ResourcesMaximizing business potential with ERP business process automation (BPA) 
Nov. 16, 2023
ERP

Maximizing business potential with ERP business process automation (BPA) 

Barry Spielman

Director of Product Marketing

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You could lose significant earnings potential if you still use manual processes for your business operations. By automating your processes with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, you can maximize efficiency and capitalize on new opportunities for increased revenue.

Let's look at how can ERP process automation help you save time and money while increasing your bottom line.

The drawbacks and inefficiencies of manual business operations

Manual processes in business management, such as manually tracking customer orders or updating records, often lead to inefficiencies and errors, impacting productivity and accuracy. Tasks like manual data entry, inventory management, and order processing are time-consuming and detract from more strategic, value-adding activities, often resulting in data inaccuracies with costly long-term consequences. 

Manual processes can lead to substantial revenue loss due to the time and resources spent rectifying errors. Common issues include data duplication; manually entering the same information into multiple systems increases labor costs from error corrections.

For example, manually reconciling financial records can be time-consuming and error-prone, adversely affecting financial decision-making. Additionally, slow responses to market changes stemming from manual data analysis or reporting processes can significantly hinder business agility and competitiveness.

Advantages of automating with ERP software

The adoption of ERP software for automating business processes offers significant operational advantages, including improved efficiency, enhanced accuracy of data, and optimization of operations, ultimately driving increased revenue. Automating key functions like invoice processing, CRM, and HR streamlines these activities and facilitates better decision-making through real-time data insights.

ERP automation is instrumental in advancing a company's digitization strategy, accelerating processes, and bolstering communication across departments and with stakeholders. 

Key benefits include more effective internal communication systems, advanced IT network management, and efficient workflows. For instance, automating procurement processes improves vendor management and cost-effectiveness, contributing to a more efficient supply chain. In HR, automation aids in streamlining onboarding processes and maintaining precise employee data, which is essential for effective human capital management. 

ERP automation is crucial in enhancing organizational responsiveness and operational efficiency, integral to maintaining a competitive edge in today's business landscape.

  • Improves internal system communication

An ERP with a well-integrated or in-built workflow automation module ensures that DevOps does not have to face the issue of siloed data resulting in repeated information requests, unnecessary delays, and internal organizational conflicts.

Improved IT network administration

Workflow automation brings together cloud operations and network administration. Workflow automation helps deploy, manage, and monitor network services across the organization and adds a layer of security and communication, streamlining IT administration.

Workflow automation features integrated into the ERP system ensure a single point of truth and synchronized data across devices, resulting in improved IT network administration and fewer security-related threats.

Streamlined workflows

Workflow automation features enhance business process management (BPM), which is related to workflow automation and helps organizations structure their processes efficiently. Workflow automation modules are based on BPM best practices, enabling organizations to operate orderly and achieve their strategic goals.

How do you get started with business process automation?

The first step in automating your business processes with ERP is identifying which manual processes can benefit from automation.

Regularly performed repetitive tasks that require a lot of resources, multi-touch-point workflows, and time-sensitive processes that require compliance assurance or security-related procedures are usually at the top of the list.

Outline your operational business goals and set clear metrics.

Look for ways to streamline specific processes. Identify and prioritize manual processes that benefit from automation, like repetitive data entry tasks, complex supply chain management, or multi-departmental coordination efforts.

Work gradually.

Set up a process diagram and start working in small steps- start from simple, repetitive tasks with many opportunities for time and cost savings, then move forward to staff onboarding. First, focus on tasks like automating employee time tracking or customer feedback collection before advancing to more complex processes.

Deploy automation tools to prioritized processes.

Use tools to turn on the automation on previously identified and prioritized processes. Automatically pull information into the process and ensure data accuracy.

Improve on the go - Continuously monitor and refine the automation process.

Monitor the previously set up metrics, determine the automation effectiveness, and customize the process as required.

Ensure a professional team oversees the implementation, providing necessary guidance and training.

