Software Evaluation Features and Functions
Before you can begin comparing enterprise software solutions, it's important to understand the features and functions that you need to run your business. Below, you'll find links to comprehensive models of features and functions for several types of enterprise software, including accounting, asset management, business intelligence (BI), content management systems (CMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), human resource management (HRM), product lifecycle management (PLM), product portfolio management (PPM), relationship management, and supply chain management (SCM). These feature/function models can help you better understand vendor offerings as you compare software solutions.
Accounting systems features and functions help accurately enter, track, and maintain information related to an organization's financial operations. Typical accounting software features and functions include general ledger (GL), accounts payable (A/P) and accounts receivable (A/R), payroll, job and project costing, budgeting, and multinational accounting. Accounting software for small to medium businesses (SMBs) can often integrate additional features and functions such as inventory control, manufacturing management, and financial reporting. Understanding which accounting software features and functions are important for your business is a key part of your accounting system comparison.
Enterprise asset management (EAM) systems and computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) features and functions enable planning, controlling, and monitoring of physical asset events and maintenance tasks as they pertain to plants, equipment, and facilities. Typical EAM/CMMS features and functions include vehicle maintenance, preventative maintenance, purchasing management, equipment history tracking, and risk management. EAM/CMMS systems also include features and functions for planning, scheduling, and billing contract labor, and regulatory compliance. Some EAM/CMMS systems also include back-office features and functions (e.g., human resources [HR] and financial management), as well as features and functions for e-procurement and online tracking and reporting. To find the best EAM/CMMS system for your business, it's important to understand which features and functions you need before you compare EAM/CMMS solutions.
Business intelligence (BI) and business performance management (BPM) features and functions help you analyze organizational data in order to optimize performance and stay competitive within your market. Typical BI and BPM features and function include reporting, analytics, data warehousing, and comprehensive data visualization tools like scorecards and dashboards. BI users employ these features and functions to take snapshots of transactional data and put it in a separate database (called a data warehouse) to analyze trends and develop reports based on the information captured. BPM users, in contrast, use data visualization tools to optimize organizational processes, especially for budgeting, activity-based costing, forecasting, consolidations, etc. To find the best BI or BPM system for your business, it's important to understand which features and functions you need before you compare BI/BPM solutions.
Content management system (CMS) features and functions help manage internal corporate documentation and information, Web site content, and group collaboration. Typical content management system features and functions include tools for content authoring, workflow, presentation, asset management, reporting, backup, version control, and other content management processes. A content management database acts as a central repository, which holds all content, metadata, accessibility and workflow rules, and supporting information. To find the best content management system for your business, it's important to understand which features and functions you need before you compare content management solutions.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) features and functions help integrate management, staff, and equipment, combining all aspects of your business into one system in order to facilitate every element of the manufacturing process. Typical ERP system modules include features and functions for accounting, human resources (HR), manufacturing management, customer relationship management (CRM), and other business functions. ERP systems with manufacturing management functionality also include features and functions for inventory, purchasing, and quality and sales management. ERP software is often configured with specialized features and functions for a particular industry or type of manufacturing. For example you can compare ERP systems for discrete manufacturing, process manufacturing, engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing, distribution, fashion and apparel, mining, etc. To find the best ERP system for your business, it's important to understand which features and functions you need before you compare ERP solutions.
Human resource management systems (HRMS) features and functions help manage personnel-related tasks for corporate managers and for individual employees. Typical HRMS features and functions include personnel management, benefit management, payroll management, training management, workforce management, and health and safety administration. Many HRM systems also include features and functions for employee self-service (ESS) functionality, which support automate much of the work done by human resources (HR) personnel. To find the best HRMS system for your business, it's important to understand which features and functions you need before you compare HRMS solutions.
Product lifecycle management (PLM) software features and functions help manage the development of products and services—from the initial idea through to design, production, and delivery. Typical PLM features and functions include product development and portfolio management, manufacturing process management, ideation and requirements management, service data, and regulatory and compliance. Some PLM solutions also incorporate vital product data management (PDM) features and functions. While some PLM vendors offer comprehensive generalized systems, others offer specialized solutions for process manufacturing, discrete manufacturing, new product development and introduction (NPDI), and industries such as fashion and apparel. To find the best PLM system for your business, it's important to understand which features and functions you need before you compare PLM solutions.
Project portfolio management (PPM) features and functions help organize a series of projects into a single portfolio consisting of reports that capture project objectives, costs, timelines, accomplishments, resources, risks, and other critical factors. Executives can then regularly review entire portfolios, allocate resources appropriately, and adjust projects to produce the highest departmental returns. In addition to portfolio and project management features and function, typical PPM solutions include features and functions for resource planning and scheduling, customer support, contact management, time and expense management, financial management, budgeting, costing, knowledge management, analysis, and reporting. To find the best PPM system for your business, it's important to understand which features and functions you need before you compare PM solutions.
Customer relationship management (CRM) features and functions help improve the interactions and engagement of customers. Typical CRM features and functions include sales force automation (SFA), marketing automation, customer service and support, partner management, and enterprise marketing management. CRM solutions also include features and functions for sophisticated reporting and analytics, with configurable dashboards that help you control your view of the data. To find the best CRM system for your business, it's important to understand which features and functions you need before you compare CRM solutions.
Supply chain management (SCM) features and functions help coordinate the movement of products and services from suppliers to customers (including manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers). Typical SCM features and functions include supply chain optimization, supply chain event management, warehouse management, radio frequency identification (RFID), and transportation management. Many SCM systems also include features and functions for international trade and logistics, demand management. supplier relationship management, and service parts planning. To find the best SCM system for your business, it's important to understand which features and functions you need before you compare SCM solutions.
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