What Is an Enterprise Application? A Complete Guide in 2024

Software for managing your work is not only important for large companies with difficult work. According to studies, around 31% of businesses have one automated inner process. While these numbers are increasing, many more new businesses and growing businesses are thinking of using these business softwares.

With the help of an EAS, companies of all sizes are able to optimize their resources, management, and time through automating it. Technologies in these systems like machine learning, and artificial intelligence, keep adapting, which makes automation more convenient. So, business owners need to precisely discover what an enterprise application contains and how they are able to improve the surfaces and processes of a business.

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What Is an Enterprise Application?

An Enterprise Application is a huge software system platform that has been made to operate in a business environment. These applications are complicated, scalable, distributed, mission critical and component-based.

Firstly, An enterprise is an economic sector of a business or an organization such as an initiative. Based on the broad definition of this term, an enterprise can be a business start-up, project, or entrepreneur. But, this term is used by most people to describe a large company that has encompassed a wide range of activities and operations. Aside from businesses, the enterprise also includes school districts, non-profit organizations, and government enterprises.

With any enterprise, many employees and procedures are working at the same time to perform a variety of tasks. Some enterprises can handle financial services, while others handle inventory, accounts receivable, and sales. Regardless of that, many enterprises need different kinds of software to streamline different activities. This is where an enterprise application is useful.

An EA is a software system that handles a specific work. There are various kinds of Enterprise Applications, each having its own set of functions and tools to complete some specific work. With Enterprise Application, businesses can reduce human intervention, enhance productivity, and optimize work efficiency with the help of automation. This allows companies to scale without worry or restraint of outgrowing the traditional management methods.

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Examples of an Enterprise Application

Enterprise Application can be a really wide term. They are mostly customized according to the needs of the business, and organizations should wisely choose their application. You can include various tools in an enterprise software suite provided, ranging from CRM systems to the softwares that can be used for billing and sometimes even solutions that are specifically for an industry like fashion, food service, or law enforcement.

No single software application can come up to all the needs of a company. Mostly, there are special Enterprise Application Software applications that suit the different needs of a business. Some of this application software are listed as following:

• HRM Systems.
• CRM Systems.
• ERP systems.
• Supply chain management software.
• Email systems.
• Payroll management systems.
• Incident management systems.
• Project and Portfolio management.
• Office suites.
• Marketing and sales Management systems.

Here are some details on the most famous enterprise applications.

1) Accounting and Billing

Accounting and Billing software helps in handling cash flow, from receiving customer payments to sending supplier payments. This software helps keep track of the monetary value and budgets of an enterprise. No business can efficiently record and track its total expenses or profits without a billing or accounting system.

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2) Business Intelligence

Business Intelligence is the platform that defines, merges, and aggregates data with large volumes. Enterprises mostly use BI to improve decision-making, create predictive models, and develop actionable business insights. When businesses correctly use their BI, they can know their strengths, opportunities, risks, and weaknesses.

3) Enterprise Content Management

ECM software can contain one or various apps that help handle digital content. ECM software manages, stores, and distributes the content across digital platforms, from its making to its deletion. Businesses use ECP to fill out blogs, articles, sites, and newsletters to generate more customers.

4) Customer Relationship Management

CRM systems let companies collect and manage the information of incoming clients so that they can secure leads and retention. CRM has a lot of various functions, including facilitating sales and making your business information accessible to users and clients. Without CRM, businesses will have a hard time maintaining their most important asset.

Modern sales persons are really busy, and most of the time, they can lose a customer who can be their client without even noticing. 

Unless businesses have hired sales people that have the highest level of memory and organizational skills, a time will come when sales representatives will allow the communication to reduce and miss opportunities close to a deal sometimes, upsell, or pitch brand new items to current customers.

But, a CRM system helps give your sales people a proper outlook into their position with every customer while pulling together the details and contact information about past communication at the same time.

Most CRM systems contain features like automated workflow, email integration, reporting, tracking, and role-based user access.

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5) Enterprise Resource Planning

ERP solution helps manage the company’s internal procedures to improve budgeting and resource allocation. ERP software includes the inventory, finance, marketing, and human resources to collect all the required data. With integrated information, ERP systems can automate different parts of the planning procedure. 

