ERP software can deliver significant value to an organization, as long as they understand how best to align the platform according to their needs. SecureAlert, a provider of home-based electronic monitoring devices and services for law enforcement organizations throughout the world, was facing an internal challenge – outdated tracking systems and financial and inventory management systems.

This case study highlighted that SecureAlert had outgrown both systems over time. The company also had a unique requirement that centered around how it bills for devices on a subscription or use basis. As the company directly ships to law enforcement agencies and through distributors, the task of tracking serialized devices through the chain of distribution is nothing short of challenging.

The company also dealt with complex and sometimes varied subscription billing rules, which dictated a custom built solution that would effectively collect usage information and bill the correct customer for the use. The company was in need of a robust and customized ERP software solution.

SecureAlert examined a number of different ERP software solutions, offered both in the cloud and on-premise. In the process, the company determined that there was not an enterprise-wide solution available that they could purchase or lease right out of the box that would directly meet their needs.

To solve the problem, SecureAlert selected Aplicor as a partner in the extension of its enterprise suite of CRM and Business Management solutions to facilitate the incorporation of a flexible and robust Subscription Billing module.

“In order to get our subscription billing needs met, we would have had to lease a very robust and flexible solution, but the cost of that solution, coupled with the fact we’d have purchase or lease software to meet the rest of our needs proved to be too difficult and costly path to go down,” said Steve Florek, CIO of SecureAlert, in the case study.

The ERP software solution selected by SecureAlert was the Aplicor Cloud Suite 7 with Subscription billing. Aplicor analyzed SecureAlert’s requirements around subscription billing, agreeing to incorporate SecureAlert’s needs into a solution that would be readily available to all customers. The implemented solution enables SecureAlert to track serialized devices through direct and distributor channels and to bill agencies or distributors directly for the use of said devices.

“Aplicor has been a great partner to us in our efforts to have something that was not possible before. They have listened and worked with us throughout this process to get us what we need in a cost effective way without having to build a custom solution or cobble together point solutions from other vendors. We’re excited about Cloud Suite 7 and what that will mean for our business as we put the last pieces of our solution in place” said Florek.

As an ERP software provider, Aplicor announced the launch of Cloud Suite 7 at the Gartner (News - Alert) Customer 360 Summit. The latest solution leverages Aplicor cloud suite technology to consolidate both front and back office information. As a result, companies can enjoy a single, integrated and hosted business system.