ERP systems have been around for more than 30 years. While the benefits may be obvious to some, many companies are still working without access to real-time data or a single cloud environment.
The most commonly stated advantages to ERP in a corporate environment include:
- Integrated flow of information across the entire organisation
- Enhanced productivity
- Maintained control and reduced operating costs
- Increased flexibility
- Increased sales and long-term planning
- Improved decision-making
Once cloud technology was introduced in 2005, organisations using ERP systems experienced even more cost savings, especially those using a shared public cloud.
2021 – a year of ongoing change
McKinsey predicted 2021 would be the year of transition thanks to the COVID-19 crisis, and that’s proved to be true. The global pandemic is responsible for accelerating technologies like AI and digitization by several years. The pressure to optimise supply chains is greater than ever due to lockdowns, and the future of work has been redefined as people were forced to transition from the office to a home office environment.
In addition to COVID-19, one of the key topics that should be on every organisation’s agenda is sustainability. While the standard definition is the act of maintaining a natural balance, the United Nations defined sustainability as “meeting your own needs without compromising the needs of any future generations.”
What is business sustainability?
To succeed, companies must constantly adapt their business to future change. True business sustainability combines economic, shareholder value and organisational perspectives. It is no longer only the carbon footprint and the contribution to climate change that matter to society. Much more is at stake in the eyes of the public and how a company is perceived on all levels.
Social Licence to operate becomes more important with environmental sustainability considerations gaining momentum. There is a risk of falling behind societal expectations on climate change. Have you considered how your corporate image reflects natural capital considerations?
There is a need for proactive thinking about what “strong sustainability” means for your business model and the technology you’re using. Acting in a more “green” manner shows your organisation’s commitment to addressing the big issues of the day while benefiting from becoming a sustainable enterprise.
The SAP Chasing Zero campaign started with an understanding of the need to become both an enabler for sustainable business practices, and setting a good example towards sustainability. As an Enabler, SAP aims to lead with technology that helps clients measure their carbon footprint and report on climate-related KPIs. As an Exampler, SAP wants to lead with thought leadership to a greener, cleaner and more equal future.
What makes your organisation and IT greener?
- Energy efficiency
- storage consolidation
- server virtualisation
- power consumption with automated software
- thin clients
- Feasibility
- economically viable and no overload of isolated and reconnected systems
- Portability
- Virtual organisation
- Real-time connectivity
- Usability
- Consolidation of printers
- Recycling and re-use of hardware
- People Practises
One way to lead on sustainability is to consider how your organisation could take a page out of the SAP book and then set your own good example. Ask yourself what you can do to reduce your consumption of natural resources.
- How much printing are you doing and how much of it is actually needed?
- Is your office conveniently located to minimise travel time and allow staff to use public transport?
- Can your organisation subsidise the use of public transport or encourage carpooling?
- Do your office premises offer end-of-trip facilities for staff who are commuting by bicycling, walking or running?
- Are reusable cups available that staff can use for a trip to the coffee shop?
- What systems can be implemented to minimise waste in the kitchen?
DyFlex and Sustainability
Sustainability is a key topic on DyFlex’s agenda and we approach it both internally and externally.
DyFlex leading by example
DyFlex has been an expert provider of ERP systems in Australia for more than ten years, and the journey of supporting our clients with better, cleaner and more sustainable systems and processes is of utmost importance to us. As an SAP Gold Partner, our organisation fully incorporates SAP’s goals. We operate within a cloud environment. We have recently relocated our offices to reduce our staff’s commuting time, giving them better access to public transport as well as end-of-trip facilities.
DyFlex enables sustainable business practices
We’re also created services to help our customers become more sustainable. With a long history working with the energy industry, we created the DyFlex Renewable Energy Solution (RES). Powered by SAP Business ByDesign and built specifically for growing businesses, RES offers a range of organisations the ability to better manage people. The solution extends to field staff, inventory, finances, suppliers, logistics and reporting from a single connected and automated cloud-based system.
For organisations with a large outside workforce, we offer DyFlex Field Service Management intuitive planning board and artificial-intelligence optimisation tools. Our Field Service Management helps match field staff to tasks based on skills, availability, and location. It connects the office with the field in real time, while keeping the customer connected too.
If you would like more information about how an ERP can help you become a more sustainable business, get in touch with DyFlex. We can show you how to enable sustainability and lead by example.
This article is sponsored by DyFlex Solutions
