To successfully run any business in the modern digital world you need an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This software is the means by which your back office knows what your front of house is doing and vice versa.
More importantly, a properly integrated system is instrumental to you knowing what is happening within your business. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for steel & metal fabrication software or a supermarket chain; the right ERP system will enable you to see each individual process as part of the whole.
Of course, no matter how good your ERP system appears to be, if it is not the best you will soon learn to hate it. Here are the common signs that it’s time to change your software:
- It Doesn’t Do Everything You Need
The most obvious sign that your ERP system is not the one you should be using is when you know that it doesn’t really deliver the goods.
If you are constantly wishing it would give you information that it simply can’t or that the system is lacking in some of the most basic functions then it is understandable time to change it.
- No Interconnectivity
ERP systems are supposed to help you connect between the different processes in your business and be able to review them quickly and effectively.
However, if the ERP system doesn’t connect with any one of your core processes then it is essentially useless. You and your staff cannot be blamed for hating a system which doesn’t benefit you as it should.
- Constantly Needing To Patch Your ERP Software
A real issue that many businesses simply put up with is the constant need to ‘fix’ the ERP system. You and your team will create your own methods of getting round issues in an attempt to get the data or solution you need.
Of course this is not productive and is often harmful to your business as you may be relying on inaccurate data.
- Real Time Data Doesn’t Exist
The key to staying competitive is to be able to access real time data and know exactly what your business is doing at any given time. This is what will allow you to make the right decisions regarding the direction of the business and new ideas.
However, if your ERP system gives you real time data hours or even days after the event then you are not getting the most from your system. You will start to hate your ERP system and should look at changing it.
- Productivity & Efficiency Can Be Improved
Once you note that the productivity and efficiency of your staff is lower than it used to be then you need to start looking at your ERP system.
Constant issues with the software will take up valuable amounts of time which could be spent providing a service or improving it. When the staff is unable to do this because of the system you know it’s time for a change.
- Customer Support Issues
The customer support you offer is crucial; it is what will set you apart and ensure customers return time and time again. When this starts to diminish it is often because the systems your staff is working with are not giving them the information they need.
Their frustration is passed onto the customer along with the time delays in finding the necessary information. The result is everyone hates the EP system and your customer goes elsewhere.
- Lack of Industry Knowledge
There are many ERP systems on the market but you must select one that understands your market sector. This will ensure you have the very best ERP that actually does everything you need it to.
If you start seeing these signs that you and your staff hate your ERP system you need to start looking at what else fits your needs sooner rather than later.