McKinsey summed up one of the biggest problems that has plagued the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation – no clear return on business value. This is not a small problem. The cost of implementing an ERP technology platform can be high and it brings with it complexity and customisation expectations that take time to implement and manage. Companies can’t afford for their ERP investment to fail and yet many do. They don’t deliver thanks to limited infrastructure deployment, poor integration and legacy complexity. Modern ERP systems, correctly implemented, deliver more than what it says on the tin: measurable cost-savings, business process redefinition, faster digital transformation and providing data and analytics essential for the modern enterprise.
The Evolution of ERP Platforms
However, ERP platforms have evolved. Not only are they easier to deploy than in the past, but they can be customised and curated to deliver measurable value, return on investment (ROI) and a competitive edge. For those organisations looking to step forward into a digital-first future with a relevant backend, these are four things that your ERP should deliver. Right now. Today.
1. ROI and measurable cost savings
A trusted and capable ERP technology platform isn’t cheap which can give most companies pause – is the price tag worth the return? In short, yes. Because modern ERP systems will unify disparate systems, help minimise the impact of silos, centralise data and insights, and remove fragmentation. It’s the ultimate puzzler, pulling every piece into a centralised ecosystem that anyone can access, leverage and use. This level of visibility will immediately and consistently identify unexpected cost centres, bottlenecks, system resource overuse and more
2. Redefine business processes
If your ERP is a lift and shift of old problems onto a new framework, then it won’t deliver what you need. In fact, it will just be an expensive way of making the same mistakes. Implementing a new ERP platform should result in you rethinking old business processes, identifying unnecessary systems, and improving overall business productivity. If you approach your new ERP platform with revolution in mind, you will reshape business processes creatively and intuitively.
3. Faster, better, more digital transformation
Your ERP platform should allow you to integrate with new technologies and trends with ease. It should give you the freedom to use third-party platforms, to explore new ways of managing the business, and to refine data gathering and intelligence on an ongoing basis. It has to be a living, breathing architecture that can adapt and evolve on demand. This is critical to ensuring that your business remains disruptive and competitive.
4. Data and analytics
The importance of data cannot be understated. Every day, it proves its worth as a business tool. Without it, a company is floundering in the dark without a torch. With it, you are discovering more about customers, redefining engagement, reshaping services, and exploring new opportunities with intelligent insights at your decision-making fingertips. It is the key to smarter strategies and it is one of the biggest benefits of the digital revolution. Your ERP platform should ensure that you can better source, categorise and analyse the data to further your organisational objectives.
s/4hana: Intelligent SAP ERP System Investment
SAP S/4HANA is a trusted SAP platform that ticks every one of these ERP boxes (and plenty more). And, if you want to make sure you implement it correctly so you fully realise these benefits, work with a trusted SAP Silver Partner that has won several awards – ETZ Global. We will help you get the value you wanted from your SAP ERP system investment.
