Technology is constantly making advancements, and this means ERP systems are too. It is very important for distributors and manufacturers to have an efficient, smart, and integrated ERP solution in order to be successful. People no longer create hand-written records of production, purchase, and sales. Clustered file cabinets are no longer the way to maintain your data reports. However, ERP is much more than just keeping your data on a hard drive.
In this article we will discuss 5 signs that you might need to upgrade your system.
Don’t worry, this is actually more common than you'd think. However, it’s not too late to make the change from physical record-keeping to something more efficient and modern. The good thing is, ERP systems are much more advanced today than they were just a few years ago, so getting started now means you will have to spend less time and money upgrading an old system.
Older ERP systems used to offer some beneficial functionality, but they were restricted to just your local machine. These sort of systems were associated with a high risk level, because if anything happened to them, the data could be lost permanently. Today's cloud-based ERP systems offer a layer of insulation, and provide routine backups and secure off-site storage. One of the biggest advantages of having your data in the cloud is that you can access it anytime, anywhere.
Most ERP systems come with basic services and functions of general use, but oftentimes these aren't useful to businesses that have highly specialized needs. If your business has special and unique requirements, it might be in your best interest to find a customizable ERP software. On your search for a new system, try to find one that can be easily adapted to fit your needs. The powerful capabilities of Sage 300 ERP allow you to capitalize on the global economy—giving you the power you need to easily support multiple entities (intercompany and consolidations), languages (by user), currencies (Recognized Gain/Loss or the Unrealized Gain/Loss Accounting Method), and much more.
The idea of having a quality ERP software is to minimize the amount of time you and your employees spend managing data and information. It was created to help make businesses more efficient, more cohesive, and easier to manage. If you find yourself spending far too much time training employees how to use the system, or even if its taking you too much of your own time to use the software - it might be time to upgrade your ERP system. Remember that if you do switch systems (or if you’re starting with your first system), there will be a learning curve in the beginning. It might take some time to get used to the new system and processes. However, using the ERP software should be easy for you.
ERP is the acronym for Enterprise Resource Planning, but many ERP systems focus on only specific business processes. Some ERP's are ideal for handling supply chain logistics, but are weak when it comes to sales processes. Some ERP's can handle purchases and sales sufficiently, but cannot handle CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or vendor data. Some ERP's can handle just about everything, but you still find yourself stuck in QuickBooks or Peachtree for accounting. Make your life and your business easier by searching for an ERP solution that takes care of everything with just one integrated system. The fact of the matter is, what happens in one area of your business will affect many other parts of your business. You need an ERP system that reflects that.
Equation Technologies is certified Sage partner, specializing in Sage 300 ERP. Sage 300 ERP is available in multiple editions and allows you to add users and adopt greater functionality as your business grows with built-in support for multiple languages and multicurrency transactions, so you can do business all around the world. Sage 300 ERP provides the power and tools necessary to give your business leverage and improve productivity, envision success, and accelerate growth. To find out more about Sage 300 ERP, or get answers to your questions about upgrading your ERP system contact Equation Technologies today.
