ERP Software has been around for decades and helps companies all over the world get the very most out of their business. Is there more than meets the eye to ERP software? Many people wonder if there is a difference between ERP Configuration, ERP Customization, and ERP Personalization. Right off of the bat, ERP Configuration and ERP Customization generally refer to on-premises or perpetual license software, whereas ERP Personalization is most common with Cloud deployment. Which one is best and the most beneficial for your company? To answer that question, let us dive into these three variations of ERP software.

What is ERP Configuration?

Every ERP software system comes with a multitude of configurations that have to be properly set up and implemented to work to the best of its ability for the company. Setting up the configurations requires attention to detail as some choices cannot be undone once made. Many of the configurations operate in conjunction with other configurations even if the configurations do not seem to be related on the surface level.

ERP Configuration creates defaults for transactions that can limit the range of possible transactions. One setting is to change whether or not negative inventory can be allowed or even prevented all together. This is beneficial for companies as preventing any negative inventory can potentially stop transactions and enable businesses to find the inventory level error and correct it long before the transaction is completed by the customer.

What is ERP Customization?

Customizing ERP software is when you modify the actual programming code from the developer of the software. It is possible to add functionality to your ERP software in ways that will be more beneficial for your company and what is needed without changing any of the original functionality.

However, there are some failure risks associated with customizing ERP software. While customizing can correct any deficiencies in the software and you can mold it to be more beneficial to your business’s needs, it is not easy to make the software “perfect.” ERP software is designed by the developers to be the best and customizing the software could potentially be taking your ERP software away from the best practices. Before you can go about customizing the software, you must understand the code and someone in the company must be an expert in writing code for it to flow smoothly and work. Any customizations must follow the rules of the original code set or there is a risk of corrupting any data that is entered in any customized transaction or any other data before or after the customized transaction.

ERP Systems are overall very flexible and are intended to work for a multitude of businesses, so customization may not always be needed or the smartest choice for your business.

What is ERP Personalization?

Personalization takes configuration and customization a step further. Personalization began with configuration, then led to customization. Personalization followed closely on the heels of customization in the Cloud ERP world. Personalization is simply adjusting the software so that is just right for the needs of the customer.

ERP Configuration Can Diminish Those Risks:

When you configure your ERP system, it will always use the original code that the entire ERP is designed for. This code will also be upgraded by developers whenever an improvement can be made. It is very possible that any customization you made to your ERP software will not work once updates are made. Worst case scenario, a customization can cause your entire ERP system to shut down due to code conflict. Configuration, however, is pretty much set-in stone once decisions are made. Even when businesses evolve, configuration settings are often unchanged and last years. There will never be concern over whether configuration settings will invalidate the practices of the ERP software where a customization of the software may have risks.

What is better? ERP Configuration, ERP Customization or ERP Personalization?

ERP Configuration has less initial risk, but ERP Customization is exactly that, customized for you and your business. ERP Personalization takes it a step further since SaaS software is always up to date. ERP Personalization is less invasive to the update process and many times, personalizations are easy enough to be done at the user level. SyteLine SaaS gives you the ability to personalize your user experience, allowing you to see the information you want to see, the way you want to see it and where you want to see it. Just like your web browser, updates are automatic.

For more information about how Godlan can help you with your ERP selection, configuration, customization, or personalization, give us a call at 586.464.4400 or vist us at www.Godlan.com today!