Hey, I’m Robert, and I’d like to introduce you to the Enlivy ERP Playbooks feature—a tool we developed not just to streamline tasks, but to empower users. Today, I’ll share how we arrived at this concept, why it matters, and how it has shaped Enlivy’s development.
The Challenge: Following SOPs
I’ve never been a fan of rigid guidelines or standard operating procedures (SOPs). For me, SOPs often felt restrictive, curbing my ability to approach tasks creatively. While I liked providing guidance for others, I wasn’t as enthusiastic about following structured instructions myself. I envisioned a tool where tasks would feel intuitive and easy to follow—no hand-holding, just a clear path forward. This is what initially inspired the idea behind Playbooks.
In developing Playbooks, our aim was to create a system that offers structure without boxing people in, empowering users rather than forcing them into a mold. But as we worked on the feature, I realized that building such a system with the right balance would take more than just an initial concept.
Why We Needed Playbooks in Enlivy
As I worked through this with my project manager, we understood that, while flexibility was key, certain tasks needed specific guidance. Enlivy needed a structured way to document workflows, but in a way that felt seamless and natural to use. Traditional documentation, like docs, didn’t quite meet the mark—it allowed too much room for inconsistency. The more we delved into this, the more it became clear: we needed Playbooks to integrate directly with the workflow, making them instantly accessible when needed.
The real challenge was to avoid disrupting the user’s process. We didn’t want to make someone navigate to another tab or program every time they needed instructions. Instead, Playbooks would offer guidance right within the task flow, keeping everything in one place and reducing interruptions.
Enlivy’s Evolution: Building for Real-World Use
The Playbooks feature is just one example of how we’ve designed Enlivy for practical, everyday use. Since its inception in 2021, Enlivy has been built to address the needs of my business, a service-based company that’s grown alongside it. The first invoice we issued, back in August 2021, was processed using Enlivy, and we’ve iterated on the system ever since.
Using Enlivy ourselves has been invaluable in refining it to truly address the demands of real-world business. Each step forward has helped us better understand what users need and how to meet those needs effectively.
Why API-Driven Development Matters
When we started building Enlivy, I had the choice of going with a simpler, faster-to-launch system—like WordPress—but I opted for a different path. We made Enlivy API-driven, prioritizing scalability and flexibility from day one. While an API-first approach takes longer to develop, it ensures that the system can grow with its users rather than hitting limits.
An API-driven foundation allows Enlivy to integrate easily with other systems and scale with business needs. For us, this approach isn’t just a technical choice; it’s core to our mission of building a platform that won’t outgrow its users.
Addressing the Limits of Traditional ERP Solutions
I’ve seen it happen over and over: businesses hit a wall with traditional ERP systems, and then they’re forced to make a disruptive, costly switch. When software no longer serves its purpose, businesses are left with little choice but to transition, which often means downtime, risk, and expense.
With Enlivy, we’re committed to avoiding that wall. By making Enlivy API-driven and offering options for users to go self-hosted with the same codebase, we’re building a platform that adapts to users’ needs over time. This adaptability ensures that Enlivy won’t hold businesses back from reaching their goals.
Moving Forward: Enlivy’s Vision
Ultimately, Enlivy is about creating systems that enable users to work smarter, not harder. The Playbooks feature is an integral part of that vision, bringing structure to tasks without restricting flexibility. Our platform is designed to evolve with our clients’ needs, making sure they’re always in control of their data and workflow.
Enlivy will continue to be API-driven, providing clients with secure, easy data export and allowing seamless integration as they grow. We’re building Enlivy with the understanding that as businesses evolve, their software needs to evolve, too.
With Playbooks, we’re one step closer to a platform that offers not just efficiency but empowerment. Thank you for joining me in this journey of building a system that’s built to grow—just like the businesses it serves.