Top 5 Challenges of Implementing an ERP Software and Their Solutions

 “Don’t limit your challenges; challenge your limitations. Each day we must strive for constant and never-ending improvement.”– Tony Robbins

1. Planning for an ERP implementation in the near future?
2. Are you worried about rising costs?
3. Are you unsure about what is the best fit ERP software for your company?

An ERP software implementation surely comes with a lot of challenges, even though its benefits are manifold. In the next few years, your business value will reach new heights and touch new shores of expansion, with a successful and best-fit ERP software integration. With a prior knowledge of the challenges and bottlenecks, you can be better prepared to counter any such obstacles with ease.

1. Incorrect Requirement Analysis: ERP implementations in most cases fail because of inaccurate requirement analysis. One needs to know the difference when an ERP application is integrated with an e-commerce site and a POS software. You need to know whether the ERP app needs to be integrated with CRM as well. However, in most companies requirement analysis is done by employees with limited knowledge of ERP implementation. Primary emphasis is laid upon the cost and faster execution. But unfortunately, the project fails in most cases as the requirement is not completely understood in the chaos of bargaining with the costs with the vendor. To have more clarity on ERP implementation, case-to-case differences, actual time and money to be invested, involving people with good knowledge on ERP is a must.  They would advise you in better decision making, and thereby drive better results. Make sure the requirement analysis checklist is reviewed by a technical team, before finalizing the deal.

2. Inadequate Training: Following closely on the lines of the previous challenge discussed, lack of knowledge continues to be a hurdle for a successful ERP implementation. When your company is preparing for a major data transfer from the legacy system to a new ERP reality, it is necessary to have a basic understanding of the changes that are taking place, the new interface, and risks or losses involved in the process. You may arrange for a brief knowledge transfer session for all employees or anybody who would be part of the new system, before the actual change takes place. Not an elaborate training program followed by a test, but a simple 45-minute session by the knowledgeable resources, for all to attend. Training videos of the same may also be circulated. Expand ERP offers complete training of users post implementation within 50 hours by trained technicians and constant support even after implementation.

3. Inefficient Project Management: Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle Corporation once said that taking care of one’s customers is important, but taking care of one’s employees is more important. This implies that you should have the right resources in your team for customer success. We need to understand their worth and utilize their full knowledge and potential for an efficient project management. Trust them, mentor them, train them and let them come up with a full-proof project management plan that will not only ensure a successful ERP implementation but also derive desired ROI for your business. Only with a meticulous project management, one can achieve that, no amount of cost-cutting or package deals help.

4. Customization: ERP software is often misunderstood as a wholesale package solution for a company. But unfortunately, it is not. ERP applications are actually a framework with which a customized solution is built. This means, your requirements have to be defined well in advance and accordingly a customized ERP solution will be created. For that, you need to define the workflows and do a capability analysis, beforehand. You might have to make a few minor adjustments in the application solution to meet all your enterprise needs. These adjustments or modifications differ from suite to suite and might be required at the beginning or sometime in the middle of implementation. If you are prepared for a capacity planning, delays in implementation and time loss because of system outage may be kept at bay. It is advisable to invest in a best fit ERP software that suits all the unique needs of your business. A ‘one size fits all’ ERP system is most likely to fail.

5. Rising Operational Expenses: Overhead cost is one of the biggest challenges of ERP implementation. The initial cost of implementation is high, but the customization and maintenance costs are even higher. The more customization needs are, the higher are operation costs. Maintenance costs are of course, a necessary evil, which cannot be brushed aside. However, with an efficient requirement analysis and resource planning, much of this cost may be brought under control. Sit with the best quality professionals in the organization to find out what you really need for enhancing your business value. Seek for features that will add value to your product or service, attract more business, and position you better as an entrepreneur. That way, you will get the true value for your best fit ERP solution without spending a huge amount. 

Expand smERP cloud software involves zero upfront costs. Only a concurrent user price is payable as per your usage. Investing in Expand smERP cloud software is a value for money solution that derives fast ROI.

These are certain generic challenges while implementing an ERP software. Depending on the sector in which the company operates in, the extent of complications may vary. This will ensure the implementation process is smooth without any glitches.

Team Expand ensures you a hassle free cloud ERP software integration experience with utmost ease.

Expand ERP is India’s best-fit cloud ERP system for fast growing businesses like yours. It empowers the mid-sized manufacturers in the export and retail industry with real-time visibility and complete control over their business for faster expansion by simplifying complex business processes.

With over 15 years of extensive R&D and market testing, we have developed a software that seamlessly fits into Indian Business. We are the OEM of this solution. Further, specific fitment through customization and integration are made for the company’s unique needs. All measures are taken to fit seamlessly into the existing business processes to deliver the maximum benefit of our solution.

Expand smERP cloud software drives maximum growth and ROI to your business. To get more information call 09007026542 and Leave a comment below.

Cheap solutions expensive ends

Last week I saw an advertisement for a cosmetics company selling sunscreen for a cheap price. Being caught in the sun in Summers, it was on my list to buy sunscreen soon, so I ended up ordering that brand. After using it a couple of times, my skin had eruptions all over and I had rashes all over not to mention the after effects of a sunburn. I had to immediately rush to a dermatologist for help and learnt a lesson for life of not getting lured by Cheap things ever again as ultimately we end up paying more. Can you relate to such a situation where you actually had to pay an extra price for choosing a cheap option?

