4 things you learn during an ERP upgrade

You have an ERP system that works well for your organization, but the new version of this system has much more to offer: time for an upgrade! In addition to a modern ERP package, an upgrade will offer you even more benefits. It is an extremely insightful project for your organization. You are held up a mirror, which means you will get to know the organization, the processes and the people. These are 4 things you learn in an ERP upgrade:

1. How business processes can be better streamlined

With an ERP upgrade you will look critically at the business processes and how they are set up. You will soon find out that as an organization you can improve a lot:

  • Processes are not or not entirely documented, or there is actually no process;
  • Processes can be more efficient, for example there are steps you can skip or steps that can be automated;
  • Processes are no longer up to date, they no longer fit the current organization.

The ERP upgrade is therefore an opportunity to streamline the business processes. Together with the specialists in your company and the ERP partner, you will map and optimize all processes to be ready for the future.

2. What the qualities of your employees are

An ERP upgrade is not just pressing a button to install an update. As an organization that undergoes an ERP upgrade, you play the leading role yourself. Your people are asked to think critically about business processes, to learn new processes and software, to carefully test and document and to share knowledge internally. Not everyone has the qualities to do this and an ERP upgrade makes that very clear. That experienced, knowledgeable employee of yours can suddenly fail, while that quiet junior employee shows qualities you did not know about.

3. To what extent the ERP software still fits the organization

Since the previous ERP project, your organization has undoubtedly changed considerably. And the same with technology and legislation. This means that the ERP software no longer fits your organization to some extent. Certain setups and customizations that you have chosen for in the past may no longer be necessary now. Therefore look together with the ERP partner at sticking to the standard ERP application and the best practice per process. Staying close to the standard is more beneficial than developing comprehensive customer-specific applications.

4. What new possibilities the new version offers

A new version of the ERP system brings new possibilities. Because of developments in technology, in automation and in features. Especially when you work with a very outdated version, the difference can be huge. New possibilities, processes that run faster and better, work easily and more pleasantly. You can expect that progress from a modern ERP system. But beware: it offers new opportunities, but also requires adaptability. Make sure everyone is willing to take the time to learn how to work with the new system and to accept that processes differ from what they are used to.

Teun Arts is Service Manager at Dysel and it is his job to ensure that customers make optimal use of the software, now and in the future.