Many people call the ERP system the mind of a business. This system takes the various sections of an organization, makes them digital, and forms networks. Particularly, this system helps integrate the financial information of an organization. If you don’t have an integrated system, separate departments like sales, finance, etc., need to depend on different systems, and each of them will have different numbers of expense and revenue. If you use this system, it makes sure all the members of a business are working from exact same records and are using updated knowledge.

A main benefit of this system is integrating other enterprise apps such as SCM, CRM, or IM. This system can clean up huge organizations’ work by making workflows and activities more transparent and cohesive. They also provide essential insights that help identify the inefficiencies and bottlenecks and improve the way they plan their upcoming future.

6) Point-of-Sale Software

POS software is what records and orchestrates the transactions of a custom so businesses can have a look at their income and the front-end inventory. Typically, retailers such as boutiques and restaurants use this software solution to manage their purchases and merchandise. POS software also allows companies to accept cash payments, checks, and credit cards.

7) Supply Chain Management

SCM Solutions allow businesses to handle the internal procedures and third-party partners through their supply chain. So, businesses can form a direct link between vendors, distributors, retailers, and manufacturers. This removes miscommunication between companies and enhances the supply chain visibility.

8) Inventory Management

IM software monitors all the outgoing and incoming products so that businesses can maintain a healthy level of stock. Advanced solutions let users know when the product is in demand and how the levels deplete. This allows warehouse managers to purchase the new stock immediately to ensure the product doesn’t get out of stock.

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9) Inventory Ordering

IO software is typically different from the inventory control (IC) system, as it links businesses to their suppliers directly. With the help of an ordering solution, managers can pull catalogs of products, compare the pricing of different vendors, and generate digital purchase orders. Sophisticated solutions even consolidate the shipments, saving the costs of business order and handling.

10) Backup Software

BS gives a reliable recovery method if a business experiences malfunctions in a system, power outages, or any other technical issue. This solution is used as a security measure to make sure there is a copy of every data set if needed as an emergency. It also provides extra data storage for both cloud and legacy-based software.

11) Enterprise Asset Management

Enterprise Asset Management has aimed to unite and collect interior procedures, from administration to management uses. Even though this might be a little like the ERP system, EAM has focused more on tasks related to safety and security. What this means is tracking down the life of every asset, from maintenance and procurement to its replacement.

12) Master Database Management

Master Database Management software takes out the most important information from every solution to form a large file. This file is a center reference point for the sequential data procedures. Firms can enlarge their business to various areas with an MDM system and stay adaptable by normalizing their common practices.

13) Human capital management (HCM) Systems

It is a system that allows businesses to maintain and manage their work. The functionality of this system is organized into various categories, including workforce management, service delivery, and talent management.

HCM tools allow HR teams to adapt to talent management requirements while furthering productivity at the same time. Most of the HCM solutions have now been using AI to suggest mentors and roles, recommend coursework and extra opportunities for learning, and predict which employee is planning to leave the business. If you use Artificial Intelligence, it is advantageous to the hiring part of HR. 

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3 Current Trends of Enterprise Application

If an enterprise wants to optimize its business intelligence, it must be alert and alter to the trends in digital marketing that have been evolving. By checking emerging preferences, enterprises can enhance their internal procedure and their competition.

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

According to some trends, we have known that more EAs will be using AI to make their productivity and work efficiency better. Studies have shown that around 61% of business people use AI and it has increased 25% since the past year. 

Artificial Intelligence uses predictive analysis just like automated technology to enhance its data algorithm with every dataset that has been received. This allows artificial intelligence to know about the patterns of a business constantly. With the help of AI, enterprises can make their scalability and decision-making better.

Cloud Computing

Most businesses are already aware of using cloud-computing software to increase their scalability and data storage. But, reports show that the usage of cloud technology will be increasing soon.

Studies have found that around 90% of businesses globally use cloud-computing software, and it should be increased. So, companies should consider using cloud computing software to expand their productivity, scalability, and data storage.

5G Networks

5G networks link people with the internet without any wires with an even better and quicker facility than 4G LTE networks. By these connections, businesses go through fewer lags or buffering and have a reliable internet connection. Even though most mobile phone businesses use 5G networks to improve customer experience, their business chances are never-ending. By adding this technology to the procedures, businesses can increase the mobility of the working rather than imprisoning them in one particular department.