Implementing organization-wide process automation will change your work and affect your organization's culture. Ensure you have a team to oversee the implementation and provide users with guidance and training.

Selecting an ERP with integrated workflow automation

Selecting an ERP system with built-in workflow automation is crucial for streamlining business operations and improving overall productivity. This is especially critical in functions such as HR management, customer service, and financial reporting, where digital processes eliminate manual tasks, resulting in significant reductions in time and cost.

Integrating ERP process automation can bring about a significant shift in how your business operates. It aligns with the overall global digital transformation objective, enabling organizations to navigate the complexities of the modern market with agility and precision. The strategic implementation of automated processes streamlines mundane tasks and unlocks opportunities for innovation, informed decision-making, and sustainable growth. As businesses continue to evolve, embracing ERP automation becomes a viable option and a critical pathway to future success and longevity.

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Product Information & Overview

What is Priority Software and what does it offer?

Priority Software is a leading provider of scalable, agile, and open cloud-based business management solutions. It offers ERP systems, retail management, hospitality management, and school management platforms, serving over 75,000 companies across 70 countries. These solutions help organizations streamline operations, improve efficiency, and access real-time business insights. Learn more

What types of industries does Priority Software serve?

Priority Software serves a wide range of industries including retail, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, professional services, hospitality, education, and more. Solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each industry. Industry details

What are the main products offered by Priority Software?

Priority Software offers ERP systems, retail management solutions (including POS and unified commerce), hospitality management platforms (Optima PMS, CRM, POS), and school management systems. It also provides professional implementation services and a marketplace for extended solutions. Product details

How does Priority Software help businesses maximize their potential?

Priority Software helps businesses maximize their potential by automating manual processes, improving data accuracy, streamlining workflows, and providing real-time insights for better decision-making. Its solutions enable organizations to save time, reduce costs, and increase revenue through efficient operations. Read more

What is ERP business process automation (BPA) and how does Priority support it?

ERP business process automation (BPA) refers to using ERP software to automate repetitive, resource-intensive tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy. Priority supports BPA with integrated workflow automation modules, enabling organizations to streamline operations, reduce manual errors, and enhance productivity. Learn more

Features & Capabilities

What workflow automation features does Priority ERP offer?

Priority ERP includes built-in workflow automation modules based on BPM best practices. These features enable organizations to automate tasks such as invoice processing, HR onboarding, procurement, and customer feedback collection, improving efficiency and reducing manual errors. Details

Does Priority Software support no-code customizations?

Yes, Priority Software allows businesses to adjust field names, screen layouts, and workflows without IT support, enabling rapid adaptation to changing needs. This no-code customization capability sets Priority apart from competitors requiring technical expertise for changes. Learn more

What analytics and reporting capabilities are available in Priority?

Priority provides hundreds of pre-defined reports and no-code reporting tools, enabling actionable insights for better decision-making. Advanced analytics help businesses monitor performance, forecast trends, and optimize operations. Analytics info

Does Priority Software offer an open API for integrations?

Yes, Priority Software provides an Open API that enables seamless integration with third-party applications. This allows businesses to create custom integrations and tailor their systems to specific operational needs. API details

What integrations are available with Priority Software?

Priority Software offers over 150 plug & play connectors, RESTful API, ODBC drivers, and embedded integrations. Key integrations include SAP, Webhotelier, Ving Card, Verifone, TrustYou, SiteMinder, and more, supporting hospitality, retail, and ERP use cases. Integration details

Does Priority Software provide technical documentation?

Yes, Priority Software offers comprehensive technical documentation for its ERP solutions, including details on features, supported industries, and integration options. Access documentation

Pain Points & Problems Solved

What common business challenges does Priority Software address?

Priority Software addresses challenges such as poor quality control, lack of data flow, inventory inaccuracies, manual processes, fragmented data, integration complexity, and operational inefficiencies. Its solutions centralize data, automate workflows, and provide real-time visibility to improve decision-making and efficiency. Pain points

How does Priority Software help with manual process inefficiencies?

