Why consider a new ERP system?

Are you falling behind your competitors?  Is your ERP system holding you back?  Is your ERP system user friendly?  Does your system serve you or do you serve your system?

Many new systems if selected, configured and implemented properly will help to reduce costs and ease management tasks.  But, are the promise of lower costs and easier management enough to disrupt your business, stress your employees with a conversion and possibly aggravate your suppliers and customers? 

You might think that employees are paid to do what they do and will just comply with the demands of a new system and you would be right to an extent.  After all you sign their paychecks, but what about the quality of interaction they have with both customers and suppliers.  Think back to the last time you smiled when you left a store.  What did the customer service, checkout person, or manager do so that you felt good about your visit?  How often have you left a store and just knew something was not right and given the choice you would shop elsewhere in the future.

New ERP systems, like new cars, have great promise and possibility.  That great feeling on the first drive, the smile on your face, the new car smell they spray inside when they prep the vehicle.  How long does it take until those feelings fade and you begin to wonder how much you overpaid?  Did you select a Honda or Mercedes?  Both are well made and will function to get you from point A to point B.  Both have different safety levels, both have different power and fuel efficiencies, both have a different Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and thus a different Return on Investment (ROI).

Many ERP systems will function for your organization, but are you overpaying for bells and whistles that you are unlikely to utilize?  Does the new system have the ability to grow with you as your needs change, like having an extra seat in your car for passengers?  Some cars are designed for two travelers and do that task very well.  Some are Sport Utility Vehicles or Mini Vans and have larger capacity, but operate at greater costs.

There are a lot of analogies that can be made between autos and ERP systems.  There are also a number of differences.  Regardless, what is important is to take the time to carefully understand how your business operates today, and then merge your goals and vision to see what requirements are needed to compete successfully in the future. 

The very first step is to select a trusted advisor or someone who can become a trusted advisor to help guide you through this process and the future.  Dolvin Consulting prides itself on putting your needs first.  We help you select a system that meets your immediate needs for efficiency and has growth capacity for the future.  There is no magic pill.  Since change is inevitable, you need someone to help you manage the stresses involved.  We are here to help.  Let us help you.  Contact us today to start our conversation.