Enterprise resource planning software (ERP) helps organizations seeking to automate standard business processes and achieve better performance from employees. Dynamics ERP lets organizations create a single source system for information tied to operations, commerce, supply chain functions, manufacturing, and finance.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software has democratized data analytics and the visualization of that data for businesses of all sizes. Traditionally, tools that tracked the minutia that lead to profit or loss were primarily used by enterprise-level organizations that could afford the technology teams to cull data and run these kinds of reports. But advances in technology and the rise of the software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription model has made it so that even start-ups can utilize these tools.

The enterprise resource planning (ERP) software market is now worth more than $82 billion globally. Companies are dependent upon this software, which collates a number of business systems under one integrated dashboard. The complexities of today’s business markets make using ERP software an imperative for 2018, especially mid-market to enterprise level companies seeking a 360-view of operations and sales.

Today, business moves at the speed of the cloud. That means companies that don’t have a handle on the big picture will quickly fall behind. If the productivity tools you use to run your business are separate silos, it’s likely that you will not have an efficient way to analyze information like sales or inventory trends and respond appropriately to improve the bottom line.

Microsoft acquired LinkedIn, the social media networking tool for business professionals, in December 2016. The $26 billion deal was received as good news; analysts say the move brought together the number one name in office software with the top professional networking site in the world. Most agree there were clear benefits for both companies.

 Let’s review some of the practical implications of the merger, including how Microsoft Dynamics ERP customers will likely benefit from the interoperability of these two industry icons.