By Jessica LaShawn, Founder of Mogul Academy and Jessica LaShawn Consulting

Choosing the right ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software is one of the most important decisions you can make for your company’s long-term growth and success. Not only does it integrate key processes such as finance, supply chain, human resources, and customer service, but it also lays the foundation for business agility and data-driven decision-making.

But what if I told you that choosing the right ERP software could also serve as a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders and tech innovators? At Mogul Academy and Jessica LaShawn Consulting, we believe that the tools and systems businesses use today should be integrated into the educational journeys of tomorrow’s workforce. Here’s how you can make a strategic ERP decision for your company while also giving back by partnering with us to expose students to the tech industry and help them understand the vital role of ERP software.

The Lesson Plan: What is ERP and Why It Matters?

Objective:
To provide a comprehensive understanding of ERP systems and demonstrate how these tools support business operations across various industries.

ERP Software helps businesses streamline their operations by integrating different departments into a single system. From managing finances and inventory to tracking employee productivity, ERP systems provide a bird’s-eye view of a company’s processes, allowing leaders to make data-informed decisions that can scale as the business grows.

At Mogul Academy, we take these lessons beyond the classroom. We partner with ERP companies to introduce students to the tech industry, showing them the significant impact that ERP systems have on businesses across diverse sectors like healthcare, education, finance, and manufacturing. By doing so, we prepare students not only to appreciate how businesses function but also to explore careers in technology that directly contribute to driving industries forward.

The Business Plan: Partnering ERP with Education

Objective:
When businesses invest in ERP software, they’re not just investing in technology—they’re investing in a comprehensive system that becomes the backbone of their operations. But, why stop there? By partnering with Mogul Academy and Jessica LaShawn Consulting, ERP companies have the opportunity to turn their solutions into learning experiences.

Here’s how we can work together:

1. Technology Workshops for Youth: ERP partners can sponsor hands-on workshops where students are introduced to ERP software in action. These workshops will provide them with firsthand experience of how integrated systems are used to solve real-world business challenges.
2. Mentoring Programs: ERP company leaders can mentor young minds, teaching them about the importance of tech solutions like ERP software and how these systems keep businesses running smoothly. Mentorship creates a direct connection between industry professionals and students, shaping their career aspirations.
3. Curriculum Integration: With our guidance, ERP companies can develop educational materials that can be incorporated into school curriculums. This ensures that students have access to modern business tools and are learning how technology shapes the economy.
4. Job Shadowing and Internships: Partnering ERP companies can offer students internship opportunities or shadowing days, allowing them to see firsthand how ERP software operates in different business settings.

Through this partnership, ERP companies will not only enhance their corporate social responsibility efforts but also contribute to building a future workforce that is diverse, skilled, and tech-forward.

Step-by-Step Presentation: How to Choose the Right ERP Software

Objective:
To guide companies through a clear, actionable process for choosing the ERP software that best fits their needs, while aligning this decision with broader goals of mentorship and social impact.

1. Define Your Business Needs
   Every company is unique. Before you choose an ERP system, take the time to assess your business’s specific needs. What areas do you want to streamline? Which departments need better integration? Whether it’s improving inventory management or optimizing customer service, identify the pain points that an ERP system can resolve. Mentorship Tip: When working with Mogul Academy, we encourage students to think critically about business needs and challenges, mirroring the decision-making process that companies face in the real world.
2. Research ERP Solutions
   Not all ERP systems are created equal. Research different providers to see which one offers the features your business needs. Consider how scalable the solution is, whether it offers cloud integration, and how user-friendly the platform will be for your team. Educational Integration: ERP companies can offer demonstrations in schools to teach students how ERP systems vary and how businesses evaluate their technology investments.
3. Request Demos and Trials
   Before making a final decision, request demos or trial versions of the ERP software you’re considering. This allows you to see how it works in your environment and assess whether it’s intuitive and efficient for your team. Tech Workshops: These same demos can be used in student workshops, allowing young learners to interact with ERP software and gain a deeper understanding of its real-world applications.
4. Consider Customization and Support
   Your business is constantly evolving, so you need an ERP system that can grow with you. Ask about customization options and ongoing support from the provider. A strong support system ensures that your ERP solution will remain a valuable asset long-term. Future-Ready Skills: By exposing students to customizable ERP solutions, Mogul Academy helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for the challenges of future industries.
5. Evaluate Pricing and ROI
   ERP software is an investment, but the right system will deliver significant returns by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and providing better visibility across your operations. Consider the pricing structure—whether it’s subscription-based or one-time—and weigh the long-term value it brings. Real-World Exposure: Mogul Academy introduces students to cost-benefit analysis, showing them how technology investments like ERP deliver measurable returns for businesses.
6. Choose ERP with a Social Impact
   Here’s where we take the decision further. Choosing an ERP software doesn’t have to stop at improving your bottom line. By partnering with Mogul Academy, your company’s ERP solution can become a tool for educating and mentoring the next generation. Your decision can drive not only your business growth but also social good.

Conclusion: Changing the Future with ERP and Education

As someone who is passionate about both business innovation and youth empowerment, I believe that the technology we use to run companies should also be a gateway to inspiring future leaders. ERP software is at the heart of business operations, but it can be much more—it can be a teaching tool that opens doors to the tech industry for students from diverse backgrounds.

At Jessica LaShawn Consulting and Mogul Academy, we strive to create partnerships that benefit businesses while giving back to the community. By choosing ERP software that fits your company’s needs, and working with us to introduce students to the power of technology, you can help shape the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and changemakers.

Are you ready to make an impact? Let’s work together to integrate ERP into both your business and the future of education. Reach out to Jessica LaShawn Consulting today to explore how your ERP decision can be a part of something bigger.

About Jessica LaShawn
Jessica LaShawn is a mentor, educator, and the founder of Mogul Academy and Jessica LaShawn Consulting. She is dedicated to empowering youth through education and mentorship, while also helping businesses refine their strategies for growth and innovation. Through her work, she aims to create opportunities that bridge the gap between industry and education, preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world.