ERP is widely seen as an integrated business solution capable of tackling a range or challenges and issues. However, ERP is rarely considered a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, both ERP providers and long-term users would warn against relying on an out-of-the-box solution.
Since ERP is intended to resolve complex problems, it must rely on sophisticated tools and capabilities. And since the specific wants, needs, and requirements of every business are a little different, no existing solution is perfectly suited.
ERP Salesforce has become a leading solution because the Salesforce platform offers so much potential for customization. With the aid of the right ERP provider and partner, new adopters can implement a solution that perfectly reflects their desires and demands. That way it returns maximum value and utility starting on day one.
The challenge is identifying exactly what your needs are and then adapting them to a customization strategy. Here are some tips to help you get the formula just right:
Find the Right ERP
The importance of this cannot be overstated. Your ability of customize is defined by the product and provider. And some are not exactly eager or able to help you carefully calibrate a solution. The first step is to look for an ERP product that is well suited to your needs. After that, look for a provider that is willing to provide you with exceptional support, assistance, and flexibility. Don’t hesitate to make this a major feature of your demo and ongoing negotiations. A good provider will warn you away from an ill-advised customization effort but support you fully otherwise.
Identify Your Priorities
There are limits to your customization options no matter which ERP you choose. Choosing what is important to you helps focus time and investment in the right areas. And when it’s prohibitive to consider customization, you still have the option to adapt your workflows to the basic functionality of the ERP – head to somewhere like https://sytecg.com/ if you still need help prioritizing your processes.
Invest in Training and Education
Returning to the previous point, there are limits to customization. It is likely that users will have to change a least a few aspects of their daily routines and workflows, and that can invite pushback. Get in front of the issues by prioritizing training, education, and ongoing support for users throughout the ranks. Adjusting to new tech tools is much easier when you give users the means to succeed.
Consider Configuration at All Points
Customization creates both risks and rewards. Trying to adapt the course code of an ERP is not small tasks, and the potential for error, oversight, and malfunction is real. It is important to work with the ERP vendor to investigate whether the solution can be configured rather than customized. Working within the boundaries of the solution may not get you the perfect functionality you want, but it does streamline the implementation process.
Make Compromises
It’s understandable to want an ERP solution to resolve every issue for every user. But there is no such thing as the “perfect ERP”. The best ones address widespread issues and systemic problems, but they are not a magic bullet. Accepting this fact and then focusing your efforts accordingly leads to an ERP that is powerful if not immediately popular.
Staying competitive is not getting easier. If you currently have no ERP or an ineffective ERP it is natural to want to rush through implementation. But the time spent evaluating and then customizing an ERP tends to pay dividends over the long term. Rather than leaping at the cheapest or flashiest solution, take the time to engineer the best solution.
