In today’s data-driven business environment, staying on top of key metrics and trends is essential. One powerful tool that General Managers (GMs) often turn to for insights is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. A properly implemented ERP system can provide a wealth of information through detailed reports. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the 5 ERP reports that every GM should be reviewing on a weekly basis. These reports can provide valuable insights into your company’s performance and help you make informed decisions.

A Financial Summary report is your one-stop-shop for a comprehensive overview of your organization’s financial health. It typically includes metrics like revenue, cost, profit margin, and cash flow. For example, a GM for a manufacturing company might use this report to track weekly sales figures or monitor production costs. Reviewing this report regularly can help GMs identify trends, spot potential issues, and make strategic decisions to improve financial performance.

For businesses with physical products, an Inventory Status report is crucial. This report provides a snapshot of what’s in stock, what’s in production, and what’s on order. A GM in a retail business, for example, can use this report to monitor stock levels and avoid out-of-stock situations. Regularly reviewing this report can help GMs manage inventory effectively, reduce storage costs, and ensure timely delivery to customers.

Sales Performance reports offer valuable insights into your sales team’s performance. They typically include metrics such as sales volume, sales revenue, average deal size, and conversion rate. For instance, a GM in a software company might review this report to identify the best-performing sales reps or regions. Regularly checking this report can help GMs spot trends, identify areas for improvement, and strategize to boost sales performance.

In today’s competitive business environment, delivering excellent customer service is key to retaining customers and attracting new ones. A Customer Service report provides insights into customer satisfaction, response times, resolution rates, and other key service metrics. For example, a GM in a telecom company might review this report to measure the effectiveness of their customer service team. Regularly reviewing this report can help GMs identify issues, improve customer service, and enhance customer satisfaction.

An Employee Performance report provides a detailed look at the performance and productivity of your team. It may include metrics like task completion, project timelines, and individual performance. A GM in any industry can use this report to identify top performers, spot areas for improvement, and plan for staff development. Regularly reviewing this report can help GMs manage their team effectively and boost overall productivity.

You might be wondering why these reports should be reviewed weekly. The answer is simple: the faster you have access to data, the quicker you can act. For example, if sales are trending downwards, a weekly review allows you to identify the issue and take corrective action immediately. Conversely, if a certain product is selling like hotcakes, you can ramp up production or adjust your inventory accordingly. Weekly reviews provide a regular, timely snapshot of your business, enabling you to make informed, data-driven decisions.

ERP systems are incredibly powerful tools that consolidate a vast array of business functions into a single, unified platform. They provide a real-time, holistic view of your business, making it easier to spot trends, identify issues, and make strategic decisions. By leveraging the power of ERP systems and regularly reviewing these key reports, GMs can drive efficiency, increase profitability, and propel their businesses to new heights.

While ERP systems offer tremendous benefits, they also come with their own set of challenges. These can range from data quality issues to user resistance. However, with proper planning, training, and change management, these challenges can be overcome. The key is to ensure that all users understand the value of the system and are comfortable using it. This can help increase user adoption, improve data quality, and ultimately, maximize the value of your ERP system.

In conclusion, ERP reports are a valuable tool for GMs, providing a wealth of insights and data to drive decision making. The 5 ERP reports every GM should see weekly – Financial Summary, Inventory Status, Sales Performance, Customer Service, and Employee