Are you Ready for ERP?
Companies often turn to technology to solve their business problems.
“If we only had a Cloud ERP our problems would be solved!”
Although Cloud ERP is a great enabler for many businesses, it is only a tool which needs to be driven by the future ERP vision and designed for success. With a clear vision and high level design, your selection and implementation of a new business management platform is destined for exceeding business objectives.
Technology is NOT a Solution
Technology is a tool. One of the primary reasons companies change systems is technological obsolescence. However, technology is just one of the components of a successful business. A burning platform forces companies to change. Unfortunately, too many companies start searching for systems without taking a step back and understanding their why.
Corporate Vision statements explain their “Why” and Mission statements describe “How” to achieve that vision. To successfully meet business objectives you need more than statements on a wall. Translating those statements into a comprehensive business strategy enable selecting the best business management platform to support your vision and mission.
Companies race to the cloud for digital transformation. Software companies and their representatives extol the virtues of moving to their cloud platform. When you start your future ERP design centered on a software, you are performing packaged based re-engineering. Your digital transformation is then shaped by the features, functions and benefits of that software and its “way of thinking.” Don’t misunderstand, you should conform to the design concepts inherit in whatever package you choose. However, choosing a package before obtaining a deep understanding of your internal goals and objectives is putting the cart before the horse!.
3 Prerequisites for Successful Transformation
The Enterprisers Project defines Digital Transformation as “the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers.” With a customer centric mindset, we help companies through a process that clarifies the goals and objectives for transformation and identifies the components required for success.
- Future Vision – High level objectives and a clear definition of those system objectives
- Automation Design – Most digital transformation is paid for by automating repetitive tasks, eliminating re-entry of data and applying AI where practical.
- System Evaluation – Identify whether your current platform can meet future ERP requirements, or if a new platform is required.
Future Visioning
Steven Covey taught us to “begin with the end in mind.” Our executives help you visualize what your future systems might look like if you could wave a magic wand. Even better we have helped hundreds of companies achieve those visions. With a clear vision, you can select the best CloudERP platform for your business.
Automation Design
Cloud ERP is an enabler for increasing the efficiency of your business management systems. Leverage modern cloud technology to integrate your systems with customers, suppliers and web services. Which parts of your business could be streamlined with integration, automation or artificial intelligence?
Systems Evaluation
Evaluate new technology based upon your corporate goals, objectives, and desired outcomes. Review cloud ERP based upon your business processes with real life scenarios. Judge potential platforms on your value system.
Independence and Experience
Small and mid-size companies rarely have internal experience for designing a business management platform. Unfortunately too many companies view switching ERP as a technology decision rather than a business decision. Then the company starts with an evaluation of software.
Vendors who offer system evaluation services based upon the products they sell presents a different challenge. Software partners often have competing priorities based on sales quotas or incentives. Additionally, staff availability or experience can influence recommendations.
Independent advisors do not make money from the sale of a particular software product. While independent advisors have biases based upon experience, these professionals facilitate your selection process with only your objectives as the goal.
At I-BN, we have an extensive network of CEOs, CFOs, CPAs, software executives and consultants that are engaged to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our only goal is your success. To find out more schedule time on my calendar or complete our Digital Transformation Request or Systems Evaluation form to be matched with an I-BN executive for your free consultation