Why ERP Security Matters

Your ERP system is one of the most important applications in your business. It may contain sensitive financial information, customer records, vendor data, employee-related records, pricing, inventory details, and operational history.

A strong security approach helps protect your business from:

• Unauthorized access to sensitive financial or customer data
• Weak user permissions or outdated employee access
• Risk from lost, stolen, or unmanaged devices
• Poor password practices
• Insecure integrations with third-party applications
• Lack of visibility into user activity and system changes
• Business disruption from data loss, ransomware, or system failure
• Compliance gaps related to audit, reporting, or industry requirements

Security does not have to mean making your system difficult to use. A well-designed security approach gives employees the access they need while helping protect the areas they should not access. A shocking concept: people can have enough access to do their jobs without also having the keys to the whole kingdom.

Key ERP Security Topics

User Access and Permissions

One of the most important areas to review is user access. Companies should periodically confirm that each employee has the correct level of access based on their role.

Important items to review include:

• Active users
• Former employee access
• Administrator rights
• Role-based permissions
• Access to financial screens and reports
• Access to customer, vendor, payroll, or banking information
• Approval workflows
• Segregation of duties

ACC can help review user access and identify areas where permissions may need to be adjusted.

Multi-Factor Authentication and Login Security

Multi-factor authentication, commonly referred to as MFA, is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. MFA adds another step to the login process, usually through a mobile app, text message, email code, or identity provider.

Companies should evaluate:

• Whether MFA is enabled
• Which users are required to use MFA
• Whether administrator accounts have stronger protection
• Whether single sign-on is appropriate
• Whether login policies match company security requirements

For cloud ERP users, MFA should be considered a standard security practice.

Data Security and Sensitive Information

ERP systems often contain sensitive business data. Companies should review how that data is accessed, shared, exported, and protected.

Areas to consider include:

• Financial data access
• Customer and vendor records
• Bank account information
• Credit card or payment data
• Employee-related information
• Pricing and margin data
• Exporting reports to Excel
• Attachments stored inside the ERP system
• Field-level or row-level security options

The goal is to reduce unnecessary exposure while still allowing employees to work efficiently.

Audit Trails and System Activity

Audit trails and activity logs help companies understand what changed, who changed it, and when the change occurred.

Depending on the ERP system and configuration, companies may be able to track:

• Record changes
• User login activity
• Financial transaction updates
• Master file changes
• Security role changes
• Approval history
• Integration activity

Audit trails are especially important for companies with compliance requirements, internal controls, or financial review processes.

Integration Security

Modern ERP systems often connect to eCommerce platforms, EDI providers, shipping systems, CRM tools, reporting platforms, payment processors, and warehouse applications.

Each integration should be reviewed to confirm that it is secure and properly managed.

Important topics include:

• API access
• Integration users
• OAuth or token-based authentication
• Third-party application permissions
• Data mapping controls
• Error handling and exception reporting
• Access to customer, vendor, inventory, or financial data

Integrations can create major efficiency gains, but they should not become unmanaged back doors into the system.

Backup, Disaster Recovery, and Business Continuity

Security is not only about preventing unauthorized access. It is also about making sure your company can continue operating if something goes wrong.

Companies should understand:

• How ERP data is backed up
• Who is responsible for backups
• How quickly systems can be restored
• Whether disaster recovery procedures are documented
• Whether critical reports and processes can continue during an outage
• How cloud and on-premise environments differ

For Sage 100 customers, backup planning may involve internal IT, hosting providers, and ACC. For Acumatica customers, cloud architecture and vendor-managed infrastructure are part of the larger security and continuity discussion.

Security Is a Shared Responsibility

ERP security works best when software publishers, implementation partners, IT providers, and customers each understand their role.

Software publishers provide platform-level security tools, product updates, authentication options, and compliance resources.

ACC helps customers understand how those tools apply to their ERP environment, business processes, and user roles.

Customers are responsible for maintaining strong internal practices, including employee access reviews, password policies, device security, approval processes, and communication with IT providers.

The strongest security posture comes from regular review, not a one-time setup.

How ACC Can Help

ACC Software Solutions can assist customers with practical ERP security reviews and planning, including:

• Reviewing user access and security roles
• Helping identify inactive or unnecessary users
• Discussing MFA and single sign-on options
• Reviewing administrator access
• Evaluating approval workflows and segregation of duties
• Reviewing audit trail and activity tracking options
• Discussing integration security considerations
• Helping customers prepare for system upgrades and new security features
• Coordinating with internal IT teams or hosting providers

Our focus is to help customers make informed decisions and improve security without creating unnecessary complexity.

Recommended Next Steps

Companies should consider performing a periodic ERP security review. A good starting point includes:

1. Review all active ERP users
2. Confirm former employees no longer have access
3. Review administrator accounts
4. Confirm MFA settings
5. Review access to financial reports and sensitive data
6. Review third-party integrations
7. Confirm backup and disaster recovery responsibilities
8. Document security-related procedures
9. Schedule a recurring review at least annually

ACC customers who would like help reviewing their ERP security settings can contact our team to schedule a security discussion.

Need help reviewing your ERP security settings?

ACC Software Solutions can help your team review access, permissions, MFA options, audit settings, and related ERP security best practices.

Contact ACC Support
Email: support@4acc.com
Website: www.4acc.com/support