6 reasons to upgrade to a modern business application platform

For years businesses have been stuck using inefficient methods to manage everything from operations and processes to IT. These methods include things like computer processors, spreadsheets, and basic email. When it comes to collaboration, they can be confusing and frustrating.

If this sounds familiar, there’s a good chance you have outgrown your processes. The good news is that there are a variety of business application platforms and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions available that can transform the way you do business.

If you’ve been considering an upgrade, now might be a good time to make the change. In fact, we’ve compiled six reasons why it’s definitely worth the effort to upgrade to a modern platform.

Adaptable

Modern business application platforms and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions are designed to be fully adaptable. So as your business changes, you can keep up with modern trends and easily address client requests. Also, since most platforms are Cloud-based, they also keep you connected to your business anytime, anywhere, allowing your business platform to adapt to your needs and your busy schedule.

Scalable

When it comes to growth, scalable services are critical for your business. With modern business platforms, you only pay for the platform and the services that you need now, not what you might need later. So as your business grows and changes, you can scale the platform and services to match your growing needs rather than replacing the solution when you outgrow it.

Related reading: Comparing ERP to on-premise

Reliable

Choosing a reliable modern toolset is crucial to this new stage of your business management, as is reliable customer service. Finding a reliable platform will not only improve your processes and reduce errors, but it will increase your ability to help your customers and ultimately add value to your business as a whole.

Related reading: 5 signs you need an ERP system

Manageable

The ability to manage and track your inventory is a basic need for most businesses. Switching over to a modern business application platform makes this much easier, more efficient and overall more cost-effective. When you know the true status of your assets you can position your company for growth, improve customer service, and plan ahead for the future.

Flexible

Every industry has a unique set of requirements. There are a number of different platforms designed with this in mind. Some platforms, such as Acumatica Cloud ERP Solutions, offer a range of options that are uniquely tailored for several industries, to help you address your challenges and reach your ultimate company goals. This creates a great starting point for you and limits the amount of initial customization required to get things set up just the way you need them.

Customizable

One of the greatest assets that modern business application platforms and ERPs bring to the table is the ability to customize the platform to your individual business’ needs. You have worked hard to build your business over the years. When you’ve done everything from designing spreadsheets to creating letterhead, It can be hard to let go of some of the fruits of your hard labor. With customizable platforms, you don’t necessarily have to let go. Many modern business application platforms offer the possibility of deep customizations to suit your specific business needs. This allows you to incorporate some of your personal documents that you’d like to continue using to avoid customer confusion.

Related reading: ROI of your ERP system

Final thoughts

If you think you’re ready to upgrade to a modern business application platform or ERP, you can begin right away. Although it might seem overwhelming, it will have a lasting impact on your business for years to come. To get started, we recommend the following process:

Assess your needs – Start by assessing your current business needs. Are you looking for financial management? Customer support? Project management? What are you looking to accomplish with this new platform?
Budget – How much can you afford to spend on this? Don’t forget to account for implementation, training, and ongoing costs.
Research your options – Now that you have a budget in place and you know what you are looking for, you can begin your search. You may want to use an external vendor to help with this process if your budget allows for this. If not, be sure to take your time and really review all of your options.
Narrow down your choices – Try to get your options down to a top two or three. These are the ones who you will ask for a detailed proposal from. Talk to them in detail and be sure to ask all your questions.
Make a decision – Make an informed decision based on the proposals submitted and move forward.