in: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Company News
Are you getting everything you expected out of your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system? ERP software is a significant investment – not just in money, but in time and energy as well. If your company has poured time and resources into your ERP investment yet is not getting the return you expected from your system, you’re not alone. Many of today’s companies have had difficulty attaining business value from their ERP software, and experts are citing unawareness of the system’s capabilities as the greatest reason for this lack of return. In order to help businesses utilize their software, experts encourage businesses to reexamine the software’s features and capabilities to gain the full function of their ERP software.
A functioning enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is an incredible asset to any business; however, in order to gain true business value, you need to have a thorough understanding of the system’s capabilities and successfully utilize the software’s features to improve your business processes. Without an awareness of the software’s capabilities, you will miss out on key opportunities to automate business processes, meet business objectives, and complete tasks more efficiently. Some companies consider software upgrades or enhancements to achieve full functionality; however, these efforts will only cost you more in money, time, and effort. You can get the most out of your ERP system without having to turn to costly upgrades and enhancements – you just have to know how to do it.
How Can I Achieve Full ERP Functionality?
Paying for a powerful ERP system without getting the most out of the system is frustrating to say the least – detrimental at the most. In order to attain full functionality, ERP experts suggest business executives make a list of all the key features of their ERP systems and monitor how (and if) they are being used. This will give your business valuable insight into how your system is being used and how you can achieve greater efficiencies with your ERP software. Once you have a thorough understanding of how you are using the system, you can begin to train employees on features you are not yet utilizing. The information you glean from studying your system can also help you write test scripts and assist with audit, reporting, and compliance requirements.
Full ERP Functionality Brings Many Benefits to the Business
Once you’ve figured out how to use your ERP software effectively, you should begin to see your business’ efficiency levels rise steadily. Not only that, but a recent infographic suggests that best-in-class companies with ERP are 290% more likely to be able to plan and forecast successfully. This means – if you are using your software to its full capacity – that you can forecast six months to a year out, giving your company a unique competitive advantage. In addition to helping you plan ahead, ERP software that is effectively maximized can encourage data collaboration and improve supply chain management. In fact, recent research has shown that companies who are getting the most out of their ERP investment are eight times more likely to have real-time visibility into all key business functions.
Operating a fully functioning ERP software system is crucial to your company’s success. If your ERP software is not living up to your expectations, it’s time for you to take a look at the software’s features and determine if it’s the right fit for your business. Many companies make the mistake of investing in software before finding out if it’s suitable for their business. Give us a call today if you’d like to talk to one of our ERP experts. We’d be happy to discuss your situation with you and help you attain the greatest value out of your software.
If you are in the market for a new ERP solution, we can help you there as well! As a Sage 100 ERP (formerly Sage ERP MAS 90 and Sage ERP MAS 200) and Sage 300 ERP (formerly Sage Accpac) dealer, we are knowledgeable in the business of enterprise resource planning and can help you find the perfect solution to fit your needs. Give one of our Sage 100 ERP or Sage 300 ERP experts a call today to get started on your new ERP realities!