My advice to you is avoid making such mistakes while implementing an ERP system for your business.The ultimate fact is that without advanced technology it is impossible to promote growth and scalability of your business. Several businesses and industries are proactively engaging in more advanced processes to improve profitability in their specific industries. The best way is to use an ERP system that arranges vital business information and helps organisations to be well structured and coordinated. This results in 100 % growth. An ERP is a necessary tool for businesses looking to use their resources efficiently. 

ERP can save you Money!

Most entrepreneurs make the mistake of looking out for cheap ERP systems to save some money. They don’t realise that cheap comes at a cost. Are you willing to pay the hidden cost? 

An ERP that is not customised, agile or scalable is easy on the pocket at first. However, it does not fulfil the specific needs of your product and soon you realise that your investment was futile. It compels you to compromise in 360degrees support, unique requirements, real -time reporting and final outcome of reports and analysis. When you do realise the shortcomings of a readymade, of-the-counter ERP system, you have to opt for another, more appropriate ERP system, resulting in double expenses along with the hassles of implementation all over again.

Did you know that 95% of businesses say they have major operational improvements after implementing an ERP?

The improvements include, reducing process times, increasing collaboration and centralising data.

6 Ways a best fit  ERP can save your Time and Money :

1. Cuts operational costs and improves productivity
2. Enhances better communication and data exchange with better collaboration
3. Centralises business functions and decreases process times
4. Manages inventory and supply chain efficiently
5. Improves Customer relations
6. Reduces IT costs and labour burdens.

The right ERP is worth your investment for the long run. When it comes to business process change management, organisations that successfully implement an ERP system, experience overall efficiencies, improved customer service, opportunities for growth and happier employees sometimes outweigh numbers on a spreadsheet.

Selecting the right ERP is an important step in driving your business forward.For example , a trading business where buying and selling of the products occurs, the process involved is less compared to a complex manufacturing industry.Researching and evaluating is only a small part of the process because the implementation also plays a big role in the success of the project. Without the right partner in place, you could face months of unnecessary struggle and hassles. Ultimately resulting in a failed project.

Ways to choose the right partner :

1. Review stability and past history
2. Check on the experience and reputation in the market
3. Consider the implementation plan thoroughly
4. Ensure they understand your business needs and focuses only on that
5. Understand that it is the best fit for your business.

Having considered all these factors, it is imperative that your business will reach desired goals with the help of the ERP system. The recent upgrade in technologies could offer you affordable software with cloud and mobile platforms as well.

To know more details contact us at +91 9007026542.

Reasons why organisations using multiple software end up managing software rather than business

The business environment has always been dynamic and in present times has become very complicated. The level of competition is increasing. So are the expectations of customers. This makes it essential that businesses use their resources efficiently. This is possible only through the integration of technology with business operations.These technology trends not only help in reducing the wastage of resources but also help modernise the functions. ERP is essential for a modern-day business.

Do you think you could easily lose track of  how many systems you use to run your business, day to day? Perhaps you have a system for HR, a couple for sales, one for managing production, and a few more for marketing. Sounds familiar?

Often, each software is added as and when the need arises, as your business needs change and as your company grows. It’s easily done, and easily overlooked as a big problem. It would be ideal if these systems speak to each other, and you’re able to manage them from one source. However 9 times out of 10, this isn’t the case and you’re likely left with disintegrated programmes that require manual data entry or various import functions.

Challenges faced by entrepreneurs with multiple softwares :

Duplication of data – Double data entry wastes time and often results in keystroke errors. Human error does happen, and when working across a stream of software with their own rules and methods of organising data, it overlaps resulting in duplicacy.

No real time data – with a lot of modern technology and software, data is automatically updated, however if data is not refreshed in real time or cannot be synced, reports may be outdated as soon as they are run, resulting in miscommunication and business wide oversights get hampered.

Productivity – it is hard to find complete information quickly when you need it if you are looking across various systems. Running multiple systems at once can slow down the computer bandwidth, making  certain tasks time-consuming and frustrating.Multiple software solutions can have different user interfaces which could result in more resources for training, especially for new hires learning every different system.

Lack of accuracy – information that is shared across fragmented systems, several departments, and updated by different people creates communication blocks, especially if not everybody has access to each individual system. Various systems can contain different variations of the same data, but no one is sure which is correct.

Outdated systems – some systems are outdated, resulting in high maintenance costs,  no available support and some that aren’t capable of functioning like the modern contemporaries. The latest versions will undoubtedly address current flaws and increase functionality.

Different upgrade or renewal schedules – just like renewing your broadband or phone contracts, it’s very rare that all contracts renew on the same day. Often enough, your software is on different upgrade cycles, meaning a lot of time is spent either renewing or shopping around for another to try and fit in with your other current systems.

Extra Cost – Running multiple software systems comes at a higher cost. The implementation, integration and stock of numerous applications can rapidly take up an already limited budget making it difficult for ends to meet.

Unorganised data – with multiple softwares data is fed in a scattered manner in different formats which creates extra hassle to consolidate and utilise them.This results in inconsistency and creating reports becomes cumbersome.

High maintenance – maintaining multiple softwares and connecting with different vendors is a challenging task. It becomes worse when  two different softwares are integrated.

Why is integrated software Important?

Enterprise resource planning software is used to manage a number of business functions, but how is it any better than other solutions? Even though ERP may have similar goals to other solutions, its unique features make it a distinctive competitor in the software market. It reduces daily operational expenses, improves collaboration, clears analytics, improves productivity, satisfies customers, simplifies compliance and risk management, improves inventory management, improves production planning and resource management

It is inevitable that using a single ERP software for managing your enterprise instead of multiple softwares managing different departments creates chaos and errors. It is advisable to change along with time to reap the potential of new technology.

To know more details contact us at +91 9007026542.