- 26
- March
Essential IT Terms Every ERP User Should Know: A Complete Glossary
When using an ERP system daily, users often encounter numerous technical terms that can be confusing — from API, Database, and SSL to Backup. This article compiles 18 essential IT terms for ERP users, with clear explanations and real-world examples from the Saeree ERP system, so you can communicate confidently with your IT team.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Definition: A comprehensive enterprise resource management system that integrates all departments (accounting, inventory, HR, procurement) into a single platform. This connects data across the organization, reduces redundant work, and gives executives a real-time overview of operations.
Example in ERP: When the procurement team creates a Purchase Order (PO) in Saeree ERP, the data automatically flows to the inventory and accounting modules — no need to re-enter data manually.
API (Application Programming Interface)
Definition: An interface that allows two software systems to communicate and exchange data. Think of it as a "waiter" who takes orders from customers and delivers them to the kitchen.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP uses APIs to connect with digital signature systems, e-Payment platforms, and other external systems for automatic data exchange.
REST API (Representational State Transfer)
Definition: The most popular standard for designing APIs, using HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) to operate on data. Its advantages include simplicity, lightweight design, and cross-platform compatibility.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP exposes REST APIs that allow external systems to retrieve reports or create purchase order documents via HTTP requests directly.
Database
Definition: A system for storing data in an organized manner, enabling fast searching, adding, editing, and deleting of records. Think of it as a massive, well-organized filing cabinet.
Example in ERP: Purchase orders, invoices, employee records, and inventory data are all stored in the Saeree ERP Database, which uses PostgreSQL as its primary database engine.
PostgreSQL
Definition: An open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) renowned for its stability, support for large-scale data, enterprise-level features, and zero licensing fees.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP chose PostgreSQL as its primary database because it handles high transaction volumes, offers strong security, and saves significantly on licensing costs compared to Oracle or SQL Server.
Angular (Frontend Framework)
Definition: A frontend web development framework created by Google, using TypeScript. It enables building web applications that are fast and responsive — similar to native mobile apps.
Example in ERP: The screens that Saeree ERP users interact with daily (data entry forms, tables, reports, dashboards) are built with Angular, enabling fast page loads without full-page refreshes.
SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer)
Definition: A protocol that encrypts data transmitted between a browser and a server, preventing hackers from intercepting information in transit. You can identify it by the "https://" prefix and the padlock icon in the URL bar.
Example in ERP: Every time you access Saeree ERP via the web, all data — including usernames, passwords, and financial information — is encrypted with SSL/TLS to prevent interception. Learn more in our security article.
2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
Definition: A two-step identity verification process. Beyond the standard password, users must verify through a second channel — such as an OTP code from a mobile app or SMS — adding security even if the password is compromised.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP supports Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Users can enable 2FA to protect their accounts and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Backup
Definition: The process of creating copies of data and storing them in a secure location, allowing recovery if the original data is damaged, lost, or compromised by ransomware.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP performs automatic daily backups, storing database copies both on-server and in offsite storage, enabling data recovery within hours if an incident occurs.
Disaster Recovery / DR
Definition: The plan and procedures for restoring IT systems to operational status after a major incident — such as fire, flooding, server failure, or a cyberattack.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP has a comprehensive Disaster Recovery plan with clearly defined RTO (Recovery Time Objective) and RPO (Recovery Point Objective) to ensure the system is restored as quickly as possible.
Cloud Computing
Definition: Using computing resources (servers, storage, software) over the internet instead of purchasing and installing hardware on-site. Think of it as "renting" rather than "owning."
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP can be deployed on the Cloud, allowing users to access the system from anywhere, reducing server maintenance burden, and scaling resources on demand.
On-Premise
Definition: A deployment model where the system is installed on servers within the organization. All data remains under the organization's direct control — ideal for entities with strict security policies or full data sovereignty requirements.
Example in ERP: Many government agencies choose to deploy Saeree ERP on-premise because their data must remain within the organization's internal network.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Definition: A software delivery model where applications are hosted on the internet. Users do not need to install programs locally — simply open a web browser to start working, paying monthly or annual subscription fees.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP supports both SaaS (cloud-based) and On-Premise deployment. Clients can choose the model that best fits their organization's needs and policies.
Digital Signature
Definition: An electronic signature that uses cryptographic technology to verify the signer's identity and ensure the document has not been altered after signing. It is legally binding under Thailand's Electronic Transactions Act.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP supports digital signatures for approval documents such as purchase orders and disbursement requests. Approvers can sign through the system instantly — no printing required.
e-Payment Gateway
Definition: A payment processing intermediary that connects payers, payees, and banks for electronic transactions. It supports bank transfers, credit cards, and QR payments.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP can integrate with e-Payment Gateways to process supplier payments automatically, reducing manual payment steps.
Dashboard
Definition: A visual display screen that presents summary data including charts, tables, and key performance indicators (KPIs) on a single page. It helps executives and users quickly grasp the current situation without reading multi-page reports.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP provides dashboards for every module — for example, a financial dashboard showing monthly income and expenses, and an inventory dashboard showing current stock levels and items due for reorder.
Role-Based Access Control / RBAC
Definition: An access control system that manages data and function permissions based on user "roles" rather than setting permissions individually. This simplifies administration and reduces the risk of granting excessive privileges.
Example in ERP: In Saeree ERP, administrators define roles such as "Inventory Officer" (access to inventory module only) or "Approver" (can approve documents but not edit them), ensuring departmental data remains securely separated.
Audit Log
Definition: A system that records every action performed — who did what, when, and from where. This enables retrospective investigation if issues arise and serves as critical evidence for audits.
Example in ERP: Saeree ERP records an Audit Log every time a document is created, edited, deleted, or approved. Auditors can review the full history — for example, who created PO-001, how many times it was modified, and when it was approved.
Summary Table: All 18 IT Terms
| # | Term | Brief Definition | Relevance to ERP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ERP | Enterprise Resource Planning system | The core system used daily |
| 2 | API | Interface for connecting systems | Integrates with external systems |
| 3 | REST API | Standard API over HTTP | Sends/receives data with other systems |
| 4 | Database | Structured data storage system | Stores all ERP data |
| 5 | PostgreSQL | Open-source database | Primary database for Saeree ERP |
| 6 | Angular | Frontend web framework | Powers Saeree ERP user interface |
| 7 | SSL/TLS | Data encryption protocol | Protects data during transmission |
| 8 | 2FA | Two-factor authentication | Enhances login security |
| 9 | Backup | Data backup copies | Prevents data loss |
| 10 | DR | System recovery after incidents | Restores ERP quickly |
| 11 | Cloud | Cloud computing | Deploy ERP on the cloud |
| 12 | On-Premise | On-site installation | Keep data within your network |
| 13 | SaaS | Software as a Service | Use ERP via browser |
| 14 | Digital Signature | Electronic signature | Sign approval documents |
| 15 | e-Payment | Electronic payment | Automated payment processing |
| 16 | Dashboard | Visual data summary | View KPIs and organization overview |
| 17 | RBAC | Role-based access control | Manage user permissions per department |
| 18 | Audit Log | Action tracking records | Track all actions retrospectively |
