What is the role of ERP in internal communication?
“You might have the most progressive and sagacious vision for the growth and development of your organization, but unless it is effectively communicated to the last one of your employees, the chances of it being put to life are meek. Improper and ineffective internal communication is the cause behind several unrealized objectives of organizations.” – Entrepreneur
When it comes to improving internal communications, there is a wealth of software available, but it needs to be able to integrate with your existing systems to prove useful. This is where Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) software is ideal. It works with your existing systems to streamline communication and ensures everyone is working together with the most updated information.
What is ERP?
ERP software is used by organisations in day-to-day operations, performing various functions such as accounting, project management, risk management, procurement, supply chain operations, and more. This software allows for the free flow of data along the system and is a critical tool for businesses of all sizes.
Benefits of ERP in internal communication
While it might not appear immediately evident, ERP is effective in the support of internal communication for several reasons. Here’s what you need to know about ERP in internal communication and its many benefits.
1. Offers updated data
Gone are the days of old-school memos and group emails! With ERP software, employees across multiple branches will have immediate access to the latest company information. This is because ERP software, once integrated into your system, provides you with real-time data that is updated across the board without requiring manual communication. If something has impacted the business, everyone will know about it and can react accordingly.
2. Easily accessible
The modern workforce is a mobile workforce, and ERP software supports this flexibility. Effective business process management systems are optimised for multiple devices and platforms, making them readily available to the employee on the go. Whether you’re working with a remote operation or branches across the globe, ERP makes data easily accessible to all employees for improved internal communication.
3. ERP streamlines internal communication
If you have a number of international branches, you could be confronted with linguistic barriers. However, internal ERP software allows you to communicate effectively by breaking through departmental siloes, eliminating barriers and communicating the information so that it’s easily understood by everyone. ERP software will also streamline operations by automating certain tasks, such as customer relations and scheduling, for more effective internal communication and fewer misunderstandings.
4. Improves transparency and accountability
There is a wealth of data being shared on a daily basis, and as your business continues to grow, so will the amount of data being communicated. This can lead to confusion and error, which snowballs when it’s not picked up early enough. With ERP systems, you’re benefitting from automated data input and complete transparency of operations so that even if there is an error, it can be quickly identified and adjusted. Through this enhanced transparency, your company benefits from improved employee accountability and the ability to communicate well. Most ERP software also tracks any edits or changes so that it’s immediately evident where a mistake was made.
5. Improves inter-departmental collaboration
One of the biggest threats to business is departmental siloes, where employees in one department prioritise their work over that of others, with professional jealousy and sabotage the result. This can be hugely detrimental to the business’s health and will only lead to challenges down the road. While teambuilding tasks and staff functions will improve morale, ERP software actually breaks down these departmental barriers by placing everyone on the same page. Everyone can access the stored data as and when they need it, so there’s a shared collective rather than individual units. This collaboration is achieved through ERP tools which:
- Ensure all messages are effectively conveyed once available;
- Provide all necessary contact information for employees working remotely;
- Update information so employees are accessing real-time information; and
- Streamline reporting and revenue projection reporting.
6. Effective business process management tools eliminate redundancy
We’ve all experienced a situation where five team members emailed us the same information, often replicated via text and phone calls. This is not only infuriating; it’s time-wasting as well. With ERP software, all information is held in cloud-based storage, which can be accessed and updated to prevent communication redundancy.
7. Creates role clarity
Too often, tasks go undone because the project role wasn’t clarified, or they’re duplicated because two people felt responsible for the duty – but there was no internal communication. ERP can address this by streamlining operations so that all staff members have a much clearer understanding of their positions and duties. There is no more struggle for recognition or insecurity in not understanding the tasks required.
8. Allows for system integration
Because ERP allows for effective system integration, your existing software will work alongside it. Every user has access to all the knowledge needed for job performance, and the company data is easily analysed, translated and configured for ease of use.
9. Mitigates the need for paper
A paperless internal communication system is better for business and better for the environment. ERP software and cloud-based storage will immediately eliminate the need for the physical storage of paper documents. This saves space, time and money on printing, filing and searching for valuable documents.
10. Boosts productivity
Finally, with ERP improving internal communication within your organisation, you’re boosting the company morale and productivity. ERP automates time-consuming tasks so that employees have more time to focus on profit-boosting projects. (With less room for error and misunderstanding.)
ERP in internal communication with Omni Accounts
If you’re wondering what your business solution is for ERP in internal communications, then it’s worth considering Omni Accounts. We have a particular communications feature that can be linked with customer and supplier contacts for better internal communication.
