How are you deciding which ERP solution to buy? As you evaluate enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, what features and capabilities do you seek out?
All too often when implementing an ERP selection process, leaders spend an overwhelming amount of time focusing on process features, i.e. “I need to go from order to payment; how easily can we execute those steps?” Most systems today can efficiently perform the common processes. However, you should aim for a system with the ability to give you actionable information.
Ask yourself, “Does a particular system show you what you need to fix and act upon, or do you struggle to see that information?” A system that focuses on providing actionable information, as opposed to one that simply handles the processes, will guide you to use your time to its best advantage and as a result produce higher-quality work.
Every ERP system is different and how they provide actionable information will differ as well. For example, in Microsoft Dynamics NAV you will find images which look like stacks of paper on the home screen. These images are called cues, which are graphics representing particular record sets. Each record has a numerical value in the graphic and the size of the stack relates to the quantity of records in the list. These stack images deliver actionable information such as past due invoices, projects over budget or late shipments.
The ability to easily and quickly react in order to fix a problem should be significant criteria in an ERP solution. Here are some areas within a system you should look to see indications of actionable information.
These situations are areas of concern which organizational leaders need to take action. A good ERP solution can give you great awareness of what needs attention.
As systems mature over time outside of basic offerings, the real value is selecting an ERP solution that makes it easier for you to see a problem, thus making your organization more streamlined and helping you make better choices for your customers.
This publication contains general information only and Sikich is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or any other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should you use it as a basis for any decision, action or omission that may affect you or your business. Before making any decision, taking any action or omitting an action that may affect you or your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. In addition, this publication may contain certain content generated by an artificial intelligence (AI) language model. You acknowledge that Sikich shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by you or any person who relies on this publication.
About the Author
George Ball
With more than 30 years of experience, George is a veteran in the Microsoft Dynamics NAV world and is responsible for financials, manufacturing and distribution installations. He devotes his career to improving engineer-to-order and metal fabrication industries through the intelligent use of technology. George's experience creating shop floor data collection software has given him a deep understanding of the specific challenges, issues and questions these types of companies face year-in and year-out.
Sign up for Insights
Join 14,000+ Business executives and decision makers.
Latest Insights
Technology
Choosing Case Management Software: A Strategic Guide for Mid...
June 13, 2025
Azure
CHE Load Balancer Migration for Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&...
June 12, 2025
Information Technology
Is Your Business Down Due to IT Failures?
June 11, 2025
AI
Understanding AI Readiness: What It Means for Your Business
June 10, 2025
Dynamics 365>Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain Management
Smarter Production, Leaner Manufacturing Operations: The Cas...
June 9, 2025
Technology
Validating Generative AI: A Practical Framework for Reliabil...
June 6, 2025
Regulatory, Quality, & Compliance
Unlocking the Value of Compliance-as-a-Service (CaaS)
June 5, 2025
Salesforce
5 Signs Your Private Equity Firm Has Outgrown Excel
June 4, 2025
Article
Has Your Outsourced IT Failed You?
June 3, 2025
Technology
How SMBs Can Simplify Reporting with NetSuite Analytics Ware...
June 2, 2025