Next Generation ERP: Redefining Enterprise Software
The Challenge
The challenge was twofold: completely modernise a legacy ERP built on outdated technologies while breaking it away from its original mining industry focus, and strategically reposition the product to serve a new market of medium to large growing businesses.
This required us to break the mould of traditional ERPs, which are often complex, ugly, and expensive. Our goal was to create an industry first: a powerful, modular ERP with the usability of simple accounting software like Xero, but with the capability to compete with complex offerings like Pronto. This meant putting good design and ease of use at the core of a platform spanning Financials, Payroll, Supply, and Asset Maintenance.
My Process & Role
As the design lead for this multi year initiative, my approach had to be strategic and systematic.
First, I led the creation and documentation of the Rhythm design system. This was the crucial foundation that allowed us to enforce consistency, manage immense complexity, and build efficiently across the entire platform.
Second, a core part of the strategy was designing a completely modular architecture. This was a major design project in itself, and it enabled us to systematically redesign the entire system piece by piece. Over the course of the project, I have led the design on numerous complex modules, from a complete overhaul of the Accounts Payable system to designing a brand new, Australian compliant payroll interface from the ground up.
The Outcome
The new ERP has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, fundamentally changing our clients perception of what enterprise software can be. The modular, design driven approach has created a product that is both powerful and beautiful. The best feedback came directly from a new client:
"I have literally never seen an ERP system look this good, be so easy to use, but so powerful. It really breaks the barrier on what an ERP system is."