With the advent of digitalization and constant enhancements in technology, business needs are changing rapidly. While these changes are creating new opportunities and bringing some industries to the forefront, they are also posing challenges to the existing businesses. To survive the intense competition, businesses must rely on efficient ERP systems and standards. ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning and signifies software and systems that are used to plan and manage all the core business processes of an organization. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is one of the most prominent ERP software implemented across various industries. It is also used for automating processes across businesses such as accounting and procurement, customer relationship management, risk management, and supply chain operations to name a few.
However, as helpful as ERP systems are, it is not uncommon for businesses to start seeing a spike in issues even with an established ERP software in place. Any good business would take this as a cue to evaluate their processes and determine if their ERP needs an upgrade. To figure out if your ERP software needs an update, here are a few major signs to look for:
Lack of Integration
Any older ERP system that lacks the required architecture and struggles to integrate with newer cloud-based solutions will ultimately need to be upgraded. If you witness your IT department struggling to keep up with integrations by creating constant updates and patches to legacy systems, then it is time to move on. Using add-on solutions to get by with an older ERP software will eventually create greater problems and cost more in the long run.
Increase in Business Inefficiencies and Low Productivity
Are you noticing your employees wasting too much time trying to create workarounds to meet their needs? Are you seeing a loss of efficient processes or too many resources going into maintenance mode? All these signs are a clear-cut indication to bring your ERP system up to date.
You Have Not Embraced the Cloud
If you are still hosting an on-prem ERP software, then it is time to consider other options. According to Benchmarking the Accounting & Finance Function report from Robert Half and Financial Executives Research Foundation (FERF), more and more on-prem ERP systems are transitioning over to the cloud and fewer companies are using them for their financial functioning now. Cloud-based ERP software like Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers several advantages including lower maintenance costs, real-time upgrades to seamless scaling capabilities. They also add an extra layer of security ensuring your highly sensitive data is kept private. A cloud-based ERP software is especially important if you have a mobile workforce. However, for companies that do not feel comfortable with moving everything to the cloud, another option is to use a hybrid cloud approach where the extremely sensitive data can be kept on-prem, while the rest of the components can be accessed over the cloud by authorized users only.
Missing Technical Support
Was your ERP software implemented more than 20 years ago? Most creators of obsolete ERP systems are either retired or no longer available to provide technical support. This causes a huge burden for any business trying to operate without the needed support. If you are stuck with an outdated ERP system or your vendor has already announced the termination of technical support, then it is time to upgrade for sure.
Your Customers are Suffering
If you are noticing downward trends in sales and customer experience due to inaccurate or incomplete data, then it is time to re-think your ERP options. Customers, suppliers, and partners require direct access to billing, shipping, and inventory data which can be difficult to maintain with obsolete ERP software.
Safeguard your business and its reputation from a delayed or unfulfilled order by investing in a modern ERP software like the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. It is time to make that change and Qixas is there to help guide you through the process. Get your free evaluation plan, where we provide you with a plan to get to where you want to be all within your desired time frame and budget.
