QBCon’s Pointers for Choosing an ERP
With so many standard Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems options available, you may feel like you're in a minefield with no indicators to lead you in the right direction. Choosing an ERP is no easy task if you don't know how to evaluate your options. Since ERP systems may seem complex, it can be difficult to evaluate different options. QBCon will highlight these pointers to make your choice easier.
It is important to determine which business processes the ERP system will support. Your company is unique and no other company operates in exactly the same way. Business processes include inventory, finance, jobcards, manufacturing, production, purchasing, human resources, leave, salaries, customer relationship management (CRM) and point-of-sale (POS), or a combination of the above. A business process that is important to one company may be irrelevant for the next.
QBCon, a business solution provider, specialises in the custom development of their ERP offering, QBCon Enterprise. With custom development the most important modules that support various business processes are incorporated in the system, which makes the system less expensive. Unlike standard systems, you don't buy what you don't need.
Budget is a factor in any business and investing in an ERP is no exception. Buying a less expensive system may save the company money in the short term, but it can be to the detriment of the company. In the long run it can end up being more expensive as additional modules need to be added. Even more time and resources are wasted to make the system function efficiently.
Another important factor to consider is whether the ERP system is industry specific. No two industries are the same. For example, retail and construction operate in entirety different ways. Retailers require a system that records product performance, which enables them to purchase merchandise according to this information and to make accurate merchandise decisions. Construction ERP systems must enable the company to see the status of a site. If both industries use the same standard ERP system, one industry might benefit more or neither industry will be completely satisfied with the ERP system.
Selecting an ERP system should not be complex. Once you have determined your needs, choose an ERP consultant that is familiar with your particular industry, or is known for their knowledge in customising ERP system functions to integrate the system with your business.
With QBCon Enterprise, companies achieve true business process automation. Automation makes it easy for employees at all levels, from frontline staff to top tiers, to assess company performance and understand their impact on it. It frees up staff to focus on areas that require more attention. Enterprise therefore improves productivity, but reduces unnecessary operating and overhead costs.
Below are QBCon’s suggestions when investing in an ERP:
- Cost – Use what you need, but do not buy what you will not use.
- Customise – Customise the modules relevant to manage your business process according to your needs.
- Integrate – The system should be easily integrated with your current systems or software, such as accounting software.
- Adapt – An ERP should have the ability to continually change in three areas: The business process , business information and the delivery methodology (reporting, analysing)
- Feasible – the customisation of the ERP or adjusting companies business processes should be possible
Choosing an ERP system that will always benefit your company shouldn't be a daunting task. Understanding your business process is the first step in understanding the type of ERP that you require. Appreciating the value of a customised ERP solution and trusting the right developers with identifying your unique needs should ensure long term ERP success.
QBCon’s Pointers for Choosing an ERP
With so many standard Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems options available, you may feel like you're in a minefield with no indicators to lead you in the right direction. Choosing an ERP is no easy task if you don't know how to evaluate your options. Since ERP systems may seem complex, it can be difficult to evaluate different options. QBCon will highlight these pointers to make your choice easier.
It is important to determine which business processes the ERP system will support. Your company is unique and no other company operates in exactly the same way. Business processes include inventory, finance, jobcards, manufacturing, production, purchasing, human resources, leave, salaries, customer relationship management (CRM) and point-of-sale (POS), or a combination of the above. A business process that is important to one company may be irrelevant for the next.
QBCon, a business solution provider, specialises in the custom development of their ERP offering, QBCon Enterprise. With custom development the most important modules that support various business processes are incorporated in the system, which makes the system less expensive. Unlike standard systems, you don't buy what you don't need.
Budget is a factor in any business and investing in an ERP is no exception. Buying a less expensive system may save the company money in the short term, but it can be to the detriment of the company. In the long run it can end up being more expensive as additional modules need to be added. Even more time and resources are wasted to make the system function efficiently.
Another important factor to consider is whether the ERP system is industry specific. No two industries are the same. For example, retail and construction operate in entirety different ways. Retailers require a system that records product performance, which enables them to purchase merchandise according to this information and to make accurate merchandise decisions. Construction ERP systems must enable the company to see the status of a site. If both industries use the same standard ERP system, one industry might benefit more or neither industry will be completely satisfied with the ERP system.
Selecting an ERP system should not be complex. Once you have determined your needs, choose an ERP consultant that is familiar with your particular industry, or is known for their knowledge in customising ERP system functions to integrate the system with your business.
With QBCon Enterprise, companies achieve true business process automation. Automation makes it easy for employees at all levels, from frontline staff to top tiers, to assess company performance and understand their impact on it. It frees up staff to focus on areas that require more attention. Enterprise therefore improves productivity, but reduces unnecessary operating and overhead costs.
Below are QBCon’s suggestions when investing in an ERP:
- Cost – Use what you need, but do not buy what you will not use.
- Customise – Customise the modules relevant to manage your business process according to your needs.
- Integrate – The system should be easily integrated with your current systems or software, such as accounting software.
- Adapt – An ERP should have the ability to continually change in three areas: The business process , business information and the delivery methodology (reporting, analysing)
- Feasible – the customisation of the ERP or adjusting companies business processes should be possible
Choosing an ERP system that will always benefit your company shouldn't be a daunting task. Understanding your business process is the first step in understanding the type of ERP that you require. Appreciating the value of a customised ERP solution and trusting the right developers with identifying your unique needs should ensure long term ERP success.