Priority Software automates repetitive and resource-intensive tasks, reducing errors and freeing employees to focus on strategic activities. This leads to improved productivity, data accuracy, and cost savings. Learn more

How does Priority Software improve inventory management?

Priority optimizes inventory levels, improves forecasting, demand planning, and supply chain efficiency. This reduces overstocking, minimizes costs, and ensures products are available when needed. Inventory management

How does Priority Software address fragmented data and integration complexity?

Priority maintains a single source of truth for operational and customer data, eliminating the need for complex integrations and ensuring consistent, accurate information across departments. Learn more

How does Priority Software help businesses transition from outdated systems?

Priority Software provides a scalable, future-proof platform that replaces outdated systems and spreadsheets, streamlining operations and reducing risk. It supports smooth migration and minimizes operational disruption. ERP details

Use Cases & Benefits

Who can benefit from using Priority Software?

Priority Software is ideal for retail business owners, operations managers, sales and marketing managers, CFOs, IT managers, manufacturers, healthcare organizations, technology firms, and educational institutions. Its solutions are designed for both SMBs and large enterprises. Customer stories

Is Priority Software suitable for retail chains and multi-location businesses?

Yes, Priority Retail Management is designed for retail chains and multi-location businesses, offering end-to-end ERP, POS, and unified commerce solutions to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Retail solutions

How does Priority Software support hospitality businesses?

Priority Hospitality Management provides an all-in-one Property Management System (PMS) for hotels and resorts, covering guest management, booking, POS, CRM, and more. It supports boutique hotels, chains, resorts, and independent properties. Hospitality solutions

Can Priority Software be used by educational institutions?

Yes, Priority School Management platforms are designed to help educational institutions manage operations, teachers, students, and parents efficiently. School management

How does Priority Software help CFOs and financial managers?

Priority Software provides real-time financial reporting, reduces operational costs, and integrates financial management with other business functions, enabling CFOs to make informed decisions and optimize IT expenses. Financial management

Customer Success & Performance

What feedback have customers given about Priority Software's ease of use?

Customers consistently praise Priority Software for its intuitive interface and user-friendly design. Reviews highlight its efficiency, quick learning curve, and user-configurability. Priority ERP has a rating of approximately 4.1/5 on G2. Customer feedback

Can you share specific case studies or success stories of Priority Software customers?

Yes, Priority Software has numerous case studies, including Solara Adjustable Patio Covers (accelerated workflows), Arkal Automotive (successful implementation), Dejavoo (growth without increased headcount), Nautilus Designs (30% order volume growth), TOA Hotel & Spa (improved guest experience), and Dunlop Systems (data accuracy). Case studies

Who are some of Priority Software's notable customers?

Priority Software is trusted by companies such as Ace Hardware, ALDO, Adidas, Estee Lauder, Columbia, Guess, Toyota, Flex, Dunlop, Electra, Outbrain, Brinks, eToro, GSK, Teva, and more. Customer list

What performance metrics or ratings does Priority Software have?

Priority ERP has received a rating of approximately 4.1/5 on G2, with users highlighting its simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of use. It is also recognized by Gartner and IDC for product innovation. Recognition

Competition & Comparison

How does Priority ERP compare to Microsoft Navision?

Microsoft Navision has reached end of life, forcing businesses to migrate. Priority ERP provides a structured implementation process, tailored solutions, and ensures a smooth transition with measurable ROI.

How does Priority ERP compare to Acumatica?

Acumatica focuses on cloud ERP but lacks industry-specific features, has limited WMS, a steep learning curve, and unpredictable pricing. Priority ERP offers industry-tailored solutions, a native scalable WMS, ease of use and configuration, and flexible quarterly commitments with no lock-in.