What Should You Consider Before Investing in Enterprise Application?

Even though there are various kinds of enterprise applications that have been programmed already in the market, some enterprises prefer getting customized applications for their unique requirements. But, this approach takes much time and requires an experienced IT person, cost, energy, and resources. According to studies, around 70% of experienced people in this field report that it takes around three months to create an enterprise application. So, businesses should think of the different software requirements before spending money on the development of an application.

1) Speedy Tools for Application Development 

Whether it is a customer or an employee, users want a quick and responsive app. A user expects a quick response in just a few seconds on whatever they are requesting. Programmers should use a variety of tools to help minimize the waiting time of an application.

• APIs.
• Coding.
• Prototyping.
• Non-code development.
• Analytic Features.
• Mobile containers.
• Statistical models.
• Direct Deployment.

These development tools help increase the responsiveness and agility of the functionality for quicker service.

2) Security

Most of the enterprise applications consist of sensitive customer and business data that should be within the firewalls at all costs. To avoid any cyber hack, data breach, and virus, businesses should always invest in strong security to protect personal data no matter what. It is important to never forget that crucial data can lead to both external and internal warnings. This is mainly right for companies collaborating with third-party companies such as wholesalers or vendors.

Advanced apps contain safety measures that let the managers know about any weird or suspicious activity, unverified users, or breach attempts in the application. Companies can know the weaknesses inside the Cloud by using safety at the application and network levels. Such as the application can be safe, but the internet server can lead to external chances if it is public. So, developers should use the best possible security features for their applications such as:

• Encryption.
• Strong passwords.
• Multiple-step verification of users.
• Supervisor permissions.
• Strong firewalls.
• Penetration testing.
• Threat detection.
• Third-party user authentication.
• Login restrictions.
• Data Recovery programs.
• Safe Data Centers.

3) Innovative Ecosystems

Enterprises need to know what applications are perfect for their models, processes, and customers before starting their application development projects. Sometimes, the requirements can be met with the help of using pre-built software that is ready to use off the shelf.

Other businesses may need custom solutions because of the unique requirements of their business. But, building a custom application from scratch can be time-consuming and expensive. So, owners should go through their options first and determine their current and future needs before deciding on an application.

4) Support for Disruptive Innovations

Product and service innovations are famous for confusing the market and producing new perks that are competitive. But, experienced enterprise applications are flexible enough to adopt innovations so that businesses are not left behind by their competitors. With new technology like predictive analytics, API management, and integration, business softwares can be away from any disruption in the system.

A famous tool that most developers use is machine learning and automation. These technologies actively learn a business with every data input to increase productivity and give constant yields. This makes sure that every operation is done smoothly no matter what the employee interaction is with the application.

5) Scalability

The beauty of an Enterprise Application is that it doesn’t restrict the company’s growth as traditional management processes do. If developers create the applications correctly, they can help businesses for future years and meet their current requirements. Advanced tools support the IoT (Internet of things) data and other procedures to make the stability better. This makes sure that businesses don’t outgrow their custom applications, making them spend money on another development project.

Such as, many enterprise applications use cloud-computing technology to expand their accessibility and data storage. With virtually unlimited storage, enterprises can make digital copies of their physical paperwork to remove the off-site storage and filing cabinets. This functionality helps save space, paper waste, extra costs, and labor.

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Characteristics of Enterprise Application Software

Enterprise application software can be divided into two different categories.

1- Software that helps in business procedures, ranging from support to automation.

2- Software that visualizes, stores, and manipulates a large amount of data. You should note here that while data analytics software is enterprise software, they are not considered Enterprise Application software and are known as separate software.

EAS software belonging to both categories can have various characteristics depending on its requirements. But, we can observe the general characteristics mentioned below.

The widespread nature: This software needs to power a whole organization that can be spread across different locations. So, it should provide performance and functionality across all the locations of an organization. With more and more organizations powered by online workforces, most enterprise application software has functionality according to the support of an individual remote employee.

