Part 1: ERP Evaluations – Why You Need a New ERP and How to Select the Right Partner
Do you find yourself stuck with an out-of-date ERP system? Does it hinder productivity, performance, and customer experience? Do you realize the impact this has on your business? A new ERP system can and will change that. The first step in moving to a new ERP, is understanding the upside to your business. Here is a sampling of information you need to evaluate benefits and how to select the right ERP solution.
Reasons you need a new ERP
Most companies that need a new ERP are doing it because their current system has functional or technical limitations. Sometimes firms make small tweaks to these older systems. So it’s like putting a new set of tires on an old car versus buying new. Eventually however, propping up an old ERP meets a point of diminished returns. That’s when a new ERP is the only viable option. A few tell-tale signs are lack of investment by the publisher, scarcity of support resources, no product roadmap, user frustration – especially from new hires who’ve run better ERP software at their previous employer.
Among other things, a good ERP system will enable you to control your costs. Operating costs can quickly get lost and nor reflect reality when proper controls are not in place. This affects margins, which make up profitability, which indicate the health of your company. Pretty important metric! Good ERP software and processes address this issue while allowing you room for growth. ERPs also help provide a better customer experience, keep accurate measures of your inventory, and give daily dashboards for monitoring – these are just a few examples of vital functions they play.
All of the major, and best, ERP companies have formal partner programs. SAP is the best example. If your ERP candidate software does not have a partner program, look elsewhere Partners typically sell, implement, and support new ERPs. They are equipped with education, training, experience, and tools for a successful implementation. Doing an ERP project without a partner is like self-administering dental work.
In evaluating a partner, ensure their consultants should have good project experience and the ability to quickly understand your business needs. They can connect the dots between your business requirements (or “Pain”) and how the ERP software will solve the need. Having a capable consultant with this knowledge will save you from being overwhelmed, will keep the ERP project moving and will greatly increase your chances for success.
For a more detailed look at choosing the right partner for your business - please review the following blog - Tips on a successful implementation project.
As you consider consultants, remember the Acuity team is here to support your ERP implementation, specifically of SAP Business One. Our satisfied customers are happy to serve as references, and we have many years of experience and proven results. Contact us to discuss your project today!
