7 Reasons Why Systems Integrators NEED an ERP System

Why would a systems integrator need an ERP system? You’ve got enough on your plate without going through the trouble of finding and implementing a new system in your business. Even in these challenging times (cough supply chain cough), the business is moving along, seeing some growth, still getting orders, turning a profit, and generally getting by ok. So why rock the boat and spend time and money on a new system?

There’s no doubt that ERP systems bring multiple benefits to businesses, especially complex integration companies. While some companies resist the idea of needing an ERP system, citing cost, being too busy, or managing with spreadsheets as justification, most progressive and ambitious businesses are recognizing the opportunities an ERP system can provide them.

Not convinced?

Here are the top 7 reasons our partners gave us as to why they need an ERP system:

  1. We want to increase our efficiency

No company wants to be carrying unnecessary stock when they can avoid it. An ERP system enables you to know exactly what stock you need for each job and when you need it.

ERP software also allows you to automate many of your processes so efficiencies can be created across the entire quote-to-cash process. This means less duplication, better scheduling of resources, reduced downtime, and accurate KPIs.

  1. Our existing systems don’t do the job

Plenty of companies struggle with a legacy system that may once have done the job but is now inadequate to do the job of the modern ERP system. Eventually, you’ll find that this is no longer sustainable, whether through a lack of vendor support, a knowledge gap created when champion users leave, or just a lack of functionality stopping you from getting any meaningful information.

  1. We’ve got too many spreadsheets

The spreadsheet might once have been a fantastic resource to store your data and even provide some basic analysis of that data, but it’s long been surpassed by the ERP system. Multiple spreadsheets in companies are still a common occurrence but as your company has grown, you’ve probably got too much information to be handled by your existing spreadsheets alone. Do you want to add yet another spreadsheet to your mix?

An ERP system replaces spreadsheets while bringing together all your data and giving you real-time answers.

  1. We need better functionality

Our projects require accurate traceability. Working in supply chains for major sectors like education, corporate and healthcare allows no room for errors or delays. If you want to bid on – and win – contracts in these sectors, you’ll need a system in place that can provide full traceability, manage your stock levels, schedule your installers/technicians, and manage plenty of other functions.

  1. We want to minimize errors

An ERP system offers you the opportunity to reduce human error significantly. When departments use their own standalone systems, incorrect or inconsistent data can be entered into each system. With ERP software, everything comes together so information only needs to be entered once. This information flows through the whole system, with each department accessing the correct original data. And because tasks and activities are also in the one system, it’s simple to check the status of these, so nothing slips through the cracks when your employees are on holiday or off sick.

  1. It’s time to consolidate our data and get real-time info

You may be using a range of spreadsheets or have multiple ‘best of breed’ systems but do they fully integrate with each other to give you a full picture of what’s happening in your business? Without having all your data in one place, it’s difficult to make big decisions about what needs to be done.

An ERP system usually includes a dashboard that displays your KPIs and flags any exceptions. The beauty of having your data in one system is that all the information about an order is in one place – from the initial inquiry right through to the invoicing giving you easy access to every job.

  1. We want to increase the value of our company and grow

It’s hard to increase the value of your company when you’re relying on outdated systems and spreadsheets. Owners looking for an exit strategy from their business can create greater order and control by bringing in an ERP system to reduce inventory, streamline processes, and speed up the flow of jobs through the company, resulting in an improved bottom line. Greater efficiency allows you to become more competitive and offers solid growth prospects.

How many of these reasons resonate with you?

If you’re interested in learning more about ERP systems for system integrators, then drop us an email or visit our website for more information. You can also arrange a free demo with us to see Solution360’s ERP in action.

By Tim Archambeault

[email protected] – www.solutions360.com

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