How does ERP software work?

ERP software functions as an integrated platform that connects various essential business operations. ERP systems enable seamless data sharing across departments through advanced cloud technology, APIs, and automation.

For instance, when a sales order is processed, it automatically updates inventory levels, financial records, and supply chain schedules in real-time.

TechnologyOne’s ERP system takes this integration a step further by offering customisable workflows and automation, ensuring that businesses operate more efficiently and effectively.

You can learn more about how our ERP software can help your organisation or business with:

• App building
• Asset management
• Business analytics
• Budgeting
• Content management
• Human resources and payroll
• Performance planning
• Property and rating
• Supply chain management
• Timetabling and scheduling

And much more!

What is ‘software as a service’?

Essentially, there are three different forms of ERP software:

• Software as a service, or a cloud distribution model (also known as Saas)
• A licensing model, also known as ‘on-premises’
• A hybrid model

TechnologyOne utilises a SaaS+ delivery model. Using this model, the software is hosted on the cloud and accessed via the internet. This eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure, reducing IT overheads and ensuring scalability.

And what is ‘SaaS+’?

SaaS+ is TechnologyOne’s unique evolution of the traditional SaaS concept. It’s our all-inclusive offering, specifically tailored to the industries we serve.

Harnessing TechnologyOne’s unique ‘Power of One’, SaaS+ ensures faster time to value by simplifying ERP deployment and ongoing management, enabling businesses to focus on growth rather than infrastructure.

With SaaS+ implementation, support, and upgrade costs are included, with TechnologyOne taking full ownership of the outcome of the solution experience, not just the software.

Book a SaaS+ demo today to find out more.

Key features of ERP software

ERP software offers a wide array of features designed to enhance operational efficiency, unify processes, and support business growth. They’re also designed around a single data structure and a common database.

What constitutes a ‘good’ ERP system will entirely depend on your needs as a business, but common examples of what to look for include:

• Automation: Automates repetitive tasks like invoicing, payroll, and order processing, reducing human error and saving time.
• Data integration: Centralises data from multiple departments into a single system, breaking down siloes and ensuring all teams have access to real-time information.
• Financial management: Simplifies accounting tasks such as budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and regulatory adherence.
• Human resource management: Streamlines payroll and employee data management, improving workforce efficiency.
• Advanced analytics: Provides comprehensive insights through customisable dashboards, enabling better strategic decision-making and performance tracking.

Ideally, you want your chosen ERP provider to offer scalability and customisation to the specific needs of your business. TechnologyOne’s ERP solutions also include industry-specific capabilities tailored to the needs of businesses.

The benefits of using ERP software

Implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software offers many advantages that can significantly enhance business operations, mainly:

• Improved operational efficiency
• Cost reductions
• And enhanced data visibility

Improved operational efficiency

ERP systems streamline workflows by automating routine tasks such as order processing, invoicing, and inventory management. For instance, in the manufacturing sector, ERP software can optimise production schedules and better manage supply chain logistics.

Cost reductions

By providing real-time insights into operations, ERP systems help businesses identify inefficiencies and reduce operational costs. In the retail industry, for example, ERP software can manage inventory levels more effectively, reducing excess stock and minimising storage costs.

Enhanced data visibility and reporting

ERP systems offer comprehensive analytics and reporting tools that provide managers with real-time data, facilitating informed decision-making.

In the logistics sector, accessing up-to-date information on fleet performance, delivery schedules, and inventory levels enables companies to optimise routes and better improve customer service.

An example of effective ERP use

Over nearly four decades, TechnologyOne has helped power over 1,300 leading corporations, government agencies, local councils and universities with our ERP software.

There are many examples of effective ERP implementations with TechnologyOne, but a recent one that comes to mind is Metropolitan Memorial Parks (MMP), a newly created Crown Land organisation responsible for Sydney’s largest cemeteries.

Inheriting multiple outdated systems from three different departments, MMP was able to complete its transition to TechnologyOne in just six months.

“We’ve gone from having three different finance system licences, two procurement licences, and two budgeting licences, to having one agreement in place, which is a SaaS service,” recalls Simon Officer, MMP’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

“Overall, we are saving well in excess of the investment we made with TechnologyOne.”

Who should use ERP software?

ERP software is ideal for businesses of all sizes seeking efficiency, scalability, and innovation. By unifying processes like finance, human resources, and supply chain management, ERP systems tend to offer the best value for:

• Local government, councils and governments
• Education institutions

Local government, councils and government

In today's economic climate, it's vital that Federal, Central, and State governments operate efficiently, securely and within budget, however, there are rising expectations to modernise systems so they can effectively serve the community.

For councils and government agencies, TechnologyOne’s OneCouncil and OneGovernment solutions help streamline operations, ensuring transparency and better service delivery.

Education institutions

Universities, TAFEs, and higher education providers can benefit significantly from ERP systems. By integrating student management, financials, and HR processes, TechnologyOne’s OneEducation ERP enables educational institutions to operate more efficiently while delivering exceptional learning experiences.

You can read some of our customer stories to see how we successfully implement our ERP software.

How to choose the best ERP software

Choosing the right ERP software is critical to achieving your organisation’s goals. Start by identifying your business needs and priorities, considering factors such as automation requirements, reporting capabilities, and integration with existing systems.

Some short tips for choosing the best ERP software are as follows:

• Ensure the ERP software can adapt to your organisation's unique processes and has the flexibility to grow as your business expands.
• Reliable local support is crucial for successful implementation and ongoing maintenance. TechnologyOne offers Australian-focused expertise and dedicated assistance.
• Look for ERP systems designed with your industry in mind.

Finally, consider the provider’s track record, innovation, and user reviews. TechnologyOne’s strong track record of over 37 years makes us a trusted choice for businesses, higher education institutions, and government on a global scale.

Learn more about TechnologyOne’s history.

ERP in 30 days: Why choose TechnologyOne for ERP software

With SaaS+, we’ve completely reimagined what digital transformation looks like for the communities that we serve. Drastically decreasing implementation time and improving time to value.

Our global SaaS ERP solution uses one code-line, one plan, one price and one point of call. That’s the Power of One.

Contact us today or book a demo to explore how you can implement ERP with TechnologyOne and transform your organisation.