How does Priority ERP compare to Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Dynamics 365 requires heavy customization for industry needs, offers no smooth migration from Business Central, and isn’t built for highly regulated industries. Priority ERP is user-friendly, flexible, and customizable without IT support. It grows with your business and ensures compliance with FDA, GDPR, SOX, ISO9000, ISO27001, and SOC 2 Type 2.

How does Priority ERP compare to SAP Business One?

SAP Business One is powerful but complex, expensive, and lacks multi-company capabilities. Its Version 10 will also reach end-of-support in 2026. Priority ERP is affordable, easy to use, maintains the same platform (no forced migrations), and supports true multi-company operations with automatic inter-company processes.

How does Priority ERP compare to Sage X3?

Sage focuses on accounting, not full ERP. Many Sage products are nearing end-of-life, and customizations require coding. Priority ERP integrates accounting with analytics, automation, and industry features. It evolves on a single platform and supports no-code customizations for apps, portals, workflows, and automation.

How does Priority ERP compare to NetSuite?

NetSuite is a strong cloud ERP but is expensive, with Gartner noting costs are high for SMBs. It also enforces contract lock-in. Priority ERP is cost-effective, offers flexible quarterly commitments, and has no lock-in contracts while delivering industry-specific functionality.

How does Priority ERP compare to Microsoft Business Central?

Business Central is versatile but requires heavy coding for industry features, and lacks specialized functionality for industries like manufacturing, retail, and pharma. Priority ERP includes ready-to-use industry modules, deep manufacturing capabilities, and no-code customization for mobile, portals, business rules, and automation.

How does Priority ERP compare to Odoo?

Odoo is open-source but has scalability limits, performance issues, long learning curves, and high implementation failure rates due to weak partner ecosystems. Priority ERP provides structured implementation, scalability, proven methodologies, experienced partners, and quick user adoption.

How does Priority Optima compare to Oracle Hospitality OPERA?

OPERA is costly (especially for smaller properties), complex to use, has slow technical support, limited customization, and integration challenges. Priority Optima is scalable and cost-effective, with an intuitive interface for efficient workflows. It emphasizes responsive support, offers flexible customization, and provides an open architecture with a broad Marketplace for seamless real-time integrations.

How does Priority Optima compare to Cloudbeds?

Cloudbeds can be hotel-centric, lacks depth for complex operations without multiple add-ons, has inconsistent support or billing issues, and may feel less intuitive. Priority Optima serves all hospitality types with a comprehensive suite, reducing reliance on integrations. It offers a robust all-in-one platform, reliable support with streamlined billing, and a user-friendly, intuitive design.

How does Priority Optima compare to Mews?

Mews can require significant training, has a cluttered interface, an unintuitive booking engine, unresponsive support, and limitations in payment handling for complex stays. Priority Optima is designed for quick adoption and efficient staff workflows, with a clean, user-friendly interface and smooth booking experience. It prioritizes responsive support and provides flexible, reliable payment processing.

How does Priority Optima compare to Protel?

Protel is reported to have a steep learning curve, slow customer support, limited native integrations, an outdated mobile app, and high implementation costs. Priority Optima delivers an intuitive interface that’s easy to learn, responsive support, modern mobile capabilities, and a rich Marketplace for integrations. It also ensures efficient implementation with transparent, competitive pricing.

Support & Implementation

Does Priority Software offer professional implementation services?

Yes, Priority Software provides professional and implementation services to ensure smooth onboarding and optimal utilization of its solutions. Implementation services

What support options are available for Priority Software customers?

Priority Software offers global support, including online resources, documentation, and customer service teams to assist with implementation, troubleshooting, and ongoing usage. Support options

Pricing & Plans

How can I get pricing information for Priority Software solutions?

You can request pricing information for Priority Software solutions by visiting the pricing page and submitting a request based on your business needs. Get pricing

Are there flexible contract options available with Priority Software?

Yes, Priority Software offers flexible quarterly commitments with no lock-in contracts, allowing businesses to scale and adapt their solutions as needed.