If you’re wondering whether an ERP is right for your business, you’re probably doing a lot of research about the right system for your needs. But you may also believe some common myths about ERP systems. You may worry about undergoing a long, painful ERP implementation, only to end up with a system that doesn’t provide value to your business. However, when you implement a modern ERP like Acumatica, you’ll avoid these pitfalls. Let’s consider three of the main myths about ERPs and what the reality is behind each of them.
“I Don’t Need an ERP if I Have a CRM”
While ERP and CRM systems do share some similarities, they are very different software solutions. A CRM system manages customer data, stores it in one place, and records all previous customer interactions so that your customer service representatives can have accurate information. Your CRM will also store contact information and opportunity lists.
An ERP, on the other hand, manages data across your entire organization. This includes financial information, project data, inventory, etc. It can automate manufacturing, distribution, and tax processes.
You can gain the most benefit from both of these systems if you integrate them with each other. You’ll gain a complete picture of both your customer and your company data from a single source, allowing you to streamline workflows, respond appropriately to customer inquiries, and use sophisticated reporting tools to make data-driven decisions.
“It’s Too Expensive or Complex for My Company”
When ERPs were first developed, they were used primarily by larger organizations which had extensive budgets and IT departments to manage the new software. However, ERPs have matured quite a bit since then! Now, affordable, cloud-based ERP systems are widely available and well within the price range of small and mid-sized businesses.
Although implementing an ERP may take time and expertise, you’ll end up saving time and money in the long run by connecting the data from all your departments in a single database. Unlike on-premises solutions, cloud ERP software doesn’t require special hardware or a large IT team. The ERP vendor will take care of upkeep and maintenance, giving your company the benefits of a powerful solution without bogging you down in technical details.
“My Tech Stack Will Get Out of Control”
While some businesses decide to acquire multiple expensive software solutions to create highly customized tech stacks, most businesses can rely on an ERP to centralize their data and automate important processes. Today’s cloud-based ERPs are designed to provide great functionality right away. However, you’ll probably still want to customize the system with various add-ons or modules. Before you choose an ERP or an ERP vendor, carefully compare software and companies to determine the best fit. Once you choose an ERP vendor and support team, they will make recommendations about which modules or add-ons would most benefit your business. In addition, the more you can integrate your ERP with the rest of your tech stack, the better.
Now What?
Now that we’ve covered why these three ERP myths aren’t a good reflection of reality, we hope you’re feeling excited about the opportunities that an ERP can give your business. If you’re in the market for an ERP, check out Acumatica: a modern, cloud-based ERP with endless flexibility and powerful functionality. Our team of experts at ASI can help you implement, customize, and integrate your new ERP with your current systems, saving you time and money. Contact us or schedule a free consultation to get started.