ERP System Selection – 5 Crucial Steps and Considerations
With so many ERP solutions to choose from nowadays, finding the right one for your business can be difficult. And while there is no such thing as “correct” software, there are still some crucial factors to consider when choosing an ERP system. Otherwise, you might end up with an ineffective and costly product that would defeat its whole purpose.
There are many benefits to implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software into your business operations. In fact, a study by Accenture shows that around 80% of businesses agree that ERP allows them to streamline, scale, and innovate their processes more than ever. Hence, it is high time that you incorporate one into your business to remain competitive and relevant in the market.
With that, here are some essential factors to be considered for implementing ERP into your business operations.
1. Identify business needs →
You might find yourself overwhelmed with the number of ERP software to choose from. Going
through it one by one can be time-consuming.
Hence, you need to narrow down the list by outlining what you want from your ERP solution.
You can do this by identifying your business’
needs and goals.
Start by asking questions such as:
- What processes do you want to streamline and improve?
- What are the common bottlenecks you encounter in your operations?
- How much resources are you willing to set aside for the implementation and maintenance of your ERP solution?
- How many users will be accessing data from your ERP software?
The answers to these questions can then explain the factors needed to consider while buying an ERP system. This provides you with a guide on what features to look out for when selecting an ERP software for your business.
2. Consider customization →
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all ERP solution. Each business has its own unique
needs and goals.
Hence, you should expect that what works for one company won’t necessarily mean it will also
work on you.
Fortunately, there are service providers that offer
custom ERP systems for business
Diyos Infotech, for one, allows you to tailor-fit your ERP solution to your company’s
demands and objectives.
You can pick and choose modules or business functions like - HR, CRM, Accounts, Operations
etc.
you would want to see in your software. In turn, you no longer have to pay for the features
you won’t be using at all.
This helps save you much money in the long run.
3. Gauge ease of use and support →
Implementing an ERP solution into your systems can completely change your day-to-day
workflows—from project management, procurement, accounting, risk management, and supply
chain. It can take some time for you and your employees to get used to it. However, you
wouldn’t want the adjustment period to take too long. Otherwise, it might affect your
productivity and efficiency and not in the way you hope it would.
Hence, one important factor to consider during your selection is its usability. You would
want an ERP solution that is easy to understand and navigate, especially for those who are
new to the software. You should also gauge its after-sales support to know how proactive and
effective their customer service is.
4. Evaluate scalability and flexibility →
As your business grows, you would also want an ERP solution that can scale along with you.
This way,
you can avoid the hassle of changing solutions midway through growth. One great example of a
scalable system is a
cloud-based ERP solution. This enables you to seamlessly access all its tools and data
across different devices via
the internet with minimal setup.
You should also look into ERP systems that you deploy on mobile devices such as smartphones
and tablets.
This will make it easier to upload and download data from the system anytime and anywhere.
Optimized processes and convenient systems are some of
the ways on how to motivate employees and improve productivity.
5. Look into integrations →
ERP has extensive uses for your business. It touches human resource, project management,
finance management, supply chain, and even manufacturing operations. But even with its
holistic functions,
there is still some room for improvement. This is where integrations come in.
By connecting your ERP to other solutions within your system, you can create a more seamless
and immersive digital
experience for your teams. For example, you can integrate your ERP with your sales CRM. This
allows you to effortlessly
share data between the two software to manage your sales process more effectively.
The right ERP system
Choosing the right ERP system for your business can be challenging and time-consuming. With so many to choose from, you might find yourself too overwhelmed to choose rationally and wisely. By following this ERP system selection methodology, you can find a system that best suits your business. You can also check out custom ERP solutions such as Diyos Infotech to learn more about the benefits of having a personalized ERP system for your business.
