ERP implementation is a considerable investment. Unfortunately, many things can go wrong even if the project was successful. Changing your ERP—including modern solutions—can be a requirement if your current solution doesn’t suffice.
ERP changes can be intimidating. It requires extensive planning and resources. However, many companies don’t have a choice. Today, you’ll learn what this change can do for you and how to do it.
If you’re considering implementing new software solutions, check out Assetsoft’s professional ERP implementation service. We help you choose between popular integrations, from Yardi, MRI to Facilio and UiPath and more.
Updating vs. upgrading your ERP software
Updates and upgrades are reasonably different when we speak about software. Sometimes, you only need to update your ERP. Unfortunately, that rarely solves the inherent issues within the platform.
In those cases, upgrading the system becomes a necessity. It helps you access a different set of features and possibilities. If you've updated your ERP and still face the same problems, an upgrade is the only solution. Whether you prefer Yardi or MRI, you need to know what ERP is the right choice for you.
What’s the difference?
An update technically modernizes your current platform. It optimizes existing features and adds new ones. Nevertheless, it keeps the core system untouched.
On the other hand, an upgrade overhauls your system. It implements new or better software according to your needs. It enables companies to access additional functionality—often at the expense of existing features.
The problem: Updating isn’t always viable
Updates are outstanding for assessing and solving issues in your current software. Problems arise when these issues are "trivial" or not the root of your complications. Companies often run into obstacles related to their existing ERP culture and focus.
Updating your software doesn’t resolve these qualms if they’re linked to your software’s goal. Additionally, legacy software often reaches a limit in how many updates it can support. Outdated software always calls for changes. Upgrading to newer ERP systems like Yardi or MRI can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Why is changing software crucial today?
Technology is changing. The “ultimate” solution today might be obsolete next year—or sooner. That’s why digital adoption is a vital advantage for many companies.
Unfortunately, that also means that problems show up more often if you’re using outdated software. With ERP, these hurdles multiply noticeably. There’s no shortage of reasons to upgrade your apps.
Cybersecurity
Older software's security measures aren't practical today. Hackers always develop new strategies, and legacy apps are a breeze for them.
Modern apps constantly push updates to thwart their advances, and thankfully, they’re usually effective. That makes upgrading outdated platforms is a primary security requirement.
Compatibility and data
We can’t forget about integrations. Numerous types of software have become standard for any company today. As you grow, you’ll need to add new solutions to your operations.
Why does that matter? You want to integrate your different systems to optimize your operations. Your CRM can connect with your ERP and other methods. Older software is rarely compatible with current solutions.
You also have to consider data conversion between systems. Older software typically doesn't support current formats, which can ruin documents and databases that are crucial for your company.
Efficiency
Old software also wastes significant time. It can hinder your process, especially when your competitors are using state-of-the-art systems.
Modern solutions load faster, process more data, and are more efficient overall. You’d be surprised by how much you can streamline your operations with a software upgrade. Bugs and glitches are also rarer with today’s solutions.
Cost savings
Finally, outdated software is more expensive than upgrading in the long term. Even if the implementation costs are prominent, you can quickly make up for that with increased profits.
We must remember which features have become standard today: workflow management, cloud storage, and—of course—automation. You can save significant figures implementing these functions.
What does this mean for your ERP?
Enterprise resource planning software is usually a company's center. While that's a mistake, according to some experts, it’s still true. The features offered by these solutions often make them the core of your business.
As such, upgrading your ERP is significantly more complicated. Conversely, the benefits you can reap when done effectively are much higher.
What can you achieve with an ERP change?
Operation scaling
As your business grows, you’ll handle more data and run more processes. Legacy ERP solutions often crumble with today’s business standards. Big data is a relatively modern term, and your business might outgrow your current ERP before you expect it.
More functionality
Today's ERP systems work on a different standard than their predecessors. You can leverage more advanced features with modern platforms, and they could give you a significant edge over your competitors.
Many of them are current market requirements. Ignoring them means handicapping your firm.
Regulatory compliance
Finally, compliance is among the fundamental reasons to adopt ERP software. Accounting standards change relatively often, and outdated software doesn’t provide the necessary controls.
Risk management is crucial in any industry, so you can face prominent obstacles if your current ERP doesn’t abide by today’s regulatory standards.
How can you change your ERP successfully?
Changing your ERP essentially repeats the implementation process you’ve already gone through. That doesn’t mean you can copy and paste the same approach. Every solution is unique, and that translates into needing a different methodology.
At its core, changing your ERP means assessing where your current software went wrong and what can solve it. You ought to consider and compare your ERP with other solutions. That often means evaluating which features you can forego to favor the ones you require.
Assemble an expert team
The first step is to gather a knowledgeable team. You must include ERP users and people with software development expertise. During this phase, you should contact an expert advisor and technology implementation service.
Evaluate your needs
After that, take a look at your current software. Ask yourself and your team where it fails and what it doesn’t provide. Doing so will shed light on what you want from your software upgrade.
Research and compare
Every business need is different. What do you want more? What integration services do you need? What are you looking to achieve?
You need an ERP to help you do all that, and more.
Compare multiple options and their focus until you find the best candidate for implementation. We offer Yardi consulting and MRI integration services to help you choose the right ERP.
Talk to our team today to know how we help you find the right ERP for your business.