Your Complete Guide to Enterprise Web Application Development

Cloud Integrations

Since most ERP software runs in the cloud, businesses can connect various modules and third-party components. The two most popular cloud deployment options are hybrid- and multi-cloud setups.

In a 2024 Statista report, 74% of enterprise respondents indicated that they had deployed hybrid cloud systems in their organizations. This allows businesses to link their existing on-premises infrastructure to their cloud ERP software, resulting in seamless data flow and real-time collaboration between systems.

Businesses can also link their private and public clouds together under a multi-cloud approach. This provides similar benefits to the hybrid cloud model, in that you can link two separate infrastructures together.

Automation

ERP automation uses advanced technology, such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), to streamline and optimize key processes within an ERP system. By automating repetitive manual tasks, business owners can save more time and better allocate their resources to more meaningful tasks,

Most ERP software uses robotic process automation (RPA) to automate workflows. It emulates human actions by interacting with digital systems and software. The use of these tools is governed by Business Process Management (BPM). A BPM is a strategic initiative that businesses follow to ensure their automation procedures align with their overarching business goals.

This type of automation is known as hyper-automation, as it involves automating various processes across an organization. An example of this can be seen in customer service and support. Let’s say a bank deploys a virtual assistant. Instead of forcing inquiring customers to wait for a human response, the virtual assistant can offer real-time guidance and support.

Analytics

ERP analytics uses predictive modeling and prescriptive analytics to identify trends and patterns, uncover valuable insights, and recommend the next best actions. Whereas predictive modeling only forecasts potential future outcomes, prescriptive analytics recommends optimal courses of action.

Generative AI can enhance the capabilities of ERP analytics. Not only can it project potential future outcomes based on historical data, but it also provides a glimpse into unknown, unexplored opportunities. It can also be used to help businesses anticipate potential user actions, enabling them to refine the user interface and user experience.

At Orient Software, our data science services help you uncover the power of your company data. We use predictive modeling and prescriptive analytics to help you uncover valuable insights, highlighting the steps you can take today to get where you could be tomorrow.

Cross Department Collaboration

Enterprise web apps allow teams across multiple departments to collaborate and share data in real time.

Since all data and services are hosted on the same platform, without friction in switching between tools, this makes it easier for teams to access the data they need to perform their respective duties, regardless of their physical location.

An example of this can be seen in eCommerce web apps. When a customer makes a purchase, they’re transferred to a secure payment gateway. This is where the transaction is recorded on their customer profile. The marketing and advertising department can then use this data to tailor and deliver targeted marketing campaigns to that customer.

Cost-Efficient

Enterprise web apps are more cost-efficient to deploy and maintain than on-premises ERP software.

Since the software is hosted in the cloud, any changes made to it apply to all users at once. This makes it much easier to maintain than traditional monolithic ERP software. There’s no need to hire professionals to manage each local installation on separate devices and workstations, saving labor costs.

On-Premises Vs. Cloud Cost Comparison

Under a cloud ERP model, businesses pay a fixed monthly fee to access the software. This price increases as you add more users and services. Under an on-premises ERP model, businesses pay a one-time fee to license the software. There are also installation charges and ongoing maintenance costs.

Tracking the return on investment (ROI) between the two ERP models is vital to choosing the most cost-efficient one. When evaluating ERP pricing, consider the following:

• Budget – For businesses with limited upfront capital, the subscription model of cloud ERP software lowers the barrier to entry for smaller businesses.
• Scalability – Cloud ERP software makes it easy for businesses to add new users and features without the need to invest in new hardware or other upfront investments.
• Long-term goals – Businesses with ambitious long-term goals benefit from the flexibility of cloud ERP software, as it can adapt to their needs seamlessly in the dynamic

Comprehensive Scalability

Enterprise web apps are renowned for their scalability and flexibility. You are enabled to add, modify, and remove users and modules to suit your changing business needs. This gives you the flexibility to use only the resources you need to prepare for today and tomorrow.

ERP software uses platforms like Docker and Kubernetes to scale resources on demand. Docker packages ERP software into standardized units called containers, containing everything the software needs to run. Kubernetes is the software that allows businesses to scale their ERP resources.

Define Project Requirements

The first step in the enterprise web application process is to define your unique requirements. This means determining your project’s budget, timeline, target audience, technical stack, and goals. It also means determining your app’s features and how they will alleviate your user’s pain points.

When approaching a company like Orient Software, we listen to your ideas and propose a customized solution that meets your vision. Our expert software developers, UI/UX designers, and project managers are hand-picked to ensure their skills and experiences align with your project needs.

Approach a Software Development Company

The next step is to find a software development team who can understand your idea and bring your vision to life. When comparing providers, take the time to evaluate their:

• Communication skills – Your team should have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be easy to understand, and fast to respond to requests.
• Technical expertise – Your team should have relevant expertise in the front- and back-end technologies that your enterprise web app needs to function properly.
• Methodology – Most reputable software developers use Agile as their preferred software development methodology. By incorporating continuous feedback and improvement into each phase of a project, errors can be addressed early for a higher-quality product.
• Industry experience – By partnering with a team that understands your industry, they can deliver an enterprise web app that meets your unique industry requirements. This is especially important if you operate in an industry with high regulatory requirements.

Design and Architecture

From there, the next step is to define your app’s design and architecture. This typically means defining the UI/UX best practices, the steps your users will take to interact with your app, and the outcomes they will achieve. It also means defining the app’s layout and presentation, otherwise known as the UI.

A reliable software development team will guide you through this process. They will prepare design concepts, wireframes, and mock-ups. These documents will show you what the app will look like and outline the journey your users will go on. You can then provide feedback to ensure the final UI and UX meets your vision.

Front- and Back-End Development + Coding

Once the UI and UX are complete, the next step is to perform the necessary front- and back-end development.

During this stage, the team works on the necessary modules for your enterprise web app. They also develop the UI/UX, databases, API integrations, servers, and business logic.

Test and Deployment

After the front and back-end development, the enterprise web app undergoes rigorous testing and quality assurance. This involves performing a combination of unit, integration, system, and regression testing. These tasks ensure the web app is fast, user-friendly, compatible with all relevant devices and browsers, and secure.

From there, the software will be deployed to the production server for final quality assurance. This ensures the software will transition seamlessly to the live environment upon deployment.

Follow Proper Coding Guidelines and Standards

Work with a software development team that follows best coding standards and guidelines. By having a consistent coding style, the uniform appearance will make it easier for different engineers to work on the same code. It’ll also improve readability and clarity, making it easier to reuse code and correct errors.

Test Early and Often

Work with a software development team that performs Agile thinking and testing. This enables them to detect issues and address them early before they escalate into larger problems and become harder to fix.

Agile testing also allows teams to self-organize and work together to solve complex problems. This helps eliminate siloed thinking and encourages more creative problem-solving.

Optimize Performance to Improve the User Experience

Ensure your enterprise web app has fast loading times across all platforms and devices.

Ensure its performance is consistent regardless of how many users are on it at once. This involves configuring the app’s load balancing and determining how evenly the network is distributed across the app’s multiple servers.