How to Choose the Right Management Software – The Joly Design Example
Discover how Joly Design transformed with a new ERP system. Learn what is ERP, explore real ERP applications, and see how efficiency rose by 40%.
.png)
.png)
From legacy ERP to high-performance management software: A real client case
When we talk about ERP systems, it’s not just about software it’s about transforming the way businesses operate.
This case study explores how Joly Design, a furniture design company working with global brands, had to rethink its management software to preserve its core mission: managing 70,000 product models.
Their story is a perfect illustration of:
- What is ERP in practice,
- The benefits of ERP applications,
- And how companies can migrate from outdated ERP to a future-proof enterprise resource planning system.
Contexte
Joly Design operated with a custom ERP system built on FileMaker Pro in the early 2000s.
The problems were clear:
- No cloud ERP backup,
- No vendor maintenance,
Risk of losing 50 years of sensitive client data.
Solution
This was the chance to implement a modern ERP solution that would:
- Secure critical data,
- Automate business processes,
- Enable integration with other business systems,
Provide real-time business intelligence.
Why not a standard ERP (Sage, SAP, Oracle)?
Off-the-shelf ERPs like Sage ERP, SAP ERP or Oracle SAP didn’t fit Joly Design’s specific needs. They would have required costly customisation and integration challenges.
Instead, they chose a low-code ERP approach with benefits such as:
- Full customisation to business processes,
- Controlled budget (€80,000),
- Future-proof scalability with cloud ERP.
Concrete benefits of choosing the right ERP
- Data security with automatic cloud backups,
- Custom workflows designed for employees and clients,
- ERP integration with existing tools,
- Collaborative customer portal,
- Automated royalty management,
- Significant operational efficiency gains,
- Lower costs (60% maintenance cost reduction),
- Higher productivity (+40%),
- Real-time ERP reporting dashboards,
- Adaptability to future market changes.
Conclusion
The Joly Design case shows that choosing an ERP system isn’t just IT, it’s about business transformation.
Whether you’re asking “What is ERP ?” or evaluating the best ERP applications, remember:
- Standard ERP may not fit every organisation,
- Custom ERP offers flexibility for specific needs,
- Cloud ERP ensures security, integration, and future growth.
FAQs
What is ERP?
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It is a type of business management software that integrates different departments (finance, supply chain, HR, sales, production) into a single source of truth.
Put simply, ERP gives businesses the ability to:
- Streamline processes across departments,
- Centralise data for better decision-making,
- Improve operational efficiency and reduce manual tasks.
What does ERP do ?
ERP solutions automate workflows, connect teams, and eliminate islands of information. By providing real-time data visibility, companies can make faster, smarter decisions.
What does ERP mean in business?
It means moving away from outdated, siloed tools and adopting an integrated ERP system that covers:
- Finance (accounts payable, general ledger, reporting),
- Supply chain (inventory, procurement, logistics),
- Manufacturing processes (production planning, bill of materials, quality control),
- Customer management (integration with CRM systems).
Why ERP applications are essential for modern businesses
ERP applications aren’t just software—they’re strategic solutions that help companies adapt to market changes, reduce administrative burden, and unlock future growth.
Key ERP applications include:
- Cloud ERP solutions (scalable, secure, mobile access),
- ERP for manufacturing industry (production optimisation, cost management),
- ERP finance applications (budgeting, IFRS compliance tools, predictive analytics),
- ERP integration (connecting ERP with CRM, HR, AI tools, IoT).
