Choosing an ERP system for your company is a complex process. There are risks, costs, and the reality of implementing something that you don’t really know how to use. But once you understand the features and benefits that ERP solutions provide and begin to compare providers for your company, the process becomes a lot easier. Most importantly, you’ll be on your way to better record keeping and better management for years to come.
Selecting the right ERP solution can be a big decision for your company. The right ERP system will change how your company performs, and you need to choose it carefully. You don’t want to make a decision based on how you think it should work; you want one that will actually work. To make an informed decision, we are going to look at some points that must be considered regarding choosing an ERP but first, what is ERP?
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a generic term that refers to computer software systems that support the planning and tracking of a wide variety of information including business processes and inventory. An ERP (enterprise resource planning) system is an integrated package of applications – software solutions tied together to give you a complete solution for finance, sales, operations, human resources and more. Unlike spreadsheets and manual systems that can fall apart when expanded, an ERP system provides all the technical tools you need to sustain your competitive edge.
Choosing an ERP solution is no small decision. It’s literally choosing how your company runs and has a big impact on your bottom line. Now, don’t worry, you’re not alone — plenty of people out there are in the process of choosing an ERP solution. The best way to make sure you end up with a solution that works for you is by weighing your options carefully with an open mind. This article will walk you through four important factors to consider, so you can make a decision that’s right.
These four factors are not listed in any particular order though each of them is crucial when choosing an ERP software solution.
Efficiency – Efficiency is a business necessity. Not having fast, accurate and current data means more time wasted trying to find info, reduced customer satisfaction; inefficient processes can also affect your bottom line. When looking for software, you need to look for software that enhances efficiency. When choosing an ERP, you want to find something that doesn’t just solve the problem being presented to you, but also gives you time and space to grow.
Scalability – Scalability is a crucial aspect that many small businesses overlook when implementing a new technology solution. Scalability is essentially the ability for software or hardware to be easily expanded to handle increased workloads and meet up with the growing demands of an organization. Choosing an ERP that is scalable solution will undoubtedly help your business as it is one way to ensure seamless integration of new technologies as you move along in your business’ development.
Affordability – Affordability is often the determining factor of any ERP implementation. You will need to determine the cost of implementing the ERP system. The data from your discovery process will provide the foundation for this analysis, but you may want to consider other factors as well. Depending on the size of your organization and the complexity of your business processes, contracting with an implementation partner can be a sound decision. An impact analysis that includes factors such as IT labour costs, equipment and facilities space requirements, upgrades to legacy systems, updates to current business processes and incorporating new technologies can all factor into your budget considerations when choosing between on-premise and cloud solutions.
Deployment – Deployment is an important decision to make when choosing an ERP for your business. There are various deployment methods, such as traditional on-premise, cloud and subscription. Each of these offers its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to consider which would be a better choice for your business; these depend entirely on your business’s specific needs and requirements.
When choosing an ERP, it is important to not lose sight of what it is you are trying to achieve as a business. Identify your priorities, your goals, your mission and then begin to lay out the requirements for an ERP solution that will help your business become and remain competitive.
SAP Business One software for SMEs is a smart choice for SME’s. This ERP system delivers both traditional best practices and innovative solutions relevant to the needs of smaller businesses. The streamlined production process and simplified IT management are great ways to keep overhead costs under control, enabling you to grow without adding excessive expenditure, with a range of functionality that includes financials, CRM, and inventory management capabilities, you can run your entire business from one central information system.
Choosing the right ERP system for your business is one of the most important decisions you make. So give us a call. We’re here to help you find a solution that works for you.
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