Are you frustrated because your ERP system is not performing the way you had hoped? Or, maybe you feel like you’ve hit a wall with your ERP and want (and expect) to get more from it? Perhaps you’re simply overwhelmed with your ERP and all its capabilities, and you’re not sure you’re getting all that you could or should from it.
If any of the above describes your current state, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s not rare to reach this point after investing a lot of time, money and resources into the software’s implementation and wonder what else it can do for you. But don’t despair, all is not lost. Chances are, your ERP may simply need some fine-tuning and enhancements so it can deliver all that you want from it.
How do you know if you can squeeze more from your current system rather than investing in a new ERP? There are a few signs that we’ll cover below but first, let’s discuss other factors that can impact how your ERP system is working (or not working) for you.
It Starts with Implementation
Unfortunately, not all ERP consultants are created equally. Some simply are more interested in getting the sale than they are in helping their clients, and others just want to get the job done. In the end, the customer ends up with an implementation that’s either incomplete or just downright bad, and an ERP system that is far from effective and unable to reach your needs within the business.
On the other hand, your implementation could have been flawless, but the wheels fell off with the training. If your employees haven’t received the proper training and tools they need to take full advantage of all the functions an ERP provides, then the implementation doesn’t matter. Your staff needs to know how to use the system effectively and efficiently.
And finally, your ERP system may simply just need a refresh, especially if you’ve been using it within your company for a while. Just as a car needs a tune-up to keep running smoothly, so do software systems like an ERP.
Additional signs your ERP needs a tune-up
Along with the above, there are a few additional signs that indicate you simply need to fine-tune your current ERP to maximize its functionality. Some include the following:
- Your ERP system is not integrated with other systems
One of the many benefits of ERP is its ability to gather information across multiple departments and consolidate that data into one single source. This makes sharing data easier and allows for more collaboration and coordination between departments.
- Difficulty with reporting and accessing other financial information
Another benefit of a correctly implemented ERP is the single, unified reporting system. Employees can easily access real time data and generate reports with the click of the mouse, increasing overall productivity and decreasing the manpower hours to assemble these types of reports.
- Too many manual processes
ERP systems allow for automation and standardization, so if your business is still dependent on manual input or if you have too many manual processes, you can definitely get more from your current ERP system.
OK, so now what?
One way to determine how you can optimize your ERP is to have a professional evaluate what you have and recommend ways you can use it to its fullest potential. Our Business Processes Assessment (BPA) service looks at your current environment, along with the processes and systems you’re using, and determines any inefficiencies, areas of improvement, and potential cost savings. Then we recommend where and how to optimize your processes and provide more effective ways to use your ERP in bite-size chunks so it’s not overwhelming or daunting.
Our goal is for you to have a more efficient, organized and maximized ERP. Learn more about this cost-effective approach and the results we can help you achieve. Contact us today!
