How to Choose the Right ERP for Your Business

If you’ve ever bought a car then you know it’s not a process to be taken lightly. It can take months to weigh options and research models. You have to assess your needs, create a budget, research what’s available near you, set aside time for test drives, and then hold your breath as you sign on the dotted line. By the time you drive off the lot, you feel like you’ve been on an odyssey. Picking the right Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for your business is very similar. So let’s hit the road and see which of your options can handle a hard left turn without braking and which ones can’t. 

SAP

With over 200 million subscribers in their cloud user base, SAP is one of the most popular ERP companies. If you’re impressed by big names, SAP might win you over. Amazon, Apple, and BMW all use an SAP ERP. However, SAP prides itself on being used widely by small and midsize businesses as well. So, why do people pick SAP? SAP uses Big Data, Blockchain, Internet of things (IoT) solutions, and more to help provide data analytics that pushes businesses forward. Just make sure your service calls aren’t going to voicemail when you run into implementation problems….

Oracle

Remember, SAP isn’t the only ERP company on the market and Oracle provides stiff competition. Oracle’s financial management is unique and ties in GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) requirements. If you’re worried about those busy days where you need your ERP to work (this describes most days), then Oracle’s Service Level (SLA) might provide some comfort. Their SLA ensures that Oracle is committed to making sure your platform consistently performs well. Oracle might be the car for you but there are still other options to consider.

Epicor Prophet 21 

Epicor’s Prophet 21 (P21) was designed specifically for the distribution industry. The design allows for a better level of fit as it can work under the constraints of both supply chain management and business management. P21 is now also cloud-based, which is necessary for today’s age. Your data should be accessible everywhere. This ERP has a steady enough engine, but if you’re looking for something faster, it will need a new set of tires, or in this case an automated platform.    

Final Tips

There are a lot more ERPs to research and then consider, just as there are hundreds of different types of cars (for a more in-depth ERP deep dive, click here). But finding the right one is easier if you:

1. Identify your specific needs: Know exactly what features are important to you and which are not. If you’re worried more about a slow platform than predictive data analytics, make that known. 
2. Visualize your ideal implementation: ERP implementations are no joke and can take upwards of 6-12 months. If you’re in a time crunch, ERPs with long implementations can be eliminated. 
3. Set a budget: No one wants to break the bank and a business needs a safety net. Make sure you’re picking an ERP with a price tag that doesn’t give you buyer’s remorse. Remember to read maintenance contracts carefully.  

New Tires

Once you’ve got an ERP that drives steady you’ll naturally want to move into the fast lane and start passing your competitors. Unfortunately, most ERPs have a speed limit written into their code. Recurrency is an automated platform for your ERP that streamlines workflows, utilizes AI to make smart business recommendations, and, most importantly, provides a lightning-fast user experience. Recurrency is the high-end, after-market shop that lets you drive the way you imagined your business. There’s no rush: Give us a call when you’re ready for traction.  

Visit our website to learn more.