Considering a New ERP Implementation? Learn 4 ERP System Basics

ERP Implementation: 4 ERP Basics Before Starting Your Project

As ERP implementation specialist and ERP consultants, we help clients who deal with business challenges to help them with tools to grow. One of the top business challenges our clients face is the decision to replace their current ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software systems and decide on a new ERP system to replace their outdated system. Choosing a new ERP systems and vendor is a difficult decision. Every organization has unique needs and requirements, so ERP will never be a “one size fits all” solution. At Accountnet, we help our clients with this difficult decision by conducting a thorough needs assessment and assist with the ERP software selection process to determine which solution will work best for your business.

ERP Implementation: 4 ERP System Basics

Before you start narrowing down your list of ERP systems, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what ERP software is, where and how it originated, and what are some of the benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few quick points to know:

1. While ERP has its roots in the manufacturing industry, over the decades ERP systems have evolved and expanded to include all core business functions for almost every industry sector. ERP software come in all shapes and sizes and is usually available as a client server application, a hosted service, or even as a cloud-based web portal.
2. ERP applications are generally modular in nature (for example, supply chain management, sales order processing, accounting and human resources) with modules sharing vital business information in a central database repository. ERP systems typically carry out financial and business planning functions that might formerly have been handled by many smaller, standalone applications.
3. A major benefit of having a modular ERP system is that it can integrate multiple processes and parts of the business, making the business run more efficiently. By automating various functions, you eliminate overlap and duplication of effort, and also benefit from improved system processing (for example, better order tracking from acceptance through fulfilment).
4. By centralizing data, the usual problem of keeping information in synch between multiple systems is reduced, allowing managers to get a more accurate view of vital business statistics.  Having a single data repository can also lower the risk of losing or exposing sensitive data, assuming you take appropriate data security measures.

Along with the many benefits and advantages, you should understand the potential problems you may encounter BEFORE moving ahead with purchasing an ERP system. ERP systems can prove to be complex and difficult to customize – make sure you have the support and guidance of a trusted ERP vendor.  Accountnet is a Gold Certified Partner for Microsoft Enterprise Resource Planning. Contact us to learn more about how we can get your business started with ERP.

Our Accountnet ERP experts offer a needs assessment service that will help you determine your business’s unique requirements and find the right ERP and BI reporting solution for you. We are a Gold Certified Partner for Microsoft Dynamics, and can help you determine whether Microsoft Dynamics GP or Microsoft Dynamics SL, paired with powerful BI reporting tools, might benefit your operation or whether a cloud ERP solution, like Acumatica, is a better fit. Contact us to take advantage of a free needs assessment to get started.

At Accountnet, we have helped hundreds of companies take the step towards the cloud. Our experienced and dedicated team of ERP consultants offer a free phone consultation and a no-obligation review of your software to help you determine the right solution for your company. Drop us a note or give us a call at 212-244-9009 to get started.