Automation and digitalization with long-term benefits: This is what Enterprise Resource Planning stands for. A future-proof solution that meets growing requireĀments, understands industry-specific needs, serves as a reliable source of information, and remains technologically up to date. How can all this be reconĀciled? The trick lies in interfaces that connect the ERP with other solutions. Read the blog post to find out why they play a key role for companies, what you should look out for and what opportunities they offer.
What is an ERP interface?
By definition, an ERP interface is the bridge that connects an ERP system with other applications that are not directly available in the ERP. This could be a connection to a laboratory, a production system, or a digital document management system, for example. As a connector, an ERP interface makes it easy to combine different sysĀtems and to link and automate a variety of business processes. The potential for saving time is huge.
Why are ERP interfaces important?
Companies often use multiple software applications to manage business processes such as accounting, human resources and warehousing. By ensuring the exchange of data between these solutions, an ERP interface seamlessly integrates them. Consistency and accuracy of data increases and less data needs to be entered manually. When selecting an ERP system, companies should therefore make sure that the handling of interfaces is guaranteed.
ERP interfaces: What you can integrate into an ERP system
From the ordering process to goods issue - the number of processes that an ERP system covers and automates is enormous. The solution alone raises you and your processes to a level of efficiency that would be impossible to achieve manually. Nevertheless, the potential for automation is huge. By integrating additional solutions that cover specific subject areas, an even more comprehensive range of functions is created. Typical examples of applications that are connected to an ERP via an interface are:
CRM:
By connecting a CRM system to the ERP via an interface, you can bundle important information on customers, customer relationships and sales and marketing activities at a glance.
Human Resource Solutions:
Employee details, vacation overviews and more: if you connect your HR tool to the ERP, you have central access to all relevant information.
Project Management Tools:
From the initial idea to planning, implementation and completion, the project steps can be matched with the corresponding data in the ERP.
Laboratories:
Companies that work with laboratories are best advised to connect their laboratory system directly to the ERP. Instead of having to work in two places, you can access all information from one central location.
Document Management Systems:
Connecting a document management system to the ERP via an interface also makes it easier to access documents and provides full transparency. Seamlessly integrated solutions ensure that your data is always up to date and that you are not mistakenly working with outdated information.
Business Intelligence (BI):
Straightforward extraction of data and its automated analysis and presentation in practical dashboards make it possible to connect a business intelligence tool to the ERP.
Import and Export Data:
To automate and facilitate the exchange with customers and business partners, you can connect their systems to your ERP via an interface.
E-Commerce:
Do you process orders via an e-commerce platform? You can also combine this with your ERP via the appropriate interface and seamlessly exchange data on orders and stock levels, for example.
Tools for Financial Accounting:
Many companies use a special financial accounting tool for their bookkeeping. To ensure that the data it contains matches the data in your ERP, the two solutions form a single unit via an ERP interface.
YAVEON's ERP industry solution for the process industry: seamlessly integrated into Microsoft ERP
Maximum security, strict regulations, top quality: in order for companies in the proĀcess industry to meet the high reĀquireĀments and still be able to use an ERP system, they need a special solution. Our ERP industry solution extends the MicroĀsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP system for precisely this purpose and is seamlessly connected to it. Important functions such as batch management, quality controls and production provide you with the tools you need to work smoothĀly on one interface with Microsoft ERP. However, there are numerous other solutions that can be combined with Business Central thanks to ERP interfaces:
Electronic data exchange
EDI Trade
With this solution, you can automate your data exchange with retail partĀners efficiently and accurately and connect them smoothly to your ERP system via an interface. The conĀnecĀtion is possible with almost any retail partner that is EDI-capable. More about EDI trade.
EDI Automotive
You can also connect automotive suppliers directly to your ERP system and exchange data automatically. The requirements of the automotive industry are reliably met. Your work is also designed to meet the standards of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Odette or AIAG. More about EDI Automotive.
Intercompany
Use the intercompany solution for automatic electronic data exchange within your group of companies. You can use it quickly thanks to ready-made best practices templates and work with shared master data in several clients. You can also manage master and transaction data, assign authorization concepts, optimize your sales planning and much more.
Process automation
Scanning app
The scanning app is part of the YAVEON ERP industry solution. By simply scanning warehouse items during processing instead of having to manually enter the change into your system, you save time and optimize your warehouse processes.
Workflows with the Microsoft Power Platform
The Microsoft Power Platform tools create workflows that fit perfectly into your IT environment and inteĀgrate seamlessly into your ERP system. You can digitize ancillary processes such as IT requests, leave management or customer and supplier portals easily and efficiently. This saves time and creates transparency.
Data analysis and reporting
BI Cockpits
Using ready-made cockpits tailored to the needs of target groups such as Finance or QM, you receive meaningful insights into your data situation and analyses for data-based decisions. The following cockpits are available:
Quality control
With the Quality Control Cockpit, you can keep a reliable eye on the quality of your articles and the necessary responsiveness. If necessary, you can act in good time. The Business Central inspection orders form the basis.
Sales
Based on all available figures and data, the Sales Cockpit provides the necessary database to take your sales processes to the next level.
Purchase
You can view the current status of your purchasing system digitally at any time using our Purchase Cockpit. The trick: all the information used for this is based on currently imported data.
Incident Management
Incident Management provides you with all the information you need to identify the causes, types of origin and reasons for complaints.
Cash flow
With our cash flow cockpit, you can keep an eye on your cash flows at all times and make well-founded decisions based on precise data analyses.
Range planning
Our range planning cockpit shows you precisely which items are in your warehouse stock and in what quantities, when they are available and whether potential bottlenecks are imminent.
