Wondering why you should upgrade your ERP system to a newer version? Here are the 7 top reasons why customers decide to upgrade based on a Microsoft Dynamics NAV customer survey of customers worldwide.
1. Better quality systems
Information systems evolve quickly, there is no doubt about that. Software that has been in use for ten or even only five years can already be obsolete. The quality of ERP software continues to grow rapidly, and top quality is what we are all looking for. The better your ERP system is, the better you support your business and the more successful you will be.
2. Better system performance.
Performance is always an issue when it comes to ERP software. That's because performance issues can be complicated. Is a problem caused by the software? Is it a server problem? Is it due to poor connectivity? Over time, with ERP software, performance issues arise more often and cause more problems. Upgrading to a new and modern ERP solution plus auditing the entire IT environment can improve performance.
3. Higher user productivity
Getting people to do more in less time is one of the main reasons for companies to upgrade their ERP system. Less time spent on administrative work, faster insight into critical data or just more enjoyable working with the new software. It all results in employees who are more satisfied and productive which ultimately improves business results.
4. Higher process productivity
ERP software supports business processes. When upgrading your system, take a critical look at your business processes. In fact, most software vendors will begin with a diagnostic phase to analyze the processes and determine how they can be automated by the software. In the new system, you try to streamline your processes and support processes that you previously did manually or had automated with a less efficient system.
5. Better integration into the business
If your organization uses more than 10 different software applications across all departments, you are no exception. Some of these standalone solutions can easily be replaced by a single ERP system. It ultimately leads to more consistency and better collaboration across the company. Sales knows what the rental department is doing, administration knows what's going on in service, etc.
6. Better integration with other software
Better integration between ERP and other software applications can bring great benefits. Think, for example, of integration with a field service solution, a CRM application, a web portal or the systems of your suppliers, customers and partners. It makes daily processes much easier.
7. Lower IT costs
Although upgrading your ERP system is an ??investment, it can also ultimately lower your overall IT costs. This is actually because of the reasons mentioned above. You let go of outdated technology that fails from time to time, performance improves, processes improve, productivity increases and you get one integrated complete solution.
You can easily perform an ROI check for your organization. Calculate for yourself how much you expect to benefit, directly and indirectly, from the new system and compare this with the investment, in money and in commitment of employees.
Philip van Kemenade is a marketer at Dysel and has daily contact with end users of software.
