10 signs that you have outgrown your accounting software

I sat in a meeting yesterday and listened to a company tell me how long they have limped along with an outdated accounting software, full of patches and workarounds. I sat there and thought – you don’t realize how easy life could be with a new system! Yet it can be hard to make the leap and know when to say, yes, now it is time to invest in a new system. Here are 10 signs that you have outgrown your accounting software:

1. The level of user complaints has risen significantly.
2. Employees ask to add non-authorized software to the system.
3. You can’t fulfill requests for information from partners or customers in their preferred format and timeframe.
4. You’re still not making full use of the Internet.
5 You have gaps between front-end and back-end systems that are plugged by unsatisfactory customized solutions.
6. The software inhibits users from completing tasks.
7. You have multiple, non-integrated information stores.
8. You find yourself contemplating hiring contractors to write add-ons.
9. Support costs have risen.
10.You don’t have enough support resources

ERP capabilities

Here are some of generic ERP capabilities that can be used in the manufacturing sector:

1.ERP can transform unstructured processes into routine transactions such as electronic approval of purchase orders based on predefined company policies.

2.ERP can replace or reduce the human labour involved in processes, like matching of supplier invoices based on accepted purchase receipts.

3.ERP can transfer information rapidly and with ease over large distances. It is now possible for various offices and factories of an organization to perform transactions and analysis on the same server, reducing geographical distances.

4.ERP can help manufacturing companies in carrying out analysis such as: Forecasting of market demand based on statistical models; Capturing of hidden market trends through multi-dimensional analysis; Identification of potential improvement areas.

5.ERP can bring a vast amount of detailed information into the process.

6.ERP can enable changes in the sequence of task in the process, often allowing multiple tasks to be performed concurrently.

7.ERP allows the capture and dissemination of knowledge and expertise to improve the process.

8.ERP allows detailed tracking of task status, inputs and outputs.

Security and ERP System

The balance between making data available to the users that need it and denying it from those who should not have access is not easy to achieve. To manage this risk your company needs to implement an appropriate access strategy. Do not wait for an embarrassing - and potentially devastating - event to find out that security and controls in your ERP system are inadequate and constitute exposure for your company.

Managing the security of ERP information into and out of your organization has never been more critical - or more challenging. As businesses grow, their information systems support whole communities of users: customers, suppliers, partners and employees, who all count on the secure exchange of a wide variety of information to place orders, pay bills and keep records up to date.

Our ERP security specialists have the expertise, tools and methodologies to make sure that your ERP system includes a tailored, cost-effective security approach that dovetails with your firewall, virus scanner, spam control and backup systems.

Issues in ERP implementation

Issues in ERP implementation

Every organization has its own cultural or organizational structure. In this situation, it is natural for them to be sceptical about ERP, since it is felt that their businesses are unique, organizations varying and cultures different. However, there is no need of such concern as an ERP package has been designed and is being continually upgraded to incorporate the best industry practices to suit most industry segments.

With thorough and dedicated BRP study and adapting those changes in the business process well before implementing the ERP shall help make things smoother. It is therefore recommended that this methodology is followed; otherwise there is chance that most of the time users are left frustrated. This leads to poor participation and costly delays.

It is important to understand that an ERP package not necessarily fit in completely with the existing business practices of most organizations and hence, the onus is on the users to appreciate this fact and to work with the implementation consultants in trying to adapt to the package. In doing so, they don't have to feel that they are compromising on their business effectiveness; rather, by accepting the package, they are adopting the best of breed business practices and ensuring the successful implementation of new system.

The other important factor is that the users do not expect a reduction in their workload immediately after the implementation of ERP and should not look for a miracle to happen. An ERP package is only an enabling tool and improves the flow of information and formalizes all the business processes and workflow that exists in an organization. It helps users to do their jobs better, which may call for additional efforts.

If one has to have more information in a system, it entails more work for more users, but the benefit is that this information is properly stored and can be fruitfully uses by other users in making better decisions. As the flow of information throughout the organization improves, the company starts performing better and this in turn benefits the users who have collectively improved their way of working. The package design and the architecture facilitate the availability of information to all authorized users in a useful way.

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