3 key advantages of an easily accessible user interface
Making the user-interface accessible is of key importance to any ERP system. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that a system that is more user-friendly is going to get better performances from its end-users.
In practical terms, a user interface that is difficult to use and fails to inspire your staff will slow down workflows, frustrate employees and deter them from carrying out the jobs that matter.
The possibility of staff rejecting the new software in favour of what is tried and tested becomes a real danger. But don’t worry, thankfully your user-interface is customisable and can be optimised for used based on the requirements of end-users.
With this in mind, here are three key advantages of an easily accessible user interface.
Speed of user interface
When you consider all of the things you could want from a user interface, speed is going to be near the top.
The amount of time it takes for your system to execute a command is critical if you are to maximise your business efficiencies. If your ERP system itself suffers from slow processing speed, then you’re clearly off to a bad start.
Part of this can be put down to bad database design, but to get the most of your investment, make sure that the hardware you’re running it on is fit for purpose and you will begin to reap the rewards. A system that runs strong computing power will perform smoothly and effectively, even when the demands placed on it are significant.
Many of your competitors will be scrambling to keep up with your productivity levels if your user interface is up to speed.
A happy workforce
It’s easy to minimise the influence of usability of software on the satisfaction of your staff.
You should never underestimate the amount of time your stuff spend using their ERP software and how central this is to the performing to the best of their abilities.
A user-friendly, speedy and ergonomic system that feels modern and practical will go a long way towards staff looking forward to sitting down at their desks in the morning.
A happy workforce spends more time doing the jobs that matter, as opposed to throwing their hands up in frustration when the system lags or they have to navigate through unnecessary screens to carry out a simple demand.
An accessible user-interface resolves these problems and simplifies the working day. It will also help to attract younger staff, who are used to a higher standard of user-interface than what many manufacturing software has offered over the decades.
Consistency
An underrated aspect of making your user interface accessible is how much greater consistency can boost performance.
If different areas of your business have wildly varying add-ons and configurations, confusion can set in.
To ensure consistency of approach across your business and the most streamlined communication possible, a simplified system that can be accessed and understood by all is key.
Another area that this helps is in reducing the amount of training needed to use the software. A simple and consistent user interface means employees from around the business can receive the same training and get the most out of the new system, without wasting additional time on training and best practice by diving this open multiple times over.
Want to learn how to make your system more accessible? Get in touch with one of our expert consultants here.
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