ERP implementations are costly and complex. Seriously consider upgrading your existing ERP rather than implementing another system. The following are a few emotional statements you may hear within your business. Gather facts and check if upgrading ERP is the more sensible option:
“Our ERP is very old.”
The problem is not so much that the existing ERP version is old. Instead, the problem is why the organisation did not keep the ERP up to date. So, your focus should be on finding options and costs to upgrade the existing ERP.
“Our ERP never really worked”, “I hate it”, or “It is very clunky.”
The end-users may share such broad paintbrush statements. However, we should understand the root cause of the problem. Is the root cause of the problem is the lack of training, consultation with business, or ERP is not fit for your business?
“There is no one to support the ERP.”
The end-user can lose trust in ERP due to your Managed Services Provider (MSP). Consider changing MSP rather than changing ERP. The vendor does not have to be in your town.
“ERP reports are garbage.”
The chances are that data entered in ERP is garbage. So, consider putting Data Governance structures in place. Get your team to spend time cleaning data, creating extra fields for the data captured outside the system, and so on.
‘Big data is not the function of any specific software; it is instead a function of Data Management discipline!
“ERP does not support specialised processes.”
Your business may require specialised vertical capabilities (like Mobility, OCR emailing, expense management). Consider integrating best of breed software for these special processes into your existing ERP.
“We are moving to the Cloud.”
Check with your vendor about options to migrate on-premise software to the Cloud. There are many options. All major ERPs are working in this space.
“Systems are not talking to ERP.”
As your business grows, there may be a need to use different standalone systems. However, if they are not integrated into your ERP, various options are available to integrate them. First, seek some expert technical advice.
“Our business has grown”
Chances are – ‘So does your ERP vendor’. Therefore, it is a matter of talking to the right people and seeking valid options. Options can be as simple as implementing additional ERP modules, integrating best of breed third party software, ERP upgrade.
“It is slow.”
There can be various reasons for ERP’s slow response time. For example, aging infrastructure, poorly written reports/data queries/configuration, legacy operating systems, poorly managed ERP. ERP response time will improve by addressing the underlying problem.
The bottom line: ERP is one of the significant digital investments for any business. If your business is not happy with the existing ERP, the first step is to identify the root cause of the problems. Engage trusted ERP partner or independent consultant to help, if required. There must be valid reasons for changing your ERP. Make sure you have done your homework before deciding to change your ERP!
