Nurturing Your ERP Investment: The Power of Maintenance and Ongoing Improvements

In the fast-paced world of business, change is the only constant. To keep pace, your ERP system – the backbone of your operations – should be on active maintenance.

What is active maintenance?  Active maintenance is a payment made to the software publisher, often through a VAR (Value Added Reseller).  This can either be part of a paid subscription, or an annual payment which is a percentage of the value of your license.  Active maintenance provides new software versions, technology compatibility (e.g. Microsoft OS updates), bug fixes, access to technical support and the ability to expand your ERP by adding modules or users.  Most importantly, active maintenance gets you new software functionality and technology. Ask your VAR to provide the product roadmap of your software so you can see what’s planned for the future, both near term and long term

1. Dynamic Systems, Dynamic Business

Your ERP system is at the heart of your organization's operation.  But your business and the technological landscape are constantly evolving. New industry trends emerge, customer expectations evolve, and technology advances. To ensure your ERP system remains aligned with your business needs, it's important to understand planned improvements.  These improvements are funded by maintenance dollars.

2. Safeguard Your Hard Work

Implementing an ERP system involves significant effort, resources, and time. This initial hard work could easily be eroded if you decline maintenance. Updates and enhancements protect your original implementation, preserving gains and better processes achieved through your ERP.  Also, being on active maintenance in the event of a “hard down” will mitigate impact to your business. Its analogous to having a generator during a power outage…versus being in the dark. 

3. Embrace Evolution

Technology evolves at a rapid pace. Updates to your ERP system provide you improved tools, features, and capabilities. By staying current, you will leverage best practices and technology. These updates include performance enhancements, security improvements, and bug fixes and new features and functionality.

4. ERP System as an Asset

Consider your ERP system as an asset that appreciates with continuous investments. Just like a portfolio of investments requires monitoring and adjustments, your ERP system benefits from ongoing attention. The improvements you make over time contribute to the longevity and value of the system, enabling your organization to thrive in the ever-changing business landscape.

5. Protecting Your Business Continuity

An outdated or malfunctioning ERP system can lead to disruptions in your operations. These disruptions can result in missed opportunities, customer dissatisfaction, and even financial losses. Regular maintenance and improvements act as a shield, protecting your business from potential disruptions and ensuring seamless continuity.

6. Maximizing ROI

Your investment in an ERP system is not a one-time expense but a strategic decision.  A well deployed ERP will yield returns over the long term. Regular maintenance and improvements enhance the system's performance, user experience, and overall functionality. This will maximize return on your investment, helping you derive more value from your ERP system over its lifespan.

7. Future-Proofing Your Operations

By embracing on-going improvements, you're future-proofing. As your business evolves and scales, your ERP system should evolve with it. The ability to adapt and grow with changing business needs is a key advantage that an up-to-date ERP system offers.

In Conclusion

Your ERP system is not just a tool; it's an invaluable asset that drives efficiency, collaboration, and growth within your organization. To ensure that this asset continues to deliver results, investing in maintenance is prudent. Just as you would protect and care for any valuable asset, your ERP system deserves the same attention and dedication. So, embrace the dynamic nature of your ERP system, commit to active maintenance and rest assured you will be protected.

Acuity Consulting Group is based in Providence Rhode Island.  We help our clients implement business software solutions, specifically Enterprise Resource planning.  We have been in business for 20 years and have deep connections to Rhode Island and southern New England.