ERP System Falling Short? Ragic’s No-Code Database Fills the Gaps

ERP is a commonly used term that we always hear around in the workplace. For many of us, we either use, or have used these systems at some point as part of our day-to-day work. Moreover, many line of business applications, such as no code database tools, have gained popularity among businesses and individuals.

However, very little is known about the difference between a traditional ERP system that we’re all familiar with, versus no code database tools. We receive this question a lot from new users coming from traditional ERP setups; and we’re here to dive into how no-code database systems like Ragic addresses ERP issues and gaps.

ERP and no code database systems in simple terms

For those who are unfamiliar with any or both of these systems, let’s quickly define these two terms:

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a software system that helps companies streamline core business processes like sales, purchasing, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, HR, among others. In addition to promoting efficiency and better management, it helps provide a single source of truth during data mismatch or discrepancies with stakeholders like customers and suppliers. Common names belonging to this category are SAP, Oracle, Netsuite, and Sage, among others.

Line of Business Applications are software or tools that support business units or departments within an organization. They are often used to complement ERP and CRM systems' shortcomings and are customizable to fit very specific needs.

No-Code Database Systems like Ragic are a type of line of business application, with "no code" being its development method. This means empowering users to design their own systems using a drag-and-drop interface that requires zero coding skills. This shifts autonomy and control from consultants and external service providers to internally-selected users with administrative privileges, providing companies with maximum flexibility and efficiency to create exactly what they need– whether it is for sales, HR, supply chain management, meeting minutes, or for the department’s afternoon snack order system. Business owners and managers without specialized ERP knowledge and training will be able to create their ideal systems.

Similarities between Ragic and ERP systems

ERP systems and no code database systems like Ragic share several similarities, including their power to manage data and streamline business processes. Both systems are fully capable of building complex data relationships and are designed to handle massive amounts of data.

Both systems are customizable to suit business needs. However, the degree and costs of customization vary greatly. ERP systems are more rigid; hence, they often require more time, manpower, and financial resources to program and customize certain functions than no-code database systems like Ragic. As employees automate operational tasks and workflows, they are able to focus on more important and pressing matters. Additionally, both types of systems offer reports and data analysis tools to help leaders make informed, data-driven decisions.

One of the most integral parts of having any company system is for users to collaborate seamlessly and in real time. Many ERP systems are now available on both the internet and on-premise servers. However, this isn’t the case for ALL ERP systems, as many pioneer ERP systems are still primarily based on-premise (on-premise first) and are accessible only on company PCs, making it challenging for remote and field employees to exchange timely information.

Fortunately, shifts in market dynamics have prompted a number of ERP systems to start supporting cloud and mobile collaboration. For this reason, many no code database tools are designed to be cloud-based. Being one step ahead of others in its category, Ragic provides both cloud and on-premise options, as well as mobile and PC access, ensuring seamless collaboration from anywhere. With real-time syncing across cloud, on-premise, and mobile, Ragic keeps teams connected and up to date.

Differences between Ragic and ERP systems

After looking at the similarities between Ragic and ERP systems, you might think they are one and the same—but wait, they’re not!

As previously discussed, ERP systems require more resources for customization as opposed to no code database systems. This makes software like Ragic more flexible than traditional ERP systems for many businesses.

While ERP systems usually require coding and specialized knowledge for customization, which prompts many businesses to become reliant on consultants or other external service providers to design their systems. Its closed ecosystem makes it difficult for anyone to self-learn. This is in contrast to Ragic and other no-code database software that sport the modern self-service experience that empower businesses through user-friendly, intuitive design built around the users themselves. The drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for anyone to learn, eliminating the need to spend additional dollars on hiring external system specialists.

Because traditional ERP systems often require a large upfront investment, companies are usually more cautious in its development stages, making it necessary to adopt a “big bang” or “waterfall” development approach. This means longer development cycles and higher development costs as companies strive for the “precision” and “perfection” of the overall system before it is deployed. Implementation costs include licensing, user training, data migration, customization, ongoing maintenance, and hardware requirements, among others. These can easily add up to $10K to $2M, depending on your scope, complexity, and size of operation. Adopting the rigid phases of ERP system development, it can take months to years before an ERP system can actually be deployed.

