Tips on ERP Selection
October 16, 2009 by admin
Filed under ERP Selection
There are many reasons why small businesses decide to change from their existing software to a more sophisticated ERP system. Small business can quickly outgrow the software they start out with, simple tasks can become overly time consuming, duplicate data entry is often required and internal business processes can become inefficient and impractical. That coupled with a lack of visibility of business operations and finances can soon lead to a lack of control.
Further growth without employing more and more staff becomes impossible. What is needed is one system to run the entire business and provide real-time access to sales patterns, product availability, cash flow etc. What is needed is small business ERP.
When a small business elects to purchase a new ERP system, it should not settle for anything less than what other larger organizations would find acceptable. There is no point in moving forward with an ERP software vendor who does not offer a complete solution that includes accounting, inventory management, purchasing, order entry, customer relationship management etc.
During ERP selection you should take into consideration both existing and future software requirements. The small business should ask ERP software vendors to describe the scalability of their proposed software solutions. It is vital the software selected will provide the business with an opportunity for growth. Remember your ERP selection is for today, tomorrow, and beyond.
In addition to the software functionality, the selection should also be based on a software solution that is platform independent. By selecting an ERP solution that is platform independent, the small business does not need to worry about becoming locked in to or outgrowing a particular operating platform. An online solution where updates and new functionality are automatically and seamlessly applied can also save future expense on upgrades or expensive add-ons.
Another important consideration is ease of deployment. A solution that can be easily implemented, is easy to use and learn will mean less expense on consultancy and training.
The advantage to small businesses who adopt ERP early is that they can select an affordable ‘out of the box’ ERP solution which they can grow into – using new areas of functionality as the need arises.
We want to hear about your experiences. Please post your comments or suggestions or post a review under our ERP review category.
