Managing a law firm is no easy task. However, when we consolidate all management modules into a single system, analyzing data, integrating information, and obtaining a diagnostic of the current landscape regarding a client’s issue become much faster and simpler. That’s why we’ve selected 6 types of ERP systems for you to implement in the legal sector of your company.
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- What is ERP?
- 6 Types of ERP Systems for Business Management
What is ERP?
In general terms, an ERP is a management tool designed to integrate data and information from different sectors within an office. ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning, signifying the planning of a company’s resources.
With the advancement of digital systems, the use of cloud-based tools for data processing has become a trend in the corporate world, especially in the legal sector.
However, this led to multiple systems operating simultaneously in a single office, creating greater challenges in analyzing and interpreting data as a whole.
Consequently, for a lawyer to access this information, they would need to open various platforms simultaneously, resulting in time loss and risking the sharing of confidential data. According to a 2018 survey, lawyers spend only 28% of their working hours on their specialization.
This occurs because a significant portion of their time is devoted to administrative and financial matters. Addressing this issue, ERP emerged, offering a new perspective on management in the legal sector, significantly contributing to legal workflows.
6 Types of ERP Systems for Business Management
Every company requires effective business management. However, this management process isn’t something we can achieve through mathematical formulas.
Each office has its own challenges and needs, so when implementing an ERP, it’s crucial to determine the best type of system to address the specific challenges in your company. Here are some examples:
1. Legacy ERP:
One of the pioneers in ERP system implementation worldwide, the Legacy ERP enjoyed significant success upon its launch. However, it has become outdated in the market, given the availability of more appealing ERP versions for business management today.
The Legacy ERP might not be the best choice, as despite its low initial costs, offices eventually need to invest in new software and other systems to rectify the lag in processing data collection with Legacy ERP for new information.
2. Vertical Systems for Business Channels:
This type of ERP is most commonly used by franchises and physical store networks for data integration and is not highly recommended for legal sectors.
This is because this system lacks specificity, and we can identify some gaps in the applied software planning. However, it is very relevant for companies that need to analyze commission control and promotions in their management process.
3. Rigid ERP:
This type of ERP has a much lower application cost compared to others. However, as the name suggests, this ERP type lacks many available accessories. Over time, it won’t keep up with the growth of your office and will need to be replaced by another system, incurring additional costs and risking data loss.
4. BackOffice ERP for E-commerce:
This isn’t necessarily an ERP system but rather a connecting bridge that can be applied to the Legacy system. Despite being financially cheaper, this accessory cannot meet all the demands of a company.
Its operation does not involve fiscal or accounting management, which are crucial for lawyers’ process control, such as fee payments and other service charges.
5. Free Systems
In the past, many companies opted for a free ERP system and chose to bear the costs of consulting to understand its operation. Initially, what seemed like a good idea ended up generating more expenses than implementing a bespoke ERP tailored to their demands.
Since these systems cannot meet the real needs of the organization, the free system became obsolete, and eventually, a paid system was used as a substitute.
6. Cloud ERP
Currently, the most widely used ERP system in the market features cloud data processing, as Cloud ERP systems are simple and practical to use. They allow any authorized employee to access information and data with just internet access, facilitating the management of contracts, payments, information, and petitions in a practical and cost-effective manner.
This type of system is essential for small, medium, and large offices with high information processing needs, operating in more than one specialty, for example, and requiring highly secure systems that ensure the smooth functioning of the company’s routine.
We hope this content has been helpful for you to choose the best ERP for your office. If you still have doubts about which system to select to meet your business needs, feel free to contact the experts at Ubistart!
Together, we can build the best solution for your problem!
