ERP is the English acronym for Enterprise Resource Planning. In London, integrated management system. A technology that has added multiple conveniences to companies of any size and industry.
However, for such conveniences to specifically meet your demand, it is necessary to start the work by answering a question: how to choose an ERP?
Regardless of whether or not you already know what the benefits of an integrated management system are, this post aims to clarify all kinds of issues that involve making decisions about the best product.
Do we have your attention? So, accompany us throughout this reading in which we will clarify how to choose an ERP through the following topics:
- What is an ERP system and why use it?
- What are the other advantages of investing in ERP?
- How to choose a suitable ERP for your company?
So, come on!
What is an ERP system and why use it?
Nowadays, it is difficult to fulfill all the demands of productivity, concentration and attention to work and excellence in the service provided without the aid of certain technologies.
After all, they are part of our society and have set new standards. It is complex to add competitiveness in the market without one or more digital tools today.
O ERP is a software that facilitates this whole process in a simplified and largely automated way.
A good example of this is that with its implementation, a company can make use of only one system, exclusively, and integrate all the data of each sector. As a result, integration is immense and all stages of the workflow can be monitored by leaders.
Hence, the importance of knowing how to choose an ERP. As it is a customizable solution, it is essential to understand your needs and objectives, first, so that the decision easily aligns with the reality of the business.
Imagine the gains you get from having a financial system integrated with the HR sector, which in turn has automated actions of the most bureaucratic processes of admission, time control, vacations and dismissal, among other stages of the work.
With all of this automatically computed, productivity and employee engagement are increased, and the number of procedural errors is reduced.
For this, it is worth noting that the ERP works through modules. Each offers solutions for specific processes, which helps to tailor the software to your requirements.
What are the other advantages of investing in ERP?
We can highlight other relevant points in this type of investment such as:
- time savings through the automation of mechanical, repetitive and bureaucratic tasks;
- directing its professionals to more strategic actions – since they will have more time without the need to deal with the tasks mentioned above;
- standardization of processes, allowing for onboarding faster and more efficient, as well as the integration of the entire team. Everyone can quickly learn how to deal with day-to-day tasks even with absenteeism from someone on the team. Very important point of standardization, including;
- assertive decision making, since the information contained in a single system generates reports that allow faster and more accurate assessments to avoid unforeseen events and keep the organization on the desired path for its development;
- creation of strategies facilitated by means of the data also contained in the software. It is worth mentioning that the information storage is done in the cloud and not on a physical server in the company. With this, your professionals can work from wherever they are, with just access to the system;
- by the way, information security is gradually developed to combat any kind of breach – such as loss, theft or even the loss of data.
Realize that with this, operating costs are reduced and your teams acquire more productivity with a simple, practical and fundamental tool for their growth!
How to choose a suitable ERP for your company?
The process that defines how to choose an ERP goes through very well defined steps and that here can be accommodated for any sector of activity where your company promotes solutions. Check out what they are!
Define your needs
It is important to first understand what an ERP can do for your business and then assess an accurate diagnosis of which of these resources are all about the specific needs of your departments.
A good way to do this is through a market research. Do you know what tools your industry has used and, especially, the competition?
This type of response can give a precise guideline of what needs these digital solutions offer – and, consequently, it opens space for you to learn how to choose an ERP.
Check out the solution's features
Another interesting point is the comparison between what you need and what the ERP market can contribute. And that has everything to do with the features of each system.
Here, too, it’s worth having your list of priorities for a system. So, regardless of the amount of features that the software offers, it is essential that it includes at least the ones you are looking for.
Align the ERP according to the size of your company
Although most managers plan the exponential growth of their companies, it is advisable to consider their size and objectives in the short and medium term to decide on an ERP that meets their demand.
This can often mean investing in simplified and efficient software that is more affordable for everything you look for in such a system.
We even have a post that deals specifically with this subject. To know more about it, check it out (after this reading) our article that explores the details to consider when purchasing a ERP for Small business!
Investigate ease of software deployment
In addition to the previous tip, ease of deployment should be considered. Imagine, for example, that it is complex software, whose language and features are not easily absorbed by your employees? Only the adaptation time can put your entire operation at risk.
Not to mention losses and wastes if the transition is not carried out with due planning.
When researching how to choose an ERP based on your favorites, decide on the platform that is very accessible as well. That matters, and a lot!
Set a limit on your budget
Remember that as interesting as an ERP solution is, the budget must be respected. After all, the financial planning
For example: if the solution costs more than expected, reset the budget and redo the accounts. But don't buy it without first knowing if the expense can be worked on so as not to negatively impact your company's financial health.
Evaluate the support provided by the supplier
Both at the time of acquisition, implementation and the first few months of use, contact with the supplier will be inevitable.
So, it is important that you do business with a reputable company that has an excellent means of contact with its consumers.
Not to mention the reputation of the enterprise. In the brands' own social networks, you can have close contact with the level of customer satisfaction.
It seems like detail, but it makes all the difference if something unexpected occurs in the first weeks of implementing the ERP and the supplier disappears and hinders his attempts to contact.
Look for products focused on your niche
The last tip is to present a basic idea: instead of looking for the most complete product on the market, why not research beforehand if there is software specifically focused on your market?
This makes the product itself already become your main reference – and, who knows, more accessible than the most popular brand in the entire technological segment? Again, remember to look for a product that meets your needs first.
Did you see how difficult it is to learn how to choose an ERP for your company? If you have any questions about the topic, and which we do not address in this article, leave a comment in the field below!
Increase your team's productivity by reducing financial stress
If you learn as choosing an ERP brings all the advantages we talked about above, investing in a system that improves your team's relationship with salary is also positive.
Get to know the HR Consultants UKy tool and learn how the system that implements payment on demand works, that is, employees of a company can anticipate part of their salaries when they need it.
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