In the intricate landscape of business operations, the tools we choose can make all the difference. As businesses seek to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, the debate between off-the-shelf and custom ERP solutions becomes paramount. 

Here, we delve into the essence of custom ERP, its advantages over generic solutions, and how MYOB Advanced emerges as the frontrunner in this domain.

What is Custom ERP? 

ERP, or Enterprise Resource Planning, is a sophisticated software package designed to automate all business operations procedures. It aids businesses in optimizing efficiency and accuracy by automating data input and offering real-time visibility into their operations, consequently reducing the time and costs associated with managing operations.

While an off-the-shelf (OTS) ERP system is a pre-packaged solution designed to cater to a broad spectrum of businesses, its “one-size-fits-all” approach often falls short in addressing specific challenges. In contrast, a custom ERP system is tailored around the unique requirements of a particular business.

It offers a holistic solution that integrates all business operations into a single platform, crafted to resonate with the distinct needs of that business.

How Custom ERPs Different from Off-the-shelf ERPs 

Custom ERPs, designed specifically for the entity that commissions them, stand in stark contrast to off-the-shelf ERPs. Their bespoke nature ensures a solution that aligns seamlessly with the unique requirements and aspirations of the customer, delivering efficiency, effectiveness, and affordability.

One of the standout features of custom ERPs is their adaptability. They can be upgraded and modified over time, offering flexibility and scalability. Furthermore, their ability to integrate with other systems amplifies their versatility. Off-the-shelf ERPs, however, are often rigid, pre-defined systems with limited scalability.

Features of MYOB Advanced for Software Development

1. Flexibility to Customise and Develop

MYOB

Advanced shines in its adaptability. Not only can businesses tailor the dashboard to their preferences, but they can also develop atop the existing ERP system. This dual capability ensures:

• Personalisation: Businesses can have a dashboard that reflects their priorities, ensuring quick access to vital information.
• Evolution: As software needs change, MYOB Advanced can be developed further, ensuring the system remains aligned with business goals. 

Advantages: This flexibility translates to quicker decision-making, streamlined operations, and a system that grows with the business, ensuring long-term viability and success.

2. Creating Business Event Triggers 

Business triggers in MYOB Advanced are not just about automation; they’re about precision, adaptability, and real-time responsiveness. These triggers are designed to act based on specific conditions, ensuring businesses can operate proactively.

Conditions to Trigger Actions

After specifying a data source for the event in MYOB Advanced, users can configure conditions on the Trigger Conditions tab of the Business Events (SM302050) form. These conditions determine when the system should perform actions related to the business process.

For instance, the system can monitor data changes before and after they occur, comparing these results to check if a field value has changed, or if a record has been added, removed, or updated. The action is then performed based on these specified conditions.

Actions to Perform on Event Occurrence (Event Subscribers): 

To define the actions that the system should perform once the business event has occurred, users specify the event’s subscribers on the Subscribers tab of the Business Events (SM302050*) form. These subscribers can range from Import Scenarios and Tasks to Email Notifications, Mobile Push Notifications, and Mobile SMS Notifications.

Each subscriber type offers unique functionalities, ensuring businesses can choose the most suitable response to a triggered event.

Schedules to Monitor Business Processes:

To determine when the system should check if the data meets the specified conditions, users can configure a schedule or multiple schedules. This scheduled monitoring ensures that businesses can set regular checks, ensuring timely responses to any changes.

Data Field Tracking:

For business events triggered by record changes, MYOB Advanced monitors data changes made to the data included in the generic inquiry form or provided by a data-entry form. The system tracks and captures both new and previous data field values, giving a complete view of data changes. The ability to create business event triggers in MYOB Advanced offers businesses a multitude of benefits:  

• Proactivity: By setting conditions and actions, businesses can ensure they’re always a step ahead, responding in real-time to any changes.
• Precision: With detailed data field tracking, businesses can capture even the minutest of changes, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.  
• Flexibility: The range of subscribers ensures that businesses can choose the most appropriate response to a trigger, whether it’s sending an email, creating a task, or sending a mobile notification.

3. Building Unique Modules

One of the standout features of MYOB Advanced is its ability to support the development of entirely separate modules that cater to niche requirements. These modules ensure that the ERP system is not just a management tool but a dynamic platform that can be moulded to fit every unique requirement.

Consider the case of AcuRental, a rental order processing software for MYOB powered by Information Integration Group (IIG). AcuRental isn’t just another add-on; it tailors as a complete system for businesses in the rental industry. With AcuRental, businesses can manage their rental operations seamlessly, from generating quotes to handling flexible pricing and billing.

The system offers a view of date-based inventory availability, ensuring businesses can track their assets in real-time. Streamlined warehouse operations and crew management further complement this.

Key features of AcuRental include:

• Time-Based Inventory Management: Allows businesses to view the availability of their inventory based on specific dates.  
• Flexible Pricing and Invoicing: Users can define billing periods, and the system supports various invoicing options, be it upfront, upon return, or periodic billing.
• Handling Returns: The system can auto-generate credit memos for early returns or additional billings for late returns, ensuring businesses can manage their assets efficiently. 

Such a module exemplifies the power of MYOB Advanced. The core system offers many features, and integrations like AcuRental allow businesses to tailor an ERP to their specific needs.

Advantages:

• Tailored Solutions: Businesses aren’t confined to the features of the core system. They can explore and integrate modules that cater to their niche requirements.
• Competitive Edge: Having a system that aligns perfectly with business operations gives companies an advantage over competitors using generic solutions.
• Cost Efficiency: Over time, using tailored modules can lead to cost savings, as businesses don’t need to invest in multiple systems or platforms. 

Conclusion 

In today’s fast-paced business environment, adaptability is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. As industries evolve and markets shift, businesses that can pivot and adapt their operations seamlessly are the ones that thrive. An ERP system is at the heart of this adaptability.

But choose not just any ERP system; choose one that you can mould, tailor, and customise to fit the unique contours of your business operations. MYOB Advanced, with its robust customisation capabilities, ensures that your system is not limited to ever-changing business trends and technological advancement.

It’s not about fitting your business into software; it’s about fitting the software into your business. And in this alignment lies the key to sustained growth, efficiency, and success. If you’re aiming for the pinnacle of business excellence, having an ERP system like MYOB Advanced, which can be customised based on your specific needs, is not just beneficial—it’s crucial.

*SM302050 is the screen ID for MYOB Advanced.

Let Alphabiz Solutions Elevate Your Business with Custom ERP Solutions

Why just read about the transformative capabilities of MYOB Advanced when you can experience them firsthand? Dive deep into its features, witness its adaptability, and envision the growth potential it can unlock for your business.

Don’t constrain your business with generic solutions. Book a demo with our expert consultants and step into the future of ERP solutions. Let MYOB Advanced be the catalyst that propels your business to new heights.