Your partner for ERP software must understand software. That makes sense. But what's even more important is that your ERP partner knows the industry in which you operate inside out! Here are three reasons why:
1. You need a level headed interlocutor.
Whether you're on the eve of an ERP implementation, in the middle of it or in need of support; you're in frequent and frequent talks with your ERP partner. And then you want a discussion partner who can talk with you. Now you will also have technical related questions and questions about the software, but also strategic issues and process related topics you would like to discuss together. For example:
- How can the process from quotation to invoicing be best designed?
- What reports and KPIs do I want to have access to?
- How can I increase revenue from my rental fleet?
- What can I do to improve the efficiency of my service department?
Someone who specializes only in software and technology is not going to help you with this. You need an industry expert. Someone who has helped and continues to help many similar organizations. Such a person knows the best practices of the industry and all it takes is half a word from you to advise and support you.
"Choose a proven successful ERP system used by similar companies in your industry and choose a partner with a strong focus on your industry."
2. It's all about supporting your business processes
Too often ERP is considered an IT topic, when it is much more of a business topic. Of course it is a software package, with IT playing an important role in installation, implementation and support. But the real added value of ERP software is in supporting your business processes. And so you need a partner who knows and understands your business processes. A software company that has never helped a company in your industry will have a lot of trouble helping you. Not only will their software package not have the capabilities that your organization needs, they won't understand well enough how your organization works, what challenges you face and what opportunities exist. An industry expert can use their experience and insights to improve and optimally support your business processes. An industry expert also has an ERP package that is fed with all the input and knowledge of years of supporting similar companies. After all, every organization is of course unique, but companies in your industry will also have many of the same problems, challenges and opportunities.
3. You want an ERP system that grows with your business
Suppose you work with a software company to develop from scratch an ERP system perfectly tailored for your company. Apart from the fact that this costs an enormous amount of time and money, it is also unwise to do so with an eye to the future. After all, it is not future-proof. You can develop a system that meets your requirements and needs today, but it must also grow with you. You need an industry expert for that, because:
- Who knows and follows the developments in the industry and responds to them with software development.
- It picks up ideas and knowledge from other companies that improve the software and thus benefit you.
- It benefits from continuing to improve and sharpen your ERP package because it has a larger customer base working with it, not just your organization.
So opt for a proven successful ERP system used by similar companies in your industry and choose a partner with a strong focus on your industry.
