[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]Germany may have won the World Cup last time, but that doesn’t mean they can just rest on their laurels and expect to win this year, too. Continuous hard work, training, skill-building and practice are the only way to stay on top of the game.

The same holds true for your ERP system.

Getting one to work for your business may be your first win, but there are things you need to do – and your solution provider must do – in order to stay in the lead and make your ERP a viable solution for the long term.

There are three areas you need to focus on with your solution provider in order to keep moving forward – whether you are upgrading your current system, shopping for a new system, or implementing a new addon.

Play by the Rules

Nobody likes watching a team not playing by the rules and the same holds true for your ERP system.

• Is your current ERP software continually updating their functionality?
• Are they building addons that fit your industry and meet your regulatory concerns?
• Does the ERP have a good reputation but a lot of functionality you can’t use?

Not all systems are for everyone. Paying attention to what ERP systems other successful companies in your industry are using can be helpful.

Systems that may look good on the outside may not include all the processes, workflows and data structure you need in order to stay compliant in your industry and within your business rules.

Ask specific questions related to your unique needs, enquire about references and make sure you don’t get stuck with a shiny new ERP that doesn’t fit with your business needs.

Build the Right Team

Having the best team, management and resources will mean you have better chance at winning the World Cup. Having the right people and systems will help you win in business.

As your business grows, so too will your investments in infrastructure and technology.

Maybe you have a legacy, in-house system to handle your enterprise management but it is not fit for your growth. Or maybe you think a cloud-based system fits your growing business best.

Whatever your business goals are for the next 3-5 years, plan ahead and ensure you have the proper solution provider, modules and products in place to support the full potential during each phase of your growth. Take the time to identify emerging technologies – AI, IoT – to give you even more flexibility.

Keep Your Eye on the Goal

Just because your team wins the first few games doesn’t mean they will win the World Cup. Just because you had a good implementation doesn’t mean you business stops progressing.  Keep putting in and it will give you more out.

A good ERP implementation will have the ultimate goal of helping optimise your business processes for a solid ROI.

A good solution partner will work with you to identify operational inefficiencies and help you get on the right path with industry best practices and ongoing training and support. Any successful relationship relies on open communication. Look for a partner who proactively offers solutions or workarounds to your issues and who doesn’t close the door when the implementation is complete.

The implementation of an ERP system is really only the first step to optimising your business processes. With the right training and focus, your business can realise benefits like streamlined operations, improved communications and more efficient workflows that free up your staff to identify and take advantage of new opportunities.

Don’t let your software rest and become a “has-been.” With the right focus and commitment to success, you too will be at the top of your game, for a long time to come.

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