Looking for an ERP? 6 Factors to consider..
Introduction:
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems help businesses manage their core operations, including finance, supply chain, manufacturing, and human resources. Choosing the right ERP system for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can be challenging due to limited resources and specific requirements. In this article, we will attempt to look at some of the factors to consider for an SME when considering an ERP selections.
Here is my take on the six (6) factors to consider when selecting an ERP.
Factors to Consider:
1. Scalability:
SME often experiences rapid growth, and it’s important to ensure that the ERP system can accommodate this growth. The ERP system should be scalable, so that it can handle increasing complexity as the business expands. Consider an ERP system that can adapt to changing requirements and can be easily upgraded as the business grows. The last thing an SME wants to do is having to change system every time their business outgrows the system capabilities as this takes away resources from expanding the business into managing the system.
2. Customization:
Every SME has unique processes and requirements, and the ERP system should be able to accommodate these. Look for an ERP system that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the SME, including industry-specific requirements and unique business processes. Customization can help ensure that the ERP system supports the SME’s goals and objectives. SME should choose an ERP that provides low code to no code customizations as they rarely have the budget to staff a team of developers.
3. Integration:
An ERP system should integrate with other existing systems or software used by the SME, such as customer relationship management (CRM) and front-end system like POS. Integration can help avoid duplication of effort and ensure seamless operation. Consider an ERP system that can be easily integrated with other systems, so that data can be shared across the organization.
4. User-friendliness:
A user-friendly ERP system is essential for quick adoption and effective use by employees. Consider an ERP system that is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a user-friendly interface that makes it simple for employees to access and use. This can help ensure that the ERP system is widely adopted across the organization, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness. No matter how good a system is in terms of functionality, if it difficult to use and understand by non-technical persons, it will just end up as a white elephant.
5. Cost:
Evaluate the total cost of the ERP system, including implementation, training, and ongoing maintenance. An ERP system should fit within the budget of the SME, so consider the cost of the system and ensure that it is cost-effective. In addition, consider the return on investment (ROI) of the ERP system and determine whether the benefits of the system justify the cost. SME should keep in mind that the cost of licensing, infrastructure, hardware and software will continue to run during the implementation phase, therefore choosing an ERP with rapid implementation is crucial to ensure a timely ROI.
6. Technical support:
The ERP vendor should provide sufficient technical support, such as training, troubleshooting, and upgrades. Consider the level of support offered by the vendor and ensure that it meets the SME’s requirements. In addition, consider the availability of online resources, such as user forums, that can help with troubleshooting and support.
How Netsuite Can Help Address These Factors:
Netsuite is a cloud-based ERP system designed specifically for SMEs. It can help address the factors mentioned above by providing:
1. Scalability:
Netsuite is a scalable ERP system that can grow with the SME. It can handle increasing complexity as the business expands, and it can be easily upgraded as the business grows. Netsuite offers a clear path to enablement and feature adoptions so that business can add on the functionality when they are required.
2. Customization:
Netsuite is a customizable ERP system that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the SME. It supports industry-specific requirements and unique business processes, so that it can support the SME’s goals and objectives. The fact that it is a full cloud solutions with constant updates, and yet provide business the platform to customized the solutions is astounding.
This assurance provides business with access to the latest features and technological enhancement, at the same time keeping the business critical customization without interruptions.
3. Integration:
Netsuite integrates with other systems and software used by the SME, such as CRM and accounting software. It helps avoid duplication of effort and ensures seamless operation, so that data can be shared across the organization. With its API, business can connect any mission critical application or system and captured the data directly into Netsuite.
4. User-friendliness:
Netsuite has a user-friendly interface that makes it simple for employees to access and use. It is intuitive and easy to navigate, so that it can be quickly adopted by employees, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness.
5. Cost:
Netsuite is cost-effective and fits within the budget of the SME. It offers a flexible pricing model that can be tailored to the specific requirements of the SME, so that the SME only pays for what it needs. The ROI of Netsuite is high, and the benefits of the system justify the cost. We normally recommend adoption of Netsuite leading practices, which cut down the implementations timeline as opposed to traditional ERP implementation cycle.
With the implementation stairways, business is able to go live in stages, thus enjoying the ROI of the system way sooner than it is possible using traditional implementation approach.
6. Technical support:
Netsuite provides comprehensive technical support, including training, troubleshooting, and upgrades. The vendor provides sufficient support, so that the SME can get the help it needs when it needs it. In addition, Netsuite has a strong online community that provides support and resources, such as user forums, to help with troubleshooting and support.
Netsuite also offer amazing LCS course where user can attend Netsuite training at their own time.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right ERP system for an SME can be challenging, but it is essential to ensure that the business can manage its core operations effectively. Netsuite is a suitable ERP system for SMEs as it addresses the key factors that SMEs need to consider, including scalability, customization, integration, user-friendliness, cost, and technical support. With its flexible pricing model, comprehensive support, and user-friendly interface, Netsuite is an excellent choice for SMEs looking to improve their operations and achieve their goals.
About the author:
Meet Kuan Boon Lim (林观文), the Netsuite Proselytizer wanabee! who is dedicated to spreading the good word about seamless business management and NetSuite to all who will listen. With years of experience in ERP pre-sales, implementation, he is fully equipped to help businesses of all sizes take their operations to the next level.
He is currently the GM of Pre-sales for BlackOak Consulting Sdn Bhd.