| While ERP software is generally thought of as an | | | | capabilities are not just simple record-keeping, but |
| enterprise wide application, one overlooked use of | | | | can be used at a component level to assist |
| this type of software is to provide a specific | | | | manufacturers. For example, inventory parts can |
| solution for a specific business function. In this | | | | be grouped into categories which can then be |
| article I will explain how SAP software (which is | | | | nested. Purchase Orders can then be applied at |
| usually implemented enterprise wide) can be used | | | | any level within the category nest. Similarly, |
| to automate your company's accounting function. | | | | setting prices for items can be set at such levels |
| Over the years Accounting has become more | | | | and can also be discounted in many different |
| sophisticated. It's no longer a question of 'debit the | | | | ways. These items of them reported using SAP's |
| receiver and credit giver'. This increase in | | | | Accounting modules. |
| complexity is reflected in the difficulty many | | | | Finally, SAP can effectively manage the sales and |
| companies have in automating their Accounting | | | | purchasing function. It is a simple matter to |
| function. Fortunately, software packages such as | | | | convert quotes into invoices which require |
| SAP can assist. | | | | payment. Profit margins can be reported at |
| For starters, SAP's intelligent user interface (UI) | | | | multiple levels by specific customer, specific store, |
| provides for rapid and error-free data entry. | | | | or even specific salesman. In a similar manner, |
| Unlike many other accounting programs where | | | | Purchase Orders are automatically converted to |
| even a simple task of data entry requires multiple | | | | vendor invoices which are then forwarded to the |
| key and mouse movements, the SAP User | | | | Accounts Payable module. SAP provides for |
| Interface relies on special shortcuts to help you | | | | payment in many different ways including |
| keep your hands on the keyboard at all times. | | | | Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) all the standard |
| This assists in easier and therefore quicker data | | | | check. |
| entry. | | | | So, as you can see the enterprise-wide nature of |
| SAP also offers comprehensive inventory | | | | SAP, provides a useful solution to automating a |
| controls. This module helps the users manage the | | | | company's accounting function. |
| location and quantity of goods stored. The | | | | |