Business Automation and Software Blog

Three decades ago, a company would likely justify the expense of purchasing a new ERP system on whether it could improve the balance sheet. At that time, an integrated enterprise application gave a business a return on investment (ROI) by reducing inventory costs, boosting days sales outstanding (DSO), and increasing margins. Now, post-modern ERP solutions are both broader and more flexible. They can deliver ROI in multiple ways, directly and indirectly. 

As manufacturers and distributors look to continuously improve operations, reduce inventory and increase profitability, they are beginning to adopt cloud ERP in large numbers. More than half of new US software installations are now cloud based. In the past weeks, we have looked at how cloud ERP can make you more effective and we have addressed the concerns that manufacturers have with cloud applications. This week, we will discuss the key things you must consider when moving to a cloud ERP.

Best-in-class manufacturers are moving to the cloud as a standard for enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. The accessibility and scalability of cloud applications drives lower costs and faster ERP implementations.

Best-in-class manufacturers are moving to the cloud as a standard for enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation. The accessibility and scalability of cloud applications drives lower costs and faster ERP implementations.

As we reported last week, workforce mobility has become a requirement to remain competitive in today’s business world. Mobile Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications will impact any area where employees work more effectively away from their desk. Key areas impacted include:

Workforce mobility is no longer a future trend; it has become a current requirement to remain competitive in today’s fast-paced business environment. Mobile devices are being used in all aspects of business not only as a source of real-time information but also as a way to improve efficiency and performance. Increased mobility is transforming industries. The question is no longer if you will use mobile devices, but how and when.

Maintaining modern technology can be of significant importance and value. This is particularly the case for mid-sized businesses when it comes to not just ERP selection but also having the most upgraded enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Over the past month, we have taken a closer look at a study with analyst insight done by Aberdeen to highlight this fact. The research was done using surveys, interviews, and data analysis and was comprised of a combination of best-in-class, industry average, and laggard organizations. This study, ERP in the Midmarket: Enabling Functionality and Simplicity to Combat Complexity, concluded that the midmarket organizations that are considered best-in-class are the ones that are more likely than those that meet industry averages or lag behind to accept ERP upgrades and keep ERP current. Instead of simply doing their best with ERP selection, these most successful companies are properly maintaining it as well. To learn more about the benefits of upgrading, visit here. Let’s take a closer look at the key findings from the study and what the takeaways mean for your business.

After you’ve gone through the process of ERP selection, maintaining current enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can seem unnecessary. In fact, for many mid-sized businesses, they believe that current ERP won’t make a difference in satisfying needs, that not enough new features are available to merit a change, and that the disruption to business will be more impactful than the impact software updates can have. To learn more about why staying current with ERP is important and how this makes a positive, instead of the perceived negative, impact on business, visit here. Now, let’s take a look at the many benefits of upgrading ERP software.

Problems arise when companies do not keep their enterprise resource planning (ERP) software current. Not only is ERP selection of a solid system important, but maintaining that system is equally important. Problems stem mainly from the effects outdated technology can have on forcing business operations to lag behind optimal speed and performance. To learn more, visit here.

When your business started the process of ERP selection, did you think through the longevity of the software as well? Not only is ERP selection important, but maintaining the most updated versions is also important. Although the need for ERP is known, do you understand the need to consistently update it as well?