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How to choose the right ERP solution for your business

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All businesses use technology. The most successful businesses have learned that by integrating it into their very core, they can make technology work for them in new and exciting ways. Enterprise Resource Planning, better known as ERP, is designed to manage the most important parts of your business. By using adaptable, cloud-based technology, ERP can accelerate your business, making you more efficient and competitive than ever before.

We have compiled this guide to help you choose the right ERP solution for your unique business needs.

Related reading: 5 signs you need an ERP system

Goals and processes

When you consider ERP systems it is very important to have a clear understanding of your immediate and long-term business goals. In addition to goals, consider the way your business operates. What are your needs? Where are your shortcomings? Have these things clearly in mind before you begin the process of comparing ERP systems. Each ERP system is a little bit different. It is important to choose a system that works with your existing business processes and best practices and will provide assistance where you need it most. Doing so will ensure a cohesive match and as little interruption as possible when it comes to product integration.

Compatibility

As you begin to review ERP systems, you will want to look beyond the technology itself. Consider systems and software you already have and use on a daily basis. Is the ERP compatible with these systems and programs? If not, are there affordable alternatives that you are willing to consider? In the long run, choosing an ERP system that is compatible with existing technology will save you both time and money, as well as the frustration of learning too many new things at once. The simpler the integration process, the happier everyone will be.

Related reading: ERP is about to get friendlier and smarter

Training

As you compare and contrast ERP systems, consider whether training is an important aspect for you and your business. The training that is offered may differ considerably between systems. You should inquire about the following: whether training is included in the cost of implementation or is a separate fee; the scale of training available; training method (i.e. in person, video conference, etc); and whether there are manuals or other supplemental materials available.

Some businesses underestimate the cost and necessity of training and find they do not have the resources needed for training, in order to use their system to its full potential.  

Budget

For many small businesses, a budget will be at the top of your list of concerns when it comes to choosing an ERP system. For this reason, it is imperative that you remember to consider all associated costs, including implementation, licensing, training, and on-going support. Talk to potential ERP providers for a detailed list of fees. You certainly do want to choose a system that you are comfortable paying for.

That said, while the price is a factor, it should not be the most important one you’re deciding. Choosing a system that is cheap, but poorly suited for your business can have negative long-term consequences. On the flip-side, if you choose to spend a little more in something that is better suited to your goals and needs, a well-suited ERP system can positively impact both efficiency and profits. This is one product that is worth viewing as an investment.

More reading: What ERP means for your small business

Meet The AppSolute Experts

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The team at AppSolute Consulting Group, LLC includes some of the most talented and skilled business and IT experts in the industry. Many of our employees have experience in business, accounting, project management, and other areas in addition to software and technology. This experience offers unparalleled insight into the unique needs of our clients. Not only can we guide you to finding the best technology for your company, we can provide the support you need to ensure your systems remain aligned with your business needs.

Take a moment and meet our team:
Founding partners: Bruce Baron, David Hoffman, and Eric Grasman
Bob Nowatzky, Sage X3
Susan Chase, Senior Systems Analyst and Project Manager
Viktor Zelenko, Senior Consultant
Michael Ehrlich, Director of Network Services
Vincent Mantia, Senior Network Engineer

The AppSolute team of experts will partner with your business and guide you toward choosing the modern technology you need to support your growing enterprise. Our approach starts with learning how you do business, we discuss common disruptions or challenges that you currently face, and your goals or mission for the future of your company. With this information, we can then offer several options for onsite or cloud solutions that address both your challenges and can support your goals. Once the technology is chosen, our team can deploy the new system, train your employees, and provide as much follow-up support as you need. We also offer guidance or support with routine maintenance and software updates to keep your new technology working at peak capacity. Our experts also provide help-desk support, custom programming, system security, and other software support services. You are just a phone call or email away from receiving the information and guidance that you need, when you need it.

Contact the consultants at AppSolute when you are ready to upgrade your business solutions, replacing inefficient, outdated systems, with modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. We will be happy to set up a meeting to discuss how today’s technology can improve productivity, boost profitability, and support continued growth.

By AppSolute Consulting Group, LLC, New York Based Microsoft, Accumatica and Sage Partner

The Difference Between Accounting Software And ERP Solutions

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Businesses rely on accurate financial management and many describe finances as the very lifeblood of the company.  Many decisions are based on current financial figures, which is why reliable accounting software is such a necessity.  However, over time basic accounting software no longer fits the bill, so to speak, and an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution makes more sense.

Entry-level accounting software, such as QuickBooks, can work successfully for a time.  These solutions offer basic financial management activities such as monitoring income and expenses, populating bank statements, and paying bills.  You may be able to create invoices and print financial reports; however, there isn’t much more you can get out of entry-level accounting software.  A secondary problem often presents itself some time later – basic software can only handle a limited volume of data and a limited number of users.  With growth, your business generates more and more data that can quickly bog down the software, making it difficult to process data and reports.  Additional delays can occur as employees have to wait to enter or retrieve information needed to make important business decisions.  Before basic accounting software begins to stifle growth, make the change to a stronger business management solution.

You can manage all of your business operations with a modern ERP solution including financial transactions, supply chain and inventory, manufacturing and distribution operations, human resources and payroll activities, and other core business processes.  You can enter, access, and analyze data with greater efficiency when it’s located within a single, centralized solution.  In addition, data is seamlessly shared between processes. For example, you can create a proposal or contract for a customer and turn that data into a purchase order, and later, an invoice.  This and other time-saving automations reduces the time spent handling data and improves the productivity of your team.  Powerful ERP solutions also offer business intelligence and reporting features that make it easier to identify trends, uncover ways to control spending or reduce waste, and further improve business processes.
As your business grows, you need more than basic accounting software.  Choose a solution that can provide the insight you need to make data-driven decisions, improve productivity and profitability, and support superior customer service.

Contact AppSolute for more information about making the switch from entry-level accounting software to modern ERP.

By AppSolute Consulting Group, LLC, Microsoft, Accumatica and Sage Partner out of New York