Deciding when to take the leap and upgrade software as robust as an ERP system is not something that is made overnight. It takes great time and research to ensure that you select the right ERP option for your business that will evolve your business operations and help you make efficient, data-driven decisions by offering on-demand clarity to your organization. If you think your organization’s ERP software needs an upgrade but are unsure how to best proceed with the next steps in making it a reality, there are some key considerations you can make beforehand to help make the implementation process a little less stressful. Here are a couple of significant things to consider before you choose new ERP software.
What new features and functionality are you aiming to have included?
Before you jump into implementing new software, it is important to understand the extent of the new system’s capabilities and which features are needs versus wants. Modern ERP systems have a wide array of functions to meet the needs of numerous industries. You should start by documenting the flow of processes and data within and between operational areas. Next, within that documentation, identify shortcomings or inefficiencies as potential opportunities for improvement. By prioritizing the features your organization wants to utilize and creating a scope around those priorities, you can help narrow in on which ERP solution makes the most sense for your organization and set phases for your implementation plan. That way, when it is time to begin the software transition, you know which functions you need to be implemented first, and which functions can be held off for a later phase.
Do you plan to implement the software in-house or utilize a provider?
If your organization has the resources and personnel to pull together a project team, you may consider implementing a new ERP software in-house. Benefits to using an in-house team include having a full line of sight on project progress, and more control of timeline and budget. Many organizations may not have the headcount and time to dedicate to a project the size of system implementation. If that sounds like your organization, you can partner with software implementation providers who can offer their own resources and expertise to streamline the implementation process. By utilizing a provider, you can focus on running your business while they ensure all the steps and transitional components required for system implementation are progressing smoothly.
Other considerations?
Most ERP systems are cloud-based in today’s market landscape. Cloud-based ERP systems offer a variety of benefits, such as potential cost savings, increased flexibility, and greater ease of use. There are a few additional considerations you should make to determine if your organization is ready to move to a particular solution. Here are a few:
- What data compliance do you require? Standards such as PCI or HIPPA compliance may automatically rule out some solutions.
- What integrations or third-party solutions are available to fill any gaps in the solution? Are their prebuilt connectors available in the marketplace that fulfills the requirement? Does the software package have open APIs that will allow custom development in order to connect to other systems?
Introducing BerganKDV’s ERP Implementation Team
At BerganKDV, we partner with clients to implement NetSuite, an industry-leading cloud ERP software that can help boost productivity and profitability. We would be happy to collaborate with you on your next implementation project. If you have any questions regarding upgrading your ERP software, we would also be glad to assist. Contact us today and one of our team members will address your questions.
The post Top Considerations to Make Before Upgrading Your ERP Software appeared first on BerganKDV.