Finance
With our Finance Cockpit, you can easily create reliable balance sheets, sales figures and reports digitally.
ERP-Invoicing
The invoicing app allows you to auĀtoĀmaĀtiĀcally create invoices elecĀtroniĀcally directly from your ERP system instead of having to process doĀcuĀments manually. Depending on your requirements, you can send doĀcuĀments by email, post, fax or as a digital invoice.
The entire YAVEON portfolio is seamlessly integrated and also enables external conĀnecĀtions to Shopify, Amazon and DATEV, for example. Our focus: start-ups and small and medium-sized companies from the process industry.
Connect solutions via ERP systems: You should rely on these best practices.
Bidirectional connection
Ensure that the ERP interface supports bidirectional communication. This allows you to both transfer and receive data from the ERP and access a uniform and consistent view of your business processes.
Cloud solution
Opt for a solution that is cloud-based and future-proof. The technology enables scalability, provides flexibility and reduces costs. The reason: ERP interfaces based on the cloud require fewer resources for hardware and software. Users also have mobile access to the content at any time.
Security and data protection
Check whether the ERP interface complies with all the necessary security standards to ensure confidentiality and availability in a regulated manner. Important factors: the transmission and storage of data is encrypted, users must authenticate themselves and data protection laws are complied with.
Software partner
Implement the interface and the associated systems with a partner who is familiar with both the ERP system itself and your requirements and industry, and have them train you. This will allow you to make the most of the interface's possibilities and introduce the solutions with confidence. You will also increase user acceptance and ensure that the existing systems are actively used. But which partner is the right one? In addition to experience and industry expertise, connection options should be available and the solutions should be compatible.
Key Benefits of ERP Interfaces
There are numerous reasons why ERP interfaces are important for companies. Some of them are:
Import and export in one solution
ERP interfaces make it possible to import data from external sources. This includes, for example, data from business partner systems such as suppliers and customers. At the same time, ERP interfaces also serve to export data from the ERP in order to use it in other applications. The advantage can be seen, for example, in reports that are created in reporting tools such as Microsoft Power BI and thus enable a holistic view.
More time
Interfaces in the ERP make it possible to automate further business processes such as connections to warehouse management systems or other third-party systems. The result: less effort and fewer errors. Work processes can be accelerated and customer satisfaction increases.
Long-term companion
Requirements and conditions change. With an ERP interface, you can react flexibly to this, as it improves connectivity and interoperability with platforms, devices and applications.
Better communication
ERP interfaces facilitate the flow of data between business processes and applications by integrating, synchronizing and updating information from different sources. This makes it possible to accurately represent business performance.
Working on one surface
Instead of stand-alone solutions that run in parallel, you can rely on fully integrated systems that work together. By combining existing business processes in different solutions via the interface, you have the option of working on a single interface.
More reliable data
Data quality is improved because you create a uniform and accurate data source for all business areas. All data available in the various solutions is managed centrally in one place.
More efficiency
You increase efficiency because manual data entry and transfer are reduced and you save time.
Fewer errors
You avoid redundancies and the risk of making manual errors, as data is processed centrally in one place instead of being duplicated in several locations. Those who rely on a single source of information instead of silos optimize processes and results at the same time. Quality gates between the systems serve to ensure data quality.
Transparency and access
You gain transparency because integrated systems give users comprehensive access to the current data status.
More informed decisions
Aggregating, filtering and visualizing sources simplifies and optimizes data analyses and thus contributes to more accurate decisions. Because up-to-date information is provided via an ERP interface and all aspects are taken into account, performance can be measured accurately, trends identified and recommendations for action made. Practical and useful at the same time!
Faster results
You work in an agile and more targeted manner, as everyone involved can be integrated into your processes. This increases flexibility and speed.
Standing up to the competition
You improve your competitiveness because your systems interact with each other, enabling you to react more quickly to meet new market conditions and customer requirements.
Information in real time
A well-integrated ERP interface enables companies to view information on their business processes in real time. This provides decision-makers with an optimal database for well-founded decisions.
Better customer service
By seamlessly exchanging information thanks to ERP interfaces, companies can offer customers a more tailored service. For example, customer service can easily access information on stock levels and respond to customer inquiries more quickly.
Scalability
Companies change and grow. ERP interfaces, on the other hand, ensure that software grows with your needs. They are scalable and can be easily expanded using additional solutions and software.
Compliance and security
Company data is consolidated across the board in a central ERP system. This makes it easier to adhere to applicable compliance regulations and better manage and control data security.
Challenges posed by ERP interfaces
ERP interfaces therefore offer numerous possibilities and opportunities. However, they also present challenges that need to be overcome. The good news: with careful planning, these challenges are manageable. An experienced software partner also ensures that hurdles are kept to a minimum even before the implementation phase.
The following challenges are particularly typical:
1ERP interfaces are not always easy to implement and manage, as they can pose various technical, organizational and security-related challenges.
2In addition, bugs or malfunctions can occur, resulting in the loss of data or falsifications, or the necessary maintenance of the ERP interface can prove to be time-consuming and expensive.
3The topic of data security also presents companies with challenges that should be clarified before the system is used.
ERP interface in use: automated transfer of booking requests to Business Central
The non-profit association Remar processes numerous booking requests via Bookings. In the past, this was done manually - time-consuming, error-prone and annoying. Today, the transfer is automated, as Bookings and Business Central are connected to each other via a Power Platform interface. For Remar, this means less effort and fewer errors, as well as more resources to tackle the actual tasks.
Work seamlessly on one surface!
Find out how you can create the basis for your company's success with the industry solution for the process industry.
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