Tips for Switching ERP Vendors

The larger the company, the more complex its needs – and this applies to ERP software as well. An ERP solution aimed at small or medium businesses cannot keep up with the needs and requirements of a large organization. This is why it often happens that a company needs to switch to another ERP solution in order to maintain its efficiency. Switching from one vendor to another can be even more difficult than it was to implement the current system in the first place. Here are 5 useful tips to take note of before switching from one ERP provider to another that can help you to make a smooth transition without decreasing the efficiency and productivity of your business:

1. Opt For Cloud-Based Solutions

When it comes to cloud solutions, the cost-effectiveness is what makes them stand out from the rest. If the customer and technical support services provided by your current vendor are unsatisfactory or if your ERP system is not as feature-rich as you would expect it to be, then switching to another vendor is indeed the best options.

However, make sure you do not make this change without trying to upgrade or add new technologies and functionalities to the existing erp for manufacturing, just to see if you can improve it before you change it. Do everything in your power to improve your current ERP solution, because changing vendors will undoubtedly cost you a significant amount of money.

2. Analyze Your Business Needs And Decide On The Best Model

Thoroughly analyze your business needs, as this is the only way to choose the best solution for it. Based on your business profile, you can opt for on-demand offering or for the SaaS solution mentioned above. At the same time, if you want to boost the productivity of your company even more, you can go one mile further and opt for CRM software as well (customer relationship management).

On the other hand, SaaS ERP turns out to be a very popular choice for small and medium companies, given the low costs associated with operating the systems, the scalability and the increased flexibility and versatility of the software. This happens due to the fact that SaaS ERP solutions involve installing little software on your part.

3. Determine The Mechanism Of Your Current ERP Solution

In order to efficiently switch from one ERP vendor to another, you must understand how your current ERP solution works and which processes and applications are connected to it. Will your business be seriously impact if you take the ERP system offline while you replace it? Will it have an impact on other software, such as CRM or e-commerce?

It is important to define these connections before you take the leap. Also, it will help you point out potential incompatibility issues between your current applications and processes and the future ERP solution you plan to implement.

4. Do Not Take Your Current ERP Solution Offline Before Implementing The New One

It is important to keep your current solution up and running while testing the new one, regardless of how ineffective it may be for your business. The chances are that your employees rely heavily on the current ERP solution, and taking it offline will make it harder for them to deal with human resource functions, inventory or the finances of the business. Take off your old ERP system only when you are absolutely sure that the new system works perfectly.

5. Transfer All The Data From The Old Solution To The New One

Last, but certainly not least, transfer all the data and important information from the old ERP solution to the new one. The data transfer is the most difficult task when it comes to switching ERP vendors, so be prepared and do your research.

If you are unable to do it all by yourself, then ask your vendor for professional help – the chances are that he will help you move the data quickly and effortlessly, as well as to configure and adapt the new ERP system so that it meets the needs of your business.you can check the Odoo demo here.