How To Become an ERP Administrator: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as an ERP administrator, including education, skills, salary and more.
ERP administrators are responsible for the implementation, maintenance and support of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. They work with businesses to ensure that the ERP system meets the needs of the company. If you are interested in working with ERP systems and helping businesses run smoothly, then a career as an ERP administrator may be a good fit for you. In this article, we discuss what an ERP administrator does and how to become one.
What Does an ERP Administrator Do?
An ERP administrator is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of an organization’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This may include managing user accounts, developing training materials, providing customer support, troubleshooting issues and overseeing system updates and upgrades. An ERP administrator typically works closely with other members of the IT team as well as individuals from other departments who use the ERP system on a daily basis.
Some common duties of an ERP administrator are:
- Managing user accounts and permissions within the ERP system
- Developing training materials and conducting training sessions for new and existing users
- Providing customer support to resolve any issues or questions users have
- Troubleshooting technical issues with the ERP system
- Overseeing system updates and upgrades
- Working with the IT team to ensure smooth operation of the ERP system
- Coordinating with individuals from other departments to gather feedback and requirements
ERP Administrator Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for an ERP administrator is $84,975 per year. However, salaries can vary based on experience, education, and qualifications.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for ERP administrators will grow much faster than average over the next decade. This is due to the increasing reliance on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems by businesses of all sizes. As these systems become more complex, organizations will need to hire professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and maintain them.
How to Become an ERP Administrator
Here are several steps you should take to become an ERP administrator.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or a related field
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for ERP administrator positions. Computer science, information systems or a related field such as business administration are good choices for this position. Coursework in these programs includes classes on database management, software development and system analysis.
If you decide to pursue an advanced degree, consider pursuing a master’s degree in computer science or information systems. This will give you more opportunities for advancement within your career.
2. Gain experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can begin applying for entry-level ERP administration positions. To gain experience with ERP software, consider volunteering or working as an intern at a company that uses this type of software. You can also apply to jobs as an ERP analyst, where you can work under the supervision of an experienced ERP administrator and learn how to use the software.
3. Familiarize yourself with the company’s business processes
Before you begin administering an ERP system, it’s important to understand the company’s business processes. This will help you determine how the software can support the company’s goals and improve its performance.
For example, if a company manufactures products, you may learn that it has several different departments that each have their own inventory levels. You’ll need to know this information before you can set up the ERP system so it supports the company’s needs.
4. Understand database concepts and how to administer a database
Database concepts are important for ERP administrators to understand because they help you better manage the databases that store your company’s data. Understanding database concepts can also help you troubleshoot issues with your software or hardware.
Database administration includes tasks such as monitoring performance, ensuring security and backing up data. You may need to hire additional staff to assist you in these tasks if your company is large enough.
5. Develop strong communication skills
ERP administrators work in teams with other employees to implement new software, train users and resolve issues. Therefore, it’s important for ERP administrators to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with their colleagues. They should also have excellent written communication skills because they often correspond with vendors and customers via email or letters.
6. Stay up to date on changes in technology
Technology is constantly changing, so it’s important for ERP administrators to stay up to date on the latest developments. This will help you keep your skills relevant and ensure that your company’s systems are running smoothly. You can do this by reading technology blogs or attending conferences and workshops related to ERP administration.
7. Join professional organizations such as the American Society for Information Systems (ASIS)
Professional organizations can help you stay up to date on industry trends and developments. The American Society for Information Systems (ASIS) is a professional organization that provides resources and networking opportunities for information systems professionals. You can join ASIS as an individual member or through your employer. Membership in ASIS includes access to online training courses, webinars and other resources.
