What is an enterprise application?
An enterprise application (EA) is a large software system platform typically designed to operate in a corporate environment such as business or government. Enterprise application software integrates computer systems that run all phases of a company’s operations. They enable cooperative workflows and reduce the complexity of large projects.
Enterprise apps range from simple content management systems to larger management software that automates business processes. The software companies that make these products include many of the world’s best-known brands, such as IBM and Microsoft.
What is an enterprise application example?
Organizations that adopt enterprise apps have seen a significant improvement in their processes and productivity. To better explain what an enterprise application is, let’s look at some examples you may be familiar with:
- Accounting and Billing Systems
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Point-of-Sale Software (POS)
- Supply Chain Management (SCM)
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
- Business Intelligence Systems
- Human Resource (HR) Systems
Accounting and Billing Systems
Example: Sage Intacct.
Accounting and billing software handles cash flow. These apps keep track of a company’s monetary value and budget. Without an accounting or billing system, businesses would struggle to track and record their expenses or profitability.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Example: Salesforce.
CRM systems allow companies to collect and manage incoming client information. This allows them to secure leads and ensure retention. CRM has a range of functions, from enabling sales to giving customers access to business information.
Point-of-Sale Software (POS)
Example: Vend POS.
POS software manages and records customer transactions. With this information, businesses can monitor income and inventory. Typically, retailers and boutiques use POS solutions to manage their in-store merchandise and purchases.
Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Example: Oracle SCM.
SCM solutions enable enterprises to handle internal processes and third-party partners across their supply chain. So, businesses can establish a direct connection between manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. This helps to minimize miscommunication between companies and improves supply chain visibility.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Example: SAP ERP.
Companies use ERP systems to manage and integrate the important parts of their business. They help implement resource planning by integrating all the processes needed to run their companies on a single system. ERP apps help different departments in larger companies communicate and share information more easily.
Business Intelligence Systems
Example: Funnel.
Business Intelligence apps are designed to retrieve, analyze, transform, and report data. This helps executives, managers, and workers to make informed business decisions.
Human Resource (HR) Systems
Example: UKG Dimensions.
HR systems allow employee information to be stored, processed, and reported. They store, track, and give insights on staff scheduling, time off requests, recruitment procedures, and training.
Developing an enterprise app works by leveraging a variety of tools and processes to create solutions that meet the specific needs of an organization. The process begins with obtaining a detailed understanding of the company's goals, objectives, and other requirements. Once all the requirements have been identified, developers can begin designing and building the application.
Developing your enterprise application
As we just saw, many off-the-shelf enterprise solutions support a wide range of business processes and needs. However, a lot of companies prefer to build their enterprise applications in-house. This is particularly true if they have unique needs or if they are using digital technology to generate business advantage.
We hosted a webinar with John Bratincevic, Senior Analyst at Forrester Research, about when you should build and when you should buy enterprise software. This session explores how the “build” approach has been gaining momentum as technology evolves, and new modern development approaches appear. For the full conversation, check out the webinar; for the abridged version, read the blog post.
Learn the fundamentals of modern development
Enterprise applications frequently asked questions
- Boost efficiency and productivity: Streamline operations and eliminate errors.
- Data analysis and intelligent decision making: Get real-time analytics for informed choices.
- Scalability for business growth: grow your business with flexible solutions.
- Seamless collaboration: Enhance communication and teamwork within and between departments.
- Enhance customer satisfaction: Improve customer service with better management and engagement tools.
- Integrated processes: Ensure consistency and accuracy in all business operations.
- Cost reduction: Automate tasks and efficiently manage resources to cut operational expenses.
- Regulatory compliance: Meet industry standards and regulations effortlessly.
- Market responsiveness: Quickly adapt to market changes and cater to customer needs.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Efficiently manage customer interactions and data.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Seamlessly integrate core business processes.
- Business Process Management (BPM): Automate and optimize business operations.
- Custom applications: Tailored solutions to meet specific business requirements.
- Robust authentication methods: Implement multi-factor authentication and single sign-on.
- Regular security audits: Conduct frequent assessments and audits to maintain security.
- Data encryption: Protect data both in transit and at rest.
- Access Control Policies: Establish strict user access policies.
- On-premises: Deploy on your own servers.
- Cloud-based: Hosted on a reliable cloud provider's infrastructure.
- Hybrid: Combine on-premises and cloud deployments.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): Access via the internet and hosted on external servers.
- Regular maintenance and updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
- Performance monitoring: Use tools to monitor application performance and identify bottlenecks.
- Resource allocation: Ensure sufficient hardware and network resources.
- Load balancing: Distribute workloads evenly across servers.
- Redundancy: Implement redundant systems and data backups.
- Disaster recovery plan: Develop and regularly test a plan for potential disasters.
- Failover mechanisms: Set up automatic failover processes for critical systems.
- Quality of service (QoS): Prioritize essential services and data.
- Business requirements: Align with specific business needs and goals.
- Integration capabilities: Ensure compatibility with existing systems.
- Cost: Consider upfront and ongoing expenses.
- Vendor reputation and support: Research vendor reliability and support services.
- Scalability and flexibility: Evaluate future growth and adaptability requirements.
- User experience: Assess ease of use and training needs.