecting the correct software which will be best suited to your organization.

So let’s shed some light on the key factors to be undertaken while comparing ERP software.

Key ERP Comparison Factors

There are lots of factors to be considered when you evaluate your ERP comparison; however below are the criteria you can consider:

  • Platform :

What is the platform and what is the support for this platform, both from the vendor and from your staff?

When we talk about platform, we mean operating system and database that your company will be using with the system. If you are considering windows as the operating system and MS SQL server, you are looking at very general and simple platform with many options for getting support. But, if you are looking at UNIX as your operating system and Oracle as the database platform, then you are considering more reliability.

The most recent up gradation in technology is Cloud computing. There are many players offering hosted solution. But before jumping to conclusion keep in mind that this is only hosted server, or it may be a true multi-tenant environment where upgrades are easily maintained.

  • Functionality

How do the prospective systems meet your functional requirements?

While comparing ERP’s, you must look at the functionality of the tool which will serve the purpose of ERP implementation. Some ERP solutions may need customizations to meet your organizational business processes. While comparing ERP, this point should be consider majorly since for some erp software you may have to change your existing business processes. Like in case of proprietary software such as SAP, Dynamics, Oracle, etc

  • Support

How well does the vendor’s support meet your needs?

Like in sales, it’s very important to consider after sales service before closing the sale. In similar way the support agreement is your assurance that when something goes wrong, you can count on the vendor for the support. Make a list of potential problems that you may encounter. Will you need 24 hour support? If your company has global presence then you might need 24*7 supports. But if you are single location company with 9-5 hours, then standard 12 hour support can work for you.

Next most important thing is updates, You don’t want to be a stagnant player when it comes to getting advantages by change in technology. Find out about upgrades, patches and other software enhancements. What is the standard release cycle? Is it yearly, bi-yearly, or quarterly? What will be needed from your team to make sure the system is at the latest revision?

  • Vendor’s Commitment

How true is the vendor’s management commitment to your success?

This is a bit subjective, but during your ERP comparison with the provider’s service management. Find out how committed they are to you as an individual client to ensure that you are successful. Find out how easy it is to engage the service division’s management with an escalation should you have a support issue.

  • Price

Does the price fit your budget? (Short and long-term)

Every decision is a make or break decision when it comes on pricing. Make sure that you negotiate and negotiate well. During the negotiation phase of an ERP Comparison, the vendors are often expecting to drop the prices by double-digit percentages. Don’t forget to factor in the costs of hardware and network upgrades into your budget. These can have a significant impact on your budget. Too often people only focus on the software costs and do not factor in the hardware and upgrades.

That covers up-front costs. In your ERP comparison, make sure you understand the long-term costs, including software license renewals, support renewals, and if there are any limits to the amount of price increase on the contracts.

We know how hard it is to try and make a software selection on your own, but if you want to really be successful and choose the perfect fit software for your organization, you will need to find the right guidelines to help you be successful. These methods are simple to pick up and they don’t take a lot of learning.

If you are looking for Open Source software you can consider OpenERP. We are the SILVER partner of OpenERP and have delivered more than 40 implementations till date. For any queries get in touch with us here.

Bista is a Gold Partner for OpenERP

Bista Solutions is now an official OpenERP Gold Partner. We at Bista solutions have always offered our clients one of the best Open-source ERP software available in the market.  We have delivered multiple OpenERP projects to our clients across the globe. Being upgraded to Gold Partner status by OpenERP is an acknowledgment of Bista’s success with OpenERP implementations.

Openerp gold partner

What does a Gold Partnership mean?

