5 reasons your small business needs ERP

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions include all the tools your business needs to operate from a single, integrated solution. Powerful systems such as SAP Business One offer the possibility to manage everything from accounts and finances, suppliers, customers and inventory from a centralised database.

Working with manual systems or legacy software within a small businesses will restrict growth, hinder innovation and impact standards of customer satisfaction. Companies that are using out-dated methods are being left behind by forward-thinking competitors.

ERP solutions can be a key driver in a company’s digital transformation project. Users can enjoy the flexibility and freedom of the cloud, whilst key stakeholders can make more strategic decisions by working with real-time, accurate data.

Here’s our top five reasons why your small business needs an ERP solution:

1. Duplication

Tired of keying in data into multiple systems or repeating the same process over-and-over again? When you work without centralised control of operations you’re always going to be duplicating efforts. If your team is wasting time on repetitive tasks it’s time to integrate and automate. ERP solutions are proven to instantly boost levels of productivity and efficiency.

2. Planning

How long does it take for important reports to be generated in your company? If you have to extract data from disparate systems and then try and patch it all together in Excel, it’s further time wasted in your business. Planning is one of the basic elements in any type of company. But if you’re taking days or even weeks to make a decision, opportunities will often pass you by. An ERP solution helps to identify trends and provides instant and accurate insight into levels of cash, raw materials, goods or labour. Finally, you can stop making decisions in the dark.

3. Human error

Are badly managed spreadsheets or issues around data duplication impacting your reports? Typically, the easier and faster it is to manage data, the simpler and better it is. When you work with an ERP solution you have a ‘single source of the truth’ with data stored on a centralised database. Not only is data management simplified, but it dramatically reduces the likeliness of human error with so many processes automated and digitalised.

4. Communication

Tired of your departments each working from different systems? If you’re looking to improve collaboration and productivity then you need to turn to ERP. Simplify your IT landscape and bring your team closer together by working on a single, integrated system. The sooner you improve internal collaborations and communication within your business, the quicker you’ll be able to make smarter, more informed decisions.

5. Connectivity

The days of being chained to your desk are long gone. So to is the traditional 9-5 hours. Employees now expect to have access to information from multiple devices at their fingertips. With ERP, you can access, track and manage your business in real-time, regardless of time or location. In SAP Business One for example, users can access their solution via desktop, mobile, tablet and also via the new web client. It’s fast, convenient and easy to stay connected to your business.

Find out more about ERP

Business management software generates value, reduces costs and helps to increase profits. There are market-leading ERP solutions that are designed, developed and priced specifically for growing SMEs. Looking for help selecting your next system? Download SEIDOR’s exclusive ERP Requirements Checklist today or call one of our experts on 01932 212 777.