What is mobile ERP?

Today, more and more companies are “taking their business with them.” Mobile ERP includes ERP system access and functionality directly from a mobile device or tablet.

With the surge in remote working and employees and teams dispersed around the globe, Mobile ERP apps are driving visibility across all departments, with fast and easy real-time access to an ERP system from any mobile device – at any time and from any location.

Mobile ERP works by connecting mobile devices to a centralized ERP system through cloud-based or secure network access. Users can perform tasks like inventory updates, order approvals, and real-time reporting from anywhere, enabling faster decisions and continuous business operations.

In a mobile ERP setup, users can access their ERP system via their mobile device or tablet instead of a desktop.  Mobile ERP  seamlessly connects to the cloud to provide users with “always on, always available” system access.  Mobile ERP apps are automatically synchronized to an organization's ERP system so that any changes made via the app are updated and synced – in real-time.

A company must have a cloud-based ERP system to enable mobile ERP functionality.  Numerous ERP software vendors provide users with a selection of out-of-the-box (ready to use) ERP apps, such as apps for field sales and service, delivery, warehouse, POS (Point-of-Sale), purchase approval, employee time and attendance, and many more.

Desktop goes mobile

ERP tools are complex and often cumbersome, but mobile ERP brings system-level functionality to mobile devices and tablets, putting the power of your ERP system in the palm of your hand. Modern ERP systems with mobile tools enable full system functionality that one can expect to use on a desktop (on-premise ERP), to be easily accessed from a mobile device.

Remote working

Mobile ERP has fast become a necessary tool for employees now working from home, in addition to off-site, at client locations, or anywhere around the globe. It's an efficient tool for field technicians and sales teams who can access operational, customer, product and parts information, and more, on-the-go. This means real-time access and visibility of customer and sales data and documentation, tracking sales rep routes, following sales teams' daily schedules, and more.

Data beyond the small screen

Today, even the most basic mobile devices are equipped with advanced, high-resolution cameras and GPS technology. Mobile devices' advanced functionality enables a mobile ERP app to receive and take photos, detect locations, and even film videos. In turn, business data can be enriched with various content options that cannot be done from an on-premise ERP system.

Real-time sync

Mobile ERP apps are automatically synced in the system, and changes made in the mobile app are immediately updated in real-time. As a result, no matter where employees are located, all data gets synchronized, eliminating the need to enter data into the onsite ERP system. This way, a standard set of data in your central database gets updated with the latest information when remote or offsite employees make changes. What's more, all changes made to the data are recorded for easy tracking and monitoring.

Multiple devices

Mobile ERP is designed to work on all types of mobile devices and tablets, with the most commonly supported operating systems, Android and iOS. Some mobile ERP apps offer Windows compatibility as well. Most important is that an ERP app is built using a web-based HTML 5 user interface, so it can be easily accessed from various mobile devices and adjust itself to different screen sizes.

Better on mobile

Some ERP features are better suited for use on a mobile platform because mobile devices aren't stationary – they move. For example, today's mobile ERP apps enable offsite employees to receive proof of delivery from customers, update service requests when at a customer's site, receive payments and issue receipts – all from their mobile device. Plus, remote employees can track their time and attendance when working from home.

Create custom mobile ERP apps tailored to their specific needs.

Mobile applications and real-time communication drive companies forward, significantly impacting how companies manage and control their business operations every day. Today, more and more organizations are leveraging mobile tools and functionality with their existing ERP systems.

For any company with employees working remotely, a mix of home and office, or for those that are managing a mobile workforce, mobile ERP applications are essential. Mobile ERP apps drive visibility across all departments and teams, accelerate automated processes, increase operational efficiency, and in turn, help companies maintain business continuity and gain a competitive edge.