Most large companies are using market dominant ERP solutions. While those solutions provide a broad spectrum of functionality, many organizations need levels of customization and augmentation not offered by their existing solutions. Customized functionalities are often required to close existing gaps and improve specific areas of operational performance.
ERP augmentation solutions are specialized technologies and tools designed to enhance, expand, or optimize existing ERP systems. These augmentation solutions are purpose-built to address specific gaps in functionality, improve user experience, streamline operations, and ensure the ERP system adapts to evolving business and operational needs.
ERP Augmentation Approach
There are several approaches to ERP augmentation, including the following:
Customization of Features
- Custom modules: Developing additional features tailored to unique business processes that are not covered by the existing ERP solution.
- User interface (UI) customization: Modifying the user interface to meet specific user requirements or improve user experience.
Integration
- Third-party integrations: Adding modules or connectors to integrate the existing ERP with CRM solutions, supply chain management tools, workflow automation solutions, document management platforms, or data visualization tools.
- APIs and web services: Using APIs to connect the ERP with other enterprise applications, ensuring seamless data flow between systems.
Cloud Migration
- Moving the ERP system to the cloud for improved scalability, accessibility, and real-time collaboration. This also allows for faster updates and streamlined system maintenance.
ERP Augmentation Solutions
The most dynamic and effective ERP augmentation solutions are powered by core AI, GenAI, IoT, and AIoT technologies that actively analyze large volumes of historical data to provide enhanced analytics, smarter workflows, and deeper operational insights. These intelligent ERP augmentation technologies offer a wide array of solutions, including:
Customized Modules
- Industry-specific modules: Custom modules to address unique operational needs for companies in manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, energy, and agriculture.
- Business process intelligence and automation: Creating AI-enabled workflows that provide the automation and self-learning required to keep mission-critical processes fine-tuned to maximum performance.
GenAI-Enabled Analytics
- Predictive analytics: Deployment of machine learning and AI-driven models into existing ERP systems to predict trends, forecast demand, and improve inventory management and financial forecasting.
- Query-based insights: Faster resolution of operational performance issues via ability to automatically query relevant databases for stored information and to leverage GenAI for delivery of insights and recommendations.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Predictive maintenance: In manufacturing or asset-heavy industries, integrating AI-driven predictive maintenance tools within the ERP can anticipate equipment failures, reducing downtime, and improving asset management.
- Smart inventory management: Leveraging AI/ML algorithms to optimize stock levels, reorder points, and warehouse layout to minimize inventory costs and prevent stockouts.
Mobile Solutions
- Mobile access: Enabling access to the ERP system via mobile apps, providing employees with real-time data and decision-making capabilities while on the go.
- Field service management: Augmenting existing ERP solutions with mobile apps for field service technicians to manage customer orders, track inventory, and update job statuses from remote locations.
Document Management
- Integrated document management systems (DMS): Augmenting existing ERP with DMS capabilities that allow for document storage, dynamic collaboration, version control, and query-based access.
- Document workflow automation: Creating automated workflows for document approvals and processes to reduce manual intervention and streamline operations.
Supply Chain Augmentation
- Predictive demand forecasting: Integrating AI-augmented demand forecasting tools that enable the ERP system to predict customer demand with higher accuracy, allowing for better inventory management and reduced cost.
- IoT Integration: Integrating Internet of Things devices with ERP systems to collect real-time data from production lines, warehouses, and other assets, enhancing tracking and operational efficiency.
API-First and Microservices Architecture
- API-first design: Developing APIs that allow for easy integration with external systems and custom applications, enabling seamless data exchange across platforms.
- Microservices: Breaking down the ERP system into smaller, modular services (microservices) that can be independently developed, updated, and scaled, improving flexibility and agility.
