ERP systems have proven themselves to be useful in almost any industry. They are so useful, in fact, that they are beginning to be viewed as a cure-all. What you must remember, though, is that while ERP systems are definitely amazing tools, it is important to remember that they are just that – tools. Like all tools, there is a right way and a wrong way to use them, and you can’t use an ERP system correctly without getting some knowledge beforehand. Once you’ve decided to use an ERP system, you need to dig into what’s working and what’s not working within your current system setup. Otherwise, you will choose the wrong ERP software and fail to improve your business processes.
Evaluating your own business processes can be hard. It’s really difficult to be objective when you have a stake in the outcome, if you have a hand in what’s been happening, and/or when you know what something is supposed to look like. That’s why many companies choose to use the services of a business process advisor. Choosing a business process advisor who knows your industry and knows the common challenges and paint points within that industry will make your evaluation more thorough and useful. The business process advisor will take on an analytical role, assessing the resources and results involved with your business processes.
You may already have a process manager in your employ. This is the person who, on a day to day basis, makes sure your resources are efficiently allocated and used. Although some process managers step into a process advisor’s role for this project, it often makes more sense for the employment of an outsider. This is because, as we said, the process manager will have a hard time being objective – and because it will double their workload, which makes them more prone to mistakes.
Look at your business as a complex creature with many interacting systems. Even if your company manufactures only a single product or provides a single service, there are still multiple business processes that make it run. A successfully implemented ERP system should make your business processes more efficient and easier to carry out, but only if you spend time evaluating them beforehand to make an appropriate ERP software choice.
From business process analysis to continuing support for ERP solutions, Oates & Company is dedicated to helping you improve your processes and run more efficiently. Contact us today for more information.
