If you want your online business to remain competitive, the first step is implementing a strong ERP system. Why? It's very simple. Apart from automating many time-consuming admin tasks, a good ERP acts as a central hub for all of your data. By having a fully integrated database, you'll be able to streamline all your key operations - from contact management and finance to stock management.
On top of enhancing your business processes and providing better access to customer information, implementing an ERP will save you tons of cash. Want to know how? The key is automation. By automating manual and routine processes, you won't need to hire in-house specialists for tasks that are more efficiently handled by a computer. This means that you can allocate resources where you really need them - such as marketing or customer service.
At this point, you might be asking yourself the following question. If ERPs are so great, why hasn't every online business adopted them yet? That's a perfectly valid question, and one we're hearing more and more often. The short and sweet answer is that ERPs are sometimes difficult to implement. This is particularly true for businesses that have been stuck in their ways for well over a decade.
Change can be scary. What's scarier is letting that fear get in the way of business growth. With this in mind, we've broken down the main challenges associated with ERP implementation.
On paper, ERP implementation sounds simple enough. We use this term to refer to the process of planning, configuring and installing an ERP - as well as to the transfer of data between the old and the new system. But this isn't something that can happen overnight. Unfortunately, implementing an ERP successfully can be a painstaking job.
Let's explain why by looking at the main challenges that ERP implementation presents.
Without a doubt, the best thing about ERPs is that they constitute a single source of data for an entire company. But to get there, you have to transfer all the data from your older systems into your new ERP database. You do so by connecting your ERP system to your old software or applications. This allows your new ERP to read and analyse your data without any need for manual inputting.
So, what's the problem, then? Sometimes, data is spread far and wide across a company's systems. This means that the data integration process will take much longer, as key data might be hiding in spreadsheets - and maybe even in dusty paper folders. If this is the case, make sure you go for a fully managed ERP solution and provider who can import your file data for you.
Not only will this save you time, but it will also ensure that your accounts are always accurate. In turn, this will simplify your transition to automated finance and stock management processes.
Setting up an ERP isn't as simple as purchasing a licence and installing it on your organisation's devices. Because ERPs include such a wide range of customisation options, you need to ensure that your setup matches your business processes. Although you can do this yourself, this is strongly advised against. It's always best to leave ERP configuration in the hands of professional software developers who can adapt it to your business needs.
One of the big questions you need to ask yourself when implementing an ERP system is how you will deploy your training programme. It is only normal for some of your employees to show some reluctance at first. After all, a good percentage of them will be so used to your old system that it's become second nature to them. So, how do you achieve that same level of user proficiency with your new ERP?
It's easy by providing your employees with training. While popular ERPs like NetSuite or Unit4 include training packages, these are often too general - meaning employees are left in the dark. What you want to look for is role-based training. This will ensure that every single employee knows all the ins and outs of their new system and how it applies to their particular role.
Now that we've seen the main challenges of ERP implementation, let's answer the million-pound question:
Looking for an easy-to-implement ERP? Then look no further than Profit4 is a fully integrated ERP that keeps all your back-end operations in a single, streamlined cluster. Unlike other ERPs, Profit4 is chock-full of sector-specific features. In fact, all features come standard with the software, you won't have to deal with chunky bolt-ons and hidden extra costs.
But there are more reasons why Profit4 is the ideal ERP system. For instance, Profit4 includes role-specific features to empower every single member of your team. By relying on Profit4, you'll have an ERP that covers all the bases - from sales and marketing to warehousing. Profit4's versatility stands in stark contrast with other ERPs, which are often developed only with finance and marketing teams in mind.
Most importantly, Profit4 is incredibly easy to implement. Before migrating your data and installing your ERP, a team of Profit4 experts will get in touch with you to understand all your requirements. Once you're on the same page, your transition phase will begin. Thanks to Profit4's priority support and role-based training features, this will be as smooth and progressive as possible. And because it offers seamless eCommerce, marketplace, payment and courier integrations, all your business processes will be streamlined from day one.
Do you want your business to remain competitive? Then it's a no-brainer - implement an ERP and start enhancing all your business processes today. With Profit4, you'll have an ERP solution that helps every single member of staff - not just your finance and marketing team. And thanks to its seamless integration options and role-specific training, you don't have to worry about the implementation process. Taking your business to the next level has never been easier.
