Operations Management Software | Improve Operations

This article was first published in February 2018 and was updated in November 2024.

Operations management software is a broad term as it can help a business with anything from business process management to manufacturing automation.

Ultimately, operations management software makes sure that business operations, whether delivering services or products, are effective and efficient. Basically, this means that the organization’s business processes are as streamlined as possible while delivering the best possible results. This is also known as “operational efficiency.”

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While operations management got its start in the manufacturing world, it has also become common within the non-production side of a business in the form of workflow management, business process management, approval management, enterprise resource planning, digital operations, and other many other uses. These uses cut across all departments and business units including finance, marketing, human resources, customer service, IT, etc.

Operations Management System Examples

Example 1: A pharmaceutical company needs to get products to market quickly in order to stay ahead of the competition. When looking at the various processes involved in getting a product to market an operations professional may discover that the product regulatory review process is inefficient because it involves a lot of manual paper-based review processes. The decision is made to implement a workflow management system using operations management software and all previously manual processes are converted to automated, digital processes. Documents are reviewed and approvals are made in the cloud, drastically reducing approval cycle times and reducing time to market.

Example 2: A telecommunications company licenses its branding to be used on manufactured mobile phones. Vendors email the partner marketing team with their requirements and attach spec sheets and images. The process is cumbersome, requiring a great deal of labor and causing delays in receiving license revenue due to processing time, mis-routing and missing vendor information. The partner marketing team employs operations management software to create a vendor portal and vendor licensing forms that make it easier to get accurate data from vendors and then route it quickly to the right internal resources.

Overview of Workflow Management for Operations

Key Features of Operations Management Tools

Effective operations management tools come equipped with a range of features designed to streamline business processes and enhance efficiency. Here are some key features to look for:

1. Workflow Management: Automating and streamlining workflows is essential for efficient task execution. Operations management tools should facilitate minimal manual intervention, ensuring that processes run smoothly and efficiently.

2. Task Management: Assigning, tracking, and managing tasks is crucial for timely completion and minimizing delays. Look for tools that offer robust task management capabilities to keep projects on track.

3. Inventory Management: Keeping track of inventory levels is vital for avoiding stockouts or overstocking. Effective operations management tools should provide real-time inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels.

4. Document Management: Centralizing and managing documents is key for easy access, version control, and regulatory compliance. Operations management tools should offer comprehensive document management features.

5. Reporting and Analytics: Real-time data and analytics are essential for informed decision-making. Operations management tools should provide detailed reporting and analytics to support strategic planning.

6. Integration: Seamless integration with existing systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and supply chain management (SCM) software, is crucial for a cohesive business environment.

7. Mobile Accessibility: In today’s mobile world, having access to operations management tools on the go is important. Look for tools that offer mobile accessibility to ensure business continuity and remote work capabilities.

Types of Operations Management Software

Operations management software comes in various forms, each catering to different business needs and environments. Here are the main types:

1. Cloud-Based Operations Management Software: Hosted in the cloud, this type offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. It’s ideal for businesses looking for easy access and minimal IT maintenance.

2. On-Premise Operations Management Software: Installed on-site, this software provides greater control, security, and customization. It’s suitable for businesses with specific security requirements or those needing extensive customization.

3. Hybrid Operations Management Software: Combining cloud-based and on-premise deployment, hybrid solutions offer the best of both worlds. They provide flexibility and scalability while maintaining control over critical data.

4. Industry-Specific Operations Management Software: Tailored to meet the unique needs of specific industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, or finance, these solutions address industry-specific challenges and requirements.

5. Enterprise Operations Management Software: Designed for large-scale enterprises, this software offers advanced features, scalability, and customization to handle complex operations and large volumes of data.

Interested in Automating Operations?

We have a variety of resources to help you on your journey to an automated operations workflow.

• Workflow Tools and eBooks

• Workflow Ideas Weekly eMail Newsletter

• Recorded Demonstration of our Workflow Automation Software

• Request a Live Demonstration

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