Question 1

How do you design for multiple user roles in an ERP system?

Accepted Answer

Design role-based module access where marketing staff see Marketing and Messaging modules, accountants access Bookkeeping and Reports, and administrators control Master Data. Use consistent navigation structure across all modules so learned patterns transfer, but customize module-specific workflows for each role's tasks. For example, marketing users need visual campaign builders while accountants need precise numerical tables. Implement permission-based feature visibility so users only see functions relevant to their role, reducing interface clutter and confusion.

Question 2

What's the difference between one-time project and ongoing retainer for ERP design?

Accepted Answer

One-time ERP design projects deliver complete interface designs for all modules with design systems, component libraries, and detailed specifications for development. This works when the ERP scope is defined and won't require frequent additions. Ongoing retainers provide continued design support as the ERP evolves – designing new modules, updating existing interfaces based on user feedback, maintaining design system consistency, and adapting to changing business requirements. ERPs often benefit from retainers because business needs evolve and new functionality emerges over time.

Question 3

How long does it take to design a multi-module ERP interface?

Accepted Answer

Multi-module ERP design typically requires 3-6 months depending on module quantity and complexity. Initial discovery and UX research take 2-4 weeks to understand all user roles and workflows. Module design progresses iteratively, with core modules (usually 2-3) designed first over 6-8 weeks, followed by secondary modules. Design system development happens in parallel, establishing component libraries and patterns that accelerate later modules. Complex modules with unique workflows (like the email builder) require additional design time compared to standard CRUD interfaces.

Question 4

What makes ERP interfaces difficult to design compared to other SaaS products?

Accepted Answer

ERP interfaces handle diverse workflows within one system – marketing campaigns require creative tools, bookkeeping needs precise financial forms, messaging demands real-time communication, and reporting requires data visualization. Each module serves different user roles with distinct mental models and expectations. ERP systems also manage extensive data relationships across modules (campaigns generate leads that become sales that create invoices), requiring clear cross-module workflows. The challenge is creating cohesive experiences that feel unified despite functional diversity, unlike focused SaaS tools serving single purposes.

Question 5

Should ERP systems use the same interface design across all modules?

Accepted Answer

ERP systems should maintain consistent foundational elements (navigation structure, color system, typography, button styles, form patterns) across all modules to create familiarity and reduce learning curve. However, module-specific interfaces should adapt to their unique workflows – marketing modules can use more visual layouts, bookkeeping modules need table-heavy interfaces, and messaging modules require chat-style layouts. The goal is "consistent but contextually appropriate" rather than forcing identical designs where they don't serve user needs.

Adrema ERP UI/UX – Business Operations Platform

Project Deliverables

Location

Tools & Tech Stack

Project overview

Challenges

Multi-module complexity management

Workflow diversity across modules

Data density and clarity balance

Unlock your new design team today.

Solution

Clear module-based navigation

Contextual breadcrumb navigation

Unified design system with orange accent

Ready to Build Your SaaS Product?