Untitled-5

Monday 22 June 2015

Can You Afford to Put in an ERP System Into Your Business?

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) has a reputation as being the key to effectively managing a multitude of business applications across an organisation. While many large Fortune 500 companies jumped on the bandwagon very early on, smaller companies are hesitant to adopt ERP Software for fear of making a wrong, costly investment.

However, many small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) that have been using decade-old systems are now acknowledging the need to upgrade the system that is the backbone their business.

Owners are also finding other software programs that have worked previously, no longer function well with other new business processes, leading to an inflexibility that eventually hinders the working cycle across a company's business portfolio. Whatever the reason, many companies are now investigating ERP as a solution to help significantly contribute more to the bottom line.

Although many SMBs balk at the idea of investing in ERP - thinking that they could not possibly afford to make the sizable investment in this technology - it holds true and somewhat inevitable that SMBs can no longer afford NOT to have an ERP system in their business.

The time and resources spent on administration in supporting multiple platforms across different departments can be eradicated with a simple ERP package.

SMBs need to know that ERP is no longer just for the fat cats. ERP software vendors know that there is a bigger slice of the pie out there for them with SMBs. These vendors have tailored their ERP solutions for such companies, so that they can also take advantage of ERP for maximum efficiency in conducting business.

Smaller companies that have outgrown MYOB and Quickbooks are now able to reap huge rewards from using an ERP system that has been specifically designed for their business. A good ERP system can be affordable for small and medium businesses and can save a significant amount of money on administration in the long run because ERP ties together all facets of a business, and is able to provide unique insight into managing the company.

For example, the Jim2 Business Engine from Happen Business is designed specifically for SMBs to take advantage of ERP. The software helps SMBs drive down costs, manage their data more effectively and operate more efficiently. For example, the Jim2 Business Engine provides a quality system framework and a front-end interface to manage business workflow and processes, representing a substantial move away from running small to medium-sized businesses via standard accounting software.

Putting in a good ERP software will give any company the ability to consolidate, measure and control the business.

It can also help improve customer, vendor and staff relationships.
Five important facts about an ERP system:

  1. Affordable for small and medium businesses

  2. Saves you money on administration

  3. ERP ties together all facets of your business

  4. Provides proper "Big Business" reporting - essential for any size business At the risk of using a cliche... if you can't measure it, you can't manage it".

  5. Is flexible and will grow with you
In the case of Central Communications, a company that offers complete turnkey solutions and services for all communications needs across Australia, the director of the company knew that its growing business needed to upgrade to a better working platform. Central Communications was born after a merger between an electronics radio communications business and a commercial satellite and broadcast business. After the merger, Central Communications continued to process invoices with the Pronto accounting system, which was the program used at one of the originating companies. All other job management and tracking tasks were done manually.

The lack of an integrated database meant an employee either manually entered the information on paper forms or typed the information into their department's computer program. Typically, the information was emailed between departments if stored electronically.

Fuelled with the need for a new system to accompany the new business, Central Communications tried the Jim2 Business, and almost immediately, processes began to change for the better. The Jim2 Business Engine integrated Central Communications accounting, workflow and business process management into one software package that is designed to support every aspect of the workflow cycle. Jim2 managed to free staff from the burden of tedious administration work, lowering overhead costs, and offering a fully controlled and monitored system for management reports, while being user-friendly and accurate, all at the same time.

Marc Woods, Director at Central Communications said, "Happen Business did some customisation and the Scheduler Calendar system was born. This system is invaluable in tracking our appointments and meetings. It is very easy to use and has key features, such as opening a job directly from the calendar screen. The level of detail and customer focus put into this project was excellent."
While an ERP system can be quite an investment, its monetary benefits are long term.

Knowing the costs up front can help with the decision on buying a good ERP system. Here are five things to consider when purchasing an ERP system:

  1. Functionality and flexibility - does the ERP system offer solutions that fit your business requirements? Tailored options can be a huge asset to your company, and flexibility allows the system to adapt as the company grows

  2. Cost of software - how many staff would be performing tasks with the system? Licensing costs are usually dependent on the number of users

  3. Implementation - are you able to invest the time and resources for data conversion? Time for data migration needs to be set aside for an efficient ERP system

  4. Training - does the vendor offer complete and practical training support?

  5. On going support - does the ERP package offer after sales support? Good customer service is an essential factor for ERP in order to maintain the system and keep it working to its maximum efficiency.
While like Central Communications, your business may be too small for SAP there are other ERP alternatives available to help you manage your business.

So when it comes to choosing an ERP system for your company, regardless of size, research well to find a solution that best meets your needs.

Sourcing for SAP system, contact Alenu Now! at (65) 6884 5030

No comments:

Post a Comment