In the world of ERP software, developments follow each other at lightning speed. A strong ERP system that supports your company in all departments helps you realize your ambitions. These are the 4 main challenges for 2022 to gain a competitive advantage with your ERP system:
1. Have a standard system that feels tailor-made to you
Nowadays, there are only a few organizations that work with a self-written ERP system or with lots of customizations in their ERP system. After all, the disadvantages are enormous; it is expensive, complicated and not future proof. A standard system with little or no customizations in which people conform to the prescribed processes and working methods is much more common. But does that standard system suit your organization well enough? A nice goal for 2022 is to use a standard ERP system that feels like it fits your organization perfectly. That means working with a successful, popular software solution that is specialized in your industry, but gives you the ability to customize the system through settings and flexibility in options.
2. Treat ERP as an integrated part of the IT infrastructure
ERP is no longer a standalone application. It is increasingly connected with other systems and solutions within the organization. Think, for instance, of Microsoft Office, interfaces with suppliers and partners, a mobile application, the payroll administration, etc. It is becoming increasingly important not to treat ERP as a separate component, but as an integrated part of the IT landscape. A project to replace the ERP system should only exist as part of a long-term vision on the complete IT infrastructure. That could be a transition to the cloud or a digital transformation project or entering a new market. Think carefully about how ERP fits into the overall picture.
"New applications can be clicked on Business Central like Lego blocks, so to speak."
3. Make it even easier to add external applications
An app for expense management, an external planning tool or a handy scanning solution; every day you can come across new applications that make certain tasks easier, more pleasant and/or faster. You don't want to be held back by technological problems or limitations. For example, because it is complicated, expensive or even impossible to let the external application communicate with your ERP system. With an up-to-date ERP system based on modern technology, you don't have to worry about this. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is an example of this. New applications can be clicked on Business Central like Lego blocks, so to speak. In terms of technology, they connect seamlessly to the ERP system and you can immediately benefit from the applications.
4. Turn upgrading into a non-event
Many project managers go crazy when they only think about upgrading an ERP system. Mapping out processes, redesigning customizations, change management, the right setups, data conversion, testing, documentation, etc. With a modern cloud solution, you are freed from this once and for all. No more complex, expensive and time-consuming project to upgrade every few years, but a small update every few months or even a few weeks that runs automatically and which you hardly notice. Set yourself the goal of making ERP upgrades a non-event in 2022.
These challenges are mainly technological in nature. However, don't lose sight of the most important thing, namely the business! Because ERP software is intended to optimally organize and automate your business processes so that you achieve the objectives of the organizations and perform optimally now and in the future.
