Is it time for your company to choose an ERP system? In this post, we highlight some aspects that are useful to consider during the search for the optimal ERP system for your specific organization. The advice is relevant both for those of you who are about to choose their first ERP system, and for those who are looking to replace an existing system.
What Is a (Good) ERP System?
An ERP system is a digital system that connects a company's functions and creates a uniform management of primarily information flows, finances and administration. In order to be able to streamline and automate business processes as much as possible, it is necessary that the system can be integrated with external programs and systems.
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. In other words, the system is meant to optimize the planning and utilization of all the company's resources. This in turn can include system modules that enable improvements in everything from financial analysis, logistics or customer and personnel administration.
Exactly what a good ERP system contains and how its functions are used therefore depends on each company's unique needs and how well its ERP system partner has managed to implement a relevant and effective tailored solution.
Which of the ERP System's Functions Do You Need - and Which Can You Do Without?
The fact that many ERP systems contain an enormous amount of functions, distributed over practically all types of business processes, naturally provides a fantastic opportunity for specialized and cost-effective solutions.
The downside of the huge range is that it is difficult to find the right match. This can lead to you ultimately paying for functions that you then do not use, or in the worst case that the system does not meet the company's needs and that the process of finding and implementing a new ERP system starts all over again.
To avoid such a scenario, we have 5 tips ahead of your choice of a new ERP system:
- Allocate resources in the form of both time and money.
Choosing an ERP system is a big and important decision. It is a long-term investment in the company to let the process take the time required to identify the right solution.
- Define your current and future needs carefully.
List which functions the company currently requires, which it will require in the future, and analyze which business processes that are the most important to streamline.
Ask for views and information from the company's own employees, as well as from industry colleagues who have experience in various ERP systems. Also make sure to straighten out any questions that arise when contacting suppliers of ERP systems.
- Get a future-proof solution.
Choose an ERP system whose features and scalability meet your company's long-term needs. Also ensure that the manufacturer has a development plan for the system and that your chosen partner for implementation and training will be available for support for many years to come.
The processes that must be investigated are complex and the changes that must be implemented in an optimal way are many. It is often very valuable to take the help of an expert in the field who has experience from similar projects in the same industry. In this way, resources are freed up to focus on the company's core business, while at the same time the path to a cost-effective, tailor-made and future-proof solution becomes considerably shorter.
We at xperitus are experts in ERP systems. Welcome to contact us to know more about us and how we can help your company.
