We have all seen it. You walk into a conference room that looks as though it hasn’t been updated since the early 90s and then you look up and realize the person you are meeting with hasn’t been either. Why do people let themselves get so out of date? Do they think it works? Do they think there is no need to stay current?
More than likely, these are the same people that have not updated their ERP since the 90s. Ever heard of “Real World”? This application went out of support over a decade ago, however there are still hold outs all over the country, refusing to update. Changing ERPs is sticky. It is very difficult to change the application that is running your business because of just that, it is running your business and that cannot come to a halt for a few technology updates.
A lot of people are inadvertently living by the mantra, “We are too busy to improve”. All too often the daily practices of running a business takes precedent over finding solutions to make these practices more efficient. For example, take a look at your current Accounts Payable practices. Is there an approval process with workflows already in place? Or do invoices sit in piles all over an office and are paid at random? Shockingly, most businesses are still living in the latter scenario. As a business grows there are more and more invoices to be paid and AP Automation tool is essential to making sure invoices are paid on time, approved by the right person, and filed correctly. This is exactly why it is important to find an ERP and third party products that grow with your business.
Changing to an up to date ERP is no simple task. So, how does a growing organization make this change? Well, just like picking the perfect pair of work slacks, it all starts with selecting your partner. You absolutely have to find a partner that understands your business model, your needs, and wants to help you grow. So often we hear cases where a client selected a partner to implement their new ERP and that is all that was done. They had no one there for the Go-Live, no one to support them, no one to ask questions to. It’s comparable to getting dressed in the morning for an important meeting. You want to make sure you look the part, feel comfortable in what your wearing, and that you are professional. Don’t you ever ask your significant other or a friend, “Does this look good?” What if you didn’t have that? Majority of people would start questioning if they really do look good. Just like if your partner wasn’t there to answer questions and make you feel comfortable throughout the implementation process, you would start to question your comfort level or even the quality and security of your partner.
Every business owner’s nightmare is changing to a new system with no knowledge of how to use it and your business still has to function normally. This is exactly why in a poll taken of second time ERP buyers the number one requirement they were looking for was “Level of support from the local partner”. It is crucial to have someone their guiding you in the process so that you are not left high and dry with this new software.
This fall is a perfect time to take a look at your ERP and your closet. Start thinking about changes that need to be made. Is your ERP holding you back? Are you being taken seriously in the work place? It may be time to hit the refresh button and see what the business application world has to offer.
Check out if you are in need of an ERP upgrade by contacting Mary at sales@ktlsolutions.com or 1.866.960.0001.
MARY CHARUHAS | Junior Business Development/Internal Sales
Mary Charuhas has been with KTL since 2013, starting as a sales intern in the summer of 2013 and moving to Business Development and Internal Sales in the spring of 2014. She is currently pursuing her Associates Degree in Business Management from Frederick Community College and hopes to continue her education at the University of Maryland next spring. Mary also possesses several Microsoft Dynamics and Acumatica Cloud ERP Sales certifications. Mary assists the sales team in finding new and exciting opportunities. She also manages KTL’s existing customers through providing them with ongoing knowledge of the products, assisting them with upgrades and continuing projects, keeping them informed about updates/new releases, events, and training opportunities. Her charisma and passion for providing excellent customer service make her a valuable asset to KTL’s sales department.
