Is your ERP system running efficiently? Maybe you don’t even know how your system is performing?
At times, it can be challenging to recognise the signs that your ERP system has problems due to its size and complexity.
More often than not, the solution to your ERP’s problems is a system upgrade, which can bring a number of benefits to your system and business in general.
The key is to detect your system needs upgrading early, helping to ensure your ERP system isn’t left lagging behind and starting to have a negative impact on your business.
With this in mind, here are some key signs that it may be time for you upgrade your ERP system.
Lack of support or updates
It is common procedure for ERP software vendors to increase maintenance fees or withdraw support and/or updates if you are on an old version of their system.
This can lead to you being in a perilous position, with you having no access to key system updates that may provide you with the functionality you need to meet new legislation, and having no support to fall back on when you need it.
Eventually, one of these scenarios will arise, leaving you rushing around to find a solution, one which will often prove costly. It is nearly always more cost-effective to upgrade beforehand, meaning you avoid costly predicaments such as this and are able to take advantage of the other numerous benefits that come from upgrading your ERP system.
Data management is growing in complexity
Generally, ERP systems are designed to help you manage, organise and analyse your data.
But if your ERP system is outdated and your data is hard to access, it’s probably not making decisions any easier.
Another common issue is the silos of data outdated ERP solutions tend to create, which increases complexity and even has an impact on the reliability, quality and accessibility of business-critical data.
You don’t want your data locked up in a system not fit for purpose. If data management is becoming problematic, it may be time to consider an upgrade.
No mobile or remote access
Long gone are the days when businesses needed to be run entirely from an office.
Remote workers are becoming increasingly common, and companies are benefiting from being able to draw from a larger global talent pool.
With the help of video calls, smartphones and other technologies, it’s become easier than ever to work from home and just about anywhere across the globe. Today’s businesses are very much “on the go”.
But if you can’t access your ERP data remotely, it’s a good sign it’s too outdated to be effective. If it doesn’t have mobile apps, doubly so.
If you can’t access aspects of your system when and where you need it, it’s a good time to consider an upgrade.
