We take care of the details for you.

As great as ERP suites are, organizations often have needs that outpace the core functions they offer. The good news is that integrating an ERP suite with other software or services is very common and tends to work out well (though not without some cost or inconvenience). These ERP bolt-ons or add-ons sometimes require additional hardware and additional IT skills to support and data may need to be synchronized to the data in your ERP system. Although the integration to outside services may not be as seamless as the integration that goes on among the various models inside your ERP system, it typically does work out well.
See the full post clicking here: http://panorama-consulting.com/beyond-the-erp-core/
 

While great implementation of Business Systems (ERP, CRM, BI, more) is very important, much of the value of Enterprise Systems will often be derived by what's done beyond implementation.   In particular, here's what's needed:

• User adoption - Users need to adopt the system and enjoying using.  They need to believe in the value of entering data.  For example, adding substitute part numbers needs to be done with the belief that the information will add value later.  Adding an additional customer or supplier contact, needs to be done with the belief that the extra information will prove valuable.  These are little things that no one may see.  Adding notes and file attachments to orders is another little thing.  Great user adoption and inputs helps to make a business system to be greater after it is implementented.
• Optimization -
  • Better business processes - Basic business processes may be implemented at the start but better business processes should be introduced whenever possible. This is where KPI's and other metrics become important.   Can we turn quotes to orders more quickly and more often? Can we turn orders into shipments more quickly?  Can we reduce asset investment and speed up payment?  Can we grow margin across a dimension of the business? Enterprise systems enable us to measure many of these things and business process improvements enable us to report more favorable numbers in the measurement.  
  • Added Automation  and Integration - During implementation, you may have agreed to cut scope a little and leave out some modules, features, and integration pieces that you ideally you would have included.  Now, it the time to go back and pick up the additional fruit that it can add additional value.
• Your business system is a platform for business excellence.  It's your source for keeping on top of transactions and information.  It's your source for mining and reporting a wealth of information.  May your business systems live long and prosper after implementation and bring value beyond your expectations!

CIO Magazine has published an extensive, in-depth story about Open Source CRM and ERP.  CIO story link: tinyurl.com/mpt7ah  CRM and ERP systems capture capture transactional activity for marketing, operations, and finance.
 
The CIO story describes the value provided by robust open source enterprise products like SugarCRM, Openbravo and Compiere.  It also describes complementary products and community resources.