The decision to replace an entry-level accounting package (e.g., QuickBooks, Peachtree) or ERP software can be agonizing. Your current software may be easy to use but it does not provide the internal controls, discipline or automation you need to grow and be competitive in a challenging market. It is often overwhelming to get the ball rolling but don’t let that hold your company back.
The mere mention of change often sends a wave of fear throughout organizations and can leave employees ready to fight a new system and, to the company’s detriment, a more efficient and profitable way of doing business. It is human nature to avoid change especially if the objective is to increase discipline and accountability. For many people, the thought of cleansing and transferring data, learning the new program, testing workflow and all of the time and effort required is what keeps the status quo in place, providing an opportunity for businesses with superior processes to gain a competitive advantage.
If you are reading this, you likely have a system that is so outdated and dysfunctional it causes more work than it saves, and after the acknowledging its limitations, you have started shopping for something better. Are you finding the alternatives all seem the same? How do you make sense of it all and make the right decision for your business?
ERP software packages can be divided into two major groups: customizable and non-customizable. What’s the difference and why does it matter?
Once you have clearly defined your business processes and corresponding software requirements, there is only one good reason for choosing a particular package; because it does the job you need it to. For some companies, non-customizable software (software that allows limited or no changes to its source code) will get the job done. Others may require a customizable package that allows changes to the source code and the ability to modify existing functionality or create entirely new capabilities. If your business model is likely to change as a result of market adaptations or strategic decisions to stay ahead of the curve, investing in adaptable ERP software will save you time and money each time you optimize your strategy for changing market conditions and opportunities.
If your goal is to streamline your current business processes and retain the ability to make changes over time, the safest investment is a customizable ERP solution. Here are three important benefits to keep in mind:
- Scalability. A customizable ERP system fits your business as you grow. For example, your initial project may involve just a few users focused on financial management but growth can easily be accommodated to encompass several hundred users in sales and marketing, supply chain management, manufacturing and more functional areas. A flexible ERP solution can keep pace with the size of your organization and changes to your processes.
- Flexibility. With non-customizable ERP software, you must change your processes to work the way the software does. It is important that a new system can fit the unique processes that give your business a competitive advantage. Customizable software secures your investment by handling your current needs as well as whatever they might be in the future. Your ability to capitalize on market opportunities should not be limited by rigid software.
- Adaptability. Customizable ERP software allows you to respond quickly and efficiently to changes in the market and your business. You can add or modify functionality to your system when the change adds value. Customizable ERP systems are easy to integrate with other software products. Implementing new software is hard work; customizable software with “room in the toes” helps you avoid going through the process multiple times.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV (formerly known as Navision) is a functionally rich ERP solution for manufacturers, distributors and professional service businesses. It embraces the Microsoft technology “stack”, linking familiar products such as Microsoft Office, SQL Server database and SQL Server Reporting Services, and Microsoft Office SharePoint Server.
Microsoft Dynamics NAV connects users, customers and suppliers through Web portals and mobile technology. It is multi-lingual, multi-currency and multi-company and used by over 1,250,000 people at more than 70,000 customers. None of this makes Microsoft Dynamics NAV particularly unique, although the figures are reassuring. The unique value proposition of Microsoft Dynamics NAV is its flexibility and compatibility with other Microsoft technologies.
The answer to the question, “Can the system do…?” is always “Yes” because it is fully customizable. Changes may easily be made by Microsoft Dynamics NAV partners Gilbert & Associates in Seattle and Silverware in Phoenix.
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