Gold Partner partnership brings the following benefits to our customers :

  • Experience – Being an Odoo ERP partner for the past 25+ years, Bista has experience in delivering various services like Custom implementations, Complete Integrations, Custom Module Development, Support, Migration, and Upgrade to our clients.
  • Successful Track Record – We completely understand the requirements of our clients and apply the best implementation methodology for successful implementations. Bista has successfully implemented more than 250+ projects of OpenERP.
  • Size of the Team and Global Reach– We have 4 branches – USA, Canada, Dubai & India to serve organizations in different time zones. With close to 200 employees, Bista can cater to projects of different sizes.
  • Closer collaboration with the OpenERP team– As a Gold Partner, Bista has access to the OpenERP team. Hence Bista can provide better support to the end customer for their projects.

For More inquiries kindly contact us on sales@bistasolutions.com

OpenERP – version 7 Screen Shots

Open Source ERP

In this blog we are showcasing some of the amazing new features of Odoo v7 . This is one of the Best Open Source ERP available so far.

1.OpenERP POS (Point Of Sale) in Odoo v7

This version of OpenERP has introduced a super clean interface with no installation required as it runs in both Online and Offline.Some of the major changes enhanced are as listed below:

  • POS Internal messaging i.e. Displays Scheduled Messages inside POS.
  • It’s Interface includes both Cashier & Customer module.

2.Changes in the Sales module are there in order to adopt the best business practices in the most effective & productive way.

Just found the screenshots of OpenERP version 7  on one of the facebook post – Tried to cover some since they look awesome with some enhancement

The original posting of the below screenshots was done on Facebook – OpenERP – and can be found here

OpenERP version 7
sales order form
OpenERP version 7
Inbox
OpenERP version 7
A contact form – a company having 2 contacts.
OpenERP version 7
Point of Sales – Touch screen
OpenERP version 7
Gantt Chart – Task Management
Calendar to check meetings
OpenERP version 7 – Calendar to check meetings
OpenERP version 7
Kanban view of business opportunities – your sales pipeline
OpenERP version 7
Human Resource management – Directory of employees
OpenERP version 7
Graphs – statistics on opportunities
OpenERP version 7
fast timesheet recording
OpenERP version 7
Fleet Management – Dashboards

Interested in implementing Odoo (OpenERP) or have any questions? Get in touch with us using our contact form.

OpenERP with the launch of OpenERP 7.0 Introduces the First Portal of Integrated Business Applications

OpenERP, the world’s most installed management software, today announces that OpenERP 7.0 has been completely redesigned to feature a stunning user interface, a full featured library of open source business apps, an out-of-the-box use with no prior configuration at the impressive price of $39 or 35 EUR per month for the enterprise edition.

OpenERP 7.0 comes with new modules including: brand new touch screen Point-of-Sale, new contract management, timesheet, fleet management apps, LinkedIn and Google docs integration, social collaboration between apps which promises an alternative to traditional email, innovative kanban views to manage sales pipeline and projects, an integrated customer portal, reviewed productivity tools including GTD notes, agenda and address book.

About OpenERP:

OpenERP is Open Source. The community, comprised of 1200 active members, has contributed 2000 modules and has translated the software in over 25 languages. The network of 430 certified partners, established in 100 countries, deploys the solution locally. With 30,000 installations per month, is one of the most frequently installed business suites worldwide. Venture-funded, OpenERP raised $4 million in February 2010. For more information, see http://www.openerp.com .

At Bista solutions :

We are the official Silver partners of OpenERP and have completed many implementation of the same for our clients across the globe. We offer OpenERP implementation, customization, support & integration services to our clients. You can mail us on sales@bistasolutions.com for more inquiries

How Modern ERP Systems Revolutionize Inventory Management

ERP System in Inventory Management

In today’s dynamic business environment, effective inventory management is pivotal for operational success, especially for businesses like wholesale supermarkets with vast product ranges and complex stock items a high-tech electronics retailer, or a rapidly growing e-commerce platform. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have emerged as essential tools in organizing and managing inventories with precision and efficiency.

The Evolution of ERP in Inventory Management

Traditionally, ERP systems were recognized for their ability to streamline financial transactions and basic inventory management. However, as we delve into 2024, ERP technologies have leaped forward, embracing innovations like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics, profoundly transforming how businesses handle their inventory.

