by Michael Augello, CEO, i-Tech Support, Inc
When is the right time to replace your ERP Software?
Answer: When the pain to stay on your old ERP Software is greater than the pain to implement new software.
I have spoken with thousands of organizations over the years who struggle with software that no longer meets their requirements, is costing them money, frustration and sleepless nights. Yet, they are reluctant to change their ERP Software, because of the perceived time, expense and challenges involved.
Organizations often attempt to compensate for legacy software limitations by adding disparate and typically non-integrated software applications, to hopefully meet the evolving requirements of their business, such as Budgeting, Warehouse Management (Barcode Scanning), HR & Payroll, CRM, Credit Card Processing, EDI, BI Analytics, Parcel Shipping, etc. Organizations may build sophisticated worksheets or database tools to assist them with managing many routine and daily tasks. This hackneyed approach may answer some challenges, but often creates a host of others.
The high cost of inadequate software
Disparate applications and unsophisticated tools require a great deal of company time, maintenance, and wasted expense. They are often not easily accessible by all collaborative parties and are rarely secure or updated. Over time many organizations find themselves with a myriad of software applications and worksheets which are no longer easily supported and more expensive to maintain. This is especially true when taking into consideration the loss of productivity or opportunity loss of not having timely and meaningful information at your fingertips. These solutions leave owners more frustrated and unable to achieve their business potential.
Is it time to upgrade your ERP software?
If I am describing the current state of your organization, you may be at the crux of having to take the bold step of upgrading your ERP software and the following may be helpful for you to consider:
- Make a list of all of the software applications that you are using and the associated hard costs (i.e. Software License Costs, Hardware Costs, Support & Maintenance Fees).
- Discuss with your team some of the challenges created by the gaps in your current systems and gather their thoughts as to the extra time, costs or lost opportunities that they believe is occurring due to your systems. My guess is that you will be unpleasantly surprised as to their estimates of lost productivity.
- Create a list of your most critical business requirements and identify the items that you believe are most negatively impacting your organization today.
As you start to look for new ERP Software options make sure that the software solutions will handle your most significant business challenges. Most ERP Software solutions today will handle the basic accounting functions well so you probably do not need to spend a lot of time vetting this functionality unless you have very unique accounting requirements.
Enterprise Resource Planning Software today
Today’s ERP software solutions are designed to accomplish more tasks efficiently and painlessly. Modern ERP solutions like Acumatica ERP software is hosted and supported in the cloud to allow teams and departments better access to compiled data connection across multiple locations, full-service support and better security for a fraction of the costs of most other ERP software solutions. In addition, the qualification and transition process is simpler with qualified ERP implementation specialists like i-Tech Support to handle each step in the transition.
Speak to an ERP Software specialist
As you start to speak with potential ERP Software providers, provide them the list of your critical business requirements and request that they actually demonstrate how their software will address your specific business requirements. Make sure that the organization that you choose to assist you with the software implementation are highly qualified and experienced with the software applications. Most importantly, ask them to provide you with many client references. A properly selected and implemented ERP Software solution will be a lot less painful than what you are likely doing today.
For more information on Acumatica Cloud ERP Software, contact i-Tech Support, Inc.
Michael Augello,
CEO, i-Tech Support, Inc
407-265-2000
