An ERP system can increase revenue, boost productivity, improve coordination, cut costs and give you a competitive edge.
But only if it’s right for you, your industry and your business.
One Google search will throw a seemingly never-ending list of choices at you, likely leaving you with more questions than answers.
So, if this is you and you’re in the metal industry, we’ve outlined the key considerations to have in mind that’ll help whittle down the options.
What is an ERP system?
An ERP system, standing for Enterprise Resource Planning, is a type of software companies use to manage everyday business activities, such as order processing, stock management, project management, accounting, customer relationship management, compliance and reporting.
The core function of an ERP system is to integrate these varying business areas into one space.
So, rather than each team using their own system and spreadsheets for storing information which tend to be isolated from one another, an ERP system is a shared database that different departments use, ensuring consistency across the board.
What are the key considerations when choosing an ERP system?
Outline your current and future needs
An ERP system should provide an end-to-end solution for managing your business. Your system should be packed with the tools you need to address company pain points.
But, in order for it to do that successfully, you need to know exactly what those pain points are. As well as thinking about day-to-day needs, think of your long-term objectives. A quality ERP system will address and optimise both, it will be flexible, customisable and scalable, so in a year’s time you’re not having to go through this whole process again.
Go sector-specific
An ERP system designed specifically for metal processors and stockholders means its functions are built with you in mind.
So, perhaps its traceability, stock control, minimising waste, document management, dynamic pricing or order processing you need incorporated, a good ERP system should enable you to optimise all this and more.
With tailored solutions and a specialist team, what you’re getting is an industry-specific system and support network that makes it faster, simpler and more cost-effective for you to do business.
Which leads us to our next point…
Check the level of ongoing support
With any new system, you’ll not only need initial training on how to use it, but also the opportunity to ask questions, get advice and seek help down the line.
And not the kind of opportunity that leaves you on hold for hours.
It’s all well and good getting a top-quality system that’s recommended, but it’s not much use without any guidance on how to use it, so be sure to check the package of support that’s included.
Ask for recommendations
If you have industry connections, use them.
Ask what ERP systems they use as they’re more likely to be a fit for you being in the same sector.
And as with any big purchase, it’s always worth checking a company’s reviews as this is a key way of gauging a realistic view of a business from the customer standpoint.
Determine the complete cost
The most important point here is to look beyond up-front costs.
When it comes to ERP systems, check the implementation costs, training fees, price of maintenance and ongoing support.
Try before you buy
There’s no better research than first-hand experience of a system.
So, if a company offers the chance to trial the system before committing, grab it with both hands.
Because there’s nothing more frustrating than being sold the dream, only to find out the reality doesn’t match up.
What you want is a reliable, user-friendly, cost-effective ERP system that comes recommended and is designed with the metal industry in mind.
Our Prof.IT software ticks all of these boxes.
It anticipates problems, streamlines processes, optimises services and, ultimately, offers a system that supports you, your team and your company to thrive.
To chat through what our Prof.IT software can offer you, give us a call on 0114 201 2200 or send us an email on info@pcisystems.co.uk to speak to one of our specialists.
