The Solution of Best ERP Software Myth vs. Reality

If you are considering implementing ERP solutions for your company, chances are you are being bombarded with advice and information. As you weigh your options regarding one of the biggest decisions concerning your organization, you need to make heads and tails of the situation by discerning fact from fiction. The purpose of this blog is to debunk some of the most common myths associated with ERP solutions.

Common ERP Software Myth vs. Reality

ERP is costly and time-consuming

One common misconception about custom ERP systems is that while they are great to have, in theory, their implementation takes too much of your time and financial resources. While this might’ve been true before, with complex ERP systems taking too much time to install, it is no longer the case. The beauty of custom ERP solutions is that they are developed using agile methodologies, which allow vendors to deliver parts of the application to the client as soon as they are ready. As such, your implementation can take as little as a few weeks or a couple of months.

Furthermore, ERP has become much more affordable. Cloud solutions have given rise to SAAS (software-as-a-service) options when it comes to ERP software, and vendors are rising to the occasion to meet the growing demand for ERP systems. This has resulted in the availability of much more affordable custom software solutions for your business.

Only large companies benefit from using ERP

This is a typical myth, which is rooted in an overall misunderstanding of what ERP really does. The purpose of having an ERP is to be able to automate business processes across all departments, get rid of redundancies, and overall become more efficient. This is beneficial for all organizations, regardless of the size. And while it is true that not all SMEs (small and medium enterprises) require ERP, most have definitely outgrown their basic software packages. Cloud-based ERP solutions now make it possible for SMEs to enjoy the benefits of ERP as do large companies and they are very adaptable to companies of all sizes.

Check out: The Best ERP Software for Small Businesses

You get immediate results

This may be one of the most common misconceptions about ERP. Although most businesses see the benefits from day one, you have to remember that tailor-made ERP systems are no quick fix. Just like with any other major change, your team will need to overcome the learning curve. Even with intensive training, it will take some time before all employees get used to the technology and the new way of performing their daily activities. So do not be taken aback by the seemingly slow initial progress. You will see the desired results soon enough.

ERP is all about optimizing internal processes

Most people believe that the main reasons to get ERP for their companies are to improve internal business processes by increasing operational efficiency and control, maintaining a more accurate inventory record, eliminating unnecessary steps in key processes, etc. While all of these are excellent reasons to get ERP, it’s important to remember that, ultimately, the success of your business comes down to customer satisfaction. ERP will help you deliver the right product to the right customer at the right time. In other words, it’s as much about external operations as it is about internal operations.

Vendor support is an afterthought

When it comes to implementing ERP solutions, do not in any way underestimate the support of your vendors during and after the implementation stage. Many companies (including giants like HP, Nike, US Air Force, and Hersey Foods) have been plagued with hardships, because of bad management and support. Respectable ERP providers will essentially become your technology partners and be ready to offer you support every step of the way.

On-Premise ERP solutions are outdated

Certainly, cloud-based ERP systems are becoming increasingly popular these days, which has led some people to believe that on-premise ERP solutions are a thing of the past. However, there is no evidence to support that. There are actually more companies using on-premise ERP (67%) than those using the cloud, and there are many reasons for that. The main one is that many companies are not comfortable with the idea that all of their data is stored on a cloud. So they opt for On-Premise in order to have greater control over their data. Moreover, on-premise ERP is known to be more customizable.

I don’t need custom ERP solutions

Many business executives, for whatever reason, are apprehensive about customization. However, according to a recent report by Panorama, 91% of organizations have ended up customizing to various degrees during their ERP implementation. The remaining 9% that have opted for one-size-fits-all off-the-shelf solutions comprise mostly of small startup organizations that do not yet have any complicated business processes. In other words, if you are not a small, newly-established company with simple business processes, chances are, you are going to resort to customizing your ERP system as well.

Final words

Don’t rely on faulty information. Sorting out these myths should give you a head start in making a decision about ERP. Cause what size of business you have whether it small, medium or big ERP software just fits all business. Choose wisely and choose the best. 

Would you like to read: 9 Tips on Buying An ERP Software