When many companies consider ERP software solution, they only think about the prices and labour that go into implementation and maintenance. However, this consideration is short-sighted. The cause why ERP has to turn into a must for manufacturing and distribution companies is the software program’s potential for bringing in a considerable return in your investment. The financial savings that end result from process automation and real-time knowledge vastly outweigh the costs.

But that doesn’t imply that each enterprise sees ROI from their software implementation. Your new ERP turns into a cash pit when you don’t adhere to the finest practices. In our dedication to serving corporations get probably the most bang for his or their buck, we’ve put collectively this how-to information for maximizing your ROI of ERP implementation.

Business Process Optimization  

In many instances, we have gone over the significance of aligning the software to your business processes, but some project groups take this recommendation too far. Our consultants never advocate aligning software to poor enterprise processes. That’s why one of the many earliest steps of your ERP implementation is to endure business process modelling. Through this activity, you model your present (or “as-is”) workflows, detecting pain factors and gaps. Then, you map what you need your future (or “to-be”) operations to seem like when you have implemented the software.

By mapping these new and improved processes to your ERP system, you are setting your enterprise as much as turn into more streamlined and efficient. Sticking along with your present workflows limits your ROI by sustaining present ache factors. Teaming up with an enterprise course of modelling knowledge can assist you to uncover points to make your ERP an efficient platform for optimizing enterprise efficiency.

End-User Training 

The worth of your software program doesn’t simply come from particular modules and performance. All the options on the planet imply nothing for your enterprise in the event that they aren’t getting used. Therefore, finish-consumer training serves an important role in maximizing ROI of erp implementation. 

Training won’t look the same for each worker in your enterprise. While some departments might want to study particular features of a specific module, energy customers require an extensive understanding of the complete platform. Make positive users are getting role-based instruction so they know the way to utilize important features without losing time on studying different tasks. You additionally need at least a few of the training to happen at work, so users have a chance to obtain hands-on instruction and you may monitor the progress of people. Your enterprise is way nearer to attaining ROI when users have a strong grasp of the new ERP instance.  

Continuous Improvement 

Your ERP journey doesn’t finish on the go-live date. Software ought to drive worth for our enterprise lengthy after the preliminary implementation. Companies should pursue continuous improvement and provide ongoing assistance for their system so as to generate ROI of ERP implementation for years to return. Some of the keys to producing long-term return on investment are:

  • Hosting ERP within the Cloud: Data safety and updates can eat up lots of your IT workforce’s time, but when ERP is within the cloud, your supplier takes care of this tedious work. Cloud providers comply with modern best practices for data safety, protecting your sensitive data from critical threats. Plus, computerized updates give customers further options and patches to improve the system’s efficiency. Cloud ERP simplifies software enhancements and maintenance. 
  • Upgrading Your System: Software upgrades are nobody’s favourite activities, but refusing to improve your ERP periodically will ultimately come back to bite you. Upgrades provide extra expansive enhancements and fixes than updates, making them extra substantial initiatives. But with out executing them, your system will ultimately decelerate your processes and create errors. Upgrades are a must for shielding your investment from these important risks.
  • Optimizing Your Solution: Over time, your ERP needs will possibly change. Some workflows may be readjusted. Perhaps additional software is important to carry out sure duties. Track KPIs to remain on high of any efficiency lapses. With this approach, you will know where you are falling quick and may pursue additional solutions, equivalent to customizations, integrations and new modules.  

Vendor Selection 

While all these best practices are important for maximizing ROI, your efforts can only take you to this point if you are utilizing the improper system. A solution that lacks important modules on your business won’t optimize enterprise processes. An ERP instance with a poor interface will stunt consumer adoption. Rigid, unreliable techniques lack the scalability and assist to drive steady enhancements. 

Support for particular enterprise wants, usability and scalability are all important concerns all through ERP selection. Once you have narrowed your potential vendor record to respected suppliers specializing in your industry, it is best to learn critiques, analyse vendor comparisons and ultimately schedule on-site demos to judge ERP performance. Taking a radical strategy will allow you to discover the precise vendor to set the inspiration for profitable implementation.

Remember all through the method that the secret is to generate ROI. The cheaper alternative is likely to be tempting, but will it provide help and high-level efficiency to drive worth for years to return? If the reply isn’t “yes,” cross that supplier off your record. 

Wrap Up  

The objective of ERP is to add worth to your enterprise, however, this worth only comes while you comply with the finest practices and choose one of the best solutions. For manufacturing and distributors, no ERP is healthier at maximizing ROI than Odoo. Odoo grows along with your firm and stays forward with business tendencies to drive future enterprise success. A significant ERP vendor for over 45 years, you may rely on Odoo to generate ROI no matter how your enterprise develops.

A certified Odoo partner, Apagen is aware of the way to enhance the worth of your software. With a wide range of solutions and providers, our consultants work with your enterprise from beginning to end to make your ERP the best match for your distinctive needs.

Author's Bio: 

A business solution centric Odoo Consultant and IT professional with about 11+ years of experience spanning Odoo delivery, Sales, pre-sales, Odoo product development, Odoo business consulting, outsourcing & ADM services in leadership positions.

• Has headed Practices for Enterprise Solutions ( SAP, Baan & Odoo )

• Experience across domains likeSales and Marketing, Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail, Chemical, Automotive maped to Odoo

• Extensive experience in large program delivery & business process transformation consulting (Odoo Consultant) for multiple programs

• Demonstrated experience in designing new product & service offerings and executing global Go-To-Market strategies for new offerings for new market penetration

• Proven leadership skills with balanced focus on people, processes & technology

• Pioneered the use of ERP systems in various Processing Industry

• Worked as Process Heads of Marketing, Sales, Purchase, HR, ERP Project deliveries and also worked as Business Heads for many companies like IBM, JKT, Denave India, FCS and presently at Apagen