Four things your ERP provider might not tell you

You’re considering moving your small business to an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. It feels like the time is right to bring all your IT systems into one to benefit from the efficiency results you’ve read about on the internet. After finding a company offering ERP solutions, you get in touch to discover how much it will cost and how long the process will take. The answers sound good – but do they have substance? So, what are the things you need to know before taking the plunge? To make sure you have chosen the right ERP supplier, make sure you ask the following questions before you sign on the dotted line… 1. How long wlll the system take to implement? Once you’ve paid for your new ERP system, the process of implementing it has only just begun. Some software can take months until it’s is live and the benefits can be felt by a business. If you’re a small business it can be a drain on your valuable time and resources. 2. Does the ERP software meet your business needs? Be clear about what you want your ERP system to do and don’t be persuaded to any package which isn’t a perfect fit for your small or medium sized enterprise. Software packages often have extras which you simply don’t need – and you’re paying for these features as part of the deal. Find a simple system that will work for your business, more expensive does not always mean more effective in the world of ERP. 3. What costs will be incurred during and after implementation? With the wrong ERP system, costs can spiral during an implementation, with the price of site visits and support soon making what appeared a good value investment an expensive headache. Find a provider that offers these elements as part of the implementation package – or a system that does not need these at all. With some ERP systems, there may be a high, one-off payment, with expensive training and upgrades that follow. Make sure you consider the longer terms costs before committing to a specific product and provider. 4. How complicated will integrating the IT systems be? What you need is honesty from your ERP software provider. Integrating your systems can be time-consuming but an estimate as to how long you should expect to spend on the project will help, as will any additional free support that your ERP provider can supply. At Statii we offer packages with no upfront payment, no hidden costs and no expensive add-ons. We also make sure whichever product you choose fits your needs. Our experience in manufacturing ensures your company will benefit quickly from your new, no frills ERP system. We don’t promise the changeover will happen overnight, but with your commitment, and our expertise, you will soon wonder why you didn’t take the leap of faith earlier. Hundreds of companies have adopted Statii – in the UK and abroad – and have seen a real and positive impact on their bottom lines.