5 Reasons Why You Might Have Ruled out SAP – And Why You Should Reconsider SAP Business ByDesign
It has been 10 years since SAP Business ByDesign was first introduced. This enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution has always and only been offered as software as a service (SaaS). It was born in the cloud and launched in September 2007 with great fanfare. This came at a time when SaaS ERP solutions were still quite rare and just beginning to gain acceptance. Since then it has been deployed in more than 3,600 companies in 109 countries. And yet while customers seem very happy with their choice of solutions, in many ways SAP Business ByDesign just doesn’t seem to get any respect.
We often get the comment: “it would be nice to get SAP but we just couldn’t afford it. I don’t think our business is big enough”.
Most people we talk to about SAP, have a perception that it was “too big” and “too complex” for a business of their size and turnover.
I think the assumption comes from the fact that SAP is a global software giant. Unrivalled by any other software provider and boasting some of the world’s largest companies on their client list, people just to the conclusion that SAP software is just for big business.
Here’s a stat which might surprise you: 85% of SAP’s 350,000 customer base are SMEs.
Many of these customers use the entry level SAP B1 (Business One). Also, SAP’s cloud offering – Business ByDesign – is perfect for midsized businesses.
Here are 5 misconceptions about SAP Business ByDesign and why it’s time to reconsider:
It’s NOT too big
- What does “big” mean exactly in this context?
- Is it the SAP company which is too big?
- Is it the software functionality (more on that below)?
Challenge yourself a bit on a) why you think it is big and b) why you think that matters. It makes sense to use a trusted and well established brand to provision your business software.
It’s a bit like using an Apple iPhone. Most people who have an Apple device only use 20% of the functionality. They will make calls, surf the internet and send messages through a variety of apps. They have probably never used the compass or the spirit level. But just because you only make and take calls, doesn’t mean you are entitled to only use a Nokia 3310.
It’s NOT too expensive
Most people are surprised to hear that SAP Business ByDesign is price comparable with most other mid-market software. The only caveat is that you have to have a minimum of 20 users. Some users are more expensive than others (Enterprise users cost the most) but with the right configuration you can get your 20 users for less than £20k. That rivals the likes of Salesforce and NetSuite.
Unlike other software, with SAP you get access to all the features and functions with SAP Business ByDesign, you don’t need to build up the configuration of the software – just the users. That means there are no sneaky hidden costs for things like multi-company functionality or advanced features. Also, SAP ByD pricing includes free support. If you are going through a software search and select, why not just get a quote? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I’m willing to bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
For more about how much SAP Business ByDesign costs click here.
It has MORE functionality than we need
SAP has baked around 40 pre-built end-to-end business best practices into the software. So, yeah; it has a lot of functionality. But that doesn’t mean you have to use everything! As part of the implementation process we often sit down and go through these processes with you and help you decide what you need and what you don’t.
On top of that SAP ByD is an ERP solution which means it deals with your front and back office functionality – from finance to sales, procurement to warehouse and manufacturing. You can use it regardless of sector. But just because the software can handle businesses more complex than yours, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use it for your simpler business. Besides, isn’t it nice to know that as you grow and your needs develop that you are already using a system which you know will be able to cope?
It takes a long TIME to implement
SAP Business ByDesign is a rapid deployment solution. Time to value is much shorter than other ERP solutions. You can have the basic ERP component (finance + CRM) up and running within 3 months. At a more leisurely pace you can have most of the basic components any business might need within 6 months.
The most aggressive implementation cycles can be between 4-6 weeks with full time dedicated resource. Remember the more complex your business, the more complex the software and therefore the implementation. Make sure your expectations are realistic and reasonable.
The implementations are NOT complex and bound to fail
An implementation is as complex as you chose to make it. There are some pitfalls which businesses often fall into. Trying to replicate your existing system is one of them. Use the excuse of a new software implementation to determine a different way of doing things. You might find that you can simply your processes by quite a large margin.
Going for the “big bang” approach to the implementation can also be fraught with danger. Best to take a phased approach and implement certain elements first. It’s tempting to gorge yourself on the software functionality simply because it has the capability. Identify your must haves, should haves and could haves. Focus on the former first. Leave the latter to phases 2 and 3. Of course, get a trusted partner, preferably one which comes with SAP REX Qualifications and you’ll be on to a winner.
Cofficient Ltd are SAP Business ByDesign resellers and implementation experts. Cofficient have been awarded SAP REX Certification for the Business ByDesign solution, Financial Expertise and Healthcare Expertise. We are also one of the UK’s longest standing SAP ByD partners. Small, but perfectly formed, we are a partner you can trust.
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