Small but significant factors which are overlooked while selecting and implementing ERP

Usually while selecting ERP,major factors that businesses consider are cost-benefit analysis, pain areas in business processes, interoperability with the existing system if any, technology, TCO & ROI, customization, etc. Above mentioned are major and mandatory factors but there are some minor factors which may look insignificant initially, but later on it might affect the ERP life. Let us look into some of such factors briefly:

Ease of Use

In the rush to procure an ERP solution that is effective and budget-friendly, the companies often do not look into the ease of use factor. If the selected ERP is complex, the end user who won’t be exposed to a lot of software may find it difficult to complete day-to-day tasks. This can affect the whole purpose of implementing ERP if the comfortability of the end user is ignored. If they start to avoid entering daily transactions, then ERP won’t meet the objective for which it is selected.

Scalability

Most medium companies will look to meet their current business requirements and miss out on figuring out the scenario where the company may grow. The software should be able to support the organization’s future growth plans as the decision to buy ERP software is long-term. Ideally, companies should address their immediate pain in the process, for example, the discrepancy in the stock record,s and look to address it first and implement other modules along the way.  

User Interface

This would be the most overlooked factor during the decision to purchase ERP. But if the interface is cumbersome, then the end users might get dissatisfied which may lead to users working around the ERP thereby derailing the objective of ERP. Having an eye-pleasing user interface can help the companies to motivate the users to use the software rather than bye-passing the software.  

So far, we have discussed some factors which should be considered while selecting the ERP, now we can look into some of the factors which should be considered while implementing the selected ERP.

Budget and resource Contingency

Organizations must be prepared to face any unforeseen situations while implementing the ERP, like customization or modification required in the software which was missed out in the initial study of requirements. So, it is always better to be prepared rather than end the implementation process mid-way. Likewise, it is always advisable to keep multiple personnel from the organization’s side responsible for implementing the ERP. 

Long-term investment and commitment

Typically, Organization’s zest for selecting ERP might not be seen while implementing the solution as planned. Similarly, this is an important factor in the life of the ERP system as continued commitment and support from the management side are required to properly run the ERP system as it was initially intended.    

 With 30 years of experience in ERP development, Frontline Information Technology offers you our best service throughout implementation and forever. With Horizon EBS, we ensure that the above factors are met and help your business will flourish in the days to come with a properly streamlined business process.