How to implement an ERP (and know if it's time to do it)

[jrineakter]

We all know what it is and how it can help us simplify the management of our business, but we don't always talk about implementing an ERP. Moving to a new management software involves big changes not only for the business but for the team as well.

According to a study by Panorama Consulting , when companies that had recently adopted management software were asked how difficult the technical part had been, 51.7% responded 'Neutral'.

This is in contrast to the results of the question about the difficulty of organisational changes, where more companies, 55.2%, responded that it had been 'difficult'. This shows that installing the programme is only the beginning.

To find out how to implement an ERP correctly, we sat down with Lucian Bucur, Managing Partner of STE-Neologic Asesores , who describes himself as a restless economist. With more than 15 years advising and consulting SMEs in the area of ​​management software, there was no one better to talk about this topic.

How to implement an ERP
How do we know when it's time to go digital?
According to Lucian, you shouldn't wait for signals to implement business software. If there is management, there should be ERP . No matter how small the company is, this tool will help you streamline processes and, as a result, be more profitable.

Lucian also recommends looking indonesia number data around. That is, what is the competition doing? A company that does not digitalize runs the risk of being left behind.

'If your competitors have ERP, and you don't implement it, it will be difficult to survive'

– Lucian Bucur
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Signs that you need an ERP
That being said, there are signs that may indicate it's time to move to a more modern management solution. If you feel like there are things you're missing, it may be time to move to an ERP. These include:


In theory, it is very easy to find an ERP, but the reality is that today there are an almost infinite number of options and finding the software that suits your needs can be overwhelming.

In order to make the best choice, the first thing we must do is be very clear about what our requirements are.

Make a list of features
Usability is difficult to quantify. That's why you should start by making a list of features and ranking them by importance. Lucian recommends making a table with the ERPs you've chosen and giving them a score from one to ten for how well they solve each required feature.

The three or four most important functionalities (the first ones on your list) have to be very well resolved, if in the end they don't have a nine or a ten, then the ERP is not ideal.

How to implement an ERP - Comparison table of different ERPs and their functions
Features that an SME should look for in its ERP
More than needs that will depend on the size of the company, such as human resources, here we name some basic things that any business should look for in its ERP :

Cloud service
Given the need we have today to be able to work from home and have access to information at all times, working with a cloud ERP is almost imperative.

These also offer the benefit of not having to be installed on a computer, meaning there is no need to worry about capacity or features and updates are not the responsibility of the user.

Excel Compatibility
It may go without saying, but before moving to your ERP you were probably working with Excel, so your new program should be compatible. This will make database migration much easier .

API
If you need to communicate with third parties frequently (transport agencies, payment platforms, etc.) make sure that the ERP can connect with third parties. Even if there is no established gateway, as long as it has an API, it will be possible to communicate. This can sometimes involve an extra cost.

Pay attention to usability
In his blog, Lucian compares ERPs to the life cycle of baby clothes . In short, he explains that there are two types of items: those designed to be used as gifts, which are cute but not very practical, and those designed for parents, which are easy to use.