ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems form the backbone of a company’s operations and streamline all digital tools and platforms into one accessible place. 

The problem is that most traditional ERP software is complex to configure and customize, requiring the skills of the busy IT department. 

Until now: Enter no-code ERP platforms — allowing even non-technical team members to build completely usable ERP tools. 

Read on to learn more about: 

• What no-code ERP is and how it differs from traditional ERP 

• How no-code ERP is transforming business operations

• Step-by-step guide to building and customizing no-code ERP

• Why you should pick Blaze.tech to build your no-code ERP

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What is No-Code ERP?

No-code ERP provides the core functionalities of traditional ERP, but with one key difference — you can build, configure, customize, and change your ERP without any technical know-how. 

It all starts with a no-code app builder — a cloud-based software as a service (SaaS). You’ll sign up for the no-code platform and be taken to a building interface, where you’ll cobble together your own ERP, much like you’d create a PowerPoint. 

Instead of writing with a programming language, you’ll use a drag-and-drop editor with a premade ERP template or add already-built components like charts, forms, and scanners.

You'll be able to customize and configure the layout, colors, and structure to fit your needs. 

And most no-code ERPs are more cost-effective than traditional ERPs.

Here’s a quick comparison of no-code ERP vs traditional ERP:

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How No-Code ERP Can Transform Your Operations

When you implement no-code ERP, you’ll put you and your team in the driver’s seat when controlling, updating, and managing your ERP system. Doing this can change your business in a few different ways: 

• Streamline processes: No-code ERP provides automations for routine and repetitive tasks, such as data entry, invoice processing, and more. You can also create your own custom workflows that reflect the unique ways that your business operates.

• Facilitates flexibility: Sudden market changes and shifting customer demands are the norm nowadays, but no-code ERP is engineered to meet these challenges. You’ll be able to reconfigure elements and deploy new features at a moment’s notice, so your system stays up to a high standard, allowing you to constantly deliver a consistent product or service. 

• Reduced complexity and costs: As our table above illustrates, traditional ERP can get expensive. Luckily, no-code ERP comes at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems and doesn’t require the oversight of an IT guru. It’s simple enough for anyone on your team to operate. 

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How to Build No-Code ERP in 5 Steps

Wondering how to set up a typical no-code ERP system? Here’s a brief, 5-step guide that illustrates just how to do so using a no-code app builder like Blaze: 

Step 1: Identifying ERP Needs

Grab some paper and a pen or your favorite note-taking app and start jotting down the operational areas covered by your ERP (because you’ll bring them all to life). By doing this, you’re laying the groundwork for which parts of your business your ERP will cover. 

Consider common areas like Inventory Management, Human Resources (HR), Finance, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Each has unique needs, requirements, and procedures that your ERP must be able to address. Jot down specific processes that will occur in each area. 

For instance, your inventory management processes might need capabilities for tracking stock levels and orders, while HR operations may require tools for managing employee records and payroll. 

Once you have identified the key processes, consider the functionalities you’ll need to manage them — these will be the significant features of your ERP. Some essential ones might include the following:

• Analysis and reporting: The ability to generate KPIs and produce reports from all operations in your business. 

• Automation: Features that automate repetitive tasks like data entry, notification sending, and others, reducing boring manual work and errors.

• Role-based access: Users should have access only to the information and functionalities relevant to their roles within your organization for security purposes.

• Integrations: The capability to integrate with third-party tools and systems you already use, like email, external CRM, and financial software, tidying up your operations. 

Consult different departments during your analysis to learn fresh perspectives and help uncover hidden bottlenecks. Identifying these helps ensure that your ERP system addresses issues and prioritizes which features and processes need immediate attention.

Step 2: Choosing the Right No-Code ERP Builder

With your notes and needed features by your side, it’s time to go shopping for a no-code app builder. However, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools available — luckily, we wrote a review of our top 20, which will give you a good starting point. 

When shopping for a no-code ERP builder, keep the following in mind:

• Your organization’s size: How large or small your organization is will play a crucial role in determining the type of no-code ERP builder you select. Larger organizations will need a scalable solution, like Blaze, that has the bandwidth and storage capacity to handle large swathes of data, several functionalities, the capabilities to create several applications, and more. 
  
  If you’re a smaller organization, you’ll need a scaled-down app builder that executes just a few core processes like payment processing, CRM, and more. Less customizable platforms Softr or Glide could be enough for these tasks. 

• Connecting your pre-existing databases: You most likely already have pre-existing business data stored on platforms like Google Sheets, Excel, Airtable, and others. To save yourself loads of time, you’ll need to ensure that the no-code platform you choose integrates with these databases, so you can connect them to your system in just a few clicks. 

• Required security and compliance: While most no-code ERP builders have basic security features like end-to-end encryption, not all can cover enterprise security needs, such as HIPAA and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. Before selecting, ensure that you’re aware of the security and compliance features your app must have — failure to meet regulatory requirements can result in a Pandora’s box of consequences. 