Centralized management & administration. This is a no-brainer. The Enterprise application software must be able to give the proper functionality of the enterprise and help the business achieve all its expected goals.

Scalability & strongness. This is a common need of any software application. But, its importance is emphasized in an enterprise application as this software helps in the critical functioning of the organization. The software should be able to scale more depending on the growing needs of a business without compromising on functionality or stability.

Flexibility & extensibility. With the global industry consistently evolving, enterprise requirements can change as well. In such times, an Enterprise application software should be flexible to quickly adapt to a different workflow with little to no modification and without hindering the complete business procedures. Moreover, a business typically uses multiple software platforms and services, and Enterprise business software must be able to interact with these services by using API, extensions, and plugins.

How Does Enterprise Application Software Differ From Other Software?

We have discussed what an EAS is and its different types, but how is an EAS different from other kinds of software? There are two common kinds of software.

1- System Software

The software is responsible for the basic functionality of a system and gives the interface between the underlying hardware resources and application software. Operating systems like Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and macOS are examples of system software.

2- Application Software

An application software is better than system software and provides better functionality to its users. Examples of this software can be simple emails or web browsers, games and video editing software, and software to build other software.

An EAS comes under the category of Application software. Even though typical software like document editors or web browsers are designed to be used by individuals, they are also used by businesses. But, this software is not a part of EAS. Other than scare, what makes an EAS different from general software is that an EAS has been designed to be used by many employees working in the same enterprise while providing functionality targeted at the basic requirements of a business. 

EAS & Cloud Services

The fame of cloud services and more reliance on these platforms have changed how most organizations approach EAS. Previously, the general way was to buy or build an EAS, host the application in an on-premise environment, and manage all the software parts, from the hardware to updates.

With SaaS, the Cloud can provide a simple solution for most organizations to fulfill their EAS requirements. SaaS solutions are available for organizations no matter what type of software is needed. Services like Zendesk for Microsoft Dynamics 365, CRM, Salesforce, and SAP ERP provide a wide range of EAS solutions that can be customized conveniently to support any business work.

As these services are delivered as solutions, businesses can be free from managing this hardware and software resource while just being responsible for the configurations. Moreover, solutions like Microsoft Dynamics can support on-premises deployment that allows businesses to facilitate hybrid environments where sensitive data stays within the business-managed system. This feature lets businesses leverage the benefits of both on-premises and cloud-based deployments.

Using a cloud-first EAS solution will be great for many businesses moving forward with many services such as data warehouses, email, endpoint safety, and IT services like Cloud. The basic obstacle to the cloud-first approach for EAS was the compliance and safety requirements. But, services like proper servers and tenancy, SD-WAN, isolated compliance, graphically separated data services, and security enforcement have made EAS a better way to benefit from all the perks of the Cloud without compromising on security or privacy.

Choosing the Right EAS Solution

EAS has become a basic part of a successful business. However, selecting the correct EAS software solution can be a hard process with various EAS solutions in the market for different business requirements.

SaaS offers businesses more freedom when choosing the perfect EAS solution that meets their specific needs without needing a lot of investment.

How Will Enterprise Applications Impact Businesses?

Nowadays, it is safe to think that everyone is aware of what an application is. Thanks to the arrival of smartphones and tablets over the past 8-10 years, even your grandparents are probably aware of which apps are their favorite and which ones are hard to use.

An Enterprise Application is not Candy Crush, Pokemon Go, or Angry Birds that you might be imagining. Looking at all the apps commonly used by people around us, many might be unaware of what an enterprise application is and even what, why, and how it is used.

Enterprise applications have been getting more and more popular worldwide in different industries. According to some reports, spending on enterprise software like cloud services and applications will grow quicker than any other IT category, fueling an overall increase in the economy of the IT field this year.

Hapy Supports Enterprise Applications

Hapy is a software development company supporting enterprise applications for a long time. With our software, you can get benefits in service management, workload automation, and any other aspect of your business.

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Conclusion 

Enterprise applications let businesses plan for the company’s future proactively and simplify any issues that may be coming along the way. With perks including enhanced efficiency and collaboration, reduced risk, and better business insight, enterprise applications are a must-have for every business looking forward to succeeding in the existing marketplace. If you’re looking for a software development agency, you can contact us.

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