Even though it’s a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, Salesforce also houses Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions on its platform. This gives users a variety of options, features, and applications to choose from. Products like Accounting Seed offer users an accounting solution that is a Salesforce ERP, combining the strengths of both systems.
What is Salesforce ERP?
Let’s start by clarifying some tech terminology. Salesforce was designed and operates as a CRM IT platform. As a platform though, Salesforce houses a variety of other technologies in the same ecosystem. Through resilient Applications Programming Interface (API), the Salesforce CRM can house native ERPs and can even integrate to unrelated solutions not on the platform. Salesforce ERPs describe ERP applications that use the Salesforce infrastructure in their designs. These native solutions are designed to work together and function seamlessly on the platform. This means integration isn’t needed for Salesforce ERPs to work with other Salesforce software.
The Top Three ERP Benefits
While we have discussed that modern CRM, particularly Salesforce, have eclipsed ERPs in flexibility and functionality, ERPs are still very valuable. They actually share several of the same benefits of CRM. Here are the top three benefits of ERPs.
1. Consistency
Arguably the best and most significant benefit of the ERP is the level of consistency the technology gives users. ERP software provides a clear, consistent interface that provides a very user-friendly and easy-to-use system. This makes operations faster to perform with little confusion. As a result, costs of time and stress diminish.
2. Faster Communications and Processes
Like CRMs, ERPs are capable of processing data in real-time. This means that you can perform work and communicate with staff instantly. This also provides up-to-date insight into things like project statuses and financial health.
3. Connection
We live in an interconnected world, especially when it comes to business. ERPs, like CRMs, can work with other applications, both related or outside of its technology ecosystem. ERPs can host several different tools related to different processes and still integrate to and work with other software for more functionality. This gives users more tools and options to perform operations easily in a single home.
All of these things and more, make ERPs a good resource. However, ERPs designed with a CRM mindset and/or built on Salesforce make them even better.
Are Salesforce ERPs Better Than Other ERPs?
In short, yes they are. Especially if you are running your organization primarily on Salesforce or require more customized workflow. This is because standard ERPs still have limitations. Early developers focused on creating a system of pre-configured functions according to standard business practices. This gave ERP users a virtual framework for performing tasks and managing operations. This is great for consistency and ease of use, but this can be limiting and time-consuming for businesses too. Additionally, many ERPs can be difficult to customize and adapt to unique business requirements.
At the same time, CRM took the opposite approach to IT design. CRMs like Salesforce prioritize flexibility to allow users to create dynamic processes based around their needs. What if the best aspects of both systems were brought together on a single platform?
Salesforce does this by embracing a CRM construction and mindset while having native ERPs built onto the platform. It isn’t just a single-purpose system – there are over 3,000 applications and ERPs you can use that are native to Salesforce. These natives apps range from industry-focused ERPs like AscentERP to accounting ERPs like us, Accounting Seed.
What are some of the benefits of these on-platform ERPs?
- More technology options
Native ERPs provide specialized technology for specific industries and operations that work seamlessly with the Salesforce CRM and its extensions. - High-level customizations and configurations
Salesforce ERPs like Accounting Seed are equipped with Salesforce-based platform features and API. These provide users a host of out-of-the-box and custom processes and configurations and are able to be further customized. - A single-source-of truth for all company data.
All your company’s data is linked on the Salesforce platform for faster, more precise operations. - Time and Costs Savings
Because Salesforce ERPs are native, you avoid integration and integration maintenance costs. Implementations tend to be faster than having to connect non-native ERPs.
Your Dedicated Salesforce Accounting ERP Accounting Seed
Instead of thinking in terms of ERP vs CRM, Salesforce lets you have both. This is especially the case with Accounting Seed. We are a dedicated accounting ERP that is built entirely on the platform. While FinancialForce focuses on Professional Services Automation (PSA), Accounting Seed focuses on the full lifecycle of accounting. Our native flexibility and focus on automating payable and receivable on Salesforce gives you faster, more accurate accounting all on Salesforce. For more of our benefits and features check out our buyer’s guide.
Schedule a free demo today to explore how Accounting Seed helps you manage finances your way.