Most businesses understand the importance of digital transformation, proven by its USD 606.05 million global market value in 2022, which is projected to reach USD 2372.39 million by 2030.
Knowledge is key when it comes to ERP implementation. Understanding the fundamentals of ERPs empowers you to make informed decisions that best suit your business needs—Am I simply looking for a good old project management app to keep track of what my team's up to, or do I need an entire business management suite to help me oversee the whole business process from initiation to completion?
Whether you are in B2B or B2C, choosing the best solution in the market can lighten staff workload by automating and eliminating a wide range of manual processes. The time they free up can be directed toward growing your business and leveraging data-driven resources, allowing your team to work smarter and happier.
While a few Google searches might seem like a starting point, a deeper dive into readily available online resources is essential before entering your card details and we are here to support you with just that purpose. Scroll on to get access to the six best resources to help you learn more about ERPs. Oh, and did we mention that they are completely free of charge?
In summary
This article discusses the ways to know more about ERPs:
Podcasts
The Best Way to Learn On the Go
For those who are in the early stage of ERP research, podcasts would be the most convenient and direct entry point into the field.
Easily accessible on your go-to media streaming platforms, the vast selections of business podcasts provide direct access to the success of experts, directors, and business decision-makers, allowing you to gain valuable insights into brand rationale and user reviews, which can be highly inspiring. Through interviews and roundtable discussions, get to know the pros and cons of managing daily operations with various systems, the unique value propositions of different ERPs, and more insider perspectives and knowledge that might not be available through other channels.
This low-effort way enables you to make the best use of your time on commute, working out, or while on other tasks to delve into the business world, making it an ideal tool to grasp the latest tech trends while adding a few new ERP keywords to your glossary.
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Online Learning
ERP Crash Courses
Structural learners could not miss out on all those free ERP online courses.
Go beyond entrepreneur-influencers and learn ERPs directly from the source. Software companies often offer free courses designed to quickly teach you the fundamentals of the products and their setup before delving into sales, inventory, finance, warehouse management, and other business areas. Interactive quizzes reinforce your knowledge, and earning certifications can boost your resume. You'll also gain practical insights into each system's cans and cants, helping you make informed comparisons.
Available anytime and anywhere with the Internet, these free courses are one of the most flexible ways to up your business management game as you maintain a work-life balance.
Whitepaper & Case Studies
Effective Deep Learning about ERPs
If you're looking to go beyond the basics for more in-depth product analysis and statistics, whitepapers and case studies are essential for deep learning. We particularly recommend these for individuals with a foundational knowledge of ERP systems.
Whitepapers, typically research analyses by third parties, compare features, cost-effectiveness, and ROI, empowering you to make informed budgeting and data-oriented decisions. Meanwhile, customer testimonials provide practical insights by revealing the tangible impacts of ERPs in real-world scenarios. These success stories highlight the latest technologies adopted by competitors and provide valuable industry-specific perspectives.
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Ultimately, whitepapers and case studies provide you with a comprehensive understanding of ERP software and its features through data-directed research and real-world implementation examples.
Online Forums
Summon the Greatest Tech Minds
Let's face it: all those tech wordings can be quite mind-boggling. That's where online forums shine by presenting a valuable space for community-driven problem-solving and learning.
Sites like Reddit and Quora host vibrant tech communities where you can connect with seasoned system developers and some of the most brilliant tech minds. This collaborative environment makes troubleshooting easier and enables you to gather solutions from multiple sources. An added benefit is your immediate access to the system's internal team.
For product-specific inquiries, direct engagement with product owners and developers can yield rapid bug fixes and creative workarounds. Online forums can also be a lifeline for region-specific integration challenges, allowing you to connect with local experts and other users who have faced similar issues, ultimately saving you significant time and effort.
For this reason, online forums help you gain a practical understanding of the system's capabilities and limitations and its latest version updates to either adapt or avoid in your business management to scale while mitigating the risks of constant and costly system customizations.
Product Showcase
Sign up for a Tour
If you're committed to digital transformation, attending product showcase events and expos where the ERPs of your choice made a presence is highly recommended. In short, let them make their case directly to you.
Attending these physical events is a great chance to meet product experts face-to-face. Through live product demonstrations, you can get first-hand experience using and comparing different ERP systems, including their products and features, with product experts immediately available to answer your questions. Personal interactions with brand representatives foster stronger business connections and keep you abreast of the latest industry tools and technologies.
Besides staying current with tech trends, these events enhance crucial soft skills in the business setting, such as networking opportunities with other business leaders and building your competitive edge by understanding your competitors' software choices.
Check out our all-year-round event schedule, which covers everything from general ERP education to localized accounting workshops.
Free Trials
Trial and Error
Last but not least, have you tried using the systems?
Most ERPs nowadays offer free trials up to a month. Proven to be the most effective way to learn, Odoo’s out-of-the-box solution allows risk-free test runs before further investment in time, energy, and money. A trial-and-error approach allows businesses to single out your blocking point and needs more easily and encourages you to test out the workflow and know your needs better.
Especially for those without internal IT support, experience using the software first-hand equips you with the vocabulary and knowledge to clearly communicate your requirements for a smoother transition and better user experience.
A robust ERP should confidently withstand your test. Start using Odoo today to boost your business!
