In this day and age, our world is becoming increasingly fast-paced where pristine technological developments are put forward every other day. With all the technology at the disposal of mankind, human interactions, lifestyles, and working environments are now more effortless than ever before. However, a flattering growth in technological advancement also develops a constant demand to determine and include the best Hi-Tech solution for every life aspect.
Similarly, to stay competitive and deliver high-quality education, educational institutions around the world have resorted to a broad spectrum of academic software products including authoring systems, graphic software, assessment management software, educational games, courseware, etc.
However, Enterprise Resource Planning software (ERP) is the Hi-Tech solution incorporated by leading academic institutions to achieve a dynamic educational culture besides providing convenient learning opportunities. A Campus Management System serves as an academic ERP software that can efficiently manage administrative functions along with academic operations, all thanks to its proficient tools and programs. Besides eliminating heaps of disengaged paperwork, the close integration of various modules around a centralized database assists with record maintenance including admissions, attendance, assessments, fee collections and successful alumni. Moreover, ease of data accessibility for all the stakeholders along with maintaining security adds to its benefits package.
Nonetheless, the appointment of the best suitable ERP software for school/college/university remains a question mark for many institutions out there. Therefore, we have devised an 8-Step ERP Evaluation Checklist that will assist you in making this critical judgment.
1.  USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACE
With the purpose to furnish an optimal user experience, a user-friendly interface is an element that distinguishes the best academic software from its counterparts. An ERP cloud software that is intuitive, uncomplicated, and manageable for the administration, as well as the students and their parents, should hold the top spot on your list.
- ACCESSIBILITY
Another significant feature of premium quality ERP cloud software is the ease of its accessibility. The offline or online accessibility of the software according to the preference of your organization is the crux of the matter. An online version serves more benefits comparatively as it allows the data to be accessed from any location or device if the user credentials are authentic. Moreover, e-learning is also a walk in the park with the online application software. Albeit, if your institution doesn’t have a 24/7 internet connection, an offline version of the academic software will come in useful.
- COST-EFFICIENCY
Cost-effectiveness is another significant element that must be taken into account to incorporate the best ERP software. First and foremost, it is essential to be familiar with the standard market price for your desired software to specify the overall cost of ERP software with its customizations for your institution.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), user count, implementation, customizations, and maintenance over a prolonged period are the vital factors that impact the exclusive cost of an academic ERP. Ultimately, software whose ROI is greater than the cost of ownership should be your cherry-pick.
- TECHNICAL COMPETENCE
One more fundamental facet that must be evaluated before making the final decision is to consider the technical capabilities of the academic ERP. It is crucial to review the latest technology incorporated in the software as well as its potential to be sufficient for the day-to-day operations in your institutions. Furthermore, the prospective customizations must also be inquired about.
- ADAPTABILITY
Before finalizing the contract for an ERP software implementation, its adaptability factor must be thought about. This holds significance if your institution has goals to expand its services or campuses moving forward. If your integrated ERP software has a scalable aspect to it, the amplification of tasks will be swiftly accommodated by the existing software. The need for another software integration won’t arise.
- FREQUENT UPDATES
Automatic and frequent updates of the academic software are an additional element that if estimated during the selection phase will eliminate a lot of hassle after it is put into operation. Software that will automatically be updated with all the advancements is vital to thrive in a competitive educational field.
- VIABLE SUPPORT SERVICE
The provision of customer support service whenever required is a substantial feature necessary to manage and easily operate the newly installed academic ERP software. You must inquire the developers about the provision of in-person training during implementation along with further training videos and technical assistance.
- SOFTWARE VENDOR CREDIBILITY
Last but not the least, the selection of pertinent software vendors is directly related to the election of the best-suited ERP software for your educational institution. Customer satisfaction and valid reviews will prove to be a boost for the software selection.
IN CONCLUSION, there is no denying that selection of relevant ERP software that perfectly accommodates the day-to-day operations and administrative functions in your organization is a tricky phase.
Keeping in mind the aforementioned checklist, an ideal academic ERP software for your institution must be cost-efficient, adaptable, and technically compatible. In addition, a user-friendly interface and frequent automatic updates are crucial features that one must look for. Software vendor reliability and provision of round-the-clock support service are the vendor characteristics that eventually influence the potential outcomes. All of these premium features are the constituent characteristics of the Campus Management System, known as eDU-SMARTZ at e-creatorz. To incorporate A 360 DEGREE – ONE CLICK ACADEMIC CONTROL within your institution through an academic ERP, visit our website.
