Recently, I have been posting a series of blogs taking a deeper dive into some of the data presented in an infographic that I collaborated with SAP to produce. The infographic titled “So, What’s Stopping You From Using ERP?”, utilized data from my yearly ERP Benchmark survey, and can be used as a quick reference guide for organizations that are considering implementing ERP. In my last blog, I listed the reasons that organizations may want to consider the cloud when selecting ERP. Today, I wanted to focus on another emerging technology that impacts ERP strategies: mobility. The following data is derived from data collected for my ERP in SME 2012: Using Emerging Technologies to Stand Out report, which published in September 2012.

Mobile access to ERP brings the data contained in ERP to the fingertips of employees. This aids in data access, helps to streamline processes, increases efficiencies for employees both inside and outside of the home office, and promotes cost savings and decision-making. Still, only a minority of SMEs (organizations under $500 million in annual revenue) have enabled this access. But Figure 1 shows that mobile access is already a competitive differentiator. Best-in-Class organizations are more likely than All Others to already have implemented mobile access to ERP. Additionally, a significant amount of organizations are planning to implement this access in the near future. This tells us that mobile ERP access may soon be a standard.

 

Figure 1: The Best-in-Class See the Value

 

Source: Aberdeen Group, August 2012

 

But why are these organizations implementing mobile access to ERP? Mobile ERP enables a series of capabilities that can have a significant impact on the business, which are illustrated in Table 1.

 

Table 1: Mobile Capabilities

Source: Aberdeen Group, August 2012

 

One of the most important capabilities is data entry at the point of activity. This helps to avoid rework and mistakes, and adds efficiency to processes. For example, a warehouse worker can take inventory on their hand held device rather than have to walk back to a work station and input information manually. Another way in which mobility enhances operations is through the communication of work instructions. For example, field service technicians can access work instructions from their mobile device to help them better perform their job.

But most importantly, mobile access to ERP enables real-time access to information. As Table 1 illustrates, organizations with mobile access are providing data in the form of alerts and reports to decision-makers in order for them to make informed, agile decisions. They are better able to receive alerts (enabling action from anywhere) and can constantly keep an eye on the business no matter where, or when, they are.

The proof of the enhanced decision-making is contained in Figure 2. SMEs with mobile access are making quicker decisions year-over-year and are able to provide actionable data more often during the business decision-window. How often do you receive information after you already had to make a decision that the data would have influenced? Mobile access to ERP can help that problem. These are the reasons why Best-in-Class organizations have started to implement mobile ERP and will continue to do so in the future.

 

Figure 2: The Benefits

 

Source: Aberdeen Group, August 2012

 

If you’d like to take part in my 2012 ERP survey and receive access to my research, please click here.

To find past research from Aberdeen’s ERP practice click here, or read my blog here.