1. AI and Machine Learning: Intelligent Decision-Making

AI-infused ERP systems use machine learning algorithms to analyze data, recognize patterns, and offer intelligent insights. This capability is crucial for automating routine tasks and optimizing inventory levels, thereby enhancing decision-making processes​.

2. IoT Integration: Real-Time Monitoring and Efficiency

The integration of IoT devices with ERP systems allows for the collection of real-time data from interconnected sensors and equipment. This integration is instrumental in monitoring and optimizing production processes, thereby reducing maintenance downtime and improving resource allocation​.

3. Predictive Analytics: Proactive Inventory Management

Predictive analytics within ERP systems utilize historical and real-time data to forecast market trends and demand patterns. This foresight enables businesses to proactively adjust inventory management and pricing strategies, ensuring optimal stock levels and reducing the risk of overstocking or stockouts​.

4. Blockchain and Cybersecurity: Ensuring Data Integrity

The integration of blockchain technology in ERP systems enhances data security, providing a transparent and immutable ledger. This is particularly valuable in tracking supply chain transactions and ensuring product authenticity​.

5. Cloud-based ERP: Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness

Cloud computing in ERP provides businesses with on-demand access to computing resources. The cloud-based model of ERP offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, eliminating the need for heavy investment in IT infrastructure​.

6. Mobile ERP: Empowering Remote Management

The enhancement of mobile ERP applications allows for on-the-go access to crucial inventory data. Users can retrieve and update information from their smartphones or tablets, making inventory management more flexible and responsive​.

7. Customizable and Industry-Specific Solutions

2024 sees a rise in industry-specific ERP solutions. These tailored systems cater to the unique requirements of various sectors, including retail, with specialized features for inventory management and point-of-sale integrations​.

8. Sustainability: Aligning with Global Responsibility

ERP systems are now integrating features that help businesses monitor and manage their environmental impact, aligning inventory management with broader global sustainability trends​.

The Future of ERP and Inventory Management

As ERP systems continue to evolve, they become more than just tools for resource management; they are catalysts for innovation, adaptability, and growth. By leveraging the latest trends in ERP technology, businesses can enhance their inventory management, making it more agile, efficient, and aligned with modern-day challenges.

If you’re considering modernizing your inventory management system with advanced ERP solutions, feel free to reach out to us at Bista Solutions. Our team of experts can guide you through the process of selecting and implementing the most suitable ERP system for your business needs. Contact us via our contact form or at sales@bistasolutions.com for more information.

Advantages of using Custom made ERP software

ERP software customization

What if you are able to get an ERP software that is:

  • An exact fit for your organization and its users
  • Flexible  and helps you through changes in organizational business processes

Does this sound too good to be true?

In this post, we will shed some light on how customized ERP software can help your organization to achieve your enterprise management.

There are many ERP software available that supports specific business processes such as sales management, purchase management, warehouse management or manufacturing, which can be implemented and used as an out of the box solutions without any customizations.

While such out-of-box ERP software has advantages, the main disadvantage is that either you have you make use of the system as is and add manual business processes around it or you need to change your business processes itself to match the software features. Such software tools are by definition inflexible and cannot adapt to changes in the organization or business processes.

This is where customized ERP solutions come to the rescue.

Custom ERP software allows you to meet all your business processes and even remove features that you don’t need.

Customize ERP software is less expensive.This is especially true if you use an open source ERP software such as OpenERP which is easy to customize using the plug-ins and modules from the developer community.

Custom ERP helps you run your current business processes smoothly since the software can be tailor made to fit your organization rather than your organization changing to match the software features.

Per User Personalization  – You can personalize the user interface of the ERP system at a per user level. This means each user sees only the information that is relevant for him and no more.

