What Accounting Modules Will Help You Meet Your Goals?
9. Look for systems that can easily adapt to your business needs.
In order for an ERP software system to meet your business needs, it should mesh with your existing business practices and adapt to technological innovations. Again, ideally you want software that’s simple, intuitive, and closely matched to how you already do business. Be sure the system can:
• Embrace industry-standard technology quickly and easily.
• Customize easily to fit the special needs of your business.
• Scale to the changing size of your business.
10. Make integration a high priority.
Tightly integrating your financial accounting software with your other business management applications can significantly improve your bottom line. Linking all functions internally, and linking to customers,suppliers, and other business partners externally can dramatically reduce lead times and waste throughout the supply chain. You’ll streamline operations and gain a competitive edge by integrating your Web store, retail management, business intelligence, customer relationship management, supply chain, and human resource management applications. When evaluating ERP software systems, check to see how seamlessly they integrate with other systems. Tight integration will save you time, promote greater efficiencies, and add value to your business.
11. Manufacturers/Distributors.
Evaluate automated shipping and distribution systems. Inventory that sits in your warehouse is cash your business could otherwise be using. When considering accounting software, study what options are available to link the system with your warehouse management
system. The proper use of integration will pay your organization huge dividends in the form of reduced inventory cycles, more efficient warehouse operations, less paperwork (including the corresponding reduction in input and other errors) and better order accuracy.
12. Don’t forget about your sales team.
Study after study indicates that customer satisfaction and loyalty are crucial success factors. Customers are the life-blood of any organization. The better you are able to understand and satisfy customers, the more your business will prosper. Closely linked Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software will allow your organization to increase customer satisfaction. Your sales team
will have a much better understanding of customer purchasing habits, both in aggregate and individually. Research which customer management options are available with the ERP software you are considering, and how closely linked they are.
13. Take time to research human resource management systems.
As with any integrated system, take time to research HR management systems. Evaluate it like you would accounting software; don’t just assume it will meet your needs. Look past compensation and benefits to be sure that it meets your company’s specific requirements in other areas such as integration with federal and state agencies, and online filing of reports and documents. Be sure that it really does integrate and synchronize with payroll, eliminating the need for redundant data entry.
14. Be prepared to extend your business to the Web.
Software optimized to leverage future e-business opportunities will deliver a significant strategic advantage. Look for accounting software with strong e-business capabilities, even if e-business functionality is not one of your current requirements. Areas to consider include support for business-to-consumer and business-to-business buying and selling, the ability to empower employees through the intranet and browser-based applications, and the capability to extend systems through mobile, wireless applications. Choosing a software manufacturer dedicated to e-business tools will ensure that your system can grow to match your organization’s evolving strategic goals.
15. Look for integrated Web store systems.
A Web store isn’t really efficient if it doesn’t integrate with your back office. When shopping for Web store creation and management
software, look for one that will eliminate time-consuming manual re-entry of orders received via the Web. It should seamlessly
integrate with your accounting system without costly customization. Web orders and payments must automatically flow through to
your ERP software system. Changes to customer and inventory information in your accounting system should automatically flow through to the Web store. Furthermore, you should be able to process orders in either real-time or batch mode.
Click here for the last blog of this series: Steps for Purchasing an ERP Software System: #2
{{cta(’52a6f94c-7ea9-4a8d-bf2d-9432e3c12709′)}}
