7 steps for selecting an ERP system that is best for your specific requirements

Moving from traditional paper-based methods to an ERP system can be a daunting task, one that many thinks is too hard to undertake. But the benefits of moving your paper-based system into an electronic platform far outweigh the stresses.  

Advanced Business Manager (ABM) delivers more effective and timely mining of relevant information, ensuring staff have access to accurate information at all times.  It will help you get the most out of your business, increasing productivity and profitability across your whole business. Don’t just take our word for it, make sure you follow our 7 steps for selecting the best ERP system to suit your specific requirements. 

Identify areas you want to improve in your business 

Do you know what areas of your business have room to improve? While your current methods may get the job done, there are many areas that may need improvement to help your staff succeed. Talk to your staff to see where they think they could be saving time, or where they find issues in their day-to-day activities. Effectively implementing an ERP system will increase productivity and streamline your processes to give your staff and business a better all round experience.  

Investigate the current software in the market 

There are many different ERP system providers on the market, get a comprehensive list to begin with so you can narrow them down as you go. When identifying different systems, take note of where they are based. Location and proximity to your business is an important point to consider as there are many overseas based companies that won’t be able to offer the hands on support a local company can. Choosing local also ensures the system is designed for the country you’re in, in New Zealand, with the high standard of safety and record keeping required it’s sensible to choose a system designed exactly for the NZ market.  

Decide what type of functionality and benefits are most important to your business 

Its important to know what functionality you are wanting. Every business is unique and has different requirements for an ERP system. Understanding your own functionality needs is important in identifying the right system for you. ABM offers a wide range of solutions and is customisable to the needs of your business, so you get everything you need and nothing you don’t.  

Find out what integrations the software has 

Many businesses already have some form of software in use, with many using systems that help with accounting, business management, ecommerce, manufacturing and more. When choosing an ERP system its important it integrates with your current systems. Using multiple applications or software that doesn’t integrate or talk with each other can be a nightmare for you and your staff. It not only puts additional pressure on staff to input data into various locations, but it increases inefficient data management and the likelihood of human error and double handling. ABM integrates with a range of market leaders in the sector to ensure your staff are working on tasks that matter and your data is secure, accurate and available in real-time. 

Find out how much support you will receive 

Making sure you will have ongoing support is crucial when implementing a new software, this not only makes sure you know exactly how to use the solution but gives your staff confidence in their own abilities. When choosing a software its important to note how much initial training you will get as well as ongoing training for new staff and when new updates or developments occur. You also want to be confident in your relationship with the software company that you can go to them with an issue and it will be resolved quickly. ABM offers 24/7 support and runs in-depth training days when a client signs up as well as being available for more training on request.  

Research current clients 

There is no better way to find out if a software is worth it or not than having a look at their current clients. In some cases, you may be able to contact these clients directly, but in other cases you may find case studies and testimonials on their websites. Case studies give you a good insight into why that business may have gone with the software, the benefits, and their overall experience with the company. On abm.nz we have a range of case studies highlighting different types of businesses and what they were focused on overcoming with the use of ABM. We also have a wide range of other case studies not featured on the website that can be accessed on request.  

Make a decision is best for your business 

Each business is unique, only you will know exactly what you need to make the lives of your staff easier and increase the productivity and profitability of your business.  Once you have been through these 7 steps you should be able to narrow down your choices and find the software that suits your specific requirements.  

If you are thinking about moving to an ERP system, get in contact with ABM today and see what we can do for your business.