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InsightsERP and interfaces

ElbDesk or your existing ERP: what stays and what is added?

ElbDesk is the foundation we build on. Many readers first ask: do I need it if I already have an ERP? Here we answer that and the other most common questions.

Anyone hearing about ElbDesk for the first time often thinks of yet another ERP, much of which they would never need. That is not the point. ElbDesk has two sides: a foundation every application needs, and ERP modules that are only added if you really need them.

The following sections answer the questions we are asked most often about ElbDesk.

What exactly is ElbDesk?

ElbDesk is the foundation on which we develop software for businesses. The Core brings what every application needs and nobody should develop twice: sign-in and permissions, workspaces, collaboration, documents and search - in the office, in the browser and on the phone.

Your part is built on top of it: the workflows, rules and screens that make your business what it is. ERP modules such as purchasing, stock, invoicing or accounting are only added if your project needs them.

We already have a good ERP

Then it stays. If you have an ERP that does its job well, accounting and stock stay there, and the corresponding modules in ElbDesk are left out.

What we then look at is a complementary application for what the ERP lacks, such as your own pricing, approvals or a customer portal, and the interfaces to go with it. Before implementation we define which system holds which data, so nothing is maintained twice. We assess the connection on the existing system and build it directly where possible. What sets an ERP apart from inventory management software is explained in Inventory management or ERP.

When is ElbDesk worthwhile?

Above all when your workflows need a shared foundation for data, permissions and collaboration. That is usually the case as soon as several departments, customers or partners work on the same processes.

Then we do not have to develop that foundation again each time, but can concentrate on what is special about your business. Which modules fit and how much custom development is needed, we assess together for your project.

Do we have to use ElbDesk?

No. We also develop standalone applications and interfaces, such as a pure customer portal or a single connection between two existing systems.

We recommend ElbDesk when the existing foundation offers a clear benefit for your project. We tell you so before you commission anything, with our reasons. How to weigh custom against off-the-shelf software in general is covered in Custom or off-the-shelf software.

Can ElbDesk replace our old system completely?

Yes, that is a common route. ElbDesk, with the right ERP modules and your own workflows, then becomes the new system. It is replaced area by area so the business keeps running. How that works in detail is described on our page on replacing legacy systems.

How are effort and support agreed?

Before you commission anything, we describe scope, assumptions and effort, so you know what you are taking on. For later operation we agree responsibilities, support and further development.

Terms, contracts and the full feature overview of ElbDesk are on elbdesk.de. Here the question is whether ElbDesk fits your project.

More about ElbDesk

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Tobias Kietzmann

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Further reading

Inventory management or ERP: what is the difference?

An inventory management system looks after the goods, an ERP after the whole company. In practice the line is blurred - and the right question is rarely which system to buy, but which workflow is stuck today.

CRM or ERP: where does customer data belong?

Sales want a CRM, accounts point to the ERP, and both have a customer list. The real question is not which program is better, but which one is responsible for which data.

Custom or off-the-shelf software? A guide to deciding

Most businesses need both: off-the-shelf software for what everyone does the same way, and their own software for what sets them apart. The real question is where to draw the line.