For many years, small and medium businesses (SMBs) had been shut out from using enterprise resource planning software because of exorbitant costs and complexity. But ERP software prices have come down, and ERP software makers have made tools suitable for SMBs. However, successful deployment of an ERP remains a huge task for SMBs, mainly because of a lack of skills and capacity. ERP consulting services step in to help your business successfully deploy an ERP system in several ways.

Analyzing Business Needs 

Does your business need an ERP in the first place? If you are unsure of deploying an ERP system, the first step would be to do a business analysis to assess the suitability of an ERP in your business processes. Some of the most important processes where ERP systems are beneficial in small businesses include:

• Customer relations 

• eCommerce integration 

• Financial management and accounting 

• Business data management 

• Project management

The ERP consulting services look at each of these processes and how an ERP system can improve efficiency in them. The analysis also looks at how these processes can integrate for overall business efficiency, lowered costs, and higher productivity.

ERP Software Selection

The ERP consulting service provides crucial input in ERP software selection. They will look at what analysis shows and make a recommendation on the most suitable ERP software. There are many ERP systems, with different tools and features. The consultant team will pick the one they feel has tools that fit your business.

ERP Software Installation and Training

Successful ERP deployment can take several weeks or months. You need good project management to ensure this deployment is on time and cost effective. The consultant brings in skills in best project management practices. 

The ERP consulting services customize the ERP system to fit your unique business process needs. They ensure this complicated task happens without undue interruptions to usual business activities. They also ensure a smooth transition to the new system. 

Successful deployment also involves training on the use of ERP software. The training must include all departments where the ERP touches the processes they handle. The training will cover crucial areas like user permissions and security, workflows, and integrations with other software like the CRM system. 

System Support 

The ERP consulting services ensure smooth use of the ERP software after training is complete. It includes technical support to eliminate incompatibilities in software, bugs, and other technical hitches. The consultant also offers continued training, if necessary, because of the wide coverage of the ERP system. 

Would you like to see your business processes become more efficient? Talk to ERP consulting services about your business needs.