How to choose an ERP software that’s right for you

An ERP system provides a single, integrated view of an organisation’s business operations. Selecting the right ERP software can significantly improve your operations, efficiency and scalability. Choosing an ERP system that’s right for you will be easier if you first evaluate what your business needs are for the short, medium and long term.

How to Choose an ERP Software

Think about your specific needs and business goals. Are you looking to becoming more efficient? Improve real-time decision making? Do you need industry-specific solutions or be able to add on industry software applications? Aligning your specific objectives with the strengths of the ERP will get you going in the right direction.

When evaluating ERP software, consider these points:

Customisation capability

Every organisation is different and even two companies in the same sector will operate differently from each other. Look for software that has sufficient flexibility so you can tailor workflows, reports, and dashboards to your own needs and processes.

User-friendly design

No one likes using systems that are a headache to deal with. Ensure that the system is intuitive and that will save time with training and user-adoption. Clear navigation and quick access features can make all the difference when integrating the system into your daily operations.

Scalability

Can the ERP system evolve as your business scales? Adding new entities, operating in additional currencies and entering new markets – you’ll want to ensure your ERP can cope with the increase in transaction volumes, complexity and automation requirements of a growing business.

Cloud native architecture

Cloud-based solutions are ideal for many businesses, especially those with teams that are geographically dispersed, as they are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, and software updates and upgrades happen constantly. This facilitates a finance operations team as they can all work on a single source of data without any hold ups or discrepancies from data being held in different places.

Choose Cloud native architecture to ensure that your solution is future-proofed. Check whether it will easily integrate with other applications you may wish to add on over time and that they can be synchronised in real time.

ROI

ERP systems vary hugely in price, so understanding the total cost of ownership, factoring in implementation, training, and maintenance, is essential. Consider which system will be the best value in the long term.

With an expertly configured ERP solution, companies typically get full payback within five years on their return on their investment due to the efficiencies gained when implementing an ERP system.

The right software implementation partner makes all the difference

All ERP systems need support to be implemented so look for a reliable software implementation partner with strong customer service and excellent customer reviews and case studies. Seek out and check the customer references provided. Choosing a partner that offers post-implementation support, face to face training, and ongoing support, along with experience within your industry is essential.

How C&J ERP can help

At C&J ERP we have a wealth of experience in consulting, ERP software selection, and the project management of software change projects, as well as the implementation of ERP systems like NetSuite. We are often asked to provide a rescue and recovery service, to get an ERP software implementation back on track that has been implemented by other solution providers.

How to choose an ERP software? Discover our tried and tested approach to ERP software selection.

Find out more, request a consultation with one of our founders.