In our previous posting, we have covered some of the common misconceptions about using customized ERP system. Do check out our next post – share it and comment your views

Automated Emails for Sales Orders in OpenERP

Here is another interesting feature that we implemented for one of our clients in USA. This feature provides automated confirmation of sales orders in OpenERP  via email rather than logging into OpenERP. This automated feature of OpenERP Sales Orders,We call it as “Sales Order Confirmation by Email”

Use Case Scenario #1

For example, when  a customer is purchasing a product from your company, you can create a sales order in OpenERP. This feature will send an automatic email to the customer who can either reject or accept the sales order directly from the email.

Odoo ERP sale order mail

Use Case Scenario #2

Below is an example for Repair order.  In this case – there is an authorization required from the customer before starting a repair of an iPhone. This authorization can now be collected via an automatic email.

Odoo ERP Automated mail

Advantages of this innovation

  • Customer doesn’t need to login into OpenERP to confirm the sales order.
  • Reduce time for processing multiple sales orders

If you’re interested in this feature or in customizing your ERP system, get in touch. You can reach us using our contact form.

A Note on Quality Assurance in Software Development

quality in Software Development

Quality Assurance in Software application plays an important role and cannot be ignored in software development,  although there are vendors who consider Quality assurance as less important process and ignore them during the software designing or development phase. But in real terms quality plays one of the major role in the development since lack of quality in the coding or during software development may lead to nonacceptance of the project or failure in client requirements.

Although “Implementation of an ERP software or a CRM software is not a success, The success lies when the client start using it.”

Quality Assurance is not just testing the product although testing is a part of Quality Assurance. Quality assurance is a broader concept which start from the inception stage and end at final software inspection. QA process need both verification and validation.

The complete concept of Quality Assurance in software development ensure you with confirmation on the functionality, usability, efficiency, portability, Maintainability & reliability. Hence Proper QA allows you to have a high quality software development and and happy customer base.

If you’re interested in implementing ERP or have any questions, you can reach us using our contact form.

Common Misconceptions about Customized ERP Software

Today there are so many software tools available in the market – both proprietary and open source -that offer you with customizations as per your business requirements. There are many people who argue that development of a customized ERP software is quite costly as compared to the off-the-shelf ERP or plain vanilla ERP implementations. This argument is based on the logic that the modules and the code of the core ERP need to be modified which leads to increase in time and hence cost.

The above mentioned argument about higher costs is based on several misconceptions.

Misconception #1: Off the Shelf ERP system will have all the features that the company needs

The ERP systems sold off-the- shelf don’t have all the features that a company needs. There is always a set of features missing from the off-the-shelf products leading to a feature gap.

Misconception #2:  Off-the-Shelf ERP products do not need any customization

The feature gaps in off-the-shelf ERP products need to be filled by writing additional code or by using manual business processes. Further, business processes at different companies are always different. For example: a tire manufacturing company has different processes compared to an E-Commerce vendor. Hence any off-the-shelf ERP tool must be customized to fit the specific business requirements at a customer to make it really productive.

Misconception #3: Customizing ERP software takes long to implement

The time taken to customize an ERP software depends upon the extent of changes you want to make. For example: in the case of Odoo OpenERP Customizations, there are many ready made plug-ins and modules developed by individual contributors and partners. These library of plug-ins and modules drastically reduces the time taken to customize ERP.

Misconception #4: Customization is Expensive

Customization need not be expensive.  Custom ERP implementation companies have come up with cost-efficient delivery models. For example: Bista Solutions has a development center in India which is a low-cost nation. Using such delivery models, customization of ERP falls well within affordable budgets. Secondly compared to proprietary licensed ERP tools, open source ERP such as Odoo Open ERP comes almost free of cost (you pay for support warranties). Hence you end up saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in total cost of ownership (TCO)

If you’re interested in implementing or customizing an ERP system, get in touch. Bista Solution has over a decade of experience implementing business solutions for hundreds of companies.