Don’t Underestimate UX

We all understand the importance of implementing ERP software with sophisticated tools and relevant modules. However, it’s not just these tangible qualities that deserve attention. All the advanced features in the world won’t matter without an intuitive user experience (UX). Nobody wants to feel like a fool when simply trying to change a setting or search for an account, but this is what happens when end users operate on a convoluted system.  

By following our tips, your users will feel empowered to make better business decisions and speed up processes. Keep reading to find out how to optimize the ERP user experience.  

Select the Right Solution

Optimizing the user experience begins with ERP selection. Choosing a system that lacks core functionality or includes superfluous features can burden your users or require tedious workarounds. In addition to mission-critical tools, your ERP should also include particular capabilities to serve as a user-friendly platform. When you’re embarking on your ERP search, be on the lookout for the following features designed to enhance the user experience:  

• Configurable Dashboards: Every employee wants information how they want it, when they want it. That’s why users should have the power to personalize dashboards, adding role-based metrics applicable to their daily tasks. Epicor ERP, for example, released an active home page in version 10.2 that allows each user to choose from multiple charts, KPIs and styles to create an attractive and interactive experience.
• User-Friendly Tools: You shouldn’t have to learn how to code or navigate multiple screens just to view business insights or complete an activity. Find a solution that includes drag-and-drop functionality and other simple techniques for executing tasks. Throughout Epicor’s modules, drilling into data and modifying processes takes just a few clicks or dragging and dropping.
• Search Functionality: How many times have you found yourself wasting half an hour to locate an order or check inventory? An ERP instance should include robust search functionality to help you find exactly what you need at a moment’s notice. With Epicor Enterprise Search, users can instantly access precise information across their ERP solution.

As you sit in on demos throughout the selection process, pay careful attention to how the sales rep navigates the solution. This person has likely performed countless demos and can therefore make the system look effortless, but you can count the number of steps it takes to perform specific, pertinent functions and compare these figures to other demos.  

Provide Comprehensive Training

Once you’ve found the right fit for your enterprise, equip users with the relevant skills to fulfill their daily responsibilities. It’s not just the dashboards that need to be role-based. While some users must only perform some straightforward tasks, power users require a deep understanding of system functionality. That’s why you should provide role-based training to ensure each user can navigate the tools and modules they need.  

But training doesn’t stop at go live. With business growth and system upgrades come changes in software functionality. Offer regular, ongoing training to help both new and old employees improve their software practices and acquaint themselves with the latest ERP features.  

Attack Mistakes Head-On

Though ERP mitigates multiple business risks, the system is bound to incur an error at some point, affecting system usability. The longer these issues fester, the more likely your users are to stray back to outdated processes. Try to attack problems the moment they crop up. Though vendors have customer service, it’s best to reach out to certified consultants. They’re more likely to address your issue quickly and thoroughly. Once the issue is resolved, document what happened to keep it from occurring again.  

However, mistakes don’t only occur on the technical side. Keep an eye on users by establishing KPIs that track ERP usage. If you notice anyone misusing a feature, mishandling data or making other errors, stop the user then and there to prevent the mistake from becoming a habit.  

Wrap Up

You can’t afford to put ERP user experience on the back-burner. The value of your software investment is contingent on how fully your employees leverage the system. With intuitive dashboards and tools, Epicor ERP sets the foundation for a strong user experience, helping your business simplify operations and gain complete visibility. 

At Datix, our consultants work closely with your business to design your ERP implementation for optimal user experience. To provide a seamless experience for users, we perform a variety of services such as training, customizations and error handling. We also created our Unity integration solution to connect your ERP with an array of systems, offering greater transparency and process automation to further enhance usage.  

Lean more about ERP best practices and solutions by contacting the experts at Datix today!  

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