If your company's basic financials and operations are no longer adequate, it may be time to consider implementing a modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in place. Since newer ERP features and applications are constantly being developed, it is critical to investigate your options. Furthermore, in this competitive environment, chances are that your peers are already updating their ERP systems, and you would like to stay abreast with the latest developments.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) is a business management software that enables an organization to use a system of integrated applications to manage and integrate a company’s financials, supply chain, operations, reporting, manufacturing, and human resource activities. Therefore, you understand what ERP systems are, discover the five steps you can take to implement a more advanced solution for your business.
Here are three indicators that it is time to replace your legacy system and implement new software:
Has your current system grown with you as you've added more staff, clients, and business processes, or as you've entered new lines of business or markets? An ERP solution should enable your company to grow while still operating and maintaining day- to-day business processes.
Despite the fact that ERP software provides real-time visibility of an entire business as well as insights into the industry landscape, many businesses continue to rely on legacy software that operates independently of other systems. As a result, different departments may work in silos. Software that connects all of your diverse systems while offering data analytics and business insights is a win-win situation that provides productivity, growth, and a competitive advantage.
Most businesses have investigated what they are currently paying for ERP deployment fees and maintenance. Although they are aware of the hard costs, most are unaware of the pros and cons that come with each deployment option, whether it’s on-premises, in the cloud, or as a hosted ERP solution. It may be time to take a closer look to determine whether you should move to the cloud, keep things on-premises, or invest in a hybrid of the two.
TIP: Many businesses believe they must undergo a complete ERP overhaul and get rid of the current system, , but that’s not true.. An ERP system can be the sum of various applications and add-ons. So, if you don't already have a system that allows you to keep existing processes while adding new ones, look for software that does.
The following are some of the fundamental components that every legacy ERP system should have:
Your system should not only help you in meeting regulatory compliance, but it should also deliver accurate data and analytics to assist you in keeping track of your budget, including the management of multiple currencies, cash flow management, and bank transactions.
This function should provide manufacturers with real-time data to optimize production planning, as well as project and cost management. ERP manufacturing should also provide the ability to manage resources and meet customer needs.
As manual data entry and physical inventory of goods become relics of the past, this function should improve warehouse and inventory management while also allowing businesses to gain greater insights into their products and integrated logistics.
Modern ERP systems include built-in intelligence to assist users in achieving the best results. They also scale with your company as it expands into new markets and help keep client and company data secure. Furthermore, a modern ERP platform goes even further in meeting your business needs by providing less expensive customization. This means it can work alongside your legacy system while expanding your daily processes as you grow. Some of the other resource planning tools it provides may be useful to you, which include:
Global ERP has its advantages as well. It streamlines all of your basic finance and operational functions and assists you in maintaining standard business processes that help you to expand into new markets and work globally. An ERP system provides tools to help you in:
It can be mind-boggling to consider implementing an entirely new system or deciding what to add or remove from what you currently have. The better your plan, the smoother it will be to improve or replace your legacy system. Begin with the following three steps:
Make a list of the ERP functions you already use. Even if it's just a basic financial and inventory tracking system. Make a list of the features you want or require. Now that you have some options and ideas of what's available, you could look into special features such as adding pre-built applications or building custom applications.
The next step is to create a budget based on your wish list. Like buying a new car, you should consider whether your budget allows for a used or brand new vehicle. Knowing this allows you to concentrate on the systems and features you should look for. Begin by calculating the cost of supporting and maintaining a system, then look for any hidden fees along the way.
Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all solution. Make sure the solution you're looking for meets your specific business requirements. If you want to move from on-premises to the cloud but are concerned about security, find a technology partner to assist you those concerns.
The technology partner you select is the most important aspect of implementing a new system. If you choose wisely, it could be an ERP match made in heaven, with the hope that they will be your partner until the system and you part ways. Here’s some of the qualities you should look for in your future implementation partner:
Find out more about choosing the right Microsoft Technology Partner
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