Many people in the United States recently celebrated the 4th of July. Whether you’re in the U.S. or any other part of the world, the celebration of independence as a country is near and dear to our hearts due to the liberty and freedoms that come with it. That freedom is sacred, and it not only enables the fulfillment of our own purposes as individuals but the ability to reach new heights as a society.
When we think about it, we are all seeking those same freedoms in our businesses. We want our organizations to have the utmost flexibility to adapt and evolve as consumer behaviors shift and the need for operational change arises.
And yet, so much of our freedom, or lack thereof, depends on our operational structure and our digital foundation. Take the pandemic for example. Many companies were married to their on-premise solutions, and it served great growing pains as their employees shifted into a fully remote workforce for the better part of an entire year or more. You could even look at supply chain capabilities, where companies had their hands tied due to specific bottlenecks in their supply chain and manufacturing solutions.
When it comes to ERP systems, there are a lot of different options to choose from. Each system has its own unique set of features, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your business. If you’re looking for a system that offers you the most freedom to move and evolve whenever you need to, it’s important to consider the following factors through your software selection process.
How flexible is the ERP system?
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider the level of flexibility that the system offers. Does it allow you to customize the software to meet your specific business needs? Or is it a one-size-fits-all solution? The more flexible the system, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to use it for a long time without outgrowing it.
I caution you, however, that the more flexibility that comes with a software solution, the more money, and resources you may end up pouring into it to make it exactly how you want. Rather than having vanilla and chocolate as your shop floor flavors, you may get crafty with a peanut-butter-turtle-pecan flavor that may take up a lot of time, money, and energy to bake.
What’s the pricing model?
Another important factor to consider is the pricing model. Some ERP systems charge a flat fee, while others operate on a subscription basis. Some may also increase the charge as use cases increase, and this could be directly correlated with how much you customize and expand on the core functionalities of the software. Make sure to compare pricing models before making your final decision so that you can choose the option that’s right for your budget.
What’s the Customer Service team like?
It’s also important to consider the level of support that’s available during and after the implementation process. Will you have access to customer service representatives who can help you troubleshoot any issues that come up? Or will you be left to fend for yourself if something goes wrong?
The importance of having a good support system cannot be overstated, especially when you’re dealing with critical business operations. Make sure to ask about the level of customer service and support that’s available before making your final decision.
What other factors should I consider?
Of course, there are many other factors to consider when choosing an ERP system for your business. But if you’re looking for a system that offers you the most freedom, these are some of the most important factors to keep in mind. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can be sure that you’re choosing a system that will serve your business well for years to come.
For more help on what you should consider during the software selection process, download our most recent digital transformation report for tools and tactics that you can take with you in finding your perfect fit software.
Not all ERP systems are created equal. If you’re looking for a system that offers you the most freedom, it’s important to consider the flexibility of the system, the pricing model, and the level of customer service and support that’s available. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can be sure that you’re choosing a system that will serve your business well for years to come.
If you have questions about which software would be the best fit for your unique operations, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always here as an informal sounding board to help you grow.
