Because your organization’s ERP system is a powerful tool for increasing value and growing profits, it is vital to periodically look at whether it measures up to what you expect. Answering the following questions is a useful way to begin.
1. Does your existing ERP system support growth?
Essential to growing your business is having a system that is flexible and scalable to appropriately manage processes, assets and people. Additionally, the system design needs to support the unique business and technical needs of your ever-evolving business model while it focuses on productivity and operational excellence. Keep in mind that a properly designed system can help streamline processes to drive growth and opportunity and sharpen your organization’s competitive edge. Another consideration is how your system supports mobile and cloud technologies because growth of your organization requires an ERP system that provides the foundation for these technologies. Furthermore, assess your system’s current performance and determine whether it has the robust functionality to serve your organization now and in the future.
2. How efficient and effective is your current system?
ERP can drive huge improvements in the effectiveness of your organization in areas such as customer satisfaction and employee productivity. It does this by incorporating industry best practices, keeping your organization on par with industry leaders. It can challenge the status quo which in turn nurtures continuous innovative thinking to drive business process improvement. To do so, it needs to provide adequate tools to access and analyze data and deliver sufficient reporting capability. Moreover, it needs flexibility and agility in order to fit your business requirements, not the other way around.
3. Does your present ERP system tightly integrate with existing systems?
Often data resides in multiple places in multiple formats creating confusion, often resulting in poor and untimely decision-making. It may exist in silos, which can result in preventing those who need access from obtaining the information to properly do their jobs. When business processes integrate well, business achieves overall superior performance throughout the organization ultimately bringing value to each functional area and across the entire supply chain.
4. How cost-effective is your current system?
Be sure your ERP system has the functionality needed to compete in today’s fast-moving business environment and that it allows for quick access of information for timely business decisions. The optimum use of your system should provide actionable business intelligence to reduce costs and improve profitability.
5. Does your present system provide the crucial information to make timely business decisions?
Data is the heart of your business. So being able to access information to compile the right reports to make timely decisions, meet reporting deadlines, and comply with government regulations is critical. Having the right information helps to improve business processes because it heightens visibility into your organization. The intent is for is an integrated, flexible, real-time decision support system to provide for better responsiveness across the organization.
Answering these questions can help to develop a plan to build a sound foundation for disciplined business practices as well as technology improvements by having an ERP system that maximizes business results. In today’s competitive business world, there is no better time to act than now.
KATHY MULCAHY | Sr. Sales Executive
In her role as Senior Business Development Executive, Kathy establishes and leads new business sales strategies while building and cultivating client relationships. She uses her extensive technology products and services sales experience to help organizations locate the right technology solution to more effectively and efficiently manage their business operations. Her experience includes working with government contractors and federal agencies in the areas of software, information technology, professional services, and telecommunications. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Rhode Island College.
