
What is an ERP System?
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a system that integrates various business processes, such as planning, purchasing, sales, manufacturing, inventory, accounting and human resources. It allows businesses to automate and manage their day-to-day business operations in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. The goal of an ERP system is to streamline the way businesses run, reduce cost, improve customer service and boost profitability.
Measurement of Successful ERP Selection
When selecting an ERP system, one should ensure that it meets the needs both of their current business operations and their future growth. It is important to consider the cost involved in implementing and maintaining the system, the level of complexity, the system’s scalability, its ability to integrate with other systems and applications, and the features and functionality that are available.
5 Common Mistakes in ERP Selection
Selecting an ERP is not an easy task and there is a lot of research that needs to be done to ensure that the best system is chosen. Here are 5 common mistakes made by founders when selecting an ERP system.
Mistake 1: Not Comparing Prices
When selecting an ERP system, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the different options and forget to compare prices. Different ERP vendors offer different pricing models and comparison shopping is essential in order to ensure that the best deal is secured. Compare the feature sets and prices of competitors to ensure that the best deal is secured.
Mistake 2: Not Researching The Vendor
It is important to research the vendor thoroughly before selecting an ERP system. Research their customer base, the number of years they have been in business, their track record for customer service, and reviews. This will ensure that the vendor can provide the level of service and support needed for the successful implementation and use of the system.
Mistake 3: Not Taking Advantage of Cloud Computing
An ERP system that is hosted in the cloud can provide many advantages, such as increased scalability, lower costs, and convenience. Take advantage of the cloud, as it is the most cost-effective and scalable way to manage business operations.
Mistake 4: Overlooking Long-term Security
Security is paramount when selecting an ERP system. Companies need to ensure that the system has multi-level security measures in place and that the vendor is taking steps to ensure that the data is safe and secure.
Mistake 5: Not Integrating with Other Systems
The ERP system should be able to integrate with other business systems or applications to provide an end-to-end business solution. Make sure that the system is able to integrate with other systems and applications to enable automation, as this will reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Summarised Table of the Mistakes and Solutions
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not Comparing Prices | Compare feature sets and prices of competitors |
| Not Researching The Vendor | Research customer base, years in business, capabilities etc. |
| Not Taking Advantage of Cloud Computing | Use of cloud computing for increased scalability and lower costs |
| Overlooking Long-term Security | Ensure multi-level security measures are in place |
| Not Integrating with Other Systems | Check that the system can integrate with other systems and applications |
Conclusion
Selecting the right ERP system is crucial for a business’ success. By avoiding these common mistakes, founders can be sure to select an ERP system that meets their business needs and contributes to the success of their business.