There’s no better time to look at our 7 Tips for ERP preparation than at the start of a brand new year. With the holidays behind us, it’s time to see what 2022 has to offer, and to hit the ground running, Tangram recommends taking a look at your Enterprise Resource Planning systems.
You may ask yourself why ERP systems are so important. Netsuite recently said, “ERP systems have become table stakes for businesses looking to use resources wisely. They can help leaders reallocate human and financial capital or build more efficient core business processes that save money without sacrificing on quality or performance.”
Carl Witton, Partner at Tangram presents 7 Hot Tips for Success
ERP systems are usually a collection of business management software. Companies utilize them to collect, store, manage and interpret data from various business activities. From a company perspective, choosing the right system might seem to be a technical issue. However, picking it should be viewed in a more holistic manner.
Any effective ERP system should be an all-in-one solution. It should consist of a set of processes. Most issues are solved with the right combination of software. Deciding exactly what you need is the difficult part and Tangram is here to take that problem away.
Quite often companies over-complicate the issue and end up buying more software than they need. This then requires input from too many people to make it work. The key is preparation.
Here are Tangram’s Top 7 Tips for ERP preparation:
1: Identify Your Needs Exactly
Most companies can make some improvements in the way that they document their work schedules. For many, the way they handle clients isn’t recorded, anywhere. Incorrect documentation or no documentation can lead to confusion and serious problems. Without recording what your business does, may lead to the implementation of too much software, multiple workflow maps, and mistakes. The most important job of any ERP system is to control the workflow from first inquiry to final payment. It soon becomes all too clear as to how important this is.
2: Identify the Correct System for You
Once you have figured out exactly what your company needs are, it is time to match those with the right ERP systems. Here at Tangram, we have experts with many years of experience in this field. Your Tangram consultant will guide you through the different systems available, and will perfectly match the right one to your company. WorkBook is an excellent example of the companies with which we work.
3: ERP Preparation Should Include Case Study Checks
Again this is where Tangram can help. It is important that you see case studies of systems working. Look at companies similar to yours and see how integrating the correct software has helped them. Try to grasp how information flows through their systems. You will gain an understanding of exactly what it will do for you. Looking at systems in different businesses will enable you to get a perspective on their application.
4: Listen to Your Team
As you take on your ERP preparation, be open-minded when discussing the needs of managers and individuals within your organization. Be mindful of where they are coming from. You will get a different perspective from your managers, than from your salesforce. Individual team members will give feedback on certain precise aspects of your systems. Managers will take a more general approach; both are valid.
5: Create a Roadmap of your ERP preparation
Try to create a blueprint for ERP preparation in the form of a flow document that illustrates how improvements could be made to your company. Try not to get too technical. Present it in as simplistic a form as is possible. It will help clarify what is needed and start a two-way dialogue with your team. All input is worthwhile.
6: Ask Questions to Determine the Features of the Software
This is where having a trusted consultant comes into its own. Tangram’s experts will explain all the functions of what is offered. Ask pertinent questions and make sure that you understand the nature of the ERP system on offer. By fully understanding what you want, you can communicate more accurately to your consultant. Pay particular attention to the support needs of your company.
7: Always Ensure that Your ERP System Matches Your Business
If you follow the steps for ERP preparation laid out here, you will be in the best position to know if the system you are thinking of choosing is the best one for your exact needs. Different businesses have different needs and different systems offer different solutions. Tangram’s experienced consultants will know how to match your business with the right fit. Before any major expense, consider your actual requirements. By illuminating wasteful spending and focussing on what you actually need, your spending will be more accurately focussed. Your relationship with your Tangram consultant will really reap rewards here.
Summary
Take your time and identify the exact functions you need from your ERP system. Talk to your Tangram consultant and ask as many questions as you need. Together you will build a picture of exactly what it is that your company requires. This could well be one of your larger financial commitments. However, if done correctly it will be the best money you ever spend.
Tangram will help you make the right choice for your company. Created by experts in the field of advertising agency software solutions, Tangram has offices in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Vietnam and Denmark. We are one of the fastest growing companies, worldwide within the sector.
