The main difference in functionality between best-of breed service applications and ERP for services is the back-office component. ERP for services applications provide complete functionality for both the transactional (or operational) components, and the project-oriented components of service organizations. However, best-of breed service applications typically refer only to industry-specific functionality. Some vendors may include a back-office piece, and others may only deliver vertical functionality that communicates with other ERP systems or financial packages. As a result, there are two categories of vendors for service organizations:
1. Best-of-breed service vendors: Vendor solutions such as Compuware's Changepoint and OpenAir PSA focus primarily on professional services organizations, and are typically marketed to the small to medium business (SMB) market. These offerings vary in breadth and depth, and the vendors tend to target a few key vertical markets. Depending on the vendor, their business models are diverse and can deliver software as a service (SaaS) and license models to their clients.
2.
ERP for services: These vendors are typically traditional ERP vendors that provide a fully integrated solution with complete back-office functionality. Since they provide their clients with complete operational and transactional functionality, their offerings tend to be broader in application. In addition to project-oriented functionality that vendors such as Epicor and Deltek deliver for professional services organizations, ERP for services vendors provide fully integrated, operational functionality for non-project organizations, such as Lawson in the health care sector, and Unit 4 Agresso for the public sector.
1. Best-of-breed service vendors: Vendor solutions such as Compuware's Changepoint and OpenAir PSA focus primarily on professional services organizations, and are typically marketed to the small to medium business (SMB) market. These offerings vary in breadth and depth, and the vendors tend to target a few key vertical markets. Depending on the vendor, their business models are diverse and can deliver software as a service (SaaS) and license models to their clients.
2.
ERP for services: These vendors are typically traditional ERP vendors that provide a fully integrated solution with complete back-office functionality. Since they provide their clients with complete operational and transactional functionality, their offerings tend to be broader in application. In addition to project-oriented functionality that vendors such as Epicor and Deltek deliver for professional services organizations, ERP for services vendors provide fully integrated, operational functionality for non-project organizations, such as Lawson in the health care sector, and Unit 4 Agresso for the public sector.
ERP for Services | |
| Back Office | Service Industries |
| Human resources | Health care components |
| Procurement | Distribution components |
| Financials | Government components |
| Customer relationship management | Higher education components |
| Business intelligence | Financial services components |
| Knowledge management | Hospitality component |
| Nonprofit components | |
| Professional services components | |
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