• Other necessary integrations: You probably use third-party software tools like Gmail, Google Documents, HubSpot, and more. You’ll need to ensure that your no-code tool can integrate with these so you can transfer data seamlessly between platforms and set up triggers and automations to facilitate smooth workflows. 

We recommend you shortlist 3 or 4 no-code platforms, and try out the free demos or free versions. Note the features you like and dislike, and determine which suits your needs best. Pick the one that can build your features and feels the most comfortable. 

Step 3: Build Your ERP Workflow 

Now that you have your no-code ERP builder, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start building. You’ll focus on building up core pieces and ensuring the user interface (UI) is intuitive and user-friendly.

Build out the core modules or individual functionalities of your app. For instance, if you’re creating an ERP for your enterprise e-commerce business, get started with an inventory tool featuring a database of goods, a stock tracker with a QR scanner, and anything else. 

Next, build your checkout platform by integrating it with payment systems like Stripe or PayPal. Then, create your CRM system, featuring a ticketing system, AI chatbot, and more. Ensure that every module has a pleasant user experience to minimize issues down the road. 

Structure your database so that all data can flow between different parts of your system and stay organized. A highly organized and well-structured database can contribute to a fluidly functioning ERP. 

You’ll also want to set up role-based permissions at this stage: Which team members can access specific parts of your app. For instance, you’ll probably only want your finance and HR team to have access to payroll. 

Step 4: Test, Optimize, & Train Users

Once you’ve plugged in all your features and your app is up and running, it’s time to give it a test run so you can identify and correct problems before you deploy your ERP system. 

You can either create scenarios that mimic tasks and workflows or delegate a few small tasks to your ERP. For our e-commerce example, run a few orders through your new system. Pay attention to integration points, transaction processing, and report data accuracy. 

After your ERP system has gained momentum, gradually roll it out. This is where training your team comes into play. Start by setting clear expectations about what you want your ERP to achieve regarding KPIs and revenue numbers and, importantly, how your team can achieve these with your new system.

Then, ensure everyone gets familiar with the new system. You’ll need to hold training sessions and open lines of communication to help ease the transition and ensure that your team is entirely on board and able to use the new ERP fluently and without headaches.

Importantly, get feedback from your team about usability. If several team members agree that certain functionalities don’t make sense, thank your lucky stars for choosing a no-code platform: You can easily re-configure functionalities to right the ship. 

The goal is to find any issues in how the processes have been configured before deployment and scaling up. This part goes without saying, but when you discover problems, get them fixed pronto. And don’t forget to take user feedback into account — the folks on the frontlines will be using your system daily, so prioritize their user experience. 

Step 5: Deploy, Scale, and Maintain Your No-Code ERP

Deploying and scaling your no-code ERP system requires careful planning and execution. You’ll need to ensure your ERP supports your operations effectively. Here are a few points to consider after launching your system:

• Monitor performance: Once your no-code ERP is live, it's crucial to monitor its performance to ensure it continues performing. Your business operations will illustrate a big part of this. Back to our e-commerce ERP example: If order processing time is sound, inventory levels remain at pre-determined thresholds, and you’re hitting revenue targets, your ERP is probably working.
  
  However, you must remain vigilant and closely monitor your ERP operations by constantly reviewing your analytics. If you encounter issues, fix them immediately and get to the bottom of skewed or abnormal reports. 

• Plan for growth: Your ERP needs will likely change a few years down the road, especially if your business expands. Ensure you know which potential areas of your ERP need to be adjusted to accommodate your business’s growth. For instance, will you need to integrate new payment platforms or expand your customer support portals to handle a growing user base? 
  
  These are yet other reasons to create no-code ERP. Adding these new capabilities can be done in a snap, and without any technical or coding knowledge. 

• Maintain a mindset of constant improvement: Don’t make the mistake of thinking that once your ERP system goes live, the work is done. The right mindset is quite the contrary: Post-launch is when some of the most critical work begins. 
  
  Neglecting user feedback, underestimating the need for ongoing training, or failing to update your system can lead to road bumps, snafus, and grumpy employees. This is why you’ll need to continuously engage all users and gather feedback. 
  
  Promptly addressing any issues is key to maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of your ERP.

In sum, building your ERP with a no-code platform is often an easy way to launch a productive, agile, and fluid system. Most likely, you’ll get excellent customization power coupled with ample scalability, all at a fraction of the cost of a traditional ERP system. 

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With Blaze, a Fully Custom, No-Code ERP is Possible

Want to build a custom ERP application with enterprise-grade security and rapid smooth performance? Blaze is your go-to. 

Blaze is an excellent no-code ERP development tool that leverages a simple drag-and-drop interface, letting you customize nearly every element of your ERP. 

Here are some other perks you’ll get with Blaze: 

• HIPAA and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance 
• An easy-to-use database builder
• Integrations with 1,000s of third-party apps
• Loads of pre-made visual elements and other components

If you select the custom plan, Blaze's helpful support team will assist you in building your no-code ERP, ensuring that you don’t hit any speed bumps while making the publishing processes smooth and painless. 

Schedule a free demo to explore how Blaze can streamline your ERP development with no-code efficiency.