On the other hand, modern no-code databases like Ragic usually require little to no initial investment due to their “modular” design, allowing businesses to start small and scale up as needed. For software that offer a free-forever plan like Ragic, implementation costs can be as little as $0 and a few light readings to get you going. Adopting a more agile, lean development approach, it only takes hours to weeks to get a version of the system up and running, while refinements and adjustments can be made along the way without business interruption.

ERP systems usually have a list of fixed modules that can be included by default. These modules are usually standard business processes like sales, purchasing, accounting, and inventory management, among others. When companies have needs beyond this list, these needs would require additional project development and customization. The additional costs of customization usually exceed the company budget, making it not feasible to invest in.

It is a common misconception that ERP systems can perform all types of digital works and processes. Although this is “technically” true, actual experience shows that there are still limitations involved, especially when taking into consideration the time, financial resources, and manpower needed to cater to more unique requirements– whether they are simple or complex. As long as they are not part of the default package, they will incur additional hidden costs, making it not feasible for many. On the other hand, no-code database systems like Ragic are designed to meet even the most niche requirements. With a transparent, tiered pricing structure, users are empowered to design what they need, whenever they need it, without additional charges.

Check out 👉🏻 this page to get a tabular view of these differences.

How Ragic’s no-code database fills ERP gaps

(1) When it’s too time-consuming

Let’s say upper management has you working on a project in a time crunch, or gave you a special one-off project where it just doesn’t make sense to spend months in system development and testing. You need a system for you and your team members to get this project done quickly, but there is no way the company would invest in the time and resources needed to get this up and running. Besides, it’s likely impossible to be developed in time. In this scenario, a line of business application like Ragic might become a helpful departmental tool for you and your team.

(2) When you need something different

ERP systems are often rigid and perform very standard processes. They are usually packed with systems for managing sales, purchases, and inventory. BUT– what if you need something else like a lost and found system, a company library system, or an equipment borrowing system? You can design these systems quickly and efficiently on Ragic from scratch, or from the editable built-in templates.

One of Ragic’s users, R&R Industries, was thrilled to flexibly design a system that caters exactly to their roofing industry needs, without any added costs and end-user complexities. The company later joined the Ragic Partner Program and were even able to help other construction companies expedite their system deployment in just a few days.

Read more about R&R’s journey with Ragic 👉 in this article.

(3) When your business is very niche

Speaking of ERP systems’ rigid design, what if your business model is a little different from everyone else? What if your system end users are not as tech savvy? If you need to design a system interface that caters to very specific requirements, Ragic might be able to help.

For instance, a number of users working with very unique industries such as prison management and horse racing have found Ragic’s flexibility perfect for the job.

(4) When you work with a field or remote team

Many ERP systems are unsupportive of cloud or mobile accessibility. For instance, when team members are able to receive real time sales or delivery updates, they are able to more accurately process follow up processes or cater to customer inquiries. However, this may be inconvenient for field employees who are on the go. In this scenario, Ragic’s mobile and cloud support can help facilitate real-time communication. Once available and if necessary, the team can also export these data and import them into the company’s ERP system for record-keeping purposes.

Can I use Ragic’s no-code database as an ERP system?

If you already have an ERP system (such as Netsuite and Sage) implemented into the company, you don’t need to replace your system with Ragic. Instead, treat Ragic as an additional tool you can use to fill the gaps of your existing system’s shortcomings, such as those mentioned in the previous section.

On the other hand, if your company doesn’t have a system yet, or you wish to efficiently manage a certain business process, Ragic can also be used as an ERP system. Ragic’s customizable ERP system template integrates Purchasing, Sales, Inventory, and Accounting management together into one system. We also have a Lite version for companies with less complex business models. Equipped with a collection of over 50 customizable built-in templates, you can also include other functions such as HR management, asset management, project management, meeting room booking, and customer service, among others.

If Ragic sounds like something your company could benefit from, you can sign up for a free-forever account at Ragic and see if it fits your business needs. If you’d like to experience the full functionality of Ragic Professional, we also offer a 30-day free trial– no credit card information, no strings attached.

👉 Try Ragic here!