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 diagnosis of the current landscape regarding the client’s issue becomes much faster and simpler. That’s why we’ve curated 6 types of ERP systems for you to implement in the legal sector of your company.
Want to delve a bit more into this topic? Then come with us and check out the topics!
- 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.
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 posing risks in sharing confidential data. According to a 2018 survey, lawyers spend only 28% of their work hours on their specialty.
This occurs because a significant portion of these professionals dedicates their time to administrative and financial matters. Recognizing this challenge, ERP emerged, offering a new perspective for management in the legal sector due to its significant contribution to legal workflows.
6 Types of ERP Systems for Business Management
Every company requires effective business management. However, this management process is not something achievable through mathematical formulas.
Each office has its own challenges and needs, so when implementing an ERP, it’s crucial to determine the best system type to address the specific challenges in your company. Check out some examples below:
1. Legacy ERP
One of the pioneers in ERP system implementation worldwide, Legacy ERP, despite its initial success, has become outdated in the market. Today, more attractive ERP versions for business management exist.
Legacy ERP may not be the best choice, as despite its low implementation costs, offices eventually need to invest in new software and other systems to address the obsolescence in Legacy ERP data processing for collecting new information.
2. Verticalized Systems for a Business Channel
This type of ERP is widely used by franchises and physical store networks for data integration and, therefore, is not highly recommended for the legal sector.
This is because this system lacks specificity, and there may be gaps in the applied software planning. However, it is highly relevant for companies that need to analyze commission control and promotions in their management processes.
3. Rigid ERP
This type of ERP has significantly lower implementation costs compared to others. However, as the name suggests, a Rigid ERP lacks many available accessories. Over time, it may be unable to keep up with your office’s growth and will need to be replaced by another system, incurring additional costs and risking data loss.
4. BackOffice ERP for E-commerce
This is not necessarily an ERP system but a connecting bridge that can be applied to the Legacy system. Despite being financially more affordable, this accessory fails to meet all the demands of a company.
Its operation does not involve fiscal or accounting management, which are crucial for lawyers to control processes 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 how the system operates. Initially, what seemed like a good idea ended up generating more expenses than implementing a custom ERP according to their demands.
Since these free systems are unable to meet the real needs of the organization, the free system became obsolete, and ultimately, a paid system was used as a substitute.
6. Cloud ERP
Currently, the most widely used ERP system in the market involves cloud data processing, as Cloud ERP systems are simple and practical to use. They enable any authorized employee to access information and data with just internet access, facilitating the management of contracts, payments, information, and petitions in a practical manner and with better cost-effectiveness.
This type of system is essential for small, medium, and large offices with high information processing, those dealing with more than one specialty, for example, and that need highly secure systems ensuring smooth business operations.
We hope this content has been helpful in choosing the best ERP type 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!
