A great enterprise resource planning system can help a business develop and grow, driving higher revenue and increasing the economic footprint of an organization. When an ERP platform is well-maintained and updated on a regular basis, it can last for years or even decades. However, there comes a time for every company when their current ERP system is simply no longer viable. Whether it’s due to the aging of software and associated compatibility issues, an unscalable system that can’t grow with the needs of a developing organization or another reason, ERP replacement is an eventual inevitability for all companies.
Here are few issues to look for when determining if a current ERP system is still useful for a business:
- Slow and delayed operation: ERP is just like any other computer program; too much information being stored by and accessed through a system will slow it down and lead to less positive outcomes. This issue is especially noticeable when a company is growing after a period of relative stability and information is being added to an ERP system at a fast rate. The resultant slowdown of the system drags down business productivity and increases frustration as employees deal with longer load times and have to handle more frequent errors.
- It’s not handling new and updated components of operations: Few businesses remain totally static in their operations. Even if a company isn’t growing, it’s likely changing. Adding new lines of business or moving into a different market, along with expansion, can cause problems for an ERP system that’s been relied on for a long time. ERP specialists Panorama Consulting pointed out that a disconnect can quickly develop when a business changes and an ERP system can’t.
- Excessive customizations: An article from the Microsoft Dynamics GP Community highlighted the problem with too many additions or customizations to an ERP platform. Add-ons and upgrades should be used to enhance functionality and keep ERP future-facing, not to continually alter a system so that it meets basic functionality needs. Not only is this not using customizations for their intended purpose, it’s an increase to costs that can cause increasing financial problems.
If your business is experiencing any of these problems, then it’s time to start considering a change. Finding the right ERP partner will help companies steer themselves toward a more modern and efficient system.
About The TM Group
The TM Group is a Michigan based leading provider of Microsoft Dynamics for many organizations in a variety of industries including distribution, education, family wealth, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, non-profit, and service organizations. Since being established in 1984, The TM Group’s team of more than 45 professionals have guided and supported hundreds of organizations in Michigan, the Great Lakes Region and beyond. The TM Group is certified for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics SL and Microsoft SharePoint. Serving clients in more than 27 states, the TM Group has corporate offices in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and an office in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit http://www.tmgroupinc.com or call 888-482-2864.
The post Is your business outgrowing its ERP system? appeared first on goERPcloud.