Working with outdated software results in much higher costs in the long run. Ask yourself the following questions to find out if you’re using outdated ERP software.
Does your ERP system still meet your business needs?
That, of course, is the key question: Is your ERP system still doing what it’s supposed to do? An ERP system is a complex piece of software, but its purpose always boils down to the same thing: making your business processes more efficient. If you’re having to devote more and more time, energy, and staff to plug the gaps in your ERP system, then it’s time for a reimplementation.
A good indicator is your use of spreadsheets: Does your company frequently use Excel spreadsheets to exchange information, both internally and with partners? If the answer is ‘yes,’ then it’s time to invest in your ERP. Data transfer must be smooth and happen in real time; otherwise, you’ll waste too much time.
"Time is money" is the biggest cliché in the business world, but every business leader knows it's true.
Is your ERP system to blame for errors?
Another indicator is to look at the mistakes that have been made. Every company makes mistakes from time to time. A late delivery, an incorrect invoice… Is the cause of these errors unclear or incomplete information within your ERP system? Or is it because your employees have to rush to submit data on time? It’s time for a change.
If the needs of your business exceed the capabilities of your ERP system, reimplement it.
Do you adapt your ERP system to your business, or vice versa?
Some companies have been using an ERP system for a while now and have become accustomed to the quirks of what is known as a legacy system. As a result, they have adapted their business processes to the system’s limitations.
A handy temporary solution, but what will it cost your company if you continue to make those adjustments in the long term?
In other words, if your company is at the mercy of your ERP system, something is seriously wrong. So, it’s time to make some changes.
How many edge applications are running?
Many companies fill the gaps in their systems with third-party applications. This is very convenient, especially since custom-built ERPs are very expensive.
But if there are many (in some companies, even hundreds) of peripheral applications running, it's clear that your ERP system needs to be replaced.
Peripheral applications hinder innovation and, on top of that, often need to communicate with one another. That’s quite a feat. Reimplementing your ERP system can incorporate many of those applications into its core system.
If your peripheral applications do more than your core ERP system, reimplement them.
Is your ERP system ready for the future?
It's wise for any business to look a few years ahead. So ask yourself whether your ERP will still be relevant over the next few years.
- Can you handle the transition from self-hosting to cloud hosting? If not, Microsoft Dynamics 365 is the solution.
- Can your sales and marketing teams integrate social media data with the ERP system?
- Can your ERP system handle self-checkout registers and the various online payment systems?
- If these questions are keeping you up at night, talk to an ERP expert. Or calculate your price for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Ready to invest in ERP?
The cost of an ERP solution such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central depend on your organization, processes, and growth plans. With the online cost calculator Gyde 365 You'll quickly get an idea of what Business Central will cost for your situation. No guesswork—just a realistic cost estimate, so you know exactly where you stand before you invest.
