Many businesses follow a similar technology path as they transition from a small to medium to large business, migrating from "off the shelf" business software platforms, like QuickBooks, to ERP systems that can manage complex business requirements and enable continued growth. With names like Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft, NetSuite and Epicore, ERP systems can provide small and medium businesses functionalities that rival those of Fortune 500 companies. Many ERP systems are available through a SaaS cloud platforms reducing investment cost and decreasing implementation time from months to weeks.
Once a business has purchased and implemented an ERP system, getting the most out of the investment is a universal challenge. The biggest opportunity, post ERP implementation, lies in automating manual processes. Automation has a direct impact on productivity improvement, revenue growth, error reduction and customer satisfaction.
While there are many automation opportunities, here are the first four high ROI areas I suggest clients work on immediately post ERP implementation.
1. EDI – Electronic Data Interchange. This is the universal electronic transaction language for commercial and government business worldwide. An ERP system can speak EDI and transactions that previously utilized snail Mail, email, fax or phone can be transmitted instantly from another EDI capable business without manual intervention.
2. Manual Orders – If you receive orders via email in .pdf format SaaS platforms can translate these orders into an EDI and automate entry into the ERP system eliminating costly manual entry processes and eliminating manual entry errors.
3. Inventory and Product Data – Offering your products or services online is the goal of a growing business. An effective solution is all about the data it’s built to run on. Maintaining inventory, pricing and product data through an automated process is the key to success for any on-line sales and service platform and will exceed customer expectations and generate return customers and a growing revenue stream.
4. Amazon & Third Party Sites and Marketplaces – Companies that utilize Amazon Seller or FBA services and work with customers utilizing third party marketplaces like SciQuest, Ariba, SAP and Coupa quickly realize there are dozens of time consuming and manual processes that can be automated through SaaS solutions or direct ERP configurations. Once transaction can flow through Amazon and third party marketplaces electronically and without manual intervention or updates.
Most importantly don’t try and do all the work yourself. Utilize a third party consultant, user groups, networking opportunities and the SBA to tap into the valuable experience and advice of those that came before you. The right solution may be a bit different for each business but getting it right will help you get the most out of your ERP investment and enable you to meet the goals of your business.
Andrew is the Founder & President of FourFront Consulting. Andrew works with small and medium businesses in the development and execution of business strategies and technology solutions.