Enterprise resource planning software (ERP) is the key to unlocking lean, streamlined manufacturing processes by consolidating and organising day-to-day business activities. An ERP solution can be built upon and improved even if it is already providing your business with a highly efficient service. If your business is asking itself, “Am I getting the most out of my ERP system?” the answer would most likely be: No. No matter how efficient your ERP solution is, you can always grow and develop more. Below are some suggestions for you to look at to see if you can make some improvements
Business review
As businesses grow, expand, or change, your requirements will also. Your ERP can grow and develop with you to better fit your business’s new needs, whatever they may be.
Even if your business hasn’t changed a great deal since you first implemented your ERP software, there may still be improvements and features that you can access to improve efficiency.
Taking the time to analyse your current processes and review your requirements, will save you time and effort down the line.
Keep up to date
Business reviews inevitably lead to updates. Whether these are updates to your business’s hardware, software, applications, or processes, your ERP should be kept up to date alongside them.
Making sure your ERP has the latest upgrades will ensure you have access to all the new features, bug fixes and will also help you get the best out of your system. Updates can be tested before being installed into your live system, giving you the opportunity to test all your processes and operations, making sure everything is working as required and users are aware of any new changes
Consultancy and account management
If you’re unsure of how to best optimise your business system and update your processes, it would be wise to contact your account manager, if your provider offers you access to one.
Together, you can review your objectives and decide which optimisations are required to best meet your goals and make sure you are using your system efficiently.
Ongoing training
Whether you have new employees, new ERP features you’re looking to implement, or new processes you’re putting in place, arranging training sessions for your teams will ensure everyone is on the same page.
ERPs are an invaluable resource, but their value can only be fully realised if your employees understand them.
Custom development
The longer your business uses a system, the more likely you are to notice areas that could be improved upon or tailored to fit you. This could be custom development or new reports.
Getting custom reports from your ERP system can help you highlight and understand which areas can be made more efficient and how you can streamline them. Analysing your business’s processes is crucial to developing them.
ERP flexibility
As your business expands, grows, develops, and changes, your ERP software can grow alongside it. Keeping up to date with the latest releases and upgrades will ensure maximum efficiency.
But these solutions are only as good as the businesses they serve, and it is vital to regularly analyse and optimise your processes, ensuring your teams are also kept well-trained and up to speed.
With an enterprise resource planning solution that is up to date and a team that is up to speed, your business will be sure to make the most out of your ERP solution and maximise value.
To learn more about the differences between consultancy and support download our guide here