How to choose an ERP for your business
Choose an ERP for your business – The planning software for the enterprise resource or ERP is deployed to automate and computerize the processes, functions, flow & central enterprise systems by streamlining these processes in a single complete process. It makes the dissemination of information and the management of the company much more convenient, so choosing ERP software is an important decision.
The ERP must adapt to the needs of the company (and not the other way around)
The main objective of a business software package is to facilitate the “rationalization” of business processes and functions of a company in order to save time. These management software are generally highly customizable and can be modified according to the needs and requirements of a business. However, this is not the case for all management software.
Before definitively choosing the ERP system for your company, a careful and rational analysis should be carried out in order to review the characteristics and functions of the management tools (ERP) that you plan to implement. Compromising or modifying the methods of operation to adapt them to an inflexible ERP solution is a mistake.
So make sure that this software can adapt to the way your business operates.
Compatibility and integration with existing software
A business resource planning system automates business processes in a single, easier-to-manage flow. This means that existing software and systems will either have to be replaced by an ERP component or module or be integrated into the ERP so that data can flow from one system to another. Without integration, awkward re-entry processes would have to be used, which would lead to increased labor costs, less integrated data, and more errors in the system.
For example, if a company already uses a customer relationship management (CRM) system to manage its existing and potential customers, this CRM will either have to be replaced by a CRM module from the new ERP, or it will need to be integrated into the ERP. so that they communicate with each other perfectly.
When you decide which ERP to take for the management of your business, it is strongly recommended to check the compatibility of your information system and existing business software with this ERP. Having a technically unified software environment is essential so that data can be shared and transmitted without errors between applications to maximize automation.
The expertise of the internal team
When choosing your company’s ERP solution, you should be fully aware of the expertise and potential of your team members to make it easier for them to get started. After all, an ERP is used by several members of the staff, dispersed in the various departments of the company.
Your team should know what resources are available and who can handle the technical aspects of the ERP system. Having a few team members in your company who have previous experience with an ERP system and who can take care of the technical aspects of that particular system could be a very good reason to choose this system for your business. .
The budget for choosing an ERP
The implementation, installation, and maintenance of an ERP system are expensive exercises and depend on the needs of the business.
You must therefore calculate your return on investment (ROI) according to the characteristics and functions that you want to integrate into your ERP because there is no need to pay more for a software package with functions that you do not need.
Accessibility on mobile devices
Access to the various modules and components of your ERP via smartphones and tablets is a necessity. When choosing the right ERP software, make sure that it offers compatibility or a version that can be used on mobile devices.
A scalable solution
In order to fully exploit the potential of the ERP system, you must ensure that the system is running with the latest version available. An obsolete version of the ERP system can become the cause of a malfunction or error in the processes, or leave the door open for a hacking attack. Whenever a new update version is released, the method and procedure for updating the ERP system is important. If you have to pay a consultant when the system needs updating, you need to budget all that money and be aware of the backlog impacting your productivity.
Cost, time and human effort can be involved in updating the ERP system and it can be a problem.