When a company decides to automate its business, the main goal is obvious: to reduce manual labor costs and increase efficiency. But then the question arises: which solution to choose? There are many options, and each one is suitable for certain tasks, business models, and the company's maturity level.
To make an informed decision, you should first "adjust the optics" - understand what criteria are key for you: scalability, price, flexibility, support, type of hosting, or licensing format.
Classification of business automation solutions by type of implementation
1. Ready-made solutions with basic configuration
Products that can be used immediately after installation. They have limited flexibility - you can adapt the interface, add settings, but you cannot change the logic of operation.
Example: Outlook, Trello.
2. Ready-made solutions with the possibility of customization
ERP systems such as Odoo, SAP, or Axapta, which have a basic structure but allow you to customize the functionality to the specifics of the company.
Example: Odoo as a flexible open source ERP platform.
3. Customized solutions to order
Custom development from scratch is a fully customized system that takes into account all business requirements but requires time and significant resources.
Classification of business automation solutions by location
1. On-premise solutions (on-premise)
Systems installed on the company's own servers or dedicated hosting. Suitable for businesses with high security requirements or lack of a permanent Internet connection.
2. Cloud-based solutions
The software is hosted in the cloud. The system can be accessed from any device. It does not require your own IT infrastructure.
Example: Odoo Online.
Classification of business automation solutions by support model
1. Internal support
The company maintains the software on its own, either through its own IT department or hired specialists.
2. Support from an integrator or developer
It is most effective when an experienced partner implements the system and takes care of maintenance and updates.
3. SaaS (Software as a Service)
Renting a ready-made solution with full support from the developer. You pay for the use and always have access to the latest version of the product.
Classification of business automation solutions by licensing type
1. Free and shareware (freemium)
Can be used for free or with basic functionality. Often have time or user limits.
2. Permanent license with a one-time payment
A one-time purchase of software. But without updates and technical support, the product quickly loses its relevance.
3. Subscription
Regular payment for the use of the service is monthly, quarterly, or annual. The price usually includes updates and support.
Classification of business automation solutions by purpose
- CRM - sales and customer base management.
- ERP - integrated management of the company's resources.
- BPM - automation of business processes.
- BI - business analytics and reporting.
- WMS / TMS / SCM - management of logistics, warehouses, and supplies.
- SRM - interaction with suppliers.
- ERM - risk management.
- EDMS / EDI - electronic document management systems.
- Accounting systems - accounting, payroll, taxes.
How not to get confused in the choice
Each category has its own nuances, and there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Successful automation starts with properly formulated goals and an understanding of your own processes.
To save time and avoid mistakes, you should hire an experienced integrator. Team. To-Do has been working with automation systems for over 20 years, modeling processes for a specific business and helping to make choices based on strategic goals.
Not sure where to start?
Contact our consultants to find a